Antler Lodge & Resort
A landmark gathering place on Antler Lake, surrounded by the forests, lakes and outdoor traditions of northern Itasca County.
A Lodge Surrounded by History
Antler Lodge & Resort is located on Scenic Highway 7, about eight miles south of Scenic State Park in the beautiful George Washington State Forest.
Antler Lake, just south of the Continental Divide, is the source of the Prairie River and is connected to Beaver Lake by a small navigation channel. The lodge grew from a private hunting retreat into a well-known northern Minnesota destination for dining, fishing, hunting and outdoor recreation.
Views From Antler Lodge
Explore photographs documenting the lodge, its buildings and the surrounding landscape.
Built as a Private Hunting Lodge
Antler Lodge was built in 1936 by Fred Bentz. Originally from Chicago, Bentz was an avid hunter who traveled throughout the United States and Canada. His travels began the antler collection that would become one of the lodge’s most recognizable features.
The lodge was adorned with antlers both inside and out. As time passed, moose, caribou and elk mounts were added to the collection. Ski memorabilia, regional artifacts and other collected items also became part of the lodge’s distinctive interior.
A fire had previously passed through the area, leaving much of the surrounding landscape bare. Early photographs show relatively few trees around the property. Bentz constructed a one-story lodge and eventually added three cabins.
The Early Lodge Experience
Bentz did not advertise the property because it operated as a private lodge. Guests brought their own food, and the lodge likely offered few amenities. Hunting and fishing were the primary attractions.
At that time, there was no direct route to the lodge from Highway 7. Visitors traveled north on Highway 7 to County Road 52, turned onto County Road 340 and then traveled south on County Road 341 to reach the property.
The remote journey was part of the character of an early stay at Antler Lake—a place defined by the surrounding forest, water and northern Minnesota wilderness.
Generations of Lodge Ownership
Fred Bentz builds the original one-story private hunting lodge and begins the antler collection.
After ownership by Floyd and Bobby Meilins and Clyde and Irene Stolzman, the property is sold to Bill and Helen Walk.
Ves and Pat Berzins purchase Antler Lodge after its period of shared ownership by the Pulju and Man families.
After 43 years under Ves and Pat Berzins, their son Carl Berzins becomes the lodge’s owner.
A Lodge That Continued to Grow
Antler Lodge changed considerably over the decades. At its peak, when the Berzins family purchased the property, the resort had nine cabins. Today, four remain.
One historical resource described seven cabins with hot and cold running water and Skelgas stoves. Weekly rates ranged from $18 to $30.
Dining, Lodging & New Amenities
In 1990, the main lodge received a major three-level addition. The expansion included a 40-foot bar, a new kitchen and a second dining room. Together, the dining areas could accommodate approximately 120 guests.
The project also created an area near the dining room where Pat Berzins managed the sale of antiques. The lodge’s dining room, Ye Olde Antler Eatery & Saloon, became a public gathering place as well as a destination for resort guests.
In 1994, the Antler Lake Store & Motel opened across the road. The development included a 12-room motel and a full-service convenience store.
An Outdoor Destination in Every Season
The lodge, convenience store and motel occupy an ideal location for fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and ATV travel. The growth of snowmobiling and all-terrain recreation made the property even more accessible to outdoor enthusiasts.
Antler Lodge also became a familiar stop for motorcyclists looking for fuel, food and a place to rest while traveling Scenic Highway 7. The surrounding forest and lake scenery remain an important part of the experience.
A Tragic Moment in Lodge History
The lodge’s history also includes a fatal airplane crash that claimed the lives of three passengers and the pilot. The passengers were from Iowa, and the pilot was from Missouri.
The aircraft was circling low over the lodge as a prearranged signal that the guests would soon arrive after landing in Bigfork. The Cessna 172 did not complete the journey and crashed near the lodge. The event remains a somber part of the property’s history.
Find Antler Lodge
Antler Lodge is located along Scenic Highway 7 near Antler Lake, south of Scenic State Park in the George Washington State Forest.
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