Your experience

sure, we’ve got wi-fi. we bet you won’t care.

If your idea of a good time is doing “absolutely nothing”, then get to it. But if you’re up for more, there’s no shortage of options. Here is some inspiration:

on (and in) the water

There may be 10,000 lakes in Minnesota, but few can match the beauty of Upper Bottle and its nearby sister lakes.

  • Wambolt’s was famous for its sandy shores and we’re restoring the beach and created a new pollinator garden as a beautiful buffer zone (keeping the lake preserved is part of our mission).

    • Enjoy lounging in our beachside Adirondack chairs.

    • Water volleyball net are available.

    • We don’t offer a lifeguard so swimming is at your own risk.

    • The swimming beach offers a very long shallow drop-off - great for kids.

    • PaddleNorth floating docks

  • Noise and water pollution? No thank you! We’re proud to be a partner with Pure Watercraft, who have outfitted all our boats with electric motors. Pure’s systems are quiet, clean and fast-charging!

    • Fishing boats

    • Pontoon boats

    • Kayaks & canoes

    • Paddleboards

  • Upper Bottle Lake is home to Loons, Trumpeter Swans and great fishing. For you nerds, it has a surface area of 465 acres and a maximum depth of 55 feet. It is connected to Lower Bottle Lake and there are no barriers to fish or boat traffic. These lakes are really one body of water and share the same fish populations, but have been treated as separate lakes over the years.

    This lake is known for having a very good walleye fishery with good numbers of fish and some quality fish available. Good numbers of northern pike are also available and there are some quality pike as well. Other fish include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie, rock bass and perch. If you want a fishing guide - we’ve got you covered!

    • Boat fishing

    • Shore/Dock fishing

    • Bait, tackle & gear available at check-in

  • Upper Bottle Lake is part of the Mantrap chain of lakes. You’ll have easy access to Lower Bottle Lake. Lake Emma and Big Sand Lake are accessible by smaller boats. For the canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts you can canoe all the way to Lake Belle Taine (double check conditions with us - it’s an all day canoe - we can arrange to pick you up in Nevis).

traversing the trails

Want to move through a beautiful landscape? We’ve got you covered.

hanging out right here

Inside or outside, peaceful or playful, everyone will always have something to do.

  • Looking for a book for the hammock or a game for the porch? Grab one of our options in the Wambolt’s Library.

    • Community library - leave a book, take a book. Nonfiction to sci-fi fantasy. History to romance. We don’t judge.

    • Board Games

      • Trippoly (Royal Rummy)

      • Ticket to Ride

      • Catan

      • Park Rapidsopoly

      • Spot-It

      • Wingspan

      • Scrabble

      • Cribbage

  • Yard games galore

    • Kubb

    • Bocce

    • Ladder Toss

    • Horse Shoes

    • Corn hole

    • Outdoor Jenga

going to town

Missing civilization? Don’t panic! Dorset, Park Rapids and Walker are all nearby restaurant, shopping and tourist destinations.

    • Emmaville Inn - Just two miles away, this tiny town shop (it’s really just one building) brims with basic supplies, gas, fishing licenses and the best breakfast around (try their caramel roles). Also you should have pie with lunch. Always have pie.

    • Northwood Grocery & Cafe - small town grocery and cafe. Not a huge selection, but likely good for what you need. If you pick up supplies (including bait and tackle) here you’ll also get to check out the world famous Nevis Muskie. Every time our family drives through Nevis, we pause and say “Namaste, Tiger Muskie”.

    • Coburn’s - is right off main street in Park Rapids. Great butcher and big produce section.

    • Hugo’s in Park Rapids - offers delivery and Curbside pick up - lots of organic options and a Caribou Coffee inside the store if you need a boost.

    • Walmart. -What can we say? Walmart has everything (including curbside pick up). If you’re looking for bulk buys, this is your place.

    • Delaney’s Outdoor - is a great spot in Park Rapids for bait, fishing licenses and all your outdoor gear.

  • “Up north” stores stock a wide inventory from sporting goods, clothing and souvenirs to furniture, antiques, and books.

    Watch delectable fudge being made right before your eyes in Park Rapids! Make your own custom candles in Dorset! Find a treasure in one of our antique or thrift stores!

  • Being at the cabin might mean eating lots of s’mores - but you should still savor distinct local flavors and down-home old fashioned comfort food in Park Rapids, Dorset, and Nevis.

    Sample delectable locally sourced ingredients and take your taste buds on an epicurean adventure in the north woods.

    Companeros & The Dorset House - These have a special place in our hearts as Anne had first first job at age 13 here and our kids all work in Dorset too. Perfect stop for lunch or dinner - right on the Heartland trail. Whether you want a burrito, pizza or a root beer float, they’ve got something for every taste. Family owned and run.

    La Pasta - they are open for breakfast in the morning and have supplies too in the General Store. It’s a great Dorset staple.

    Cindy Lu’s - Family owned and operated Italian/American cuisine in Nevis.

    The Iron Horse - Bar food and a great deck in Nevis. Perfect place to stop if you’re biking the Heartland Trail.

    Good Life Cafe - Nestled in the heart of iconic downtown Park Rapids, the Good Life is handcrafting fresh food that makes people feel good. It. Is. So. Good.

    Necce Italian Restaurante - Great Italian food in a bit more of an upscale dining experience.

    The Royal Bar - Awesome dive bar on Main Street in Park Rapids. Notice the plane hanging from the ceiling - ask the bartender about it. I don’t know what it says that historically this is our kids’ favorite spot.

    Revel Brewing - One of our new favorites. Great, small menu and fun locally brewed beers. It’s a new go-to place for us.

    Zorbaz - Used to be the famed Chateau Paulette’s (we have stories). Now it’s a fun family spot with live music at night.

  • From a high flying character challenge course to ATM trails and outdoor theater, the local community here rocks (and sings).

    • Summer Hill Adventure has something for everyone. Goats, games, shopping and a lovely restaurant (with ice cream cones).

    • Character Challenge Course is a great spot to group to build trust and have a blast.

    • Evergreen Gifts & Fun Park (formerly World of Christmas) offers great shopping in the gifts store and awesome fun in the outdoors! Bumper Boats, Go Carts, Laser Tag, a Laser Maze, Mineral Mining, an Outdoor Maze, Water Wars, an antique miniature train ride, a Climbing Wall, Extreme Air and more ensure that there is something for everyone in the family. New in 2015...Escape Room Challenge.

    • ATV Trails

    • Park Rapids Movie Theater - has two screens and great popcorn - you can park in the center of main street for shows.

    • Jaspers Theater - is a cozy log theater nestled in the pines. Classic Park Rapids experience. Easy access, drop off, handicap accessible

    • Long Lake Theater - Get to the theater early to enjoy a glass of wine, a cold beer, and some light appetizers in the screen porch pub.

    • Revel Brewing gives you a free beer for walking or running a 5k on Wednesday nights. It might be the greatest place ever. They also often have live music on the weekends.

  • Who says relaxing in the northwoods has to be all hiking and campfires? We bet Paul Bunyan needed a pedicure every once in a while too.

  • Headwaters Country Club - 18 holes over 6,506 yards with a par of 72 (Public)

    Bears Den Golf Course - 9 holes over 3,300 yards with a par of 36 (Public)

    Eagle View Golf Course - 18 holes over 3,617 yards with a par of 64 (Public)

    Blueberry Pines Golf Club - 18 holes over 6,700 yards with a par of 72 (Public)