Northern Minnesota is a retreat for many to find solace and fun in the outdoors in all four seasons. Now there is a resort that allows people with physical disabilities to take part in activities they have missed.
Veterans on the Lake near Ely on Fall Lake is a special purpose resort for physically disabled guests, families of veterans and active military. It was made possible by the 1978 Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Act, and is under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Forestry Service.
At least four local families of veterans or people with disabilities have stayed at the secluded resort this past summer.
“The resort is on the east side that is pretty much connected with the Boundary Waters, and there are not a lot of other buildings and cabins on the lake,” said Terri Randolph, commander of the Falls, Peter Graham Post 2948. “So you will see a lot of ducks and it is an eagle nesting area.
“It’s just a place for veterans to come and relax and enjoy the company of other veterans,” he added. “It is very well worth the experience to go there.”
The resort has a main lodge with a dining room, board room and gift shop. It has 25 handicapped accessible cabins that range from one room to five bedrooms that accommodate physically disabled guests and families.
Deb Schaper, business manager, said that most guests come with staff from Veterans Affairs centers and retirement homes in the region. They come from Minnesota and 38 other states.
Schaper said the excitement on the faces of people when they see the resort makes it all worthwhile. She said they are at the dock with fishing poles within minutes after arriving.
“When it’s time for them to go, they don’t want to leave,” she added. “It’s pretty cool and it really pulls at your heartstrings.”
The summertime offers guests access to boats, golf carts and scooters, along with docks and pontoon boats that can accommodate electric wheelchairs. There is also fishing gear and bait available along with a cleaning shack.
The goal is to furnish everything the guest might need short of personal items and towels.
“It’s really kind of neat to have pontoon boats and guest guides and helpers,” said Schaper. “Retired vets come and help take them fishing and different things.”
Six of the cabins are winterized and available for guests that like cold weather activities.
“It is very well maintained and clean,” said Schaper. “It is nothing fancy, but it is really a place worth going.”
The resort goal, Schaper said, is to set aside enough funding to sponsor groups of veterans at a time. A current veterans scholarship helps on a case-by-case basis, she said, but they feel that fundraising is always an issue with groups wanting to send veterans to the resort.
Schaper and Michael Blance, general manager, replaced long serving management, Mike and Sheri Neubarth, who stepped down last year and continue to serve on the board.
The Neubarths were involved since a small group of veterans established a disabled veterans recreation organization in 1982. They formed the nonprofit Veterans on the Lake a year later after provisions of the BWCA Act allowed them to lease the resorts. The lease is based on the number of disabled people and groups that use the resort facilities.
Sheri Neubarth said the resort appeals to disabled veterans living in a highly structured and institutional environment.
“They need a break,” she added. “It is a barrier-free relaxing environment for them.”
The preference is for disabled veterans, however, the resort extends an invitation to families of veterans and the general public when there is availability.
This past year the resort welcomed 140 members of the Minnesota National Guard from June through September.
“That was the first time in the 25 year history of the resort that we had 103 percent capacity,” said Schaper.
The servicemen and women enjoyed the outdoor pool, bonfire pit, volleyball and tennis courts that also appeal to the children and grandchildren of the elder veterans.
The resort survives with the help of rib dinner fundraisers that board and staff put together at various American Legion and VFW posts. They also appreciate in-kind service and donations for the cabins, such as hospital beds, rollaways, linens, and kitchenette items.
In addition, local volunteers help open and close the resort each season. The lodge and cabins were formerly the Saw Bay and Sunny Beam resorts.
Randolph, also the Eighth District VFW commander, said the 30 district VFW posts in 29 cities across northern Minnesota, along with American Legion volunteers, adopt cabins or support the resort in other ways.
Randolph said the Falls volunteers raised funds and replaced a roof and windows on their adopted cabin.
“The district supports it and there is good participation all the way around,” said Randolph.
For more information call Deb Schaper, at 1-800-777-753, or www.veterans-on-the-lake.com.
