Progress Edition AUGUST 31 AND SEPTEMBER 4, 2024
The Lofts at Novotny, here in the spring of 2024, are just off Novotny Road and a short distance from Highway 371 North in Baxter.
2024
Renee Richardson / Brainerd Dispatch
Lakes area potential fuels growth BY RENEE RICHARDSON Brainerd Dispatch
perspective is really helpful for me,” said Chris Close, senior adviser and owner at Close Converse in Brainerd. “We are seeing way more people from BRAINERD — Ten counties in the state are projected for significant pop- across the country recognizing it. And it’s like growth begets growth. And it ulation growth and almost all are in feels like we’re at the tipping point.” metro areas, but one stands out in Close referenced the Malcolm Greater Minnesota — Crow Wing Gladwell book, “The Tipping Point,” County. that notes small changes can have a The Minnesota State Demographic big impact and when a trend grows to Center’s projects the state to grow from 5.78 million in 2024 to 6.11 million become something bigger with more in 2075. Along with Crow Wing County, dramatic change like growth spurring the counties expected to have the most more growth. Close and Nate Grotzke, broker at notable population increases are in or Close Converse Commercial Real around the Twin Cities metro area — Estate/Business Brokerage, have monDakota, Washington. Anoka, Wright, itored business trends across the lakes Scott, Carver, with Sherburne and Isanti counties. The other outlier, Olm- area for decades. Close Converse was established in 1995 and represents clisted County, is the home of the Rochents across a variety of industries in ester metropolitan area. Crow Wing County stands out as the selling, buying, leasing properties in retail, office and industrial uses as only county without a metro area expansion with an expected 18,278 peo- well as investments in real estate. The company notes its work team repreple added to the county. The U.S. Census datea from 2020, listed the county’s sents more than 100 years of combined experience in the field. Their signs population at 66,124. marketing properties are ubiquitous The natural resources with abundant water, forests, habitat and quality across the lakes region. Grotzke, who has also been of life along with amenities of health care, shopping and arts are all here. “Sometimes having an outsider’s CLOSE CONVERSE: H27
Tom Fraki / Echo Journal
Roger and Nancy Schwieters, left, with their son, Mike, and his wife, Ruth, at Boyd Lodge.
Family traditions keep guests coming back to Crosslake resort BY TOM FRAKI Echo Journal
Contributed / Map from Minnesota Legislature
Crow Wing County stands out as the only county without a metro area expansion with an expected 18,278 people added to the county. The U.S. Census data from 2020, listed the county’s population at 66,124. The Minnesota State Demographic Center’s projects 10 counties in the state will experience significant population growth.
CROSSLAKE — Some things in life change, and some things manage to stay the same. Nowhere does it seem these realities are more apparent and welcoming than at Boyd Lodge in Crosslake, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. Currently owned and operated by Mike and Ruth Schwieters, the resort has been the passion of three generations of the same family since it began in 1934. Since then, Boyd Lodge has become a destination for family traditions, outdoor pastimes and anyone looking to dive into lake life in Minnesota. Located on both Lower Whitefish Lake and Rush Lake on the Whitefish Chain of Lakes, the resort is open year-round and caters to the ever-changing seasonal activities that draw people to the lakes area. While Mike and Ruth have been managing Boyd Lodge since 2010, Mike’s parents, Roger and Nancy
Schwieters, had been in charge of the resort since 1967. Over its 90 years, Boyd Lodge has left an indelible impact on those who visited and worked there.
History and family
The story behind Boyd Lodge started with Nancy’s parents, Lynn and Ceil Boyd, in 1934. Originally from St. Paul, the Boyds — particularly Nancy’s father, Lynn — were looking for land to hunt and fish on and not necessarily a place to vacation. Lynn found what he was looking for in a piece of property on Lower Whitefish Lake, and he purchased 200 feet of shoreline that the railroad owned. From there, what started as a family retreat grew through family, friends and word-of-mouth into a business of renting cabins and building a resort. “I don’t think he did much for advertising. He knew people in the Cities, and they would pass the word along,” Nancy said. BOYD LODGE: H30