About
About Us
& Your Escape
History
Nor’wester was a name given the experienced French Voyageur of the past who journeyed these adventurous waterways in search of furs. This historic country is wilderness still — yet is an incomparable year-round vacationland with outdoor adventures and enjoyments for all. Stately pines and scenic white paper birch provide a haven for an abundance of wildlife and will ignite the Voyageur within you.
Balsam Grove
Carl & Alis Brandt came to the Gunflint Trail in 1931 to start a sawmill. They soon realized that visitors to the area needed a place to stay. So Carl began building cabins while Alis cleaned cabins, washed laundry, and cooked meals for the many fisherman. They named their resort “Balsam Grove,” a name which would stay with the resort through the next 35 years or so.
Built with native spruce and pine logs the lodge still stands today (an addition was later added). Several original diamond willow furniture pieces Carl made are found in the lodge along with furs from many of his trapping and hunting trips.
Nor'Wester Lodge
Today, more than 90 years later, this one-of-a-kind vacation destination on Poplar Lake on the Gunflint Trail remains family owned and operated. In 1966, Carl and Alis´ son, Carl, and his wife, Luana took over the resort, and in 1968 they changed the name to Nor´Wester Lodge & Outfitters. The name may change and the owners may change, but the beatufiul setting and the spirit of Northwoods hospitality endures. Carl and Luana carry forward the family tradition of helping guests enjoy this incomparable wilderness area and its many year-round activities.
Come Join Our History
There are memories here just waiting to be made and treasured. Be a part of our history, you need to first make us part of yours.
Accommodations & About Your Stay
Stay your way, with accomodations for every style and budget. We're the place to be for the Gunflint Trail.
Cottages
Townhouses
Campsites
Your Host
Luana Brandt
Luana will be like family after your visit. She believes in personal service for every visitor. That is why you won't find automated online registration system for the lodge. She considers a privilege to get to talk to every visitor and get the personalize your visit for you.
Information
Amenities
Fiber Optic WiFi
Our super fast WiFi service is available. It's only within range from the Lodge.
Free Parking
All of our cottages and townhouses come with parking and guest parking is available.
Bedroom Comforts
We offer quality mattresses and extra linen is available with every rental.
Equipped Kitchen
Each townhouse or cabin comes with a fully equipped kitchen including coffee maker, microwave, toaster, electric grill and slow cooker.
Long Main Dock
You can dock your boat or you can rent one of ours. We also have a new pontoon boat available for rent.
Swimming
We have the only sandy beach on Poplar Lake. There is also swim raft short distance from main dock.
Have a Question?
Policies & F.A.Q.
Checkin & Checkout
Check-in: 3:00 p.m. (call if later than 8:00 p.m.)
Check-out: 10:00 a.m.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel prior to 60 days before your reservations. We provide full refunds.
If your cancellation is within 60 days of the visit. There is a $50 cancellation fee, but only if we are able fill the rental. If we are unable to fill the rental, we do not refund the cost. Alternatively however, you can reschedule the stay within one year. Our policy is pretty stringent, because of our small size and remoteness. Cancellations significantly affect our ability to stay in business.
No other refunds are possible.
To avoid any misunderstanding, here is the simple version: You will be charged for the days you reserve, so please check your dates carefully and come have a great time. We love having you.