A Century of Hospitality: East Silent Lake Resort Celebrates Tradition, Family, and the Spirit of Minnesota

DENT, Minnesota – Nestled along the sparkling shores of East Silent Lake, a story more than a century in the making is unfolding every summer. East Silent Lake Resort, a cherished Minnesota family resort since 1915, stands as a vibrant testament to resilience, heritage, and heart. In an era when the traditional MN resort is facing economic pressures and industry decline, the Leonard family is proudly defying the odds—one guest, one cabin, and one summer at a time.

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, signaling the unofficial start of summer in Minnesota, the resort—and many others across Lakes Country—is buzzing with preparations. From fresh-cut lawns to polished paddleboats and activity boards filling with weekly events, the energy is rising for what promises to be another unforgettable season.

“When we say we’re a family-run resort,” says Margaret Leonard with a smile, “we mean it in every sense of the word.”

From being greeted at the lodge’s front desk by 10-year-old Caroline Leonard’s cheerful “Welcome!” to 12-year-old Maggie Leonard and her friend folding laundry and making beds under the watchful eye of her grandmother and namesake, Margaret, every guest interaction is touched by the warmth of family. Meanwhile, 14-year-old Louis Leonard—who could drive a boat before he could ride a bike—can be found mowing lawns, cleaning gutters, or delivering pizzas and bags of ice atop his trusty Onewheel.

At the center of this family effort is Brian Leonard, who has officially traded his black suit for a lawn mower, trimmer, and leaf blower. At 73, Brian’s days now stretch from sunup to sundown—and he wouldn’t have it any other way. Steady and deliberate, with a trusty to-do list always in his pocket, Brian works side-by-side with a team of summer helpers more than 50 years his junior (who, frankly, struggle to keep up).

“I’ve swapped hearses for golf carts,” Brian jokes. “And I’ve never looked back.”

This hands-on, all-in family approach is at the heart of what makes East Silent Lake Resort special. The Leonard family isn’t just preserving a business—they’re preserving a way of life. Much like the family farms that once dotted the Minnesota countryside, traditional family resorts are as much about lifestyle and values as they are about business. And like the family farm, these resorts depend on generations working side-by-side, learning from each other, and sharing a deep connection with land, water, and community.

“In many ways, the family resort is the rural Minnesota equivalent of the family farm,” says Brian, who, along with his wife Margaret, took on the resort as a second act after over three decades in the funeral profession in Iowa. “You get immersed in the work—mowing lawns, checking boats, filling tubes for guests—and before you know it, you’re passing it down to your kids.”

For Brian and Margaret, East Silent Lake Resort has been a labor of love, a continuation of their life’s work of caring for people during important life moments. But here, instead of grief and goodbyes, they deal in joy and reunions. The transition from funeral service to hospitality may seem unusual to some, but to the Leonards, it’s a perfect fit.

“Both are about serving people with warmth, kindness, and attention to detail,” Brian says. “We’ve just traded black suits for a more casual wardrobe.”

Rooted in Relationships

Over the years, thousands of guests have passed through the doors of East Silent Lake Resort—most returning year after year, becoming part of the resort’s extended family. Generations of families now gather here every summer, sharing stories, laughter, and the kind of unhurried connection that’s hard to find in today’s world.

“People come here as strangers and leave as family,” says Brian. “That’s the magic we’re working to protect.”

One shining example of this magic is the Anderson family from Illinois, whose connection to East Silent Lake Resort spans over 70 years. Among them is Missy Anderson, a young adult who has developed a deeply meaningful bond with Margaret Leonard—a former special education teacher. Their friendship has grown so close that Missy now visits Margaret in Iowa during the off-season, while the Leonard family travels to Illinois to cheer Missy on at her Special Olympics events.

The Andersons’ ties to the resort run deep. Missy’s sister, Merideth, was married here, and today, her children—now the fourth generation of Andersons to visit East Silent—have become fast friends with the Leonard grandchildren. “For years, they thought they were cousins,” Margaret laughs. “And honestly, in every way that counts—they are.”

Honoring the Past: O’Haver Village

Brian and Margaret Leonard were introduced to Minnesota resorts the same way many are—through a vacation. “We took our first family vacation to Otter Tail County in 1980,” recalls Margaret. That visit sparked a nearly 20-year tradition of annual getaways that nurtured the Leonards’ deep appreciation for lakes country and the timeless charm of resort life.

Today, that appreciation is evident in their commitment to preserving East Silent Lake Resort’s history—most notably through the restoration and modernization of its eight original cabins, now nearing 70 years old. Built in the late 1950s, the cabins still boast their beloved knotty pine interiors, but time has made clear the need for more extensive updates. “Most people probably would’ve just torn them down and started over,” Brian says with a smile. “It would’ve been cheaper, for sure.”

But for the Leonards, it’s not just about cost—it’s about legacy. The cabins will be upgraded with modern infrastructure, including new foundations, plumbing, and utilities, and winterized to allow for year-round use. The project reflects not only an investment in the resort’s future but also a reverence for its past.

This dedication to heritage is captured in the naming of the restored area: O’Haver Village, in honor of Mrs. O’Haver, the enterprising woman who helped shape the early days of the resort. According to family stories, Mrs. O’Haver oversaw construction of the original cabins while seated on a five-gallon pail—an image that speaks volumes about her grit, vision, and high standards. “These cabins have stood the test of time because of her,” says Margaret. “This isn’t just about renovating old buildings—it’s about honoring the women and families who laid the foundation for what this place is today. It’s about preserving the past, while building for the future.”

The Future of Resort Living

And that future continues to evolve. Most recently, the Leonard family completed construction on their newest fractional ownership vacation home—a model they’ve embraced to serve the changing needs of today’s busy families while staying true to the timeless spirit of the resort.

“Families want flexibility,” says Brian Leonard. “They want to come to the lake, make memories, and be part of something special—without the stress and cost of full ownership. That’s exactly what we’re offering.”

Unlike traditional timeshares, fractional ownership at East Silent Lake Resort provides deeded real estate ownership. This allows families to enjoy beautifully appointed accommodations, share maintenance costs, and schedule visits with greater ease—all while building equity. “It’s low-maintenance, high-reward,” says Brian. “And best of all, it keeps families coming back year after year.”

East Silent Lake Resort remains the only resort in the region offering this innovative model, making it a pioneer in blending heritage hospitality with modern practicality. For the Leonards, it’s about more than keeping up with industry trends—it’s about ensuring the resort thrives for generations to come.

As the docks go in and the grills heat up for Memorial Weekend, the Leonards—like so many other resort families across Lakes Country—stand ready to welcome a new wave of guests to the lake. The cabins are clean, the kayaks are stacked, and the spirit of summer is alive and well at East Silent Lake Resort.

For more information, visit www.eastsilentresort.com or contact Andy Leonard at [email protected]. Scheduled media events and resort tours are available May 19-26.