This lodge has been listed as one of the places you should visit before you die. Although it is a long trip to the "north woods" from any major metropolitan area, it is well worth the trip. The setting is rustic, but not the accomodations! The owners, Lou and Lonnie, get to know every guest and year after year great you as a member of the family. I returned here every year for about 10 years. Well worth the trip.

Dinner in the lodge in the evening is a culinary delight. One evening the power went out completely. None of us in the dining room were even aware there was anything wrong. We enjoyed our wonderful meals and the great service. It was not until the following day, I learned that the kitchen staff had been preparing our meals in the dark, or by candle light!

Mid September 2011 was my first time there. All was perfect. The climate, the lake water temperature, no mosquitoes! The standards set by the owners, the LaMontagne family should, be the standards all other innkeepers aspire to. The wine list, the food, the spotless cabins, the reasonable prices, and the friendly hospitality make the Burntside Lodge the perfect get away.

I'm a sucker for trying out places in the "1,000 places to see before you die" book and this was one of them. We arrived to find a lovely sunset at the location, a small point in Burntside Lake, where two different dock areas provided nice views over it all. Cabin was small but very tidy and equipped with a modern bathroom, kitchenette and electric fire stove. Canoes are available for rental at the lodge; though waters were rough and we stayed out for only an hour, there is the potential to travel around a few islands in the middle of the lake. Happy hour was great inside the lodge--cool lounge area, appetizers from the main dinner menu and inventive drinks, though even better was an early morning coffee in front of the fire with the resident dog before anyone else was up! We had dinner at the lodge one night and were a bit disappointed since our expectations were high--service was impeccable, appetizers were inspired, but our entrees (duck and walleye) were both just a bit bland. With more time, we might have used the lodge's 'game room' and done more exploring around the lake.

Burntside Lodge is just a destination; it is the most incredible experience that you will EVER, BAR-NONE have the privilege to take part in. You may not know Lonnie & Lou (the owners) yet; but, BELIEVE me...once you have had the opportunity to spend some time with them ~ you will leave as family !!!!

This location will supercede ALL of your expectations and the website is beautiful and very helpful ~ however, it does NOT do it justice. Your attitude will adjust the MINUTE you drive onto BURNTSIDE LODGE ROAD ! I PROMISE ! Each cabin is unique; but is still "old world" style and makes you feel like you are visiting the resort from "Dirty Dancing" ~ but only better !!!!!!

Our Meal was simply OUT of this WORLD ! We had Gourmet Honey from TAZMANIA, for crying out loud ! And the Potato Leek Soup was fantastic ! The Duck Confit and the Crab Balls were AMAZING !!! WOW ! And if leave that Bar/Restaurant without having AT LEAST one of their Signature ~ Blueberry Mojitos....you are crazy !

Get up THERE ! Do not wait for a special occasion ~ because EVERY you spend up there will be MORE than SPECIAL !!!!!

I miss it so much already and I have only been gone for 9 days :-( Can't WAIT to get back up there ! It is worth EVERY, SINGLE mile that you drive to get up there; because you are pretty far "up north" !!! THANK YOU LONNIE & LOU !!!!!