The people behind the magic of Bowen Lodge
Family owned for over 40 years
"The Heig family (pronounced "high") has been welcoming guests to Bowen Lodge since 1982, when it was viewed by “Grandpa Bob” as a solution for retirement. Although Bob is no longer with us, he laid the foundation for a legacy of outstanding customer service, quality accommodations and the friendly resort village atmosphere we have today.
Bowen Lodge is dedicated to always putting our guests first, that’s why many families and friends have created a strong tradition of visiting Bowen Lodge year after year. We are fortunate to have a wonderful staff that believes in the mission of Bowen Lodge and is dedicated to serving our guests to foster lifetime memories of northern Minnesota. We sincerely believe that our beautiful resort village will remain in your thoughts long after returning home from Bowen Lodge.
Bill and Gail Heig
Bill Heig has incorporated his love of everything outdoors into a focused plan for the resort. Armed with a wildlife degree from the University of Idaho, he continues to make Bowen Lodge a resort where our guests can experience the great northwoods of the past while enjoying the full amenities of the present.
Gail Heig brings her knowledge of design and horticulture to good use at Bowen Lodge, transforming empty spaces into beautiful gardens that accentuate the wildness of the surrounding forest. With years of experience, her success with plants is a favorite subject with the gardening customers. Always there to make you feel like part of the family, she is one of the key persons to go to for questions. Her resort nickname is “Ask Gail”.
Under the leadership of Bill and Gail, the guest experience at Bowen Lodge could not be possible without its incredible staff. From marina experts, housekeepers and management, everyone at the resort is dedicated to making your stay as comfortable as possible. Meet our staff below!
Jens and Ashley Heig
Resort Managers
After living in Minneapolis, Chicago and most recently in Boulder, CO, life has brought my wife, Ashley, and I back to Bowen Lodge. We both knew that we were ready to make a change so we went all in and chose to transition our lives back to Minnesota. We could not be more thrilled with the decision to be “home”.
When we're not working on the grounds or spending time with all of you, we're out on the water where Ashley usually out-fishes me or playing with our English setter, Jack.
We cannot wait to see all of you at Bowens this summer. The fishing has been fantastic, and the smiling faces are far better. Here's to another great season!
Jim and Amy McIntyre
Director of Guest Services & IT
Lake Winnibigoshish has always been our second home, so when our daughter graduated college and began her career we decided it was time to leave the city life and move "up north" permanently.
Our favorite pastimes are fishing, hanging out with all of the friends that we have met at Bowen Lodge, playing with our golden retriever, Cedar and watching a Green Bay Packers game. We hope you agree, that Bowen Lodge is a special place to be. See you on vacation!
Joe Herfindahl
Marina Supervisor
We are excited that Joe will be back joining the Bowen Lodge staff for his 4th summer.
Growing up in Deer River, Joe has a passion for all things outdoors, so his pursuit of a degree in law enforcement at Minnesota State University - Mankato, is a natural career path for him.
When he is not working, you can find Joe snowmobiling in the winter with his twin brother, being out-fished by his girlfriend Madison or just relaxing in a boat with his best friends.
Joe is looking forward to another great summer at Bowens and cannot wait to get back on Lake Winnie with all of you.
Rilee Snyder
Marina Attandant
Meet Mr. Rilee Snyder! He is our newest member of the Bowen Lodge team. Rilee is a 15 year old Deer River resident and will be going into his sophmore year of high school this fall.
Rilee has a passion for all things outdoors. He loves to hunt, fish, shoot trap, snowmobile and spend time with his friends and family who also share in his love for the Minnesota Northwoods.
Rilee also loves to spend his free time training his new puppy Maverick. He is looking forward to meeting you all this summer and hopefully more summers to come!
Housekeeping Staff
Housekeeping
Our housekeeping staff, led by Amy McIntyre, is dedicated to making your time at Bowen Lodge the best stay ever. This crew takes pride in ensuring that your cabin is spotless inside and out so that all you have to do is enjoy.
Make sure to say hello if you see them on the property!
We Are Hiring!
We are looking for housekeepers for our 2024 season. We operate yearly from May-September and we are always looking for seasonal employees to join our incredible staff. If you are interested in future employment opportunities with Bowen Lodge, please contact us.
Bob Heig (1918 – 2008)
Upon his “retirement” in 1983 until his passing at age 90, Bob loved nothing more than being at Bowen Lodge. He never regarded his many responsibilities as work, but rather as a lifestyle—simply making Bowen Lodge a better place for his guests. He is missed by so many people. The current walleye census shows a remarkable increase, undoubtedly because Bob is no longer in hot pursuit (he chased them relentlessly!)