Seaplane Friendly Restaurants (Docking)

[Sikorsky]

Summer is right around the corner, and I'm going to try to surpass my summer record for aviation fuel burned. This got me thinking about floatplane friendly restaurants. A search yielded the following:

Destinations — Minnesota Seaplane Pilots Association

www.mnseaplanes.com

Thank you Joe for the map and list, it's appreciated. That said, not all pins are suitable for docking a floatplane. I'm soliciting PIREP's on lakeside restaurants with acceptable ingress/egress. I'll start:

-Maddens On Gull Lake, Brainerd, MN. Good food, fairly fancy restaurant, EXCELLENT SAND BEACH. Busy boat traffic, but rarely a major problem in that bay. A pass or two, will generally clear an LZ. Ownership is VERY airplane friendly.
-Grand View Lodge, Gull Lake, Nisswa, MN Lower end beach cabana restaurant with tacos and the like, or high end option with a very short walk. Both are good, I frequent the cheap place the most. The swim area is generally roped off, but the end of the swim area is EXCELLENT SAND BEACH and accessible for easy parking. I generally tie a line to the deck of one of the cabins.
-Earnie's on Gull, Gull lake, East Gull Lake, MN very technical parking when the docs are in, doable but **technical.** Stone beach with rocks about the size of golf balls or smaller. When it's calm and not a lot of boat wakes, it's a good option. Cheap food. Younger crowd, good "scenery."
-Quarterdeck Grill, Gull lake, Nisswa, MN. Fairly cheap food of pretty good quality, accessible in early spring, and late fall, as they have the swim area roped off during swimming months. Same rock bottom about golf ball size rocks, or maybe a little smaller. Good spot when the surf boats aren't going back and forth and it's calm.
-Dummire's on the Lakes, North Long Lake, Brainerd. Early spring and late fall, when it isn't weedy it's a good option. Mid summer, it's too weedy, and there is a boat lift in the wrong spot on the east side. Sand/muck bottom. Tall dock posts, technical, be on your "A" game. It's doable during spring and fall but a challenge. Good food and North Long Lake is the most friendly lake in the area in my opinion. Two good party sandbars. A good Saturday afternoon stopping spot.
-Moonlight Bay Family Restaurant, Cross Lake, MN. Good cheap food. The far west side of the docks is a muck bottom which is usually not filled with a boat. Dock posts aren't great but approaching the west end, it's somewhat less technical getting in/out. Lots of boat traffic but the no wake zone helps a lot. "EXCELLENT SCENERY!"

That's all I've got for the Brainerd, MN area. What am I missing? What other places are float plane friendly for beaching/docking? Minnesota? Wisconsin? Other states? What are your favorites?

 

[Cubus Maximus]

-Ernie's on Gull, Gull lake, East Gull Lake, MN very technical parking when the docs are in, doable but **technical.** Stone beach with rocks about the size of golf balls or smaller. When it's calm and not a lot of boat wakes, it's a good option. Cheap food. Younger crowd, good "scenery."

Zach, what about the boat launch, other side of Ernie's? Is there any room over there? I once saw a Caravan on the big water side that had somehow squeezed in without hitting dock poles or boat lifts.

In winter we used to go SW to Lake Alexander and Outing on Roosevelt. Not sure what their summer docking looks like. I don't know the Park Rapids or Big Sandy lake scene either.

 

[aktango58]

Years ago I pulled up to the lake's edge in Wasilla, walked 200' into Pizza Hut and had a nice lunch!

Shell Lake Lodge is being rebuilt I am told, that will be a great stop!

 

[Sikorsky]

Lakeside Pizza Hut, now you're speaking my language! I wonder if a lakeside Dairy Queen exists on planet earth?

Brad- I've squeezed the cub in on the Earnie's big water side mid summer, but a caravan? Wow. Maybe the wing went over the top of the lift? Impressive or stupid?! Tight regardless. I've never given much thought to the south side of Earnie's, if the boat ramp is smooth, maybe just taxi up and park in the parking lot? You have me thinking.

In Outing, MN I assume you're referencing "The Chanel Bar and Grill." I'll check that out as it could have reasonable parking in the Lilly pads.

The Green Mill, on lake Bemidji, Bemidji, MN may be decent. I've been there in the winter on skis but never in the summer. That may have possibilities too.

Zach

 

[aktango58]

Muncho Lake BC along the Alcan also has two places you can stop and eat on floats. One right on the lake shore, the other would be a 5 minute walk.

Gustavus Bartlett Cove is a pretty nice stop for a great dinner. You look down on the dock from the Lodge dinning room.

My favorite though is Pelican. Float dock is at the end of the finger, you see all sorts of boats as you walk to the boardwalk, (no street, all buildings for a long ways are on stilts with a boardwalk in front or between), and at the top is Rosie's Bar and Grill. This is a place many legendary stories were made- including photos of a 185 tail sticking out the front door!!

The store is 100 yards west and had a great selection of ice cream sandwiches.

 

[KJC]

Channel Bar in Outing on Lake Roosevelt is a great spot. My home and shop is a mile up the lake so I’m a little biased. It’s right by the narrows bridge.

 

[Bill.Brine]

The Birches, Moosehead Lake, ME.
If you look closely at this photo you will see a large portion of the NE SuperCub tribe having lunch.
The landplane strip is a bus ride away in the woods.

 

[Sikorsky]

Channel Bar in Outing on Lake Roosevelt is a great spot. My home and shop is a mile up the lake so I’m a little biased. It’s right by the narrows bridge.

What's the docking/beaching situation like at Channel Bar? Has the Bungalow in Emily been rebuilt after the fire?

 

[KJC]

Should be good. They usually have 4 or 5 docks with low poles. If they are full you can go around the backside by the boat ramp. I’m not positive but I think they own all the way around the point. If you don’t feel comfortable, my beach is always open and it’s easy. I’ll gladly run anyone down there. I’m usually in the shop.

The Bungalow is totally gone.

 

[Sikorsky]

KJC, I'll stop in this summer for a visit. Other people's shops are always more interesting than one's own. Should you get down to MN17, the offer is reciprocal. Grass, and amphib smooth. Even if the bar's adjacent docks don't belong to them, I've never been chastised for parking at a random spot next to a restaurant. Friendly goes a long way. Is there current by the bridge?

 

[bvirginia]

Downtown Wayzata, MN has a convenient courtesy dock on Wayzata Bay. Although, I would only recommend using it in the early morning hours for a cup of coffee or breakfast.

 

[KJC]

9

KJC, I'll stop in this summer for a visit. Other people's shops are always more interesting than one's own. Should you get down to MN17, the offer is reciprocal. Grass, and amphib smooth. Even if the bar's adjacent docks don't belong to them, I've never been chastised for parking at a random spot next to a restaurant. Friendly goes a long way. Is there current by the bridge?

Usually not much current but too short for a float plane. Stop by anytime.

 

[MartyC]

In the Arrowhead Region of Minnesota, there are several restaurants/resorts worth visiting around Crane Lake, Tower and Ely area and for the more adventurous, Hungry Jack Lodge near Grand Marais, MN. 100LL is available at Scott's on Crane Lake (KCDD), the Tower Seaplane Base (12D) on Lake Vermilion and Sky Harbor Seaplane Base (KDYT) in Duluth.

Several of these places have accommodations for overnight visits. I suggest you call ahead to be sure docking space is available, especially if there are multiple planes.

I've flown to all of these, except Stony Ridge in Ely; but we did drive there several times. I hope you can take advantage of the upcoming float flying season and visit some of these I listed. I don't think you will be disappointed.

Scott's Seaplane Base on Crane Lake (KCDD). A couple of choices here, Crane Lake Grill near Scott's dock or walk a little farther to Voyagaire.
https://scottsresortoncranelake.com/
https://www.voyagaire.com/

Nelson's Resort on Crane Lake. Located on the East side of Crane Lake, Nelson's is another great place to stop in. Please call ahead so they can move boats around at the dock or you could heel up on the sand beach.

Cabins on Crane Lake - Crane Lake Minnesota | Nelson's Resort

Nelson’s Resort has a 84 year history of making memories. As one of the north woods most premier resorts you’ll feel more like a guest than visitor.

www.nelsonsresort.com

Kettle Falls

If you want a little more flying, then Kettle Falls is a great place to visit. It’s about 18 miles North of Crane Lake.

Above is a Google Map screen shot showing where Kettle Falls is from Crane Lake.

A more detailed view of Kettle Falls Resort. The circled area is where float planes can land and take-off. You can use the dock. They will pick you up in a golf cart and bring you up to the hotel. Great place to visit and dine. Be sure to check out the bar pool table. It is very unique!!!

Website:

Kettle Falls Hotel, Remote Historic Resort, MN, US/Canadian Border

Melgeorges Elephant Lake Lodge and Resort

Melgeorges is another fine place to stop in. It's located about 10 miles SW of Crane Lake.

Melgeorge's

melgeorges.com

Trails End Resort and Campground

Trails End is on the West side of Echo Lake and located about 5 miles South of Crane Lake and about 20 miles North of Tower Seaplane Base (12D). Typical tavern with a nice view from the deck. https://trails-end-resort.com/

Tower, MN (12D)

The Tower Seaplane Base on Lake Vermilion is located in the cove near the West end of the runway. There is a nice long dock and 100LL available at the fueling dock. There is a courtesy vehicle available at the Administration Bldg. to take into town for a meal at either Benchwarmers, the Tower Cafe or Good 'Ol Days. Any questions, please call the airport mgr. John Burgess @ - 218-780-5902.


Here a couple of places on Shagawa Lake in Ely, MN;


Stony Ridge Resort and Café

If you are looking for one of the best hamburgers you’ve ever tasted, then stop in at the Stony Ridge Resort and Café and partake in one of over 60+ hamburger choices or build your own. You will not be disappointed. It’s located on Shagawa Lake, just east of the USFS Seaplane base and near the public dock. You may be able to use the dock or heel up on the shore near the resort. Call them at 218-235-9441 if you have any questions.

Grand Ely Lodge

The Grand Ely Lodge on Shagawa lake is float plane friendly and a nice place to stay or just drop in for lunch or dinner. They will pick you up in a golf cart and bring you up the hill to the lodge. It’s an easy walk into town from the lodge where you can shop, eat or even rent a bike. Call Grand Ely Lodge at 218-365-6565 for more information.

Hungry Jack Lodge

Another great destination, Hungry Jack Lodge on Hungry Jack Lake, it's about 21 miles North of Grand Marais, MN. A bit far for most, however it can be a great flight along the North Shore. Be careful of the air space because of the BWCA restrictions.

Hungry Jack Lodge - Lakeside Cabins | Campground | Gunflint Trail | Grand Marais Minnesota

Lakeside cabin rentals and campground on the Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, MN.

hungryjacklodge.com

For fuel you can stop in at Sky Harbor Seaplane Base (KDYT) -

Sky Harbor Airport & Seaplane Base

Sky Harbor Airport was created for pilots and travelers with a passion for a simpler approach to flight.

skyharbor.duluthairport.com

 

[TahoePilot]

Downtown Wayzata, MN has a convenient courtesy dock on Wayzata Bay. Although, I would only recommend using it in the early morning hours for a cup of coffee or breakfast.

View attachment 111020

View attachment 111021

That's my old Husky! Great to see it's being put to some good use!

 

[Sikorsky]

Marty- Excellent post, thank you. Jumping the gun I exercised the car and ate at the Grand Ely Lodge last night. Excellent food, wonderful view, friendly staff. The ribs could have fed an army! I should have taken a picture but was in too much shock when the pile of meat came out.

 

[MartyC]

Sikorsky,

Thank you for the compliment Glad you enjoyed the meal and venue at the GEL. You need to checkout Stony Ridge for a burger. Unbelievable!!!

Thanks!!!

 

[WWhunter]

Some of the others that I visited in my float flying days that haven't been mentioned:

The shore near Zorbas in Detroit Lakes, but you need to watch out for the idiots on jet skis and speed boats, for some reason, they are drawn to floatplanes like flies to a cow paddy! Basically walk across the street. Lots to look at for a single guy in the summer.

Rutgers on Lake Bemidji.

Maybe call Zorbas north of Dorset, they used to host a skiplane flyin there in the winter.

With those amphibs you can even land at my place! Might have a cold water a stick of venison jerky available! LOL

 

[Sikorsky]

Keith- I think there needs to be two different metric for the grading of dining establishments: parking difficulty, and the bikini quotient... While your home airport will certainly rate well on parking, you'd look piss poor in a bikini! ;-)

Zach