CSAH #16
This is the spine of the Scenic Byway, which runs northeast from
State Hwy #371 until it reaches CSAH #66
at the north end of Crosslake.
Click For Byway Map
Photos by Rod Nelson unless otherwise noted.
Click on the images to open a larger view window. #16 -
Mile 0.0
PBSB Kiosk and Information Center
Get acquainted with the Byway at this charming kiosk located at the SE corner of the Jct. of Hwy 371 and CSAH 16.
#16 - Mile 0.4
Habein's Home
The owner invented the machinery to turn, tongue and groove, and
notch the logs of his home. Built in 1978, the cost was bartered
out with a log home construction company which did the construction
in exchange for the machinery invented by the owner. Downstairs
is almost entirely open. Owners heat and cook with wood. Drive-by
viewing only.
#16 - Mile 1.1
Hay Lake Lodge
Begun as a farm, the resort started emerging in 1911. For many
years the property was both farm and resort. Originally named after
the daughters of the first owners, Violet and Louise, ViLu Resort
changed to its present name in 1986. A hundred year old bell tops
the central building at the resort today. See it featured on the
Paul Bunyan Scenic playing cards.
#16 - Mile 1.6
Wild Acres Game Farm, Sporting Clays and Trap Shooting
Specializing in organic poultry, Wild Acres supplies many restaurants
with fresh poultry, making weekly deliveries to the Twin Cities
and providing poultry to clients as far away as Japan. In another
portion of the Game Farm, hunters can shoot sporting clays by reservation.
Visitors can view the interior of the Sportsmans Lodge.
#16 - Mile 2.6
Island Lake Woods
The site of a disastrous fire, this 77.5 acre tract was reforested
in 1958. On the southside of the road, travelers can drive down
the nostalgic dirt trail through the woods.
#16 - Mile 2.6
Veteran's Walking Trail and Wetland Walkway to the Island
On the north side, a hiking trail and parking area lend themselves
to a longer woods experience. A perfect spot for some photos. Be sure to read the Paul Bunyan Interpretive panel for Paul's story of Island Lake Woods and how the red and white pines rejuvenated after a blazing forest fire burned hundres of acres. On a lighter side, you'll also learn how Horseshoe Lake got its shape.
Look for the map posted at the trailhead to orient yourself and follow the paths. Enjoy the solitude and beauty of the wetland walkway area. As you follow the walkway across the shrub swamp to the island, stop along the way to read the interpretive panels highlighting native wildflowers and wildlife.
Follow the other path to the bridge over Hay Creek.
#16 - Mile 3.9
Lake Bertha Marina
With the damming of the Whitefish Chain in the late 1800’s, several
smaller bay areas became easily navigable. The area where Bertha
Marina sits is one of those areas. The Marina rents all types of
watercraft and repairs most makes of motors.
#16 - Mile 4.5
Meteor Site
Is this a large rock or a meteor? Geology specialists say it’s
a big rock, but one local resident remembers his father describing
when this fell from the sky in the 1920’s, shaking the ground and
scorching the surrounding trees. There was even a "Meteor Club"
at one time. You can read Paul Bunyan's tale about the meteor that fell from the sky. Or take a look and decide for yourself.
#16 - Mile 5.2
Snowmobile Trails
A portion of the grant-in-aid snowmobile trail system parallels
CSAH 16. Groomed by the Ideal Sno-Pros, this section of trail
is well-kept and is one of the frequently used trails in the area.
#16 - Mile 5.2
Whitefish Golf Club
In 1964 the idea was conceived of cutting into the forest to create
a golf course. Old-timers scoffed at the notion of golfing instead
of fishing, but their skepticism was unfounded. The 140 acre course
opened in 1968 and in 1985, nine more holes were added. Then, in
1996, a new clubhouse with restaurant and bar were built and a driving
range was added. Travelers can stop in for a tasty lunch or snack.
#16 - Mile 5.7
Clamshell Beach Resort
Built in the late 1930’s, the resort was later owned by famous
Whitefish area fishing guides, George and Rollie Johnson. Many buildings
have a unique stucco design in two colors. Minnesota Vikings quarterback
great, Fran Tarkenton, vacationed at Clamshell Beach in the early
1960s.
#16 - Mile 5.7
Towering Pines Resort
Originally known as Campfire Lodge, the present name appeared in
1958. A cute miniature golf course and safety-fenced children’s
playground greet visitors as they enter. Travelers are invited to
stop in for a visit.
#16 - Mile 6.1
Dike 16
This is the westernmost of 16 perimeter dikes constructed as part
of the Pine River Dam Project. Construction of these dikes began
around 1900 to prevent impounded water from seeking alternative
overflow outlets. A network of trails through this forest-covered
dike make it a pleasant stop afor strolling.
#16 - Mile 7.1
Ideal Corners
When John Knebel moved to the area for health reasons in the early
1900’s, he found this an “Ideal” place to live, and thus the township
was named. The “corner” has been a popular stopping off place for
residents and travelers since the first store was built shortly
after Ideal became a township in 1899. The Knebels have been closely
tied to the township throughout its history. Ben was the first township
clerk. Later, brothers Ben and Jack delivered mail to township residents;
Ben, on the boat that made its rounds via the Whitefish Chain, starting
at Camp Bertha, a resort which he owned, and Jack delivered by land.
#16 - Mile 7.5
Ideal Township Recreational Park
Created with donations of money and labor, this park is a true
‘community effort’. Travelers can take a break under the roofed
pavillion while the children play on the colorful park toys. Enjoy reading the Byway Interpretive panel to learn how Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox logged these very roads. A baseball
field adjacent to the park is home to many softball and baseball
games throughout the spring, summer and fall.
#16 - Mile 8.7
Black Pine Beach Resort
Developed in 1939, the construction of the resort was financed
by a Salem, NE, banker who, according to lore, actually came up
to “this remote part of Minnesota” and pounded a few nails himself.
Speculation abounds as to what a ‘black pine’ actually is. One story
says it’s named after a colloquial term for jackpine; others say
the name came from the color of the tree trunks when wet. Travelers
can stop by, relax on the deck or in the lodge, and visit with the
owners for ‘the rest of the story’. This resort was a study site
for the U of M's Landscape Design class in 1996. It also won a Central
Lakes College shoreline erosion control grant in the later '90s.
#16 - Mile 9.1
Uppgaard Wildlife Management Area
Donated to the DNR by the Uppgaard family in 1987, this 110 acre
tract has been specially landscaped to attract various wildlife
from deer to butterflies. Wide walking trails meander throughout
the property and maps are available at the arched entry. There is
no charge to enjoy this wildlife area. Free guided tours are held
every Wednesday at 9:30 AM, May-August. Why not cross-country ski through the area this winter! No tag is required.
#16 - Mile 9.3
Beacon Shores Resort
This tranquil (.8 mile in) setting was once a religious camp known
as Beacon Heights Chapel. It is now transformed into a family oriented
resort to be enjoyed by the general public. The owner’s home, previously
the chapel, boasts a remarkable fireplace and ‘church loft’ area.
#16 - Mile 9.3
Boyd Lodge
Built on land purchased from the railroad in 1934, Boyd Lodge had 8 cabins by the late 30's. During the 40's and 50's, a mink farm occupied the area that is now the tennis courts. The resort has been owned by the same family since its beginnings in 1934! Travelers are encouraged to stop by, browse in the gift shop and chat with the owners. 1/2 mile off CSAH #16 on Silver Peak Rd.
#16 - Mile 9.6
Pine Terrace Resort
Begun in the 1930’s, this quiet location is still to this day a
haven for the harried. A favorite area for wildlife, it’s not uncommon
to see deer, fox, bear, porcupine and many types of birds along
this part of the drive. The resort is on Star Lake of the Ossawinamakee
Chain, a group of lakes that were separated from the Whitefish Chain
in the 1800’s by a series of 18 dikes which are still a part of
the area today. (photos courtesy John Plein)
#16 - Mile 10.4
Bay View Lodge
Originally a family farm, it’s still easy to pick out the location
that was once a crop field, now a green space recreation area. The
property changed from farm to resort during the early 1940’s with
two cabins. For a few years during the 70’s and 80’s, the cabins
were pink and were an easy-to-spot landmark for fishermen and boaters.
Today the 12 cabins are an appealing rich brown. Travelers are invited
to stop in for a visit, tour the parklike grounds, have refreshments
in the lodge and take a look at mounts of fish, elk and a great
Alaskan crab. .6 mile off road on Harbor Lane.
#16 - Mile 10.9
Dike 15
To accomplish the task of laying a road between the many wetlands
and lakes in the area, a system of dikes was developed by the Corps
of Engineers. Dike 15 created a safe base for running the road between
Rush Lake and the backwater of Pleasant Lake.
#16 - Mile 11.3
Rush Lake Floating Island
From the road it’s easy to see the floating grassy island in the
center of the Rush Lake waters just west of Ye Olde Wharf....or
is it? The island rises, then sinks continuously throughout the days and months. There is a scientific explaination involving the process of photosynthesis.
#16 - Mile 11.4
Ye Olde Wharf
Once a corrugated metal building that had long since outlived its
usefulness, the idea was hatched to transform it into a restaurant/bar
and marine gas station. Quickly, the Wharf became known as the ‘place
to see and be seen’, especially for boaters. Travelers can stop
in for lunch or dinner.
#16 - Mile 11.4
Rush/Cross Bridge
Originally built out of simple timbers, this important bridge was
moved and later restructured to comply with new road standards.
The Pine River flows under this bridge on its way to the Mississippi.
It’s used as a landmark for boaters and road travelers alike. Anglers
often fish underneath.
#16 - Mile 11.4
Rush Lake
Dotted with beautifully preserved islands and covering 924 acres,
Rush Lake is one of the medium-sized lakes of the Whitefish Chain.
Boaters need to pass through Rush Lake to get to either end of the
Chain. Before the Dam was built, Rush was really two lakes with
no islands, Rush and Hen (although maybe really Rush and Bass.)
#16 - Mile 11.4
Cross Lake
Home to the Corps of Engineers Campground on the southeast side,
Cross Lake, at 1184 acres, is one of the larger lakes among the
fourteen others that make up the Whitefish Chain. It's popular for
recreation and fishing. Many Crosslake restaurants and shops can
be reached by boat. Crosslake has been featured in the original
oils by Crosslake artist, Tom Ottoson.
#16 - Mile 12.1
Site of Sioux Battle - Sugar Camp
A fierce battle between the Objibwe and Dakota Indians took place
near this site in 1801. This particular skirmish was won by the
Dakota, but we are left to speculate as to the exact reason for
the battle. This narrow strip of land between the two lakes was
once the site of an encampment for maple syrup gathering by the
native Indians.
See an interpretive panel located at the west edge of the Moonlite Bay parking lot and learn more about this historic battle. |
