As one who grew up in a larger metropolitan area, I also had the good fortune to belong to a family that owned a lake place on Cross Lake. Cross lake is a beautiful lake on the Whitefish chain of lakes near Brainerd, MN. I have wonderful memories of summers at the lake and of all those times spent with family enjoying life together. Especially memorable are the excursions to the dam near the public campground and times of canoeing with my dad talking about whatever seemed to be important at the time. They are not only precious memories but experiences that have shaped my life in foundational ways.
In spite of having spent so much time there as a youth, it is only recently that I came to know some of the history regarding the city of Cross lake and the surrounding area. Initially it was Native Americans, the Sioux and Ojibwa tribes primarily, that cared for and lived of the land. After the settlers arrived, the United States government negotiated a land purchase and in 1886 the Pine River dam was completed. Upon completion of the dam, the region’s sole industry, logging, exploded. At one point the logging camp in Crosslake had eating and sleeping accommodations for 1400 men, and included large stables, a blacksmith shop, warehouses and a small roundhouse (Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce). Over time the logging industry died out and families began to replace the loggers. Resorts sprang up where the camps once stood and the area became a place of refuge for those who lived in the city.
Fast forward to today and you have a sought after tourist area with many local attractions. The city has grown up and the lake is more fully developed. In many cases the more rustic or modest structures that served as summer cabins have been replaced with year round lake homes. Included in this mix of homes are a few exceptional properties such as one my wife and I had the opportunity to tour this past week. This beautiful lake home sits only fifty feet from the waters edge and at first glance the authentic half log exterior, soaring roof peaks and covered porches give this 5 year old home the look and feel of a rustic lodge of days gone by. A walk-out lower level allows you to step into 151’ of sandy lakeshore which curves around to form a private protected cove, perfect for swimming and docking boats. This executive lake home has well appointed landscaping with retaining walls, underground sprinkler system, perennial gardens, walkways and a concrete patio with a drop in fire pit. Inside the home are over 6,700 square feet of finished living space, five plus bedrooms, six bathrooms and a towering great room.
Massive windows keep this room well-lit throughout the day, while also allowing gorgeous views of the lake. A gourmet kitchen along with a complete second kitchen, make this a great opportunity for a corporate or family retreat. Privacy also abounds with three master suites with full bathrooms and walk-in closets. Entertaining is easy in the expansive lower level with a giant family room with log wet bar, huge home theater room and a recreation room large enough for all the games. To find out more about this property contact Kevin Kruchten of Edina Realty Crosslake, MN.
