About Us
A Legacy of Hospitality, Heart, and Adventure
In the early 1960s, Gretchen and Emil Gimese built a small red cabin by Big Shag Lake, called The Red Horse Ranch. With a passion for sharing good times, they served hot dogs and hot chocolate to local kids enjoying horseback rides. This humble start set the foundation for what would become a beloved institution in the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Transformation into The Up North Lodge
In 1973, the Gimeses expanded the ranch into a full-fledged lodge, complete with 13 hotel rooms, a restaurant, and a tavern. After Emil passed away, Gretchen continued to run the operation until she sold it to Scott and Sally Searle in 1998. The Searles renamed it The Up North Lodge, giving the building a much-needed refurbishment, but a tragic fire in 2005 nearly ended the story.
Resilience and Renewal
Despite the loss, Scott, Sally, and a dedicated team of new owners—Larry and Eunice Bertocchi, Roy Meni, Vince and Mona Jean Rose, and Cheryl Wootton—rebuilt The Up North Lodge at its current location. The Lodge reopened in June 2006, bringing back the warm, welcoming atmosphere and delicious food that guests had come to love. Today, The Up North Lodge continues to create lasting memories for visitors, offering food, events, and soon, lodging. It’s the place where tradition and adventure meet, nestled in the heart of nature.
Growing Into the Future
Today, The Up North Lodge continues to create lasting memories for visitors, offering food, events, and soon, lodging. With each passing year, we’re proud to see our community and customer base grow, bringing more and more people together to experience the magic of the U.P. Whether it’s a cozy dinner, a lively event, or an unforgettable wedding, we’re honored to be part of your story.
It’s the place where tradition and adventure meet, nestled in the heart of nature.
Employment
Employment Application:
Please download and fill out the job application.
Applications can then be mailed to:
THE UP NORTH LODGE
215 S. County Rd. 557
Gwinn, MI 49841
or scanned and emailed to mail@theupnorthlodge.com.
