John and Mindy Fredrikson
Realizing their longtime dream of embracing the North Woods resort lifestyle, John and Mindy Fredrikson acquired the Gunflint Lodge and Gunflint Northwoods Outfitters, a staple on the Minnesota-Ontario border since 1925. The Gunflint Lodge has cabins, a lodge building, 125 beds, gourmet restaurant, horseback riding, ski trails, zip line through beautiful wooded country and 100 acres of lakeshore property.
The Fredriksons’ roots are in the Dakotas and they worked in the Twin Cities and Atlanta. Three years ago they got serious about making their dream come true and started their search for just the right resort. That led them to seek the assistance of the SBDC. The Northland SBDC Consultants helped them make the right connections with business leaders, realtors, other lodge owners, and lenders including the SBA through MBFC and additional advisors and as John put it “we’ve always loved Northern Minnesota and were finally able to get the stars to align.”
John and Mindy plan to continue the traditions of the Gunflint Lodge and Outfitters operation. They are located just 43 miles north of Grand Marais on Gunflint Lake, and are embracing their business and getting to know their guests and the community.
We wish John and Mindy many years of success as the owners of The Gunflint Lodge!
The consultants helped us make the right connections with realtors, lodge owners, and business lenders!