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.
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 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!!
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!!
"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!!
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.
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.
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.
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."
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!