wilderness lodge

This was our first time without kids and it was just as much fun. Fantastic food, great drinks, live music on Saturday nights, and a cozy atmosphere. Nothing beats curling up by the fire late at night. Made new friends with other guests-snow shoers, snow mobilers, and cross country skiers. We ate looking forward to going back in February with the family.

I've been going here for over two decades now a few times a winter and I can't rave highly enough about the lodge, the skiing, the staff and the whole combination. The skiing is incredible and adequate challenges are provided at all levels, from beginner to seasoned pro. The restaurant provides good, home cooked comfort food that will keep you going long into the day. The bar is fully stocked, with both the staples as well as an above average bourbon collection and enough craft beer to tame any appetite. The lodge is rustic and perfect for a nice weekend getaway and they prices are a steal. Over the years I've introduced multiple people to the lodge and nearly every one can't wait to book a return trip within days of leaving, if not before we leave. This truly is a wonderful gem nestled in Wattsburg. The family atmosphere is seen in almost facet, be it the rental business, the lodge, the grooming and the bar. They treat us customers as family as well, always providing a welcome return and willing to lend a hand to make the stay special. If you haven't been, get here soon!!

The Wilderness Lodge has been my winter home away from home since 1987, two years after I took up cross-country skiing. What initially grabbed me was the combination of a variety of trails (90% wooded) and the rustic lodge with its tasty home-style soups and sandwiches. Those same traits still grab me today. Trail grooming is much more labor- and time-intensive than it was back in the day when single-track striding was the rule. The second and third generations of the Janes family - Roger (wife Judy) and Ryan (wife Emily) - now split duties between the trails and lodge. They've continued to add grooming machines and equipment (as well as staff) in order to keep up with the demands of maintaining the extensive trail system in an area that's in the heart of snow country. Skate skiers, in-track striders, bushwhackers and snowshoers alike all have lots to love here! Likewise, the lodge itself has changed with the times. The basic formula of hearty soups and simple sandwiches survives, but now new appetizers (spinach artichoke dip with pitas, nachos, etc.) have been added and the microbrew aficionado has much to choose from in the well-stocked cooler. As an added bonus for Nordic-minded parents of young children, the Saturday "Wilderness Wildcats" program has been a huge hit! All in all, The Wilderness Lodge has remained true to its roots while continuing to evolve with the times, with the goal of being a winter destination for old and young alike for many years to come.

My family has been staying at The Wilderness Lodge for years. The overnight accommodations are homey and quaint; each bed is covered with a homemade quilt and the rooms sleep a varied number of guests. Meals are cooked to order and while one reviewer found them over-priced, we feel that they are very comparable to other restaurants in the area (without the hassle of driving all over town) and consistent in high quality (more than I can say for other restaurants that are hit or miss).If you are going out to ski, the trails are beautifully groomed with many options for different skiing abilities. If the weather doesn't cooperate for skiing, we highly recommend bundling up and going for a hike. The views are breathtaking.My daughters (ages 10 & 3) love the supply of board games that keep them entertained when they gave had enough fresh air. The adults in my family (hubby, father, and cousins) love sitting around the indoor fireplace with a craft beer and watching sports on the big screen.

The Wilderness Lodge is like a home away from home! The owner and staff are super friendly and welcome you with open arms and hearts. Every time I return it feels like I've never left. The food is outstanding and the beer selection is certainly something to talk about. The lodge itself is rustic and welcoming. The walls are filled with antiques that you could spend hours admiring and the fireplace is a wonderful place to relax, undwind and reminisce with friends and family. The property surrounding the lodge is breathtaking. The woods can only be described as majestic, both in the summer and the winter! The ski trails are fantastic and a wonderful way to escape reality for a few hours, days, weeks--whatever you wish. I can't say enough positive things about the Lodge, you defnitely have to experience it for yourself!!

LOVE the Wilderness Lodge thus far! Getting ready for a romantic secluded weekend away and the owner is a gem! He has been truly helpful and answered all questions and requests. While booking, he immediately understood the point of the trip and picked a room "just perfect for us", explained in detail all the wonderful things to do at the lodge and even was kind when I expressed my concern for food restrictions. He definitely puts his customers first. This is the epitome of a "classic and charming ski lodge and restaurant."

I had the chance to visit the wilderness lodge and try cross country skiing for the first time. I've been a snowboarder for a few years and wasn't sure if I would like it. Boy was I wrong! I had a great time and it was a lot of fun. After a day of skiing in the beautiful trails, we went inside where it is just as awesome. Huge fireplace that was great to warm up by and lots of beers to choose from. The bar is really interesting and there are lots of interesting items with history around the place.If you're looking for something fun to do, I highly recommend it.

I've been a regular visitor at the lodge for many years and I still look forward to each new visit. If you're staying over night, you'll find the rooms are very rustic which is part of the charm, and most have multiple beds and/or bunks. If you're going for the day, the miles of cross country trails, many winding through the woods, are groomed. If you're not a skier, you can also snowshoe. The lodge serves a variety of soups, sandwiches and other lunch selections at reasonable prices. I recommend the chili. They also have a large bar with a healthy selection of custom brews :-) and an unusual round fireplace to warm up by.

My family and I have been return season pass holders at the Wilderness Lodge for nearly 30 years. This family owned and operated gem hosts dozens of miles of groomed classical and skate ski trails as well as ample "back country" routes that beg to be traversed via traditional skis or snow shoes. The true centerpiece of the business has to be the unique European-style rustic lodge, complete with overnight lodging, hearty food and a well stocked bar. The highlight of the lodge is a rustic open style fireplace that gives this place a truly old world feel. Those interested in rural antiquities will enjoy the vast collection of memories that line every wall. The Lodge doesn't just cater exclusively to the ski crowd, as they are located on a major snowmobile route that attracts folks from throughout the region. The best treat this slice of heaven has to offer comes out of the kitchen, as the unique home-style menu could glue a smile on the face of the most stubborn of food critics. The proof is in the pudding as license plates from 3 states are a common sight in the vast parking area.

The staff is super friendly and very accommodating. Trails were well groomed. The lodge itself was rustic and quaint making it comfortable and homey. I will definitely be back!!

We had to get away for New Years from life's troubles. Saw the greatest thing on my cell phone while in the lodge "NO SERVICE". While I didn't ski at all (which is the main reason to go to this place), I got to sit by a wonderful fire and trade pointless stories with some amazing people. The homemade dinner was fantastic and so was drinking from many different beers I don't get at home. Good thing crawling upstairs was fairly easyThis isn't where you go to get pampered. Sure the showers are cramped and I think that the public scrabble board is missing a piece. If you want that type of vacation, go elsewhere. If you want to find some great conversation with people you'll never see again then head here.

"The Lodge" is a beautiful cross country ski location to ski, drink and be merry. Miles of beautiful trails that will meet your traditional and skating needs. The rustic lodge offers a variety of sandwiches, homemade soups and a large assortment of craft beer! You will be greeted by a warm staff with a friendly dog named swicks. I highly recommend this spot to get away, break a sweat and relax by the fire. They have 9 guest rooms that sleeps multiple people for your overnight weekend needs. 9 thumbs up!!

One must realize the ski business and the bar/restaurant are Two separate businesses. Ski part takes great care of trails and makes it possible for good time.Resturant-food a bit pricey. $6 for cold grilled cheese sandwiches. $5 for small bowl of soup. Owner tends to throw daily temp tantrums when things are running smoothly and lets everyone in the place know it, unprofessional!!! But that what u get when you "inherited"the business. He definitely needs to learn customer service and would benefit to going to some restaurant/bar owners conferences and learn to run a place like this better.

The Wilderness Lodge has great cross-country skiing on groomed trails (classic and skate skiing). Most trails are in the woods. There are also snowshoe trails, so bring all your gear and your cash because they don't take credit cards. Rentals are available and prices are reasonable, but arrive early to get a parking spot and beat the afternoon crowd.We've planned a girls' ski/snowshoe weekend the last three years and have stayed at the Lodge. It is very (very) rustic. Be prepared. We enjoy it. The rooms are eclectic. The matresses could be replaced, and the bathrooms are small (you can use the toilet and brush your teeth at the same time if you want to). It has it's own charm.The home-style food is tasty and the lodge offers a family style dinner on Saturday night, so let them know if you want to stay for dinner.All in all it's a great place for friends or family to get outside and enjoy the snow!

Drove up early Sat morning and had enough time to do a few trails, do lunch, ski again and have some beers. Trails are beautiful and well maintained. The bar, restaurant in the Lodge is a movie set! Classic! Food average; great brews; good prices and awesome fireplace. Didn't stay in the lodge. Grab your skis and go!