Paradise Resort has 200 feet of sandy beach on Upper South Long Lake.
FEATURE
South Long Lake business is a hidden gem
Submitted photo
BY PETE MOHS
Just after traveling on County Road 23 Southeast between South Long Lake and Upper South Long Lake there’s a left turn on Leisure Lane Southeast that heads to one of the few businesses around that area southeast of Brainerd. That business, somewhat hidden down the wooded road, is Paradise Resort Bar & Grill. “Most everyone says this is a hidden gem,” said Susie Hoheisel, who along with her husband, Chad, and son, Cody, owns the business. “It’s a quiet place to relax that’s tucked in the woods. We’re a small ma and pa resort, and our goal is to keep it that way.” The resort, located on the east side of Upper South Long Lake, first opened in the 1940s. It has attracted many regular guests 18 | 2021 LOVE OF THE LAKES
from around Minnesota and other states over the decades. “We have a lot of families from the Twin Cities and Duluth who return here every year,” Susie said. “We also have some people from Arizona. We do get some locals, especially in the past year with COVID-19 where people didn’t want to travel too far.” Paradise Resort has seven cabins, including two year-round, with full kitchens and decks overlooking the lake. The resort boasts 200 feet of sandy beach. “We just refurbished all of the cabins last summer,” Susie said. “We also have an event center for weddings and other social gatherings.”
Besides the resort, Paradise is a popular dining and relaxation spot for locals at the bar and grill. Guests can sit inside or outside on a patio built in 2020 while the business was closed for more than four months because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “People really like being outside on our new deck,” said Cody, who serves as manager of the year-round bar and grill. “We feature a full menu, but we’re known for our pizza and burgers. We also have daily and weekend dinner specials.” The business does host events during the year - like a bass fishing tournament in July and winter activities that include a Crappie Flop tournament and Golf on Ice fundraiser for the Local Pink Ribbon Foundation.
