This piece is sponsored by Regency Hotel Management.

For decades, one of northern Minnesota’s most unique corporate retreat properties was reserved exclusively for 3M executives and top performers.

Now, under new ownership and management, Wonewok Resort & Conference Center is opening its doors to organizations seeking a private executive retreat experience unlike anything else in the Upper Midwest.

The property was purchased last year by Sioux Falls entrepreneur David H. Billion and sits on 200 acres between Big Mantrap Lake and Petite Lake near Park Rapids, Minnesota.

“This property is an important part of Minnesota’s heritage, and we are honored to preserve its legacy while continuing its tradition as a premier executive retreat destination,” Billion said.

The property’s history dates to the late 1800s, following the logging era that shaped much of northern Minnesota. Its centerpiece remains a historic lodge built in 1929 by Chicago businessman Fred Nachman.

As a longtime visitor to the Park Rapids area, Billion said he was immediately drawn to the property’s character and significance.

“We had the opportunity to see the property under its previous ownership and were immediately struck by its rich history, character and significance,” he said.

“Our vision is to thoughtfully steward the land, the historic buildings and the remarkable stories that have made this place so special for generations.”

A natural partnership

To operate the property, Billion turned to Sioux Falls-based Regency Hotel Management.

While many know Regency for its hotel portfolio, President and CEO Tom Biegler said the company increasingly has become a specialist in destination and resort properties.

Over the past two decades, Regency has expanded its expertise operating remote hospitality destinations, including properties in Colorado, South Dakota, West Virginia and Ohio.

“We have become much more than a hotel management company,” Biegler said. “We are now a resort operator in every sense of the word.”

That experience made Wonewok a natural fit.

“We excel at creating demand for remote locations and pride ourselves on quantifying quality for our customers,” Biegler said. “We love to ‘wow’ our patrons.”

“Wonewok is unique on so many levels,” he added. “The resort’s remoteness lends itself to a totally relaxing and immersive experience. No matter your job title or position within an organization, you can visit Wonewok and feel you truly are getting away from it all.”

Biegler believes the property fills a niche that is increasingly difficult to find.

“Resorts of this type are very hard to come by and often carry price tags that put them out of reach for many people,” he said.

Built for executive retreats

The resort includes 36 guest rooms spread among the historic main lodge and multiple lakeside cottages.

Groups reserve the entire property, creating a private experience tailored to their needs.

“The new ownership wants to host one private executive group here at a time, so each retreat gets a unique and private experience,” said Angela Baldwin, Regency’s regional director of sales and general manager of Wonewok.

Meeting spaces combine Northwoods charm with modern technology. The Main Lodge features a 98-inch monitor for presentations, along with a confidence monitor, camera and microphone to support remote participants. The Pineview Rooms offer touch-screen technology with integrated screens and cameras, making it easy to host hybrid or fully remote meetings.

Regency also has invested heavily in the property’s culinary program.

An executive chef oversees food and beverage operations, with all lodging, dining and service included in a flat-rate experience. Guests can enjoy everything from smoked meats and house-made pastries to curated multi-course dinners, along with specialty coffee beverages prepared in the main lodge.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily, including outdoor dining options.

“We also offer group cooking programs featuring a full series of themed experiences, from Around the World to a Minnesota North Woods Experience, each with a unique menu highlighting fresh, organic ingredients,” Baldwin said.

“Each experience is guided by our culinary team and allows guests to work in teams to prepare a shared dinner.”

Activities are designed to balance productivity with recreation.

Guests can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, biking, pickleball and trap shooting, along with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and ice fishing during winter months.

The property also offers access to nearby championship golf at Headwaters Country Club and Blueberry Pines Golf Club, with concierge reservations and transportation available.

“We help create itineraries and assist with planning, so organizations can focus on their meetings while enjoying a concierge-style experience throughout their stay,” Baldwin said.

Biegler believes the property’s strongest selling point is the same one that attracted 3M for decades.

“There’s a good reason 3M used this property to recognize its highest achievers and give its corporate executives a place to unwind,” he said.

The combination of privacy, service and natural surroundings creates an environment that encourages both strategic thinking and relationship-building.

“Any group that seeks to feel like they are the center of the universe, even for a few days, will love both the idea and the experience of Wonewok,” Biegler said.

For Billion, opening the property to new organizations represents both a business opportunity and a chance to preserve an important destination.

“We are excited to introduce Wonewok to new organizations, companies and groups seeking an authentic Northwoods experience,” he said. “We look forward to sharing that experience with guests while creating a destination that contributes to the region’s economy and preserves this extraordinary property for years to come.”

The Billion family also continues to significantly invest in the property’s future through through extensive interior and exterior renovations this summer, Baldwin added.

“Their vision is to preserve the resort’s luxury character while enhancing the guest experience for new groups and visitors,” she said.

“A tremendous amount of work is underway, and the thoughtful updates being made throughout the property are both beautiful and purposeful. Most importantly, they are passionate, hands-on owners who are committed to bringing this vision to life and ensuring the resort remains a premier destination for years to come.”

Groups typically reserve a minimum three-night stay and generally include at least 10 attendees.

“The resort is designed to adapt to your meeting needs, from intimate rooms to expansive lakeside gatherings,” Baldwin said. “No matter what experience we curate here, it’s guaranteed to be an impactful one for you and your guests.”

To learn more about hosting your next event at Wonewok Resort & Conference Center, visit here or reach out to Angela Baldwin at  612-801-3484 or info@wonewokresort.com.

How to get there:

Direct flight from MSP to Bemidji: One hour

Distance driving from Bemidji Airport: 40 minutes

Private aviation from Park Rapids Airport: 15 minutes

Drive from Minneapolis: Three hours