Above: Andy and Ida DeLisi in front of their lodge—and the big bear that welcomes visitors. Right: The massive stone fireplace created from native stone is the centerpiece of the main lodge building, surrounded by comfortable couches. Far right: Each cabin has its own distinctive touches, but all are welcoming.
In the 1930s Northwoods Lodge was a popular Gunflint Trail destination. It was a hunting-fishing lodge along the shore and on a peninsula of Poplar Lake. The resort was downsized through the years and many of the original 22 cabins were sold and are now private residences on Poplar Lake. Fortunately the lodge tradition continues under the newest owners, Andy and Ida DeLisi.
The rustic resort tradition lives on, but with many luxurious touches. The main lodge and its guest rooms were completely gutted and renovated. Despite the recent remodel, the lodge retains its historical feel—perhaps because of the massive stone fireplace in the comfortable lobby/dining room area.
Beautiful artwork hangs throughout the lodge, some of it courtesy of friends and family. The gift shop is filled with the work of local artists, such as Nace Hageman and Ted Rueft. There is space for others, Ida said, if people are interested in sharing their work, she would love to have them. A photographer, when Ida finds time she will add some of her work to the gift shop selection.
Above: The screen porch just off the dining room is the perfect place to enjoy a morning cup of coffee.
The lovely lodge rooms upstairs can be accessed from the lobby or from a private entrance through a screened porch area with an amazing view of Poplar Lake. From the main lodge, paths lead to the lakeshore and to the sauna with wood carving detail by the late Jim Korf.
The path also leads to the five cabins and the bunkhouse, all also completely renovated and redecorated. A lot of the work is unseen, such as new roofs, floors and siding where needed.
One of the changes was the construction of a well house, which Andy explained, “Isn’t sexy, but it was really important.”
The previous water system consisted of a too-small pump. Now a sturdy new building houses huge water tanks, a big water heater and a water softening system to filter out the minerals. Andy grins proudly, noting that female guests comment that their hair feels nice and soft. “We are always hearing compliments on our water,” he said.
Other renovations bring new life to the lodge, such as new lighting fixtures, bathroom tiles, and interesting artwork. Each cabin is personalized with old posters from the Gunflint Trail Historical Society. Picking the theme for each cabin was fun, said Ida.
The lodge and the cabins all have sturdy and comfortable furniture, including whimsical bunk bed configurations. The couple laughs about their quest for comfortable beds. Andy said, “We can’t tell you how we fretted over the mattresses!” Ida agreed, “We are dedicated to giving our guests a good night sleep.”
In addition to excellent mattresses, she said, “you can’t be stingy with the pillows!”
Even the bunkhouse, which was completely dilapidated, has been restored. The building has beautiful new siding, sturdy new steps. Inside there is rustic burnt wood flooring and wide nautical rope trim. The bunkhouse is the one building without plumbing. “We had to keep some place for those who like to rough it,” said Andy.
Asked what returning guests think of the changes, Andy and Ida smile. “They are delighted!” said Andy, noting that a guest who was familiar with Cabin 5 said he feels even more at home now.
So all the hard work was worth it? Ida acknowledges that it was a bit overwhelming at first. The DeLisis had no resort experience when they bought the aging resort in 2011. Andy spent 14 years in the military, leaving the service as a master sergeant. He then spent 21 years in the wholesale produce business with J&J Distributing in St. Paul.
Ida worked in the business as well, implementing software, doing accounting, handling marketing. “I got to take pictures of fruit!” she laughed.
Despite the challenge of learning to operate a resort while undergoing extensive remodeling, Ida said, “It turned out well. It was really fun.”
Above: From decks and paths at Big Bear Lodge, Poplar Lake is always visible. Right: The three lodge rooms upstairs are cozy and comfortable with private entrances and access to a lovely loft library seating area.
They are still enjoying things, getting to know their guests and developing their menu. Dining is available for guests who don’t want to cook for themselves or for visitors who call ahead. They offer homemade pizza and gourmet burgers and a limited selection of beer and wine. Andy said they are even open to special orders. “We’ve had fun experimenting,” said Ida.
They also offer entertainment on a limited basis, with the appearance of local musicians such as Joe Paulik or Dan Hagemann, brother to Gunflint Trail photographer Nace. Andy encourages people to check the Big Bear Lodge Facebook page for updates on performers.
Finally, with a name like Big Bear Lodge, one has to ask—have bear come to visit? The couple laughs and replies, unfortunately, yes. “Look at our Dumpster,” said Andy, pointing to scratches.
“It happened on the night of a wedding reception,” said Ida. “It added a little excitement.”
All part of the tradition of the northwoods at Big Bear Lodge.
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