15707 Big Turtle Dr NE
Bemidji, MN 56601

Kohl’s Resort was established in 1948 by a fashion model and photographer. They established the resort in 1952 as Kohl’s Last Resort. It is one of the largest and finest resorts in the Bemidji Lakes Area on Big Turtle Lake. It is located just 12 miles north of Bemidji, MN near HWY 71 and HWY 22. It caters to families and fisherman alike. Big Turtle Lake is a 5 lake chain with 3 lakes are assessable from Kohl’s Resort; Big Turtle Lake, Little Turtle Lake, and Movil Lake. The lakes are connected by channels and Kohl’s Resort has a private boat launch on site. The only public launch is located just off HWY 15 on the West side of Big Turtle Lake. The lakes feature Walleye, Northern Pike, Bass, Crappie, Bluegill and Sunnies. The lakes are noted for clarity and have been well stocked over the years with Walleye fingerlings. Kohl’s Resort boat rentals include: • 4 Pontoons, sizing from 18-23’ • 2 16 ½’ Lund boat with 30 HP motor • 2 16 ½’ Lund boats, wider body, with 40 HP motors • 2 18’ Crestliner fishing boats with 60 HP motors and all the bells and whistles We offer Jet Ski and Tube rental. Boat lifts are provided for all our boat rentals. Our guests pay a docking fee daily or weekly. There is electricity on one large section of dock. The fish cleaning house has running water and electric and is lakeside. The beach has 3 bays that feature a sandy, gradual walk out. All non-motorized activities are included in cabin rates. Guests have access to: • Kayaks • Paddle Boats • Fun Bugs • Rowboat • Canoes • 2 single Children’s Paddle boats • 1 Adult single Paddle boat • 2 Adult Stand Up Paddle Boards • 2 Youth Stand Up Paddle Boards • Sand Toys • River Tubes • Pull Behind tubes • Water Skis • Wake Board A Rave Activity Island with Water Whoosh and Climbing piece, a 2nd Water Whoosh for small children, a slide, and a Rock-it make our beach a favorite for all ages. Also offered: • Lounge chairs • Hammock Station • Life Jackets • Bait sales • Boat gas sales • Fishing off the Northern most dock. Our safe, family environment includes many activities: • Fort Playground • Frisbee Disc Golf • Shuffle Board • Horse Shoes • Ladder Ball • Corn Hole • Basketball • Outdoor Ping Pong Table • Bocce Ball • Jenga • Soccer • Volleyball • Board games Campfire Pits are located at most cabins and wood is provided to all guests free of charge. Kohl’s Resort offers daily activities which include a Sandcastle Contest, Bingo, Minnow Racing, Children’s Craft, Treasure Hunt, and Medallion Hunt free to guests. The Wednesday Cookout and Massage include a fee. All 21 cabins and 2 Pool Side Suites are kept clean and modern, including A/C, Wi-Fi, & Cable TV. There are TV’s in every living room space. All cabins have had updating continually with carpet, tile, bathroom & kitchen remodels. The linens are top of the line and cleaned and maintained in house. The kitchens are fully stocked with matching dinnerware throughout. Appliances, coffeemakers, toasters, microwaves, etc., are included in all units. Some units have Keurig Coffeemakers. All cabins have grills, chairs, Adirondack chairs, and picnic tables. There is a small store/office for groceries, snacks, candies, sodas and drinks, ice, shirts, gifts, etc. and a small restaurant serving handmade pizzas, fried snacks and baskets, tap beer, bottled beer and wine, 1919 root beer, and hand scooped ice cream, malts, and shakes. There is an A-Frame with a grill adjacent to the Lodge with picnic tables and table and chairs for restaurant guests. Two more outdoor tables are on the decking lakeside. The indoor pool and outdoor hot tub are popular during winter months and when people want to get out of the weather. Float toys are available for children’s use. There is a game area with a pool table, coin-op games, books, and magazines to read. Tables are around the pool along with couches to sit and watch children. Public restrooms for Men and Women have showers along with bathroom facilities. The public laundry is in the basement of the same building with 2 washers and 2 dryers available. The pool maintenance room, resort laundry area, and storage areas are all located in this building. All marketing is up to date and includes Facebook, Trip Advisor, YouTube, Instagram, etc., Explore Minnesota, MinnesotaResorts.com, Minnesota-Resorts.com, and kohlsresort.com. The resort includes a beautiful owner’s residence, which is attached to the main lodge for convenience and privacy. It is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with large open concept living room/kitchen area. The home and lodge were renovated in 2016. A new office and check in area, and a commercial kitchen for the new restaurant were added at that time. The resort remains open in the winter by renting to BSU College students and some occasional medical staffing personnel. This is done by lease agreement. Other cabins are shut down as needed. Typically, cabins #16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 1, 2, 3a, and 3b remain open through the winter. We have had more open if needed. Kohl’s Resort is open year round, and typical reservations are weekend stays through the off season. The indoor pool and outdoor hot tub are a great draw and we are the closest resort to the Buena Vista Ski Area. The staff at the resort currently includes a maintenance worker, a manager, a part time office person, and 12 cleaning personnel in the summer. The owners are active in the summer months. Winter goes down to a skeleton crew as needed. We currently keep staff on in the winter. Area Activities include: • Paul Bunyan & Babe in Bemidji • Bemidji State Park and Bog Walk • The Big Bog • The Lost Forty • Itasca State Park (to cross the Mississippi River) • Buena Vista Ski Area • Movil Maze • Three Island Lake Park • 6 Area Golf Courses • Bemidji Country Club • Sanford Event Center • Concordia Language Villages There is a gas station just 3 miles away and a restaurant 4 miles from the resort. Bemidji was voted the Best Minnesota Town, 2018. With lots of fun shops and events, there is so much to enjoy in Northern Minnesota.