Cruise in style aboard a classic wooden motor yacht on Whitefish Lake. The Lady of the Lake, a 31-foot craft, is available for private parties up to 12 who reserve at least 72 hours in advance. It's a great way to explore this ten-mile long lake. Cruises leave from the Lodge at Whitefish Lake. The Lodge will be happy to cater an on-board snack, meal and/or adult beverages.

Every summer, the Lodge offers free interpretive boat tours, led by Whitefish Lake Institute Scientist Chris Ruffatto, as part of the Lodge's "Summer Opens" fiesta.

The Lodge at Whitefish Lake also is home to the Boat Club, which offers fine dining set against an excellent collection of historical photos and artifacts that chronicle early days on the lake. Included in the collection are antique water skis, racing gear and an original wooden racing boat that dates back decades to splendid regattas of yore. The Boat Club chefs strive to feature seasonal local items such as whitefish, morel mushrooms and huckleberries, and in the summer produce is provided by local organic farms.

Elsewhere in the Lodge are large-format photos of early-day railroading and logging in this historic blue-collar town that tries mightily to maintain its workmanship ways while accommodating an emerging resort economy. The Lodge, which offers a variety of lodging options, is a fine place to appreciate that juxtaposition. (Please tip the hard-working staff generously.)

The Boat Club Lounge features live music every Wednesday(6-9pm) and Saturday(7-10pm) night.

In 2009, the Lodge established the 30-acre Viking Creek Nature Preserve in a wetlands area adjacent to planned hotel expansion. The Lodge donated $110,000 to restoration and education project managed by Whitefish Lake Institute. The Institute plans to restore the wetland ecosystem, eradicate noxious weeds, and develop an interpretive nature trail that will be open to the public in 2011.

The Lady of the Lake, Lodge and Boat Club are located on the east shore of the lake. To get there, head north from downtown Whitefish on Baker Avenue across the railroad track, where Baker turns into Wisconsin Avenue. The Lodge is 1.5 miles north on the Left at 1380 Wisconsin Avenue.

Lodge at Whitefish Lake

Hotels or Lodges

Full boat rental with pilot/guide: $200 for the first hour, $100 for each additional hour