Gateway Lodge Restaurant and Lounge

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Description

The Gateway Lodge was built by radio and theater magnate, John King, of Detroit Michigan. His portrait still hangs in the main lobby. Ground breaking began in 1937 and continued until his vision was met. The original complex consisted of the Main Lodge; the Inn; located across Highway B; the Golf Course, located west of the Lodge; the Gateway Gun Club; the Ski Hill and Chalet located south-east of the Lodge; the Riding Stables and Employee Housing, located north east of the Lodge; and eventually the Airport, located south of the Lodge.
The original cost to build the Lodge was $100,000. The going rate for a tradesman’s labor was 37 cents per hour and the guests “shuttle service” from the Land O’ Lakes train station to the Lodge was by horse and buggy!
Through John King’s affiliation in the entertainment industry, he brought many well known figures to stay and play at the Lodge. The thought of seeing or meeting one of these celebrities brought others from Chicago and Milwaukee to Land O’ Lakes. Most guests would ride the overnight train from Chicago arriving in Land O’ Lakes about 13 hours later. Some guests would drive to the area. It has been said that the drive took a couple of days as well as a couple of tire changes to get here.
In 1941 the rate on a single room with hot and cold running water and a lavatory was $2.00 per night and a double went for $5.00. A lot has changed since the 1930’s and 1940’s. We are pleased to have you here, “Coming Back to Tradition” with us and sharing in the history that generations of Land O’ Lakes residents as well as guests have enjoyed. For your convenience a complete history of the Gateway Lodge is available at the Front Desk!

The Gateway Lodge provides Lodging, Restaurant, Lounge, indoor Pool, Whirlpool, and Sauna all nestled in the north woods.

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Gateway Lodge Restaurant and Lounge Items