East Silent Resort

Rain...and more rain.

2010-03-12T08:27:00.001-06:00

Hello Friends…

It has been an interesting March around in this part of the country. Most mornings I drive by big Lake Detroit on my way into work. This winter, I enjoyed watching the flood of ice houses cover the “frozen” lake…where only days earlier there was open water. So, when driving into town on March 1^st, I was a little sad to see them gone. I remember thinking… “It’s too bad the ice houses need to be off the ice already.” Now…less than 2 weeks later…I understand. It has been quite warm the past couple weeks. The warm weather, coupled with regular rain showers, have resulted in a slushy mess. I imagine it would be nearly impossible to get houses off at this point. In front of the beach at East Silent Resort, there is actually a pond on top of the ice. We also have many ponds of water throughout the property…most notably, about 1-2 feet of water down by the fire pit. I’ll try to get some photos of the water over the weekend to share. We eagerly look forward to summer…and the arrival of our many guests. See you all soon.

This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, March 11 , 2010 sponsored by the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce. You may also hear this report by calling (218)847-5743 or 1-800-433-1888.

Spring seems to be coming in gently, but that might change at any moment. Temperatures in the northwest have been downright balmy for this time of year with highs in the high thirties, low forties and lows just tickling the freezing mark. Snow is melting fast and brown spots are starting to get larger in the fields. There are reports of some birds returning and the resident ones are starting to sing their spring songs.

Brad and Dee Ehlers reported RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center south of Fergus Falls in Otter Tail County on March 8. Several AMERICAN ROBINS and many HORNED LARKS were seen in the county this week.

Ron Erpelding and Herb Dingmann found RED CROSSBILLS on the weekend in Hubbard County two miles south of the Beltrami County border.

Sandy Aubol in Polk County reported an adult BALD EAGLE on the nest in East Grand Forks on March 11.

Maggie Anderson at Agassiz NWR in Marshall County observed a BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE carrying nesting material on March 11.

In Beltrami County, Ron Erpelding and Herb Dingmann found 3 NORTHERN HAWK OWLS on the north side of Shoreline Drive which runs along the north side of Upper Red Lake last weekend, and a NORTHERN SHRIKE was also seen there. Two BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKERS were seen on the west side of MN 72 a quarter mile north of mile marker 43 while a BOREAL CHICKADEE and a BROWN CREEPER were seen on the east side of MN 72 near mile marker 42.

From Kittson County, Larry Wilebski reported another NORTHERN HAWK OWL two miles east of his cabin northwest of Lancaster on March 6, and he mentioned that the NORTHERN HAWK OWL was still at St Vincent adjacent to the Red River.

Gretchen Mehmel reported that several GRAY PARTRIDGE were seen roosting in a barn north of Wannaska in Roseau County this week. Gene Knutson in Roosevelt has a VARIED THRUSH in his yard this week.

In Lake of the Woods County Gretchen Mehmel reported that 14 SHARP-TAILED GROUSE were seen south of Cecil's Landing on the Roosevelt Road on March 7 ; and on March 11 two males and a female SPRUCE GROUSE were seen about two miles east of Norris Camp along the Roosevelt Road. A NORTHERN HAWK OWL is still working the shear area east of East Hiwood Road. Ron Erpelding and Herb Dingmann found 8-10 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS, two WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS, a PINE GROSBEAK, and a male NORTHERN CARDINAL in Baudette on the weekend, and a BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER on the Faunce Forest Road.

Thanks to Brad and Dee Ehlers, Gretchen Mehmel, Larry Wilebski, Maggie Anderson, Ron Erpelding, Herb Dingmann, and Sandy Aubol for their reports.

Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at ajjoppru@q.com OR call the Detroit Lakes Chamber's toll free number: 1-800-542-3992. Detroit Lakes area birders please call 847-9202. Please include the county where the sighting took place. The next scheduled update of this report is Thursday, March 18, 2010

Spring Is Here? Birds Are Here!

2010-03-09T08:53:00.001-06:00

Well…Spring might still be a few weeks away. But, there have been plenty of birds hanging around the resort in recent weeks. I was sitting in the Lodge yesterday and enjoyed watching a group of Blue Jays and a HUGE Red-Headed Woodpecker. Do you enjoy birding? East Silent Resort is the perfect spot for your next birding getaway. Outside your cabin door, you have 50 acres of prime forest, wetlands, and open prairie to explore. Enjoy spectacular birding without getting in your car. Or…we are only minutes from Maplewood State Park and the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail. Visit us in May for the Festival of Birds in Detroit Lakes, MN. In an effort to update or guests on bird sightings in the area…we’ll include the area’s bird report on our blog.

This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, March 4, 2010 sponsored by the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce. You may also hear this report by calling (218)847-5743 or 1-800-433-1888.

Mother nature is teasing us this week with calm , sunny days and cold nights. There have been several foggy mornings with trees laden with frost creating photographic opportunities. Birds are starting to come back with a few spring migrants already present, and more of the first wave expected soon.

Gretchen Mehmel reported from the Beltrami Island State Forest in Lake of the Woods County this week. On the weekend, a SPRUCE GROUSE was seen north of Faunce, RUFFED GROUSE east of Norris Camp, and a NORTHERN HAWK OWL on the Roosevelt Road north of the Faunce-Butterfield road. At Norris Camp there were PILEATED WOODPECKER, GRAY JAY, and PINE GROSBEAKS.

In Roseau County, Beth Siverhus reported 6 SHARP-TAILED GROUSE east of CR 9, a NORTHERN HAWK OWL near the Canadian border north of Roseau, BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE, and 70 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS in Warroad last weekend.

Larry Wilebski reported WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS in Lancaster, Kittson County, on March 3. There were HORNED LARKS along roads in the county this week.

In Clearwater County north of Itasca SP, Connie Cox reported a RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, NORTHERN SHRIKE, AMERICAN ROBIN and 15-20 PINE GROSBEAKS on February 26. Marshall Howe found 7-8 RED CROSSBILLS at Itasca SP on February 24. Other species seen included two dark phase ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, and COMMON REDPOLLS.

Diana Morkassel saw AMERICAN ROBINS in Marshall County on February 26, and PILEATED WOODPECKER on February 27.

Shelley Steva saw HORNED LARKS in Red Lake County on February 28.

Bruce Flaig in southern Polk County reported RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS on February 28. Shelley Steva found HORNED LARKS on CR 6 that day.Sandy Aubol in East Grand Forks reported a BALD EAGLE and one HOUSE FINCH on March 3.

Herb Dingmann found WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS and two NORTHERN CARDINALS in Detroit Lakes , Becker County on February 27.

In Otter Tail County, Wayne Runningen reported that numbers of TRUMPETER SWANS have wintered along the Otter Tail River. 73 were at the Prairie Lake inlet north of Pelican Rapids On February 28, and 50 were at Riverview Sanctuary in Fergus Falls.

Rick Gjervold, reporting from Wilkin County on March 1, found one BALD EAGLE, 5 SHORT-EARED OWLS, two AMERICAN ROBINS, and several flocks of SNOW BUNTINGS in the county that day.

Brad and Dee Ehlers saw an AMERICAN KESTREL on a power line near Alexandria on March 1.

Thanks to Beth Siverhus, Brad and Dee Ehlers, Bruce Flaig, Connie Cox, Diana Morkassel, Gretchen Mehmel, Herb Dingmann, Larry Wilebski, Marshall Howe, Rick Gjervold, Sandy Aubol, Shelley Steva, and Wayne Runningen for their reports.

Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at ajjoppru@q.com OR call the Detroit Lakes Chamber’s toll free number: 1-800-542-3992. Detroit Lakes area birders please call 847-9202. Please include the county where the sighting took place. The next scheduled update of this report is Thursday, March 11, 2010.

Andy Leonard Receives FAA/DOT Award

2009-12-28T08:19:00.001-06:00

Around the resort, Andy is our “Jack of All Trades.” Most remember him as the friendly face greeting guests or the “launcher” for the Human Launch Contest. However, Andy is also our beach grooming extraordinaire, animal caretaker, and garbage man. And those are just a few of him jobs in the summer. In the off-season, Andy is a aviation graduate student at the University of North Dakota…and apparently a darn good one. We are excited to let our many resort friends know that Andy was recently named the named the Outstanding Center of Excellence Student of the Year by the Federal Aviation Administration. He’ll be honored in Washington D.C. in January.

Check out these local news stories about the award:

http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/145325/

http://fergusforum.com/2009/12/25/dent-student-earns-national-award/

Snapping Turtle Visits East Silent Resort

2009-08-10T12:00:00.007-05:00

On one lovely summer day at East Silent Resort a curious snapping turtle came onto our sandy beach to sun bathe. No, the snapping turtle did not want a golden tan like our human guest at East Silent Resort that day, rather the snapping turtle wanted to absorb some heat and light from the sun. Unlike humans, turtles cannot generate their own body heat, so they must find other ways to regulate their body temperature like sun bathing. Some of our guests were able to take a picture with the sun bathing snapping turtle. (The snapping turtle was not harmed, just a little grumpy from being disturbed)

Family Time!!!

2009-07-27T13:37:00.007-05:00

A family vacation is great time to escape the day-to-day life and spend valuable time with your family. According to Professor’s House, a reputable family website, vacations are a key family-building activity. We at East Silent Resort try to make our resort a perfect place for a family-fun vacation. Our resort is family friendly, with many family-centered amenities and activities. The Detroit Lakes Area also offers countless activities for a family. We want to give families unforgettable memories that they can treasure forever.

We many special packages tailored toward families. We also have a special offer not listed on the website for families. Rent two or more cabins and receive a hosted day on East Silent Lake in our Glastron Deck Boat. We provide the boat, gas, equipment…and even the captain/instructor. All you have to do is enjoy your favorite water activities with your family. Call 1-888-345-4842 and mention "Hosted Day on East Silent Lake Special".

Lazy Days of Summer

2009-06-21T14:35:00.005-05:00

While we offer an endless list of activities at East Silent Resort, many of our guests love those "lazy days of summer”. Summers in Minnesota may seem short so people try to cram in as much activities as possible. They are also great for relaxation. The days are nice to bath under the warmth of the sun, while the nights offer a refreshing decline in tempature to enjoy the warmth of a soothing bonfire. There is nothing like a week worth of relaxation in the solitude and tranquility of lakeside living. Below look how guest enjoy the "lazy days of summer" at East Silent Resort.

Endless Possibilities

2009-06-15T21:42:00.014-05:00

Enjoy countless outdoor activities…fish, swim, boat, ski, wakeboard, golf, hike, or bike! We have room to play volleyball, shoot hoops, play catch, and build a sand castle. Whatever your favorite activity is, we have it at our Minnesota lake resort!

Walleye...From Water to the Wall

2009-05-31T13:22:00.001-05:00

We love hearing from our guests. Last year, Carl Chaney of Fremont, NE had a great 10 days of fishing on East Silent Lake. As you can see, he didn’t have any problem finding walleye. In fact, he hammered them, including a 9 lb 29 inch beauty. Over the winter, he had his walleye mounted at Wildlife Creation in Omaha, NE. His East Silent Lake Walleye is now displayed proudly in his home. Will he have this good of luck in 2009??? According to the Minnesota DNR Fisheries Management, his chances are GREAT!

East Silent Resort on Valley News Live (Fargo, ND)

2009-05-31T11:04:00.003-05:00

We have received many requests for the Valley News Live story on East Silent Resort. Here it is!!! Thanks to our many wonderful guests for making East Silent Resort your vacation destination.

Water Toys at East Silent Resort!

2009-05-25T08:49:00.000-05:00

Without a doubt…the water trampoline and human launch were a huge hit with kids last year. We love water toys. In fact, we love them so much we brave 40-50 degree water temps to anchor the toys each spring. That was the scene last weekend. After a serious game of Paper, Rock, Scissors…Andy took the plunge into CHILLY East Silent Lake. As you can see…he managed to get everything anchored – even the NEW slide!!! Now we just need some kids!!! If you haven’t booked for 2009, call now. We still have a few prime summer openings!

What A Crappie!

2009-05-24T12:01:00.000-05:00

We hope everyone is having a relaxing Memorial weekend. We are sure enjoying the warmer weather here at East Silent Resort. Just thought we’d share this great photo. As the spawn comes to a close and the fish start their move back to deeper water, many anglers put up their crappie gear and transition into fishing for bass and other fish species. Not Blaine! Blaine caught the massive crappie off the main dock yesterday. What a catch!

One Huge Bird!!!

2009-05-23T16:28:00.001-05:00

Everyone seems to love East Silent Resort! Even birds. Andy captured these great photos of The Heron…a daily guest. The Heron is usually found perched on the swim raft or water trampoline. However, when the resort is quite, especially in the morning, he grazes on minnows and small fish in front of the beach. Visit East Silent Resort this summer and meet The Herron, The Loons, and many other impressive birds.

CSB/SJU Reunion at East Silent Resort

2009-05-23T12:25:00.001-05:00

Last weekend East Silent Resort hosted the 1^st Annual Silent Stock. Johnnies and Bennies from the classes of ’01, ’03, ’06, and ’11 enjoyed a weekend of boat rides, a BBQ, a bonfire, and lots of catching up. The weather was a little chilly, but it was nice enough for the ladies of ’03 to enjoy relaxing on the beach and drinking some wine. And some of the boys from the class of ’01 enjoyed a round of golf at the Wildflower Golf Course. Everyone agreed it was a great way to kick off the summer. Next year’s Silent Stock is already scheduled for May 22^nd, 2010! We hope even more Johnnies and Bennies will come enjoy the fun-filled weekend!

Feature on Fargo Valley News Tonight!!!

2009-05-15T17:26:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone...
We just received confirmation that Valley News in Fargo, ND (KVLY 11 & KX 4)will feature East Silent Resort in a news story tonight! Unfortunately, Minnesota loses dozens of resorts each year. Valley News is reporting on what existing resorts (like East Silent Resort) are doing to remain sustainable. We work hard to add new amenities for our guests, like the water trampoline, toys, etc. Guests, especially kids, enjoy our many activities and events. We also take pride in our manicured grounds and comfortable cabins...which are updated almost annually. It is our wonderfully loyal guests, however, that make East Silent Resort SO special!!! We realize there are many vacation destinations. But each year, families return (some for over 50 years). So, thank you GUESTS for choosing East Silent Resort as your "timeless tradition."

The Leonards

East Silent Resort Fishing Memories

2009-03-22T23:16:00.010-05:00

Hello East Silent Resort Friends...

As our guests aleady know, East Silent Lake provides some of the best and most diverse fishing in the Otter Tail area. East Silent Resort is also just minutes from hundreds of other excellent fishing lakes. Lake Lizzie near Detroit Lakes offers great Walleye, Northern Pike and Bluegill numbers. Star Lake near Dent also specializes in Northern Pike and Bluegill. Dead Lake is located about 3 miles south of Dent and connects to Otter Tail and Walker lakes via the Dead River. In less than a month (May 9th, 2009) the Walleye and Pike fishing opener will be here. With fishing season right around the corner, it has us thinking about our favorite "fish stories" from 2008. We put together this photo essay to capture the many stories about East Silent Resort fishing. Hope you enjoy it!

Return of the East Silent Resort Blog

2009-03-22T22:25:00.010-05:00

Hello Friends...

Are you ready for Spring? We are! After a long break...the East Silent Resort Blog is back! Going forward, we'll try our best to provide regular updates about the resort and Otter Tail Country area! We are even looking for "guest bloggers." So, feel free to send your favorite resort memory, fish story, or even recommendations for future guests.

As many of you remember (and experienced), the East Silent Resort "Human Launch" was a favorite activity last summer. Kids, teens, and adults alike enjoyed the thrill of launching each other through the air and into crystal clear East Silent Lake. We thought this video captured the nervous anticipation and exileration of the activity.

Free Pontoon Rental with Bear Den

2008-03-01T11:14:00.008-06:00

Bear Den & Boat Package

After a fun-filled day of boating, fishing, skiing, swimming, and tubing…relax in the luxury accommodation of the completely remodeled Bear Den. And...rent the Bear Den between 5/31 - 6/20 and 8/23 - 9/5 and we'll throw in the pontoon. That's right, receive a FREE pontoon rental with any weeks stay in the Bear Den.

Want to learn more about the Bear Den! - Click Here

Call today! 1-800-242-6904

Not valid with any other offer
Please mention discount at time of booking. Discount available at time of booking only. Not valid with any other discounts or specials. Does not include tax or surcharge. Other restrictions may apply.

New Guest Spring Special

2008-02-18T08:20:00.006-06:00

Are you looking for the perfect spring getaway? Are you new to East Silent Resort and beautiful Otter Tail County, Minnesota? Well, look no further. Our “New Guest Spring Special” will give you just the nudge you need to take a break from your schedule.

Between 5/2/2008 and 5/30/2008, new guests at East Silent Resort receive 1 FREE night for every 2 nights purchased. That’s right...Pay for 2 and Stay for 3! Pay for 4 and Stay for 6! You get the idea!

Spring is quickly approaching. Call now to reserve your comfortable lakeside cottage! 1-800-242-6904. Or, make a reservation request online.

And while you may try East Silent Resort for our great spring savings…our first rate service, facilities and accommodations will keep you coming back for years!

Quilters Retreat with Johanna Wilson

2008-02-08T16:07:00.000-06:00

Johanna Wilson, nationally respected quilt designer, author and teacher, returns to East Silent Resort in August 2008 for quilting retreat.

CALL (800) 242-6904 to Book Today!

ABOUT THE RETREAT

Everything we do is aimed at making your quilting retreat memorable. From check in to check out, you will meet new friends, share ideas, have fun and quilt to your hearts' content in your own lakeside cabin. This affordable three-night retreat is packed with opportunities to socialize, sew, shop and pamper yourself.

ABOUT JOHANNA WILSON

Jo is a quilt author, designer & teacher who has built a national reputation upon her ability to make quilting an exciting creative and satisfying process. Her style is to personalize the quilting process and to encourage both beginning and experienced quilters to develop their ability to create works of art in a variety of fabrics and designs. Jo has published seven books and more than thirty patterns.

AVAILABLE RETREAT DATES FOR 2008:

Aug. 23rd to Aug. 26th (3 nights)
Aug. 26th to Aug. 29th (3 nights)
OR, take advantage of both workshops by staying all week (Aug. 26th to Aug. 30th). Best Value!

REGISTRATION COST:

Price per person for 2 bedroom cabins: Begins at $228 (2/cabin), $152 (3/cabin), $114 (4/cabin).
Price per person for 3 bedroom cabins: Begins at $175 (4/cabin), $140 (5/cabin), $117 (6/cabin).

INCLUDED IN RETREAT COST:

3 nights lodging
Workshop with Johanna Wilson
Continental breakfast morning of workshops
Workspaces, irons, ironing boards, and extension cords
All of our resort amenities

ITEMS TO BRING:

Projects and fabric
Sewing machine
Books, patterns, scissors, rotary cutters, specialty lighting, rulers, cutting boards

N-O-R-T-H-E-R-N P-I-K-E

2007-09-02T14:55:00.000-05:00

East Silent Lake is best known for its walleye. However, there are many species of fish for guests to catch. Most recently we've been impressed by some large northern pike. Check out these great photos!

Lori displays a nice 6.5 lb. northern pike!

Darel had an interesting week at East Silent Resort. Check out this 15 lb. monster.
The giant mouth on this fish was most impressive.

Darel shows off another great northern...9 lbs (I think).
We were all amazed at how long and skinny this fish was!

Did You Know???
Did you know the largest northern pike caught in Minnesota weighed 45 pound, 12 ounces. It was taken on Basswood Lake in 1929. The world record pike (55 pounds, 1 ounce) was caught from a lake in Germany. Northern pike look a lot like muskies. But pike have light markings on a dark body background. Muskies usually have dark markings on a light body background.

Summer Fish Stories

2007-08-29T18:05:00.000-05:00

What a summer for fish stories!

As the season slowly comes to a close, we wanted to share some of our favorite "fish stories" from 2007. Although East Silent Lake is known for its large walleye numbers, our guests have brought in a variety of fish this summer.

N is for Neil and Northern. What a great catch!

Tim Donnelly proudly shows off his 6lb, 27 in. walleye.
This prize fish was released...just think how big it'll be next year!

Sometimes the size of the fish doesn't matter though. Julia and Olivia are proud of their catch. We just hope Jason and Phil didn't try to clean them :) !

A fine bass caught right off the dock.

Another large bass caught by Joshua Tigges. In addition to being caught off the dock, this fine fish was brought in by a "Barbie Pole."

Old Pros! The Anderson girls have been coming to East Silent Resort since they were born. And with Grandpa Frank's help...they always manage to bring in some whoppers!

Didn’t Catch the Big One This Year???
Fortunatley, East Silent Resort is open until October 1, and the perfect “home base” for fall fishing. AND…our incredible lodging specials will give you just the nudge you need to take a break from your schedule. For example…

Receive 1 FREE night (Thurs. or Sun.) with any Fri. or Sat. stay
Receive 2 FREE nights (Sun. – Thurs.) with any two night stay (Sun. – Thurs.)

Professional Wakeboarder???

2007-08-21T15:27:00.000-05:00

Alec might not be a professional wakeboarder yet...but watch out! Check out these great photos of a recent guest (Alec) tearing up East Silent Lake. Not only did Alec get up on his first try, he rode the wake like a pro. We look foward to seeing the steady-footed Alec and his family in 2008!

That Isn't a Boat!

2007-08-08T16:40:00.000-05:00

WHAT A SURPRISE!!!

East Silent Resort guests were surprised by an odd shaped boat recently!!! After closer inspection, however, it wasn't really a boat. Rather, Craig (East Silent Resort guest) and Dale (local piolt) landed a float plane on East Silent Lake. The crowd on the beach grew larger and larger as the plane slowly approached East Silent Resort. After a short layover, the plane was back in the sky. BUT...we'll always remember the morning our beach was transformed into an airport! :)

Torpedo Rides

2007-07-28T07:14:00.000-05:00

It was a hot week here at East Silent Resort…and perfect for activities in crystal clear East Silent Lake. Check out these great photos of guests on the torpedo!

Ready for a Wild Ride!

Battling a Large Wave

Hold On Tight

Falling Off...A Great Way to Stay Cool!

East Silent Lake Turtle

2007-07-16T08:42:00.000-05:00

What a TURTLE!!!

While Perham, MN has the largest Turtle Races in Minnesota...East Silent Resort just may have the largest turtle. Check out the enormous turtle hauled in by the Olmstead family. During their many summer vacations at East Silent Resort, catching (and releasing) turtles has become a yearly tradition. This big fella (estimated 35+ lbs) may be their largest ever. Thanks for sharing your special tradition with the rest of us!!!