The Up North Lodge

The history on how the Up North Lodge got created is new to me, since I have always known it as the Up North Lodge and nothing else. In the early 1960s the Gimese's used to run a hot dog and cocoa shop through a place called The Red Horse Ranch. In 1973 they expanded and built a bigger building that included 13 hotel rooms, restaurant and tavern. In 1998 it was purchased by the Searle's and renamed The Up North Lodge. Although a fire in 2005 ruined the structure of the building, within a year they rebuilt and opened back up in 2006 with a new location right on County Road 557.

Their menu consists of what I like to call "classic comforts". All of the usual favorites, such as steaks, sandwiches, pasta, burgers and fish can be found on the menu. They have a few choices that are unexpected, such as the Crab Stuffed Ravioli, Parmesan Crusted Cod and the Guacamole Bacon Burger. But what they are mainly known for is their "almost" world famous BBQ ribs.

For dinner, I ordered the grilled chicken breast with dill seasoning, and a side of pasta. The chicken was perfectly cooked, seasoned, and looked amazing right down to the grill marks. The side pasta had butter, Parmesan cheese and herbs. It was a great compliment to the chicken. I also happened to capture a few pictures of what other people ordered, including the ribs (which I have had before, and they are some of the best in the U.P.!).

("Almost" Famous BBQ Ribs)

(Beer Battered Fish)

(Grilled Whitefish)

If nothing else, come here to try the ribs (if not a Bloody Mary that comes with half of a burger, onion rings, pickle etc on top). Although the menu hardly changes, the food is always worth it, and the staff always makes you feel at home.

A link to their main website and Facebook page are below:

The Up North Lodge

The Up North Lodge, Facebook Page