Ten Mile Lake Resort in Minnesota is marking its 120th year as a family-run destination that has withstood changing times and trends in the state’s summer tourism industry. Located on a 2,099-acre lake, the resort remains a rare example of a mom-and-pop establishment thriving amid the decline of similar properties across Minnesota.
The Schultz family, who owns and operates the resort, has maintained its appeal through continuous upkeep and improvements, often carried out during the off-season. Over the past two decades, the family has renovated every cabin and upgraded amenities including a new sauna and a pirate-ship-themed playground built by Mike Schultz. Additionally, the resort features water toys and a bocce ball court along its lakeside grounds. Despite the physical demands, Mike Schultz, a seasoned handyman, and his family view these efforts as essential to preserving the resort’s legacy for returning guests.
The resort’s appeal lies in its simplicity, forgoing the large-scale amenities common at other resorts such as golf courses or spas. Instead, Ten Mile Lake Resort focuses on providing cabins and campsites along the lake, fostering a multigenerational atmosphere. Guests often cite the family relationships and long-standing traditions as key reasons for their loyalty. One visitor, Curt Eide, who has been coming to the resort for nearly 50 years, called it “the greatest resort in the world” due to its family-centered environment.
The resort’s significance is underscored by the broader context of Minnesota’s lakeside resorts, which have dramatically declined from over 3,000 in the 1960s to fewer than 700 today. Many smaller, family-run resorts have been pushed out by larger, commercial operations. The Schultz family’s ability to sustain Ten Mile Lake Resort, therefore, stands out as a testament to their deep roots in the community and commitment to tradition.
Visitors such as Chris Van Horn and his family from Missouri illustrate the resort’s lasting appeal. The Van Horns have been attending the same week every June since 1953, maintaining a ritual that includes fishing, cooking fresh catch, and gathering around a campfire. This continuity reflects the broader trend of families returning year after year, often spanning multiple generations.
To celebrate its 120th anniversary, the Schultz family planned a Fourth of July event featuring a carnival theme, a golf cart parade, and a food stand serving brisket. Leadership has passed to younger generations as well, with Sydney Schultz and her cousin Ben Schultz—now general manager and part owner—continuing the family involvement. Sydney described growing up at the resort as “all I’ve ever known,” emphasizing the lasting bond between the Schultz family and Ten Mile Lake Resort.