PARK RAPIDS, Minnesota — Wonewok Resort & Conference Center near Park Rapids, Minnesota, recently opened its doors to organizations seeking a private executive retreat experience in the Upper Midwest.

For decades, the resort — one of northern Minnesota’s most unique corporate retreat properties — was reserved exclusively for 3M executives and top performers, but it has reopened under new ownership and is now available to companies and organizations looking for a serene retreat setting. 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.

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.

“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. “We had the opportunity to see the property under its previous ownership and were immediately struck by its rich history, character and significance. Our vision is to thoughtfully steward the land, the historic buildings and the remarkable stories that have made this place so special for generations.”

The resort’s unique location and serene remoteness lend itself to a relaxing and immersive experience, offering a resort property that fills a niche that is increasingly difficult to find. 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.

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.

An executive chef oversees food and beverage operations, with all lodging, dining and service included in a flat-rate experience. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily, including outdoor dining options, and the resort offers group cooking programs featuring a full series of themed experiences.

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.

For Billion, opening the property to new organizations represents both a business opportunity and a chance to preserve an important destination. The Billion family also continues to significantly invest in the property’s future through extensive interior and exterior renovations this summer that will preserve the resort’s luxury character while enhancing the guest experience for new groups and visitors.

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.

To learn more about hosting events at Wonewok Resort & Conference Center, visit wonewokresort.com or contact Angela Baldwin at 1-888-350-9989 or info@wonewokresort.com.