Just the Facts
Jim and Mary (along with Jim's brother and two other couples) originally bought 56 acres of land on Little Sugarbush Lake for use as recreational property. In 1973, they made the decision to move from Edina, MN, with their two children, Debbie and Jay, with the idea of making maple syrup, which they did for twelve years. At one time, Maplelag was one of the largest producers in Minnesota, producing over 400 gallons in one season. They ceased production in 1988, as the early sap runs conflicted with the ski season as some of the trails were used for both purposes.

Adjacent land parcels were purchased over the ensuing years, so now the majority of the ski and snowshoe trails are on land which is owned by Maplelag Resort, totaling close to 660 acres. Part of the trail system is also on state, county, or privately owned land which is either leased or through which there is an easement.

Lodging began in 1974, at the suggestion of another maple syrup producer who asked if he could bring a group of friends and rent the Sugarhouse. It seemed like a great way to supplement the sugaring income. Flyers were printed and another business was created! The following year the interior of two small log saunas, which had previously been moved to Maplelag, were renovated and were also rented. At this point, guests brought their own food and it was similar to winter camping. Now, Maplelag has grown considerably and can accommodate up to 200 guests in a variety of unique, yet comfortable, accommodations.

Maplelag started hosting the Concordia College Language Village programs in 1976. Russian, Swedish, Chinese, Finnish, French and Spanish Villages have all been hosted throughout the years. However, Spanish is the only language that has been on site since 1996. So, for eleven weeks in the summer, Maplelag is shut down as a cross country ski resort and conference center and the entire facility transforms into "El Lago Del Bosque". We feel that having a dual purpose enriches both endeavors and we are constantly building and upgrading our facilities to meet the needs of both.

Jay, his wife Jonell and their three year old son, Jake, moved back to Maplelag in April of 1997. They had been working at Izaak Walton Inn which is located in Essex, MT. Their family has now grown to include sons Jon and Jack and the new additon Jens and the family dog, Lucky. They each have their own unique contribution to the operation of Maplelag. Their home is located across from the cabooses.

Charlie is the wonderful artist who's woodcut prints we have been showcased in the dining room of our lodge. We are honored that he has asked Maplelag to serve as gallery for his work. The prints certainly help to recreate the mood and feeling of the former Maplelag dining room. We also share an interest in duck and fish decoys and Charlie carves wonderful, sculptural shore birds and loons.

Many of you have asked where you can see and/or purchase his prints and decoys. Just give Joyce or Charlie a call at their home in Fergus Falls, MN, where his studio is located. Maybe you can catch them on your way to or from Maplelag or you can make an appointment. Charles and Joyce Beck, 529 Guttenberg Heights, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, (218) 736-3957.

For those of you who are not familiar with this project this is what I am trying to do: I have been taking pictures of old depots in the upper Midwest and the Prairie Provinces of Canada and researching their history. Whenever possible, I will purchase the depot signs of depots no longer in use. We will then have the signs on display and try to show how the towns fit into the various main and branch lines. I will also do a brief history of the town and try to find someone to write an interesting antidote about the town, as well. Any help that you can give us as to location of depots, signs, depot photos, photo depot postcards or any interesting railroad memorabilia is always welcome.

"What does this have to do with Maplelag and its role as a destination cross country ski resort?" Absolutely nothing! But, I think it makes Maplelag a more exciting place to visit and it gives you a hands-on approach to history. The small depot and the subsequent rail service was often the birth and death of many a small town. I know it has been interesting to guests who have been here and once you have been here yourself, I think that you will capture a little of the "depot fever".

To date we have had students from Norway, Sweden, South Africa, Zambia, France, Belgium, Austria, Taiwan, Poland, Brazil, Peru and Chile. Their English is, for the most part, very good to excellent, and our guests always delight in visiting with the students. Perceptions of our country as well as other countries are more closely defined with this interaction, and we are all much more better informed and comfortable when we can work shoulder to shoulder. Please try and visit with our staff when you are here.

Food For Thought
At Maplelag, one of the favorite activities of our guests is eating! As one of our guests commented, "Skiing is something to do to pass the time between meals!". And, food is something we take very seriously! We prepare all of our entrees, desserts and most of our breads from scratch, using only the finest ingredients. As more and more restaurants are using prepared/ pre-packaged food, quality food is becoming a lost art. We strive to prepare meals that are hearty and wholesome: something like "going to Grandma's on a Sunday afternoon" with a gourmet flair!

In our travels, we seek out unusual and/or ethnic restaurants that aren't "chain like". We then take the most memorable ideas from these experiences and apply them to our menus. Then, when ordering food we don't go with the best price, but instead we look for the best quality.

Some of the items we use that we feel are unique are, pure maple syrup for our Norwegian pancakes, locally harvested honey, imported chocolate from Switzerland, and imported lingonberries, cheeses and flatbreads from Scandinavia for the Scandinavian smorgasbord. Like the bottomless cookie jars, all meals follow the "all you can eat" philosophy.