Historic Otter Tail County Resort Celebrates 105 Years
After being closed for several weeks, East Silent Lake Resort will be celebrating more than the reopening of their business on Friday. The Leonard Family, owners of East Silent Lake Resort, will also be celebrating 105 years of operation this summer. While COVID-19 may limit some of their events and activities, they’ll still be taking time to celebrate the anniversary with their many business partners, area residents, previous owners, as well as thousands of past and present guests.
“This is a remarkable milestone,” said Andrew Leonard, owner and operator. “East Silent Lake Resort has a storied history and it is a privilege to be here for its 105th anniversary.” A German pastor, Charles Frederick Bublitz, started the resort 1915 to provide a summer retreat where his family could make some memories and host friends. Over a century later, that tradition continues at East Silent Lake Resort. “It is an honor to host family vacations year after year,” said Leonard. “We have families that have been visiting for 60 plus years.”
Like many resorts around the state, East Silent Lake Resort will open to the public this weekend with considerable precautions in place to protect their guests and staff. “We are following guidance from the local, state and federal authorities. While this season will certainly be different, we’re very excited to be opening,” said Leonard. Situated on 50 wooded acres, East Silent Lake Resort is an ideal place to social distance. “The phone is starting to ring again,” said Leonard. “While people may not jump on a plane yet, we’ve received several calls from families wanting to vacation closer to home this summer.”
Minnesota resorts have been hard hit over the past several decades. At one time, Otter Tail County boasted 150 resorts, the second highest in Minnesota. Unfortunately, in the past 30 years, the area has experienced a 57% decline in the number of resorts (126 to 64). The Leonard Family is very concerned about the impact COVID-19 will have on their industry and other tourism-based businesses. “We are worried about our fellow resort owners and other tourism businesses. They are all an integral part of Otter Tail County’s business ecosystem and we need them to be healthy.”
