Langseth Lodge: Rooted in History, Renewed by Vision

Langseth Lodge: Rooted in History, Renewed by Vision

Nestled on the tranquil shores of Lake Ocheda just south of Worthington, Minnesota, Langseth Lodge is more than just a peaceful getaway—it's a living legacy. Built in 1995 by Paul Langseth, his father Rodney, and two cousins, the lodge was a tribute to family tradition and a decades-old dream. The land, part of the Langseth family homestead since 1901, has long been a gathering place. In the late 1930s, during the Great Depression, cabins originally located across the lake were pulled over the ice by horses and resettled on the Langseth property. Though rustic and primitive in the early years, the sense of connection, refuge, and hospitality remained constant.

Over time, what was once a family haven evolved into a public retreat. In 2020, Paul and his wife Leanne decided to transform Langseth Lodge into a year-round short-term rental, opening the doors to visitors seeking quiet, nature, and authenticity. “The lodge has always been here,” Paul shared, “but we knew if we were going to continue using it—and sharing it—we needed to upgrade it.”

To move from seasonal use to a fully functioning vacation rental, the Langseths turned to the Southwest Regional Development Commission (SRDC), where Paul also serves as board president. “I’ve been part of SRDC since the late '90s, and while I always believed in the programs, we hadn’t used them until we needed to make this space work year-round,” said Paul.

Their first upgrade, funded through SRDC’s Revolving Loan Fund, was the installation of energy-efficient mini-split units in 2022. “We had a family drive three hours to stay here—and when they saw there was no air conditioning, they turned around and left,” Paul recalled. “That’s when we knew we needed to make serious changes.”

In 2023, the Langseths further enhanced guest comfort and extended their rental season with help from SRDC’s Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program. Through the PACE financing, they installed a second mini-split in the dining area, new windows offering 360-degree lake views, and upgraded insulation—all while maintaining their commitment to sustainability and reuse. Much of the lodge's interior, from ceiling tin repurposed after a storm-damaged garden center, to floor joists milled from cottonwood trees on a cousin’s farm, reflects that deeply held value.

With three bedrooms, a handicapped-accessible bathroom, and lodging for up to 20 guests, Langseth Lodge has become a favorite for hunters, family reunions, church groups, and travelers seeking quietude. “It’s private, scenic, and full of history—and it’s affordable compared to other options,” Paul said. Weekday rentals start at $___ and weekends at $299 per night. Located minutes from Worthington and only six miles from Round Lake Vineyard, it offers modern comforts in a rural, immersive setting.

Beyond lodging, Langseth Lodge supports regional tourism by drawing guests from Des Moines, Omaha, the Twin Cities, and beyond. Guests have included families originally from Nepal, area wedding parties, and even bird watchers drawn by bald eagle sightings and trumpeter swans. The land itself has deep history—Paul’s grandparents helped establish a waterfowl refuge along the lake in the 1930s, and archaeological finds on the property date back over 3,000 years.

The Langseths see the lodge as both a business and a service. “We’re providing a place for people to rest, to reconnect, to make memories,” Paul said. “And without the help of SRDC’s programs, those improvements would have taken us years longer to complete.”

For those considering starting a similar venture, Paul’s advice is simple: “Talk to people. Do your homework. Ask questions—it costs nothing and can save you so much down the road.”

About SRDC’s RLF & PACE Programs

The Southwest Regional Development Commission (SRDC) provides critical support for local entrepreneurs through programs like the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) and Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE). RLF helps bridge financial gaps for businesses and projects that create or retain jobs in Southwest Minnesota. PACE financing supports energy-efficient improvements for commercial properties, paid back through property tax assessments with no impact on a business’s cash flow.

For more information on how SRDC can help your business grow sustainably, contact Robin Weis at 507-836-1638 or robin@swrdc.org