Deer Park Lodge

New Year. New Directions.

We have enjoyed the past 19 years here at the Lodge immensely. We've had a blast running the resort, meeting some of the finest people in the world and watching families grow up.  It’s time for a change.

We have given much thought to where and how we would like to enjoy the next phase of our lives.  We certainly don't have any clear cut answers, but we know it is time for us to look ahead and begin a thoughtful transition. Finding the next owner, the right owner, of Deer Park Lodge is the key and we want you to be the first to hear about our plans.

We don't expect the transition to happen quickly.  We remain committed to promote and operate Deer Park Lodge and to work hard to deliver you a great vacation experience until we identify and have the right buyer in place.

You may know who we’re looking for.  Read about the opportunity and share it with friends and family.  Watch the bulletin board for news.

Thanks for everything.

Mike & Monica

Book signing, loon sighting, and all the news that fits.

The weather man said we'd see rain yesterday, but it never showed up. Our records show that we have gotten 1.5 inches of rain since July 16. We are really dry. Surprisingly the blueberries seem to be holding up pretty good, as long as you look in the shaded areas there's still plenty of berries to be picked.

But, the upside is we have had nothing short of beautiful weather. A typical day has been in the upper 70's with bright skies and little wind. Last week we had a day that the agate hunters like to see in which the waves on Lake Superior were big and turning over alot of stones. (NOAA forecast)

Our neighbor, Keith, spotted a lone Common Loon on Muskallonge Lake, and got these great shots. The loon shows adult breeding plummage, and may be without a mate, or was visiting the lake to pick up a meal to take back to the family.

Nothing spectacular to report on the fishing front. Fish are being caught and fresh dinners are being had, but up to this point the big ones are still out there. We did hear a couple of reports that a few chinooks were already in the river. As for hunting, folks are running dogs on bear and also setting baits - a good indication there are a lot of bear signs around. Most hunters are very optimistic about the upcoming season.

Looking forward a few weeks.  We want to remind everyone of the fourth annual "Rock On With Lake Superior Agates" show coming up September 17-18 at the State Park.  We are told a lot of vendors have signed up to participate, including the usual folks cutting and polishing rocks. 

On Saturday, the 17th, Deer Park Lodge will participate in the weekend show by having a couple of special events taking place in the Deer Park Lodge General Store. First and foremost we are extremely excited to sponsor two local authors in a book signing day. Our friend Joseph Heywood will be signing his new book, "FORCE OF BLOOD".  His eighth book in the very popular "Woods Cop Mystery" series finds Grady Service nearing three decades as a Wood Cop with his team furloughed, partnered with a young Conservation Officer, and facing both a forest fire in northern Luce County and the "bleeding sands" mystery on the shores of Lake Superior.

Many of you will probably know our second author,  our neighbor and owner (with her husband) of the   West Bay Diner in Grand Marais, Ellen Airgood. She'll be signing her first novel "South of Superior". This is a rich novel full of heart and celebrates taking joy in the simple things, and the deep reward that comes from caring for others. The characters and the setting are so real and heartfelt that you will be drawn immediately into their world, and remember them long after you have turned the final page. Booklist says, "Airgood's engaging debut is the novel, brimming with quirky characters, that everyone who moves to a small, tightly knit town imagines he or she might someday write."

Joe and Ellen will be at the store from 11:00 until 3:00 on the 17th. Come on over and meet two authors who write about our beautiful northwoods, and find out why folks love their books. And to double up on this special day, we will have "everything rock related" on sale and priced to go out the door.  Please swing in and check us out.

Please note: after Labor Day weekend, the store will move to our Fall schedule: Open 9 am to 7 pm every day but Wednesday (closed) and Sunday (12:00-5:00 pm). Thanks, as always, for your business.

That pretty much wraps it up for this week.  Get outside and enjoy the weekend.

Mike and Monica

Good times, great rocks, had by all!

What a great day "Rock On" Lake Superior Agate Show at Muskallonge Lake State Park turned out to be! Really a big success. For the first time ever a rock show took place in this neck of the woods and the turnout from the vendors, the exhibitors and, more importantly, the public was outstanding.

All of the vendors had quality stuff and the mix of products offered was real nice, with very little duplication. I know that Bruce, who was selling his famous blueberry pies (the mini-pie was a big hit) was the first one to sell everything he brought. Which reminds us of the old saying, "there's two kinds of people - the quick, and the hungry."

And the rocks for sale! Oh my!! Several people who have attended other shows really were complimentary. The location, mixed with a day of abundant sunshine proved to be just right.

The feedback we got back regarding the guest speakers was very positive. The educational talks drew nice, comfortable crowds and most attendees liked this educational touch to the day.

 

But the highlight of the day for most was walking around and looking at the personal agate collections that were being displayed. There sure were some absolutely beautiful rocks being shown. Goes to show again how unique and beautiful this area is, and what treasures await folks who come up for a visit and a "hunt".

At the end of the day participants voted on "Best Display" which went to Jeff and Bob Anderson. They had rocks and agates from all over the world, nicely laid out and identified. Jeff and Dori Stevens are the new "Rock Stars" in the area as their collection won "Best of Show".

 

All in all a great day was had with lots of positive comments and encouragement to do it again. If you attended the show, drop us a note in our Visitor Log and share your experience with us.

Fall is a nice time to head up to the U.P. to check out the color and walk the shore of Lake Superior to a last chance to find your next agate treasure before they disappear under ice for the winter.

Check our availabilities, or just give us a call. We'd love to see you.

(906) 658-3341

ROCK ON!!!

Mike and Monica

"Rock On" up for the Agate show - Saturday 9/20!

Update: the show took place on the 20th - read about it here!

The "ROCK ON!" Lake Superior Agate Show at Muskallonge Lake State Park is happening this Saturday, September 20th, starting at 10:00 and lasting up to 5:00.

We have several vendors committed to attending the show, including people that will sell rock jewelry, people coming to buy and sell agates, people selling some really cool pine needle baskets, and some neat T-Shirts will be available. Oh, did I mention Bruce will be selling his famous UP Blueberry Pie?

Three folks will be doing presentations to the public.  Terry House will be doing a demonstration on the art of cutting and polishing rocks. He will also be available to cut stones throughout the day if you have a rock or two you would like to have cut. Walter Loop, with USGS will be making a presentation on the historical makeup and movements of Lake Superior. Rounding out the day will be Karen Brzys from the Gitchie Gumee Museum in Grand Marais doing a presentation specifically on agates.

Between all the presentations there will several folks showing off their own personal treasures of collectible rocks and agates.  We know several of these folk and if you like to look at agates you will see some fabulous rocks displayed on Saturday.  I guarantee you will be saying "WOW!" more than once.

And to top this all off, according to all weather reports, Mother Nature will be supplying us with just a beautiful day.

So come on up and check out the "Rock On!" Lake Superior Agate Show. We really should have a nice event. Give us a call if you have any questions. We'll be happy to help you out.

(906) 658-3341

Mike and Monica

"Rock On!" Agate Show: New schedule and events

Update: the show took place on the 20th - read about it here!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20th - 10 AM to 5 PM

The "Rock On!" Lake Superior Agate Show is starting to stimulate a fair amount of interest throughout the area, both with locals and with rock hounds who visit the agate rich Upper Peninsula for it's beauty and, well, for its rocks. We have heard from a number of people who are enthusiastic about attending this event and showing off some of their Lake Superior treasures. Come on up and join us!

This being our first rock show, based on feedback we've received, and to make the event as convenient for folks as we can, we have decided to focus the show as a one day event. The official happenings will take place Saturday, September 20 from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM at Muskallonge Lake State Park. Of course, there aren't many nicer places to spend a long early-fall weekend!

We have a few presentations set up for the day that will really make the show worth attending. Karen Bryz, the "Agate Lady" from the Gitche Gumee Museum in Grand Marais, will be doing a presentation on  Agates. Terry House will be doing a demonstration and talk about rock cutting and polishing. In addition we will have a lecture on the historical movements and makeup of Lake Superior and hopefully another lecture on some of the unique rocks and treasures we find along the lake shore.

Between these lectures, the several vendors at the show and all the people showing off their rocks there should be plenty to see and do for an enjoyable afternoon. Oh, and don't forget about all those fine nuggets of chalcedony still waiting along the shore for someone to find them!

Vendors take note:

When making your reservations at the State Park be sure to ask for sites 81-103 and let them know you are coming for the rock show.  This will allow all of us to be in one loop at the park.

As always, if you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us or the park.

Muskallonge State Park: 906-658-3338

Deer Park Lodge: 906-658-3341

Rock on!

Mike and Monica

"Rock On!" Show off your agates!

Update: the show took place on the 20th - read about it here!

Come on up. Let's see your rocks!

Here's the news we promised you back in June when we were talking about Mushrooms and Lilacs and first mentioned "Rock On" with Lake Superior Agates.

 The idea for this show centered around the numerous people we see coming into the area looking for and finding agates.  We have been fortunate enough to meet many of these folks and see some fabulous rocks. We have heard stories of people finding their "agate of a lifetime" and we have been lucky enough to pick up a few beauties of our own. 

Thus we thought it'd be fun to bring all these folks together at beautiful Muskallonge Lake State Park for a weekend of "showing off". In addition to showing off our rocks we will have some guest lecturers talking about not only agates but also all of the Lake Superior rocks including vugs and fulgurites.

We have no specific rules regarding how many rocks you can bring or how you choose to display them for everyone to see.  The main rock show will take place on Friday afternoon and evening, September 19 and Saturday, September 20 from 10:00am until 5:00pm.  Check back here for more information. We'll post an event schedule as we get details nailed down. Bring your own table to set your rocks out for your display.  You'll be responsible to watch out for the safety of your rocks throughout the day.

We're also recruiting vendors to add value, and fun, to the event. Lapidary, jewelry, books, crafts and more are all fair game. If you're a vendor, or if you know one who might be interested, there's more information here. If you'd like to share the details of this event with folks who may not have access to this blog, and/or be so kind as to help us spread the word, you can download a PDF version of the poster and print it (2MB).

Download rock_on_blog.pdf

A Michigan State Park Sticker or motor vehicle permit ( $6.00) will be required for entry into the park where the show is taking place.  We will be lining cars and trucks up side by side for those who plan on being at the show and displaying their rocks only for the day.  Of course, overnight camping is available, and reservations are advised. You can make yours here, or call the park at 906-658-3338.

We are already fully booked at Deer Park Lodge, but we would like to get a feeling for how many people will be coming to "show off" their agates, so please take a minute sometime and give Deer Park Lodge a call and confirm your participation. It would certainly be appreciated. 

906-658-3341

Rock on!

Mike and Monica

"Rock On!" Lake Superior Agate Show - vendor information

Update: the show took place on the 20th - read about it here!

The first "Rock On!" Lake Superior Agate Show

Friday and Saturday - September 19 and 20, 2008 (updated 15 August)

Greetings, and thanks for checking this out. We meet so many agate enthusiasts and rock hounds here at Deer Park Lodge, we though we'd get together with the folks at Muskallonge Lake State Park and put together an event where they can all get together, share our rocks, learn more, meet folks in the rock business, discover some cool stuff, and just have an enjoyable couple of days. Our lodge is right on Muskallonge Lake, here, just minutes from the State Park and the beautiful shore of Lake Superior.

We hope this show will attract a variety of vendors who buy and sell not only rocks but items such as books, crafts, jewelry, tools, or whatever else would fit into an event for rock lovers.  We sincerely hope you'll join us, and help make the debut of "Rock On!" a blast.

Because this is the first year for the show we have no idea how many participants to expect or what to expect in regards to public attendance.  We will do our best to get the message out regarding the show, but we want all vendors to understand we can make no promises in regards to sales or the number of attendees.

What we will promise all vendors however, is a campsite with a picnic table, electricity, a fire pit and space to park a vehicle with a trailer. We're foregoing and vendor fees, and vendors will only be charged daily for your campsite ($18.00) plus an additional $6.00 for a motor vehicle permit into the State Park (if you already have the yearly Michigan State Park Sticker this fee will be waved). You can make your reservation here, or call the park at 906-658-3338.  All vendors will be responsible for their own set up and take down.

Check back here for an event schedule and more information as specifics are nailed down.

You can download a PDF version of this poster and print it (2MB) if you'd like to help spread the word.
Download rock_on_blog.pdf

It is necessary that all vendors pre-register with us prior to the show. Please call us personally at Deer Park Lodge 906-658-3341.

When making your reservations at the State Park be sure to ask for sites 81-103 and let them know you are coming for the rock show.  This will allow all of us to be in one loop at the park.

Check here for updated event information.

Thanks - we hope to see you at the show.

Mike & Monica Brown

Deer Park Lodge