Our skies are not only dark, they are pretty much pitch-black with regard to lights by man. We don't have many yard lights and our light pollution is virtually zero. Our lodge guests shoot photos of the Milky Way with their smartphones. Where else can you do that? The nearest town in our northern sky is Atikokan, Ontario, Canada at about 55 miles north. Other than that there no town within 100 miles to our East and Ely is the only other town to our west by slightly southwest. The same is true for many of out lodge gurests who go over to the Ojibway Lake public dock about 5 minutes south of us. No towns or lights. The entire sky is yours to see. Admission is free and unlimited.
We (who grew up right here for the past 60+ years) have taken our dark skies for granted. We also have always used flashlights. A while back, one of our kind guests actually suggested we light up Northwind Lodge with essentially "street lights" because it's "scary" walking around in the dark. We politely declined to follow through with this request. Hobos aren't a thing and wandering around in the dark with a bear walking in front of you is something you just can't get in the bigger metro areas. Don't worry. You'll be fine, In over 80 years, we haven't lost anybody to the dark yet. We always find them huddled and shivering in the morning just off the foot paths (kidding). Our darkness here in northern Lake County, MN is something you don't get to experience elsewhere and you should see how many of our guests wander down to the docks to look up in wonder at the our big sky to the north. Stars, satellites, the northern lights, constellations, meteors, and loons calling on the water. If you are not used to it, it can take your breath away. That, and bumping into a pitch-black bear in the total darkness (still kidding - although, it's not totally out of the question). Hey, we in real woods, not some city park. It's actually a lot safer here. (except for the occasional wolf - still kidding - however, we have no shortage of wolves who regularly pass through the property all year round. Our 8 lb. dog Delilah survived getting bitten but she was asking for it. Goofy dog...)
So, if you want to see something that is hard to see in any city, come out out and enjoy!
Call or text us at *218*235*9341* or *218*235*1951* for current cabin availability and
book your time to "come stumble around in the dark" You'll be gload you did!
