An aerial view of the Island Lodge looking toward the north end of Salmon Lake.
The Island Lodge as seen from Salmon Lake.
SALMON LAKE - The island log home retreat on Salmon Lake is under new ownership, becoming the property of the Montana Education Benefits Foundation (MEBF) at the Resort at Paws Up. The "Island Lodge" will open for guests Memorial Day Weekend.
The island namesake, Sourdough Island, comes from Dave 'Sourdough' Madson who found his way to the island circa 1918 where he was put in charge of netting squawfish for the Fish and Game Department. According to the Seeley Lake Historical Society, Madson's cabin is now the pump house on the property.
Bruce Vorhauer built the 18,000-square-foot, seven-bedroom, seven-bathroom retreat in 1984. The home later went into foreclosure and was purchased by Dennis Washington who in turn donated it to the University of Montana Foundation in 1995.
Last December the island retreat was purchased for $1.6 million by the MEBF. Larry Lipson, one of the Resort at Paws Up owners said, "We felt that the acquisition of the island would be the ideal real estate to help us bring our vision for Montana Educational Benefits Foundation to fruition. Additionally, we believed that the guests of the Resort at Paws Up would thoroughly enjoy all the exhilarating activities that can be performed on the lake. "
The Island Lodge will offer guests a variety of summertime lake recreation such as boating, fishing, water play and pontoon cruises while ice fishing may be in the plan for winter activities.
Paws Up Communications Manager Anna McKean said the Island Lodge will offer a variety of boating excursions and water adventures from the thrilling to the relaxing, along with an on-site chef and butler.
Access from the boathouse to the island includes a hover boat or snowmobile depending on the season.
The Resort at Paws Up Reservations and Revenue Manager Heather Vieira commented on how the Resort at Paws Up, which is also a working cattle ranch, offers a balance between raw authenticity combined with luxury. She said the interior wood carvings at the Island Lodge are fascinating and lends a rustic feel.
Of the more than 10 room building, McKean said, "it's surprising how expansive the Island Lodge is when you are inside, but it still offers the cozy and rustic feeling of a Montana cabin."
There are upcoming plans for construction and some remodeling. The UM Foundation maintained the current structure, according to Paws Up representatives. The resort will update the interior. The construction will be spaced out between guest occupancy.
The resort and Island Lodge will be available for group travel and has many families as guests. Local rates will also be offered for the Island Lodge.
In celebration of the Island Lodge, the MEBF is focused on giving back to Montana.
Lipson said, "[The MEBF] will provide educational benefits to the state of Montana, which includes but is not limited to the support of sponsorship of scholastic events, seminars and publications [as well as scholarships to qualified Montana students for advanced university studies]."
The Resort at Paws Up is pleased to offer features including the restaurant, certain speakers, recreation and the Island Lodge to the surrounding communities and hopes residents will enjoy themselves.
"The Foundation will host events for prominent educators in the fields of hospitality, culinary and training on the Island Lodge property," Lipson said.
"Additionally, we hope that our friends and neighbors in Montana will take advantage of opportunities for incomparable lake recreation as well as exceptional corporate retreats and unforgettable weddings," Lipson continued. "The Island [Lodge] destination offers a truly unique experience that very few luxury ranch resorts (or any resorts for that matter) can offer its guests. It's coastal living in Montana."
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