Heath Vangsness

The Lodge: Clearwater Lake Lodge was originally started in 1915 by Charlie and Petra Boostrom. They chose the west end of Clearwater Lake because they believed that views of the palisades were the best on the Gunflint Trail. The main lodge was finished in 1926 and had 14 rooms. They owned and operated the lodge till 1946 when they sold it for $45,000. It has had several owners since then and is now owned by Carl Clark and Adam Van Tassell. The Van Tassell family lives on site and are the full time caretakers of the property. The lodge is the oldest and largest free standing hand-hewn whole log structure in the region and is listed on the National Historic Registry. Clearwater Lodge has been in the resort and outfitting business since 1915(97 years) and is the oldest resort on the Gunflint Trail and the original outfitter of the area.