Family traditions keep guests coming back to Crosslake resort

BY TOM FRAKI Echo Journal

CROSSLAKE — Some things in life change, and some things manage to stay the same. Nowhere does it seem these realities are more apparent and welcoming than at Boyd Lodge in Crosslake, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. Currently owned and operated by Mike and Ruth Schwieters, the resort has been the passion of three generations of the same family since it began in 1934.

Since then, Boyd Lodge has become a destination for family traditions, outdoor pastimes and anyone looking to dive into lake life in Minnesota. Located on both Lower Whitefish Lake and Rush Lake on the Whitefish Chain of Lakes, the resort is open year-round and caters to the ever-changing seasonal activities that draw people to the lakes area.

While Mike and Ruth have been managing Boyd Lodge since 2010, Mike’s parents, Roger and Nancy

Schwieters, had been in charge of the resort since 1967.

Over its 90 years, Boyd Lodge has left an indelible impact on those who visited and worked there.

History and family

The story behind Boyd Lodge started with Nancy’s parents, Lynn and Ceil Boyd, in 1934. Originally from St. Paul, the Boyds — particularly Nancy’s father, Lynn — were looking for land to hunt and fish on and not necessarily a place to vacation. Lynn found what he was looking for in a piece of property on Lower Whitefish Lake, and he purchased 200 feet of shoreline that the railroad owned.

From there, what started as a family retreat grew through family, friends and word-of-mouth into a business of renting cabins and building a resort.

“I don’t think he did much for advertising. He knew people in the Cities, and they would pass the word along,” Nancy said.

BOYD LODGE: H30