Frank and Ann

We welcome you to Birch Ridge Resort!

Our resort was originally founded over 70 years ago in 1932 by the Huddlesons, followed by the Oehlers who took over in 1941.

Earl and Verlyn Tiggemann with Frank, Ann, Gina, Joe and Dominic Alianello

Birch Ridge Resort

has been in this family since 1971. We are the second generation taking over from the Tiggemanns. Having lived the fast life in the Windy City, Frank and Ann were ready to retreat to the resort in 1995 with their kids, Gina and Joe.

We take pride in our clean cabins, friendly staff and well manicured grounds. As your hosts, we strive to make you feel at home while you’re relaxing and creating fond memories.

History

1932 Huddlesons establish resort, calling it Huddleson’s Resort

1941 Oehlers buy resort, change name to Oehler’s Resort. 5 or 6 cabins

1940s Shed with ice and sawdust to store fish (no refrigeration), lodge built

1971 Tiggemanns purchase resort and rename it Birch Ridge Resort. 11 cabins, 15 aluminum boats, and a pontoon

1979 Harbor built

1985 Sucker Bay Road blacktopped. Used to have 96 curves in the road, now only 23

1995 Frank & Ann Alianello (daughter of Earl & Verlyn) buy resort from Tiggemanns

2004 Duplex 12 & 13 bought from Rock Springs’ auction to replace old trailers

2005 1st slot limit placed on walleye.

2007 MN state bans smoking in public places

Directions

Where we are located in Minnesota

 

Resort Map

Activities

Gone Fishing

Although nationally famous for its muskie fishing; northern pike, walleye pike, large mouth bass, crappies, perch and sunfish abound to test your angling skills at our pristine Leech Lake resort.

Fish of Leech Lake

  • rockbass

  • eelpout

  • white fish

  • tulebee

  • dogfish

  • muskellunge

  • walleye

  • northern pike

  • largemouth bass

  • crappie

  • skunked

  • bullhead

  • panfish

  • perch

Local Recreation

If you feel like exploring the area, there are plenty of activities to entertain you. Try your luck at one of the three casinos within an hours drive. Visit a forest preserve and see the Mississippi headwaters. Play a round of golf at one of the areas many courses, catch a movie at the newly remodeled theater in Bemidji, grab a bite to eat or browse the shops and boutiques in the Bemidji/Walker area. The area has a variety of activities to choose from and is sure to please all who visit!

Golf Course

  • Sand Trap – Cass Lake

  • Long Bow – Walker

  • Tianna Country Club – Walker

  • Greenwood – Bemidji

  • Bemidji Country Club – Bemidji

  • Maple Ridge – Bemidji

  • Castle Highlands – Bemidji

  • Frisbee Golf – Bemidji

Outdoor

  • Paul Bunyan’s Animal Land

  • Heartland Trail

  • Itasca State Park

  • Chippewa National Forest

  • Forest Edge Winery

  • Summer Hill Farm

Casinos

  • Palace – Cass Lake

  • Northern Lights – Walker

  • White Oaks – Deer River

What to bring

  • fishing gear – don’t forget the landing netMinnow bucket duck

  • rain gear – you don’t wanna get soaked

  • fishing license – don’t get caught without one!

  • sunblock – so you don’t burn

  • bug spray – to keep skeeters away

  • food – to eat

  • towels – to dry off

  • toiletries/toothbrush – the dentists still recommend brushing 2x a day!

  • soap – to stay clean

  • kleenex – to wipe your tears if the big one gets away!

  • charcoal/lighter fluid – to cook the burgers on the grill

  • flashlight – in case you get lost in the dark

  • camera – to document actual fish size

  • personal pillow – if you are real picky

  • swim wear – to get your tan on or to cool off

  • favorite beverage – for days when the fish don’t bite. Heck, even when they do!

  • singing voice – to keep up with the jukebox

  • cell phone – yes, we get service up here!

  • snow suit – in case it gets REALLY cold

  • sunglasses – to get an awesome pair of raccoon eyes

  • radio/alarm – wake up early to catch the big one

  • extra set of spark plugs – for your old motor that gets used once a year

  • golf clubs – excellent courses in the area

  • pooper scooper -please pick up after your pet

  • guitar – to sing Kumbaya around the fire

  • garbage bags – for inside the cabin

  • coolers – keep beverages cold and refreshing

  • hat/bandana – to keep your cool

  • map/GPS – if you feel like exploring

  • batteries – always good to have extras

  • life jacket – in case you don’t look good in orange