For sale by owner · Family resort on the Wabana Lake Chain
A private lake compound on Wabana Lake
26 wooded acres, more than 700 feet of shoreline, ten cabins and a remodeled owners' home in Minnesota's Northwoods. Keep it for the family, or run it as the resort it has been since the 1930s. Enjoy family, fun and relaxation.
Asking price
$3,000,000
Grand Rapids, MN · Wabana Chain of Lakes
26.14
Wooded acres
700+ ft
Lake shoreline
10 + 1
Rentals + residence
45+ years
Family-owned since 1979
Video tour
Take the 3-minute tour from the air
“Stunning Wabana Lake Chain, we never get tired of watching this!” Fly over the point, the shoreline, the docks and the cabins before you visit.
The property
Your own point on the Wabana Chain of Lakes
Birch Bay sits on 26.14 acres of pine, birch and maple at the south end of Wabana Lake, in the Northwoods near Grand Rapids. Make your home and your living here. The cabins are widely spaced along the lakefront, each surrounded by pine, birch and maple for privacy.
Shoreline
700+ ft on Wabana Lake
Docks & boats
Hundreds of feet, included
Buildings
10 cabins, home, lodge, office
Address
30711 Zims Lane, Grand Rapids
Open as a family resort since the late 1930s
The residence
Remodeled two-story home behind the office
Kitchen & dining
4 photos
Living room
2 photos
Master suite
5 photos
Covered deck
3 photos
The residence
A remodeled lake home for year-round living
The office sits on the road side of the resort, and the completely remodeled two-story home is behind it. Upstairs used to be three bedrooms and a bathroom; the remodel turned it into one large master suite. The space can easily be remodeled again to suit your needs.
UpstairsMaster suite with jacuzzi, steam shower, gas fireplace, large windows overlooking the lake, a walk-in closet with washer and dryer, and a huge covered deckSee the master suite ›
DownstairsBathroom, open kitchen, dining and living room with custom hickory cabinets, lots of storage and a second gas fireplaceSee the kitchen and living room ›
ComfortIn-floor and in-ceiling heat, utility room with water softener and on-demand hot water
Backup power24 kW Generac generator keeps water running to every cabin and powers the lodge and office (freezers, fridges) and the Birch Suite
The cabins
Ten cabins for family, friends or rental income
Ten rental units: nine cabins (Cabins 1–6, Birch Perch, the Log Cottage and Birch Bluff) and the Birch Suite. Every unit has a fully furnished kitchen, and all fixtures and furniture are included in the sale.
Log Cottage
The grandaddy: a two-story log house that sleeps up to 16.
Birch Perch
The newest two-story cabin, with premium finishes and two queen beds upstairs.
Birch Suite
A suite for two with a premium king bed. Open in fall and winter.
Birch Bluff
Built in 2022 and open all year.
Cabin 1
Two bedrooms, double beds and a futon, full kitchen and a large deck with grill.
Cabin 2
Two bedrooms with a double and a bunk bed, overlooking the lake.
Cabin 3
Two double beds, a futon and a large open kitchen and living room.
Cabin 4
One of the most popular cabins, on the point, with lake views from most windows.
Cabin 5
On the hill for cool breezes, with a large deck and charcoal grill.
Cabin 6
Three bedrooms: one queen and two with twin beds.
Gallery
Every cabin, every view
Choose an album to see its photos, then tap any photo to enlarge. 75 photos across 12 albums.
Run it as a resort
A turnkey resort with guests who come back
Birch Bay is a quiet family fishing resort, and families and fishermen make up most of its guests. They say again and again that its small, quiet nature is what brings them back. Strong repeat business means lower advertising costs, less of the stress that comes with new and unfamiliar guests, and familiar faces who have become friends, not just guests.
Ready from day one
Already in place for guests
Concrete boat landing
Launch right at the resort
Live wells
One for every cabin
Boat and motor rentals
Rental fleet included in the sale
Gas and oil sales
Fuel sold on site
Country store
Ice and essentials for guests
Swimming beach
Right on Wabana Lake
Boat docks
Hundreds of feet, included
Wi-Fi
Available for guests
~90%
repeat business every year
~95%
of revenue from cabin rentals
$1M+
2020 tax-assessed value of the real property
How the resort is valued
A resort is both a home and a business. Its value comes from three parts.
1
Real property
The land and buildings, valued by the tax assessment. The 2020 tax value is in excess of $1 million.
2
Business assets
Almost every piece of furniture and all the equipment has been replaced during the current owners’ time, including the furniture and fixtures in all 10 rental units. Rental boats, motors and hundreds of feet of dock are included.
3
The business itself
About 90% repeat business each year. Cabin rentals bring in about 95% of revenue; boat and motor rentals make up most of the rest, with a small share from clothing sales.
Financing
The area is fortunate to have local financing that is extremely supportive of local businesses.
Revenue and full financials
Available to qualified buyers on mutual request, after a successful viewing and a signed NDA: all Schedule C forms, complete income and expense breakdowns, profit centers and occupancy rates.
A way of life, or an investment?
As a way of life
A resort is both your home and your job. You live every day among the beauty of Minnesota's Northwoods, your commute is a walk out the door, and every day is different. The lifestyle is paid for by your guests.
As an investment
The resort pays financial dividends too: a yearly profit when operating income exceeds expenses, plus the property's appreciation as you pay down your loan's principal.
“The financial returns may be long term, but the way of life returns come every day.”
The offer
$3,000,000, sold directly by the owners
After more than 45 years of family ownership, Jeff and Lorrie are ready to retire. As motivated sellers, they have recently reduced the price to $3,000,000. The resort is offered by the owners, with no real estate agents involved, and if you are considering the advantages of owning a small resort in a beautiful area, you are invited to visit for a personal showing.
Included in the sale
Land and all buildings
Resort fixtures and furniture
All boats, motors and docks
Canoes and other water equipment
An established income stream built on repeat business
How to buy
1
Request private options
Send the form below or call the owners.
2
Schedule a personal showing
Walk the land, the shoreline, the cabins and the home with Jeff and Lorrie.
3
Sign an NDA and review the financials
Full figures for qualified buyers after the visit.
Our story
Over 70 years as a resort, 45+ years in one family
Ron and Bev Hemmingson visited the McKees, friends from Illinois who owned the resort, and learned they were ready to retire. They bought Birch Bay in 1979, and the resort, in existence for over 70 years, has been owned and operated by the same family ever since. Lorrie and Jeff have run, repaired and remodeled it since they met in 1983, and they would love to see it stay an active resort.
Late 1930s
Birch Bay opens as a family resort
1979
Ron and Bev Hemmingson buy the resort from the McKees
1983
Jeff and Lorrie start running, repairing and remodeling it
2011
Ownership passes to Jeff and Lorrie Yeschick
Today
Retiring, and looking for the next owners
Private showings
Request private options
Tell us a little about yourself and Jeff and Lorrie will reply personally. The resort is sold by the owners, with no real estate agents involved.
Your details go only to the owners. By sending this form you agree to our Privacy Policy.
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Privacy Policy · Offered for sale by the owners · 218-326-2370 · vacation@birchbayresort.us