Local Business Spotlight: Loon Lake Lodge
When guests arrive at Loon Lake Lodge, they are welcomed by Andrea and Derek Hofeldt and their three boys into an atmosphere filled with outdoor adventure, family connection, and relaxation along the Gunflint Trail.
From donut fishing and watermelon-eating contests to hydro bikes and quiet time by the lake, the Hofeldt family—who own and operate the historic lodge work to make each stay memorable.
“What truly makes it stand out, I think, is not only for its historic charm, but it’s a Ma and Pa resort,” Andrea said.
From the moment guests arrive, often with Andrea and Derek’s three boys pitching in to haul luggage to their rooms, through the day-to-day interactions and activities, the Hofeldts aim to make visitors “kind of feel like family,” Andrea said.
Andrea and Derek have owned Loon Lake Lodge for a decade and have worked to maintain the lodge’s small, family feel. Next year, the two owners will mark a milestone in the lodge’s history. 2027 marks 100 years since the lodge was established.
“It’s a huge milestone, and it says a lot about the construction of these log cabins,” Andrea said.
Over the next year, Andrea said, she and Derek will “come up with something fun to celebrate 100 years.”
Throughout their time owning the lodge, Andrea said they have been intentional about each business decision, carefully balancing the demands of running a resort with raising their family. A few years ago, the Hofeldts decided to discontinue the lodge’s restaurant, saying it took away from the time they wanted to spend with their three children.
The Hofeldt family – owners of Loon Lake Lodge | Contributed by Loon Lake Lodge
“It was just too much, and it wasn’t fair to our kids,” Andrea said.
Since then, the lodge has offered take-and-bake pizzas and ice cream sandwiches to guests and the public. The lodge is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day.
“It is where we’re at and can manage it comfortably and still have time to play with our kids outside and be there for our guests,” Andrea said.
With the summer season in full swing and the cabins filled with guests, Andrea described Loon Lake Lodge as a “magical” place where visitors come to make lasting memories. “I just want everyone to come and visit and see it for what it is,” she said.
WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with the Loon Lake Lodge owner Andrea Hofeldt for the latest edition of the Local Business Spotlight. Hofeldt talks about what it’s like to run a family-owned lodge up the Gunflint Trail, the balance of ownership and raising a family, memorable experiences with guests, what donut fishing is, and more. Audio is below.
The Local Business Spotlight highlights our local business community’s economic strength and innovation. This feature is brought to you in partnership with Visit Cook County and the Cook County Chamber of Commerce.
Kalli Hawkins May 31, 2026
