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"We can’t talk about NFL without disclosing its colorful history. We purchased the lodge in 1995 with the intent of re-establishing it as the premier destination for cross country skiing in Minnesota that it was in the 1970’s and 80’s.”
"But the lodge’s history dates back to the 1920’s, when guests would come all the way from Chicago and stay weeks at a time. Photographs from the early days depict an environment mostly devoid of trees, as was most of northern Minnesota in those days. The cabins that are currently in use are readily identifiable in the old photos. At that time, guests were met at the train station in Ely and driven down Highway 1 in a Model A. The owners at that time lived there year-round, although the lodge operated in the summers only.”
"It was expected that one would dress up for dinner, and lazy afternoons were whiled away on the screen porch of the old log lodge. A daily trip to the ‘pier’ for a boat ride around Lake Gegoka was very much a part of the experience. This scenario played out until World War II changed everything. The war years were sparse, and the advent of a more mobile society in the post war years left the NFL in the backwaters.”
"In the early 1960’s, NFL became ‘Gee-Go-Ka,’ a youth camp which was not terribly successful. Fire then destroyed the historic log lodge, which was replaced by the building in use today. The property sat dormant until being purchased by Bob Hunger in 1968. His initial plans were to use it to escort youth groups to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. In 1972, he moved to Isabella to work for the Forest Service and attempted to resurrect NFL as a resort business.”
"About that time, a big upsurge in cross country skiing and the establishment of the Environmental Learning Center at Flathorn Lake proved to be a good combination and for awhile it was like old times at the lodge. The establishment of the Flathorn-Gegoka Ski Touring Area gave Minnesota its first top notch trail system, and it was considered the premier ski trail in the state. But once again, things changed.”
"As more people discovered cross country skiing, new trail systems were developed all over Minnesota, and once again NFL was left to languish in the backwaters. As two idealistic 40-somethings, we purchased the lodge with the intent of continuing yet one more chapter in the NFL story.”
"Our goal was to once again make NFL accessible to those of you who share our love for the quiet and remote beauty of this environment. We believe the affordability and easy access of NFL, combined with the absence of motorized vehicles on trails and the abundant snowfall make for an experience you won’t find in many other places! We welcome you and look forward to sharing our favorite winter destination with a new generation of NFL visitors!”
Mark Wendt and Susan Pratt
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