A Century of North Woods Memories
The story of Wilderness Bay Resort began in 1923, when Oscar and Jennie Johnson established Little Mantrap Camp along the beautiful shores of Little Mantrap Lake in northern Minnesota. Over the years, the resort grew and evolved, becoming Little Mantrap Resort in 1961 and eventually Wilderness Bay Resort in 1970. Like many historic Minnesota resorts, it has weathered changes and challenges, but through it all, the spirit of the resort has remained the same: a place to slow down, enjoy the beauty of the North Woods, and make lasting memories with family and friends. Today, Wilderness Bay Resort proudly carries on that tradition, welcoming guests to experience the simple joys of a Minnesota lake vacation.
2026 A New Chapter Begins
2026 marks an exciting new chapter for Wilderness Bay Resort! We are new owners Faith & Alex Houlihan and will be taking the resort over from Faiths parents, Scott and Jenn Tanke. We plan on continuing the tradition of this special place on Little Mantrap Lake. We're honored to become part of a resort with so much history and so many memories made over the years. We look forward to welcoming returning guests, meeting new faces, and creating a few traditions of our own along the way. Our goal is to preserve everything that makes Wilderness Bay special while adding our own personal touch. We can't wait to share the beauty of the North Woods with you and help make your time at the lake something you'll look forward to year after year. We look forward to seeing you this summer!
