GENERAL FAQ

Where is Bowen Lodge located?

Our address is 58485 Bowens Road, Deer River, MN 56636.
We are located about 20 miles outside of Deer River, Minnesota on the north side of Lake Winnibigoshish. While our cabins sit on the bluff overlooking lake Winnie, our marina is safely tucked into Bowen’s Bay on Cut Foot Sioux Lake, allowing us unique and easy access to Lake Winnibigoshish, Cut Foot Sioux and attached waters.

When is your operating season?

Bowen Lodge is open from fishing opener, which is the second weekend in May, until the end of September.

Are you open in the winter?

No. Bowen Lodge is closed in the winter. 

What time is check-in & check-out?

Check-in is between 3pm and 7pm (let us know if you will be arriving later), Check-out is promptly at 9am. All guests must register at the Lodge before going to their cabin.
Guests may arrive earlier to put their boat in the water and go fishing, but access to the cabin will begin at 3:00pm. Our high standard of cleaning and sanitation requires time, so we cannot accommodate requests for an early check-in, unless previously arranged.

What is your policy on gratuity?

Our staff at Bowen Lodge works incredibly hard to make sure your stay here is perfect. We encourage our guests to leave gratuity for our housekeeping and dock staff.

Is there WiFi?

Yes. Our resort does have fiber internet/WiFi access in each cabin and short term RV sites.  Seasonal RV guests are required to acquire their own internet service, if desired.

Can we drink the tap water?

YES! Our water comes from our well. We might be biased, but we think it’s the best, sweetest tasting water in the world. 

I am staying in an RV. Do you have bath/shower houses?

No, we do not have shower or toilet facilities. We require all RV’s to be self-contained. Tents, pop-ups and RV’s without bathroom facilities are not permitted. 

Do you allow tent camping?

No. Tent camping is not permitted.

What is your pet policy?

Although we do accept dogs (sorry, no cats), we strongly encourage you to leave them at home. If you bring a dog, it must be cleaned up after, kept on a leash, kept off the beach and not left unattended in your cabin, unless crated. Dogs are not allowed on furniture or linens, and any damage by a pet to the property is the pet owner’s sole responsibility. Dogs must not disturb other guests. A per-companion pet fee will be applied to all reservations. Maximum of two dogs per cabin.  Pet fee and policy

Are any of your cabins handicap accessible?

Yes. Our 5-bedroom Northwoods cabin is handicap accessible.

Does Bowen Lodge provide bath towels?

No. We do not provide bath or beach towels.  We do provide kitchen towels.

Can I bring my own firewood?

No. Bowen Lodge is located in the Chippewa National Forest, so no outside firewood is allowed to reduce the risk of invasive species like the emerald ash borer. We have firewood available for sale on-site.

What should I pack?

Visit our what to bring page for a more detailed list of activity enhancers and commonly forgotten items.

Is there a grocery store near?

While we have a few grocery items for sale in our lodge, we recommend stopping at the store prior to your arrival. The nearest grocery store is 20 miles away in Deer River. Visit our what to bring page and scroll to the bottom for a list of local stores.

Do you have on-site laundry?

Yes. Bowen Lodge has a self-service coin-operated (quarters only) laundry facility on site. $2 to wash, $2 to dry.  Guests must provide their own laundry detergent.

Do you have a restaurant or bar on-site?

No, Bowen Lodge does not have a restaurant or bar. Our cabins have fully equipped kitchens to make sure you have all the tools you need to cook during your stay. If you are looking for a nearby restaurant option, The Gosh Dam Place is a local restaurant 7 miles from the Lodge and Fish Tales Bar & Grill is 13 miles. Both of these restaurants offer “You clean ‘em, we cook ‘em” options for fish fry dinners, perfect after a long day on the water.

Does Bowen Lodge have a beach and swim area?

Yes. Our beach and swim area is located at our marina on Cut Foot Sioux Lake. It is a short 5 minute walk from our cabins. All reservations include free use of canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, paddleboats, and swim rafts, beach toys and furniture, fire rings, children’s playground, basketball and volleyball courts. Adult supervision is required at the beach, as no lifeguard is on duty. Guests are responsible for any damage to equipment. For more information, please visit our ACTIVITIES page.

Does Bowen Lodge have a fitness center?

No. Bowen Lodge does not have a fitness center, however we have the luxury of the great outdoors! It is the perfect place to take your workouts outside and enjoy the fresh air. Go for a long walk or run, ride your bike, or even take a quick sunrise swim. The possibilities are endless.

Do you allow jet skis?

Bowen Lodge does not have jet skis for rent, however we do allow guests to bring their own. We do not have slips for jet skis. All Jet skis must remain outside of the swim area at all times.

What is Bowen Lodge parking like?

Each cabin and RV site has room for parking vehicles. We also have a designated boat trailer parking area on our road to the marina.  Our staff will assign a location upon arrival.  Please do not drive or park on grass. 

Good Neighbor Policy (Quiet Hours)

Quiet hours are from 10pm - 6am.  During these hours we just ask that you be respectful of your other resort neighbors. If you have any issues, please contact the Lodge at 218-246-8707.

MARINA & FISHING FAQ

I am renting a boat slip. Is there anything I should know?

Our floating dock system requires a specific, tried-and-true way to tie up your boat in order to keep it safe and secure. Our marina attendants will instruct you on how to do this upon arrival and will monitor your boat throughout your stay.
We also require two single or double braided dock lines. We may also reassign your slip in order to make sure you are in the correct size slip for your boat.

Do the boat slips have electricity?

Yes, each boat slip has access to electricity. All guests must provide their own extension cord.

I am not staying at the Bowen Lodge. Can I still launch my boat?

Yes. We allow outside guests to launch their boat at Bowen Lodge for the day.  There is a $20 launch fee that is paid at the Lodge upon arrival and our marina attendant will assist with the launch. There is no slip access for daily launches.

I am not staying at the Bowen Lodge. Can I rent a boat?

No. We reserve boat rentals for use by our guests. 

Does Bowen lodge provide fishing guides?

No, while Bowen Lodge does not employ or arrange fishing guides, we do recommend several local guides that align with our values and professionalism. These recommendations can be found at the bottom of our FISHING page.

Do I need a fishing license to fish in Minnesota?

Yes, all fishermen over the age of 16, both residents and non-residents, must have a valid Minnesota fishing license. While we do have the capability to print licensees in our lodge, we recommend purchasing your fishing license in advance online. For more information, please visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/

Does Lake Winnibigoshish and surrounding waters have slot & possession limits?

Yes, Lake Winnibigoshish and its connected waters have slot and possession limits. Below are some details on Lake Winnie’s walleye and northern pike limits, but please familiarize yourself with all Minnesota fishing regulations before your stay with us. For more information, please visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/ 
NORTHERN PIKE : Possession Limit: 10 fish, no more than 2 over 26” in possession. Protective slot: 22”- 26” immediate release
WALLEYE: Possession Limit: 6 fish, no more than 1 over 23” in possession. Protective slot: 18”- 23” immediate release

Do you have boat trailer parking?

We have a designated boat trailer parking area on our road to the marina. Our staff will assign a location upon arrival. Please do not drive or park on our grass.

Is there gas available for purchase on-site?

Yes, we have premium gas available in our marina. You can simply drive your boat up to the gas dock and our marina attendants will fill you up.

Do you rent fishing gear?

No. We do not provide fishing rods or reels. We do have bait and tackle available on site to purchase.

Do you have live bait for sale?

Yes, Bowen Lodge has live bait available on-site for purchase. Availability and stock varies, please contact us for inventory before your arrival.

RESERVATION, PAYMENT & CANCELLATION FAQ

How can I make a reservation?

The best way to make a reservation at Bowen Lodge is to fill out our online form or give us a call at 218-246-8707.  You may also email us at contact@bowenlodge.com 

How can I check your availability?

You may notice that we do not have our availability information online. We believe that the best northern Minnesota experiences begin when we have the opportunity to speak directly to our guests. The best way to contact us is to fill out our online form or give us a call at 218-246-8707. 

Do you have a minimum stay requirement?

Yes.  We have a three night minimum stay required for all cabin reservations. During our peak season, a weekly stay is required

Is a deposit required to make a reservation?

Yes. All reservations require a deposit. 
Cabin Deposit Required: All 1 BR, 2 BR, and 3 BR cabins require a $200 deposit per cabin, per week. All 5 BR cabins require a $400 deposit per cabin per week.
Multi-unit reservations require separate deposits for each cabin/week reserved.
Short-Term RV Deposit Required: A $25 non-refundable deposit is required to confirm all reservations.

When are payments due?

Deposits are due at time of reservation. Any deposits not received within 7 days of making a reservation may be subject to cancellation. Full, final payment is due at the end of each stay.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We prefer cash or check, but we also accept Visa or Mastercard as payment. A 4% surcharge will be applied to all credit card purchases.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cabin deposits are non-refundable unless cancelled at least 60 days prior to the scheduled arrival date. A $50 rebooking fee is deducted on ALL reservation changes and cancellations. Any cancellations made within 14 days of arrival date will be responsible for 50% of total balance. Any cancellations made within 7 days of arrival date or “no shows” will be responsible for the full balance.
Short-Term RV deposits are non-refundable.
Seasonal RV deposits are non-refundable.

I noticed that your rates have a base rate and a maximum occupancy. Is there a fee for persons exceeding the base rate?

Yes. An extra persons fee will apply to any group exceeding the base rate. Base rate includes all guests ages 3+. Children under 3 stay free. This applies to both Cabin and Short Term RV reservations. Groups may not exceed maximum occupancy.