There are a lot of great resorts on Lake of the Woods. One resort received very special recognition this week by a national media outlet, USA Today. Ballard’s Resort, located on the Rainy River, was chosen in a reader’s choice poll as one of the 10 best fishing lodges in the U.S.
“This winter, we received an email notifying us that we were in the running. You never know how legitimate these things are. And then last week, we received notification that we were number nine on the list. Today we saw the article,” explains Jessie Anthony, one of the owners and operators of the resort.
“This award is very humbling,” explains Anthony. “We are so incredibly proud of our entire crew. It feels really good!”
Ballard’s Resort has been around 63 years when it was originally founded by Keith and Rosie Ballard.  Keith Ballard was only 47 years old when he passed away.  With the future of the resort in question, a 21 year old son, Steve Ballard, took on the responsibility of ownership. 
In 1989, Gary Moeller joined the business and began working with Ballard’s. In the early 2,000’s, Moeller became a partner and is still active in the business today.  During the summer months, you will find him running Ballard’s Black Island, a resort on an island located on the Ontario side of Lake of the Woods. The rest of the year, he works out of the Rainy River location.
In 2004, with Jessie Anthony’s father, Steve Ballard, eyeing up retirement, Nick and Jessie Anthony made the decision to join Ballard’s and are leading the business along with Gary Moeller to this day.
This is the segment of the USA Today article that spoke of Ballard’s Resort.
Situated on the shores of Lake of the Woods, a paradise for anglers in North America, four-season Ballard’s Resort matches guests with guides who know the region’s waters, fishing hot spots, and seasonal patterns so you can snag trophy walleye, perch, northern pike, and sturgeon. Relax in a tidy cabin or in the spacious lodge with a bar, restaurant, and calming waterfront views.
People are a big part, and often the most important part, of any business, certainly a resort. “We are so thankful for a great staff,” Jessie Anthony exclaimed as she reflected on the article and recognition.
Resort owners work very hard. Some compare the profession and commitment to a dairy farm, as there is always something to do and you typically work long hours. Every once in a while, something reminds these entrepreneurs why they do what they do. I think it is safe to say, this is certainly one of them.
Congratulations!
