Heather and Monte Chapman

by Sally Sedgwick

The most amazing thing about owning a resort?  The relationships you build, said Heather Chapman.  “It’s amazing how you become such good friends in one week; it’s like hosting extended family.”

 “It’s fun to be here with people who are on vacation, and we’re part of that vacation,” she added. Community support, said Heather, has also been wonderful.

Two years ago, Heather and herhusband Monte purchased the Anchor Inn Resort from the Kitterman family who had owned it through three generations since 1968.  The resort had just turned 100 years old, first opening in 1921 as a hunting lodge by William Osufsen.  There are many repeat customers, some guests have been coming each year for as long as 40 years, said Heather.  They bring with them tales of the history of the resort and – one recalled coming with his family 70 years ago.

Facing on the Bowstring River, the resort has access to the Bowstring chain of lakes which includes Rice, Sand and Little Sand Lakes as well as Bowstring Lake. Boats from the resort pass under the famous wooden fishing bridge on County Road 4 – a “hotspot” for anglers. Adjacent to the resort, the Chapmans have set up a webcam with a one minute delay.  Heather recalls one guest who caught a northern, called his wife, and she watched him catch it online! The webcam is on the main page of the resort website, www.anchorinnresort.com.

Some of the most interesting fishing is on Sand Lake, an almost 3600 acre lake that boasts a variety of structure and fish species, including both large- and smallmouth bass and rock bass, walleye, northern, bullhead,  burbot and panfish.  But although fishing is a prime activity for guests, there is lots to do in Itasca County, pointed out Heather, from fat tire biking and ATV/snowmobile trails to local attractions like the Lost 40 with its 350 year old trees and other local seasonal events and entertainment.   Onsite the resort has kayaks, fishing boats and a pontoon, a paddle boat and boards. In fall, the cabins are full for grouse and duck seasons.

The four season resort has eight cabins, two campsites, and rents four fishing boats and two pontoons. The couple has added an outdoor patio, a bar and restaurant overlooking the river and open to the public.   The restaurant features burgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs, potato rounds and homemade pizza as well as hand-dipped ice cream.  Fall hours are noon-8 p.m., Thursday – Sunday.

Before purchasing the resort, the Chapmans owned their own small business.  How do they like being innkeepers?

“We’re having a blast!” Heather said.