Crow Wing Crest Lodge

09/14/2026

Wow, a bobcat snuck into view last night while a few ladies and I were in an "awakening" retreat at dining table of Cabin #7. We watched it stalk an unconcerned squirrel next to Cabin #13. It crept forward, crouched, then sat, perked up, got more serious, stalked again. Fascinating. ANd what a blessing to see it do whatever it needed to do. It clearly knew we were watching from inside cabin as its ears pulled towards us a few times after we chatted and glued our phones to the window, ha, but it kept a steady focus, decided not worth it after 6 minutes or so and clamly trotted back onto the forest. (Laurie Wondra snapped this great shot, thnx for sharing!)

CrowWingCrestLodge

09/06/2026

Ex-Crow Wing Crest Lodge owner Terry Heller is selling his houseboat (stored near Detroit Lakes area.) I agreed to share his boat info to those who knew him, or those who might like a weekend project? He and his companion, Kathy, thought it would make an interesting "cabin" possibility for us, but we are a bit overwhelmed by projects at moment. So, here ya go!
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"Now is your chance to own Purrfect Harmony. Terry Heller had this boat for several years on 11th Crow Wing Lake when he owned CWC. A houseboat in the Spring and Summer, hunting shack in the Fall. All she needs is a bottom coat and she is ready for her next adventure. Leave her on the trailer, build a deck, and you have a little cabin. Throw a slide on top and you'll be the most popular boat on the lake!
Dimensions: 10' x 28'
Ceiling inside is 7'.
Made of plywood, hull is fiberglass.
Small refrigerator
Gas stove
Porta-potty
Hook up your favorite vintage motor. The boat is solid, just needs your creative love.
Trailer has triple axle.
Located in Pelican Rapids.
Asking $3,800.
Text Kathy at 763-742-9737 with questions. "

09/05/2026

Playhouse Cabin #14 had softened flooring indicating a leak, hence we checked it out and fixed. While in there, it was decided to install new flooring in kitchen and dining, too. Labor Day Weekend can be rather laborious, huh? Hope YOU are enjoying the long weekend ...

09/02/2026

Gosh, last CWC Sandsculpture Contest of the season and the judge filled his whole page w/ comments - there were 8 teams, wow!

Team 12 came up with a refreshingly titled "Twelfth Crow Wing Lake" which won them 1st place. I thought Team Three Snowpersons' "Frosty the Snowman in Summer" was hilarious. Team Seashell's "Sand Dollar Castle" impressed the judge for 2nd place. Amusingly named Team I Don't Know sculpted the Best Sandcastle Ever! Team Carm showed rather creative detailing in her "Waterfall Hot Springs," and the most active and functional scuplture was touted by Team Super Heroes with their "Sandcastle Waterslide" (which the judge thought looked like a pineapple under the sea - the kiddos couldn't seem to stop pouring endless buckets of water on it, even through picture taking.) Team Cat built up a castle from shells was most interesting and last, but not least, the Funniest Prize went to Team Kai with his bowl of sand and lake water entitled, "Underwater Castle."

09/01/2026

Celebrated 30 years together last night (26 of them here at CWC.) 13 cabins of guests graciously came down to help us mark the milestone - thank you so very much, all! (The cake issue seemed somehow appropriate, as I wrote on note below. If there's one thing resorting teaches it is definitely how to practice one's pivot technique.)

08/27/2026

Unidentified cell phone left behind at CWC. If you know whose it is, connect with us!

08/27/2026

All four teams at CWC Sand Sculpture Contest got balloon animals yesterday, courtesy of judge's family. (They even made me a crow, bless 'em!) Meanwhile, creativity abounded on the beach with team Cheetah Squad gained the win with "Snail Castle." I was impressed with the detailing on Bear Squad's "Turtle of the World." Team Rainbow Unicats' "Cabin of Summer" was an amusingly told layout of the resort complete with pathways to friends' cabins, and Team Narwhal built a wonderful "Beachside Escape" with natural pool and stick walkways. So imaginative!

08/25/2026

This kid is having the best week ever. Won CWC blackout bingo, found the CWC medallion, caught a big bass, shared jokes with family over a campfire, painted a stunning picture, and geez, the week is only half over!

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08/19/2026

CWC Sandsculpture Contest: Am still smiling at the Loony Mermaid (when I pointed to the mermaid's abdomen and asked if she was reading as it looked kinda like a book, they said, "nope, it's her abs!") They even came up with 3D printed eyes and a crown, very cool. Team 99-Dollar Hot Tubs dug a hole to China - just kidding - and displayed a solar powered hot tub with jets (they were quick to point out jets were non-functional. :) ) Team "Three Loons" won 1st place, according to the 7-year-old judge today, with their loon posed getting ready to fly off the lake. Impressive creations today, good job peeps!

08/16/2026

For the last several years, three mental health specialists (with holistic skills) have hosted a restorative retreat in September here at CWC to glowing review from attendees. If you or someone you know might be interested this year, here are da deets: (Sept 25-27)

Weekend Restorative Retreat Crow Wing Crest Lodge September 25 - 27, 2026 To Register, click here Questions?  contact facilitator Molly:  (612) 562-8007 Limited capacity 10-12 people Sign up soon - there are still a few spaces left! Join Molly, Shelly, and Lisa Johnson Taylor to Restore, replenish...