Kaleva
Island Lodge
The
Island
Kaleva Island
is on a bay of Long Lake, one of a chain of lakes on the southern
flank of the Mesabi Range and Laurentian Divide. Most of the island's
four and a half acres are in its natural state with mature pines,
birch, spruce, fir, maple, willow, and alder. A wide variety of
plants and wildlife call it home, including the rare Moccasin Flower
or Lady Slipper. The waters around the island provide a diversity
of fish species for year round sport fishing, and provide open water
for recreational water sports. The island is accessible by a gated
drive and a bridge, and is kept open for year round use.
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The
Facilities
Kaleva Island
Lodge was established in 1924 by the Knights of Kaleva, Great Bear
Lodge (Otavan Maja). It consists of the main lodge building and
a traditional Finnish sauna by the lake. For outdoor activities
there are modern restrooms, a concession stand / snack bar, a dock,
and a boat launch. There is ample room for parking several dozen
cars and for outdoor games, concerts, picnics or other activities.
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The
Lodge
The two story
lodge was built in 1929 and has been recently renovated and restored
in keeping with its historical character. It is located on the high
point of the island, yet close to the lake, with beautiful views
in all directions. Both levels of the lodge building have walk out
entrances and are handicapped accessible. Each level has a main
hall with kitchen facilities. The upper level has an additional
meeting room with a fireplace and vaulted ceiling. The building
is heated for year round comfort. The lodge can comfortably accommodate
60 to 80 people for meetings. It is also popular for dinners, parties,
receptions, and retreats. Although the lodge is not designed for
overnight lodging, rental is by the day and arrangements may be
made to allow stays on premises overnight. This is especially convenient
for groups with RVs or campers.
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The
Sauna
The sauna, in
keeping with Finnish tradition, was the first building constructed
on the island and has been preserved for the past seventy-five years
as originally designed. It is a three room building that doubles
as a bathhouse for the swim beach with dock. In addition to the
sauna room, it has a large dressing room and shower room with direct
access to the lake.
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Uses
Kaleva Island
Lodge has long been used for the activities of the Great Bear Lodge
(Otavan Maja) of the Knights of Kaleva and has been host to international
Grand Lodge activities, most recently the year 2000 General Convention
Midsummer Festival. Kaleva Island Lodge has been available for a
wide variety of activities for several years to other groups and
organizations.
Some of the activities conducted at Kaleva Island:
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- Church services
- Winter ski
school or group outings
- Graduation
parties
- Company retreats
- Winter fishing
contests
- Weddings
and wedding receptions
- Fishing outings
- Church outings
and day camps
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- Company picnics
- Snowmobile
club meets
- Sunday School
picnics
- School reunions
- Service club
outings
- Seasonal
or holiday festivals
- Fundraising
events (including island rental as a prize)
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The
Island is rented by many groups to provide them a jumping off place
for or in conjunction with other area activities such as, golf tournaments
and sporting events, conventions, ski parties, snowmobile rallys,
camping, canoeing, hunting or fishing trips, tourist group activities,
and area festivals. Use your imagination! |
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