The Can Am is Back!

Big news broke last week when it was announced that Wendy King (WHS class of 94) and Damon Ellenson (WHS class of 1997) recently bought what used to be the Can Am Motel.  Wendy and Damon aren’t new to business ownership. Damon has started his own trucking company and they also started a gravel business this past spring. So why not start another business venture, right?
But where to begin? “We didn’t really have anything specific in the kind of business we were looking for. I’ve always wanted to own my own business – even since I was a little kid.”  Wendy and Damon had worked with Bucky Pahlen in past to delve into other business opportunities, but they just didn’t seem to pan out. However, that wasn’t the case this time.
One day this past spring, Wendy got a phone call that surprised her. “Bucky called me because we’ve been looking for another business venture in the area. We didn’t even know the motel was for sale,” explained Wendy.
Then, things moved along at a pretty quick pace. “We started looking at numbers in early May and everything was finalized on August 3,” Wendy said with a smile as she looked around the motel lobby.
When they told their children what they were about to do, Wendy said the kids looked at them and said, “WHAT?” But it’s all good – they’re all in it for the long haul now!
“Our kids are a huge part of this. Our family has been very supportive,” said Wendy. She added, “All four of our kids have been spectacular. We couldn’t do it without them.”
While no major changes are planned for the immediate future for the now named Can Am Inn, they do have a couple of top priorities at the moment. “The building is in fantastic shape. Our biggest things right now are bedding and landscaping.”
Ultimately, Wendy and Damon have another priority: “To get it back running the way it should be… the way it was ten years ago.”
The Can Am offers 40 rooms, all with two queen beds, a refrigerator and a microwave. Another bonus: they are pet friendly (for an nominal fee). They even have a game room off the lobby that new games will be added to.
Currently, the Can Am offers their guests what’s referred to as a cold breakfast: muffins, bagels, English muffins, cereal. Wendy is also working to bring in fresh baked goods.  Wendy and Damon have received an outpouring of support not only from their family, but from the community as well. “We’ve had extreme support from the community. Everyone is doing everything they can to help us out.”
Indeed, good news travels quickly: the inn has had guests from the moment Wendy and Damon took over – and they have already started receiving reservations for upcoming hockey tournaments this winter.
The Can Am Inn is located at 406 Main Avenue NE in Warroad and can be reached at 218-386-3807.
As is often true in life, most things come full circle. Twenty years ago, Wendy worked at the Can Am as the front desk clerk from 3:00-11:00 p.m – now she’s back at it again, only this time, she’s the one in charge!

Congratulations, Wendy and Damon, on your newest adventure!

Koren Zaiser, Editor
This article originally appeared in the August 16, 2016, issue of the Warroad Pioneer.
Photo courtesy of the Warroad Pioneer.

WST presents: “A Party to Murder”

A unique dinner theatre that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end!

It’s Halloween and six people have come to play a murder mystery game at an island cottage. Invited by writer Charles Prince, they appear set for a weekend of fun until ghosts from the past begin to haunt the them and it becomes clear that all is not as it seems. The game takes on a sinister dimension as guests begin to die and the remaining players realize they are playing for their lives.

Tension rises. Secret passageways, incriminating letters, hidden compartments, bodies in the window seat and a twenty five year old unsolved mystery twist and turn toward the unexpected and terrifying conclusion.

Playing Sept. 29 – Oct. 2 at the Warroad American Legion and Oct. 12 – 15 at Rock Harbor Lodge. To make your dinner show reservations, call 218-386-1625 for the Sept. 29 – Oct. 2 dates and 800-535-7585 or the Oct. 12 – 15 show dates.

14086451_1256354697729355_4758425709896110179_o

Bushcraft Bike Ultra

PUSH YOURSELF in Warroad at the Bushcraft Bike Ultra. The second annual event has participants wanting to come back for 120 miles of beaver dam, bogs & buschwhacking in Beltrami Island State Forest!

It only takes 30 hours to complete this classic adventure. Primitive camping… FREE.

Bushcraft2016-01

Family Fun in Warroad

To get the most out of your family vacations, try one of our many family-friendly activities. Stop by the Warroad Heritage Center and take part in a fun fact filled scavenger hunt on your way to the Warroad Public Library to check out a fishing pole (YES, you read that correctly. Our public library loans books and fishing poles). Of course we have enough fishing opportunities to keep you buys until the cows come home.  Many local resorts and businesses offer charter fishing – all you need to do is bring the family and they will supply the equipment.

Outfit the entire family with matching Hockeytown USA™ gear from the T-Shirt Barrel then head over to Doc’s Harbor Inn for some outdoor adventure. Doc’s offers all kinds of rentals including: paddle boats, paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, and bikes.

Warroad Estates Golf Course is an 18 hole championship course with a Par 72 – 6942 yard design featuring four sets of tees and plenty of hazards to test the more experience golfer will still giving the beginner a fair chance. Be sure to check out the 9th green shaped as the great state of Minnesota.

At the end of the day, gather your family around the table for a meal at any of our dining establishments. Cozy up around a campfire in the evening. On a clear night, you’ll be wowed with brilliant constellations and maybe even get a a Northern Lights show.

5th Annual Beer Crawl

Looking for the best beer crawl on the Canadian Border! You’ve found it in Warroad, MN. The 5th Annual Beer Crawl is set for Saturday, August. 20. This is a great way to explore Warroad with fellow beer lovers and a visit to Warroad, on Lake of the Woods, is perfect for a weekend getaway.

Plan on arriving Friday afternoon so you can stop by The Shed, a Classic and Muscle Car Collection of over 100 cars. Then head out for dinner at one of our local restaurants. After dinner, head over to Seven Clans Casino to check out the action.

Saturday morning the fun & tasting begins.  After you’ve found a new favorite ale or two, head out to the Lake of the Woods to catch the big one (we’ve got lots of charter options available) or spend the day exploring the area on an ATV. Looking for something different, spend the day hiking or taking a tour of the Marin Visitor Center.

Spend Sunday out on the lake again, fishing from the docks, or over to Warroad Estates Golf Course on Lake of the Woods to practice you swing. On your way out of town Sunday, be sure to stop by the Warroad Municipal Liquor Store to pick up your favorite lager or ale with their quantity buy discount.

Beer Crawl tickets are $20 each and may be purchased the day of the event at the Warroad Muni.

For lodging, visit https://visitwarroad.com/

15 More Things To Do In Warroad This Summer

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our last post listing 15 things to do in Warroad this summer was so successful, we wanted to list 15 more things you should do when vacationing with us.  Be sure to check out our Facebook page listing “30 Things to See & Do in Warroad this Summer.” Think Summer! Think Adrenaline! Think Warroad![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Shopping in Warroad!

Whether you are searching for that special gift, a memento of your visit to Warroad, clothing, or those “basic necessities” like bait and tackle, you will be welcomed by our various area businesses and enjoy our small town atmosphere.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Guided Fishing Trips!

Area resorts and fishing guides are happy to show you where the fish are biting. Whether you choose a spot on the open water of Lake of the Woods, or some place along the perimeter of the big water, you are sure to have an unforgettable fishing experience in Warroad, MN.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Biking in Warroad –

The biking paths around the Warroad Point Park are ideal for family biking. The wide, paved trails that wind around the lagoons next to Lake of the Woods provide plenty of space for training wheels, bike trailers, and even tandem bikes. Choose a short loop of a few miles, or go the distance – about 7 miles out to the Warroad Estates and back. You may even see a deer!

Be sure to save the date for the Buschcraft Bike Ultra September 2nd – 4th.  120 miles of beaver dams, bogs, & bushwhacking.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Swimming

The outdoor swimming pool offers a sandy bottom and beach style edges providing a great alternative for lake swimming. Shower areas and changing rooms are provided and a lifeguard is on duty. Open June-August, 1-6pm, weather permitting. Cost is $3 per person.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Hockey Camp!

Attend Hockey Camp in the original Hockeytown USA™ where NHL & Olympic Greats have skated!

Upcoming camps include:
Gigi’s Marvins Hockey Camp: July 5-9 and July 11-15, 2016.
Turcotte Stick Handling Camp: July 18 – 22, 2016
Warroad Summer Hockey Camp: July 17 – 21, 2016[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Perfect your shot…or just practice

This 18 hole championship layout with a Par 72 – 6,942 yard design features four sets of tees and offers plenty of hazards (water and sand) to test the more experienced golfer while still giving the beginners a fair chance. The course is open to the public and has a relaxed atmosphere that will make anyone feel welcomed. Be sure to check out the 9th green shaped as the state of Minnesota. The course is located 1 mile north of the intersection of US Hwy 313 & US Hwy 11 in Warroad, MN or five miles south of the US/Canadian border form Canadian Hwy 12.

Visit there website by clicking here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Rent a Boat

Rent a boat and spend the day on Lake of the Woods. Explore islands, go swimming, watch a breath taking sunset & more. Lake of the Woods is where the fun is at.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Take in a Lake of the Woods Sunset

Come marvel at the beautiful red and orange colors of the sky. Sunrise or sunset, the views are amazing in Warroad.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Lake of the Woods Steam & Gas Show

Steam traction engines, tractors and other farm equipment of the early 1900s, as well as aspects of life in that era.

The annual show is held on the weekend of the first Sunday in August, 9 miles North of Roosevelt, Minnesota, on the Grove family farm, near the intersection of County Hwy 17 & County Road 50

Visit there website here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

5th Annual Beer Crawl

Looking for the best beer crawl in the North! You’ve found it in Warroad, MN. The 5th Annual Beer Crawl is a great way to explore Warroad with fellow beer lovers for a day or weekend getaway.  The 2016 Beer Crawl is set for Saturday, Aug. 20.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Yellow Rose 5k

If you love to run, you’ll love this run on the shores of beautiful Lake of the Woods. To register, click the link below:

Brochure Yellow Rose 5k[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Visit Fort St. Charles

Marker location: Warroad Point Park, at the end of Lake St. NE

Pierre Gaultier de Varennes, sieur de La Vérendrye, established Fort St. Charles on Lake of the Woods in 1732. A daring soldier, fur trader and explorer, Pierre had the ambitious dream of finding the fabled “western sea” and sought to establish French outposts along the way. On Magnusson Island (then connected with the mainland) he built a palisaded fort which he named in honor of Charles de Beauharnois, governor of New France. Fort St. Charles became the western capital of the French empire in the northwest. From it expeditions were launched and supplies dispatched to newer posts around Lake Winnipeg. Indians brought furs to trade for white men’s goods and these pelts were sent by canoe to Montreal. The scarcity of food and Indian warfare made life precarious. In 1736 Pierre’s oldest son John Baptiste de La Vérendrye, 19 voyageurs, and the Jesuit priest Father Aulneau, were sent on an expedition to the east for supplies. They were massacred by a Sioux war party on a nearby island. Abandoned after 1760, the fort was rediscovered and marked by a group of Jesuit fathe[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Warroad Tours

Let a local be your guide or head north into Canada for a day trip to the Northwest Angle, here you will go farther north than any other part of the contiguous United States.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

GET CREATIVE IN WARROAD, MN

Visit our website to see all the creative fun you can have on vacation![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Step Back In Time

DID YOU KNOW… Warroad is home to many historical places.

DID YOU KNOW….Warroad was once one of the largest Chippewa villages on Lake of the Woods.  The Chippewa fought a long and fierce war against the Sioux for the lake’s rice fields.  Occupying the prairies of the Red River Valley, the Sioux would frequently invade the territory by way of the Red and Roseau Rivers, a route which ended at the mouth of the Warroad River.  This was the old “war road” from which the river and village derived their name.

Come explore the rich history of the area.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Warroad Summer Theatre

Celebrating their 35th year, the Warroad Summer Theatre has a long-standing tradition of high quality, enjoyable amateur theater for tourist alike. Local actors & actresses spend months rehearsing & building sets to amaze travels from across the country.

Before your show, take in dinner at one of amazing local restaurants then enjoy an evening of the arts in Warroad, MN.

All summer performances take place at the Warroad High School Mini-Theater.

Ticket Prices:

$10/Show
$8 for Senior Citizens over 61 and children under 12
Season tickets are $35.
For more information, call 218-386-3435.

Upcoming Performances:

Mary Poppins
July 6-10 & 13-17

The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones she has a profound effect upon. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that “Anything can happen if you let it.”

 

Totally Necessary Men
Aug 2nd – 7th

This is an off-the-wall comedy about a shy, under-achieving office worker whose life is thrown into chaos with the unexpected arrival of his meddlesome, aging aunt at his modest apartment. Other arrivals following in quick succession include the aunt’s irascible husband, a gone-but-not-forgotten girlfriend and her insanely jealous partner, and a scheming co-worker whose interests encompass not only the office but also the bedroom.
Contains adult situations

4th of July Warroad in Warroad

Looking for the best 4th of July activities in the area? Warroad, MN celebrates the 4th like never before with 4 days of activities including: an amazing fireworks display on Lake of the Woods, street dance, inflatables, live music, a pancake breakfast, movie night, & so much more!

4th of July 2016 flyer 8.5 x 11

5th Annual Warroad Wine Walk

Call your friends and start planning your girls weekend in Warroad! The 5th Annual Wine Walk throughout the City of Warroad is Saturday, June 18!

Come explore Warroad and all we have to offer. The official starting point for the 2016 Wine Walk is the Warroad Municipal Liquor Store. Registration is $20 per person and include a souvenir wine glass and chances to win prizes.

To register, CLICK HERE.

Click here to visit the event on FB.

13015288_10153734828638386_2365129153256534266_n

15 Gotta Do’s In Warroad This Summer

Looking for a summer get-away where you can truly get-away from it all.  Pack up the car, hit the road and travel north, yes you read that correctly, north!  People come from all over the World to have their picture taken in Hockeytown USA™, to fish the famous waters of Lake of the Woods, to golf the 9th green shaped like great state of MN, or to view the Classic & Muscle Car collection of the towns mayor.  To help you plan your Warroad Vacation we have complied a list of 15 things you won’t want to miss out on when visiting us! Stay tuned next month for 15 more things to do in Warroad this summer.[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Chance your luck at Seven Clans Casino Warroad

Come experience a fun get-away with action-packed gaming and slots with a beautiful view of Lake of the Woods. Check out their latest promotions and special events.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

View over 100 Classic & Muscle Cars at The Shed

The Shed is a Classic and Muscle Car Collection displayed in a 24,000 square foot building located on Hwy. 11 West, next to Lake Country Chevrolet Buick in Warroad, MN. There are 100+ cars available for your viewing enjoyment. Hours vary, so please call 218-386-2211 or 218-242-1498 for availability. www.theshedwarroad.com[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”https://visitwarroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/The-Shed_2015-Final.jpg” image_size=”medium”][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Attend the 7th Annual Traditional Pow-Wow

“Kaabekanong (Warroad) hosts the Annual Warroad Traditional Pow-Wow presented by the Red Lake Nation.

The Pow-Wow features world-renowned drum groups (Eyabay of Red Lake and the P-Town Boys have participated in recent years) as well as drums from around the region. The Native drum is the heartbeat of the people. It is the first sound that a baby in the womb hears and its rhythms bring the people together in a (Bimaadiziwin) positive way…

Food vendors provide a wide range of items to sample, from fry bread tacos to Chippewa burgers to fries with gravy or chicken wild rice soup.

Specialty vendors offer traditional clothes, blankets, hats, jewelry and trinkets, to name a few.

Attendees can expect to be treated to good singing, dancing and hospitality!”[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”https://visitwarroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Screen-Shot-2016-04-20-at-1.56.56-PM.png” image_size=”medium”][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Sip Wine as you Shop During the 5th Annual Wine Walk

Call your girlfriends and make it a weekend in Warroad filled with friends, shopping, and of course wine! Warroad’s small town atmosphere offers a unique shopping experience and combine that with our annual wine walk, it’s a weekend you won’t want to miss.

Invite your friends to join you by clicking here.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Practice Your Swing at Warroad Estate Golf Course

Located on the shores of beautiful Lake of the Woods, our area is prized as being one of the top fishing areas of Minnesota. But did you know we are also home to an 18-hole championship golf course? Warroad Estates Golf Course, “The Jewel of the North,” is a wooded, well-maintained par 72 course offering plenty of hazards (both water and sand) to test the more serious player while still giving the beginner a very fair chance.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Listen to the Sounds of Oak Ridge Boys LIVE at Seven Clans Casino

Tickets on sale May 1st.

The Oak Ridge Boys have 12 gold albums, 3 platinum albums, one double platinum album, more than a dozen Number One singles, over 30 Top Ten hits, and 2015 Country Music Hall of Fame inductees! See them live this summer.

For more details, click here.[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”https://visitwarroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Screen-Shot-2016-04-20-at-2.10.11-PM.png” image_size=”medium”][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Fish the Legendary Lake of the Woods

Warroad is the only American port on Lake of the Woods. Make this summer the summer you vow to fish the legendary Lake of the Woods and catch a monster walleye.  Lake of the Woods is accessible at Warroad Point Park where there is plenty of free parking and fish cleaning houses.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Become One with Nature & Camp in Warroad

RV Campers along with the back-to-basics tent campers love what Warroad has to offer. Relax on your vacation fishing, boating, hiking, swimming, golfing, or just sit back and enjoy the lovely cool summer weather of northern Minnesota. Warroad is surrounded by thousands of acres of state forest lands to investigate. Opportunities to view a variety of wildlife abound.

For a list of campgrounds in Warroad, click here.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

North Country Cruise Classic Car Show

Not only do we have fantastic fishing on one of the most scenic lakes in the world, we also have one of the areas best car shows! The 11th Annual North Country Cruisers Classic Car and Bike Show is only held annually in June and its time to make your reservation. Car enthusiasts from all over the country gather to take in the views of these classics & now it’s your turn.

The show will be held on Saturday, June 25th, 2016 in Warroad, MN. Pre-registration begins at 6pm on Friday, June 24th.

To view cars from past North Country Cruiser shows or more details, visit http://www.northcountrycruisers.com/[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Lights, Camera, Action… at Warroad Summer Theatre

Every summer tourist travel across the border and states lines to see one thing… a Warroad Summer Theatre production and now it’s your turn! When traveling in Northern Minnesota this summer make plans to spend an evening in Warroad and take in a show.

Celebrating their 36th year, the Warroad Summer Theatre has a long-standing tradition of high quality, enjoyable amateur theater for tourist alike. Local actors & actresses spend months rehearsing & building sets to amaze travels from across the country.

Before your show, take in dinner at a local restaurant then enjoy an evening of the arts in Warroad, MN.

All summer performances take place at the Warroad High School Mini-Theater.

Ticket Prices:

$10/Show
$8 for Senior Citizens over 61 and children under 12
Season tickets are $35.
For more information, call 218-386-3435.

Upcoming Productions:[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”https://visitwarroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/12998296_1168442806520545_7549271929361577663_o.jpg” image_size=”medium”][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Wm. S. Marvin Training And Visitor Center

Another MUST SEE & DO when visiting or traveling through. The 6,000 square foot Visitor Center allows guests to experience the rich history, innovations & commitment to excellence of Marvin Windows and Doors. The exhibits include a combination of artifacts and interactive presentations that will wow visitors of all ages.[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”https://visitwarroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Screen-Shot-2016-04-20-at-9.57.53-AM.png” image_size=”medium”][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Run, bike, or walk the bike path at the Warroad Point Park along Lake of the Woods

[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

ATV

ATV enthusiasts will be happy to know there are over 1,400 miles of ATV accessible roads and trails within the greater Beltrami area and Carp Pitt; a recreation area favored by riders that features picnic tables and space for camping.

Off-highway vehicles can be driven on all state forest trails that are not designated as off limits for environmental or safety reasons. Warroad, with thousands of acres of prime ATV destinations right out our front door, is a great place to stay if you are planning an “off-road” vacation.

Check the Parks page for detailed information on each of the following state forests:

  • Beltrami Island State Forest is just east of Warroad and spans an area of 66,903 acres.
  • Lost River State Forest is west of Warroad on Hwy 310 and encompasses 63,000 acres.
  • Northwest Angle State Forest is north of Warroad located on Lake of the Woods.

[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”https://visitwarroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ATV_VisitWarroad_2015B.jpg” image_size=”medium”][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Snap a Selfie in Hockeytown USA™

Did you know Warroad holds the proudest hockey legacy in the United States, having produced 5 NHL players & countless hockey stars. Grab your selfie stick and take your picture in the one and only, the original, Hockeytown USA™. Be sure to use the hashtag #hockeytownusa & #warroadselfie when sharing your pictures on social media.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Attend Gigi’s Marvin’s Hockey Camp

Sign your future hockey professional up for camp in Warroad. After all, you are in Hockeytown USA™.  2016 camp dates are: July 5-9 and July 11-15.

To register or for more details, click here.[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”https://visitwarroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Screen-Shot-2016-04-05-at-2.16.41-PM.png” image_size=”full”][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row]