Escape to Stiklestad

North Dakota is one of the most unique places in America. From its rich history and art to wide-open spaces, there is always something new to discover. The Sheyenne River Valley is one of these places. It’s one of those locations where pictures or a phone screen won’t do its true beauty justice. Nestled in the rolling hills of Fort Ransom is Stiklestad Lodge.

Built in 2009, Stiklestad Lodge is a one-of-a-kind destination that allows visitors to experience the beauty and wonder rural North Dakota has to offer. Although it hosts weddings and family reunions, its main goal is to offer companies a unique and memorable atmosphere for corporate events. Versatility is key in that market, and it has
that covered with the ability to accommodate anything from conferences and training sessions, to trade shows, appreciation events, and more. By incorporating nature into traditional business meetings, it promises to create an experience not soon forgotten.

Features and amenities
Driving up the long narrow road, it’s easy to think you’re lost, until you see the wooden pillars holding a hand-carved wooden sign that says, “Stiklestad Lodge.” Tucked behind the trees is where the fun begins. Inside the lodge is a large double-sided stone fireplace that extends from the floor to the vaulted ceiling, along with a kitchen, bar, and dining area.

Stiklestad provides a simple menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests are also able to work with the chef if they are looking for something different. Miller says Stiklestad staff is proud to cater to your needs and aims to take the stress out of your stay, so you can focus on what matters – creating lasting memories.

Stiklestad’s campus features eight cabins that sleep eight individuals each, a renovated bathhouse with modern bathroom facilities, and a wood-fired sauna. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the company of your family or co-workers. The lodge features indoor activities, such as a game of billiards, a bar, a sauna, and a lounge to relax.

There is truly something for everyone at Stiklestad. In the winter months, let the staff take you on a snowshoeing adventure, or make your own path on the acres nearby. On your adventure, you may even get to witness some of the abundant wildlife population inhabiting the surrounding area, such as whitetail deer or pheasants. You can even create a scavenger hunt to complete as a team-building or family activity!

Off-highway vehicles like snowmobiles and ATVs are also a great way to explore the Sheyenne River Valley. Easy-to-access trails and places to ride are within minutes of the lodge doors.

Stiklestad also offers great shooting and hunting oppourtunites. The multi-faceted set of ranges allows people of all ages and skill levels a safe and enjoyable experience. Enjoy an onsite five-station trap range, a rifle and pistol range, archery range, and test your outdoor skills with a sportsmen’s challenge! This challenge combines rifle, trap, pistol, and archery shooting, followed by spear-throwing, animal track identification, and other surprises!

For all the fall hunters looking for a place to stay, Stiklestad can handle both small and large groups, including dogs. Stiklestad has 18 elevated kennels with heated mats when it gets colder. There are plenty of opportunities to hunt upland game and waterfowl, and there is a processing area to clean and process your game.

For guests who prefer other outdoor activities, Stiklestad offers a variety of yard games to all its guests, or experience Fort Ransom State Park, which is a short six-mile drive away. At Fort Ransom State Park, guests can take an adventure through the hiking, biking, and ski trails. Other local features include the mineral springs and the only waterfall in North Dakota!

History
Stiklestad is a tribute to the hard-working immigrants who first settled in the beautiful Fort Ransom/Sheyenne River Valley of North Dakota. The Battle of Stiklestad was fought in the year 1030 and is one of the most famous battles in the history of Norway. The town of Stiklestad is a town in Trøndelag County, near where the battle of Stiklestad was fought. In this battle, King Olaf II was killed. Stiklestad church was erected at the site where King Olaf fell in battle. Early settlers of the Fort Ransom area formed the Stiklestad Lutheran Church in 1887. After a fire destroyed the church in 1968, the congregation dissolved, but the Stiklestad Cemetery can still be found 3 miles from the lodge today.

Events
Stiklestad’s Event Center is the spot for larger gatherings like corporate events or weddings, with a large auditorium seating up to 240 people, TVs hung from the ceiling for visual aids, and large garage doors on each end of the building for easy access. Miller says updates are always being made to accommodate the different styles of weddings and to make decorating a large space easy.

“We rigged the ceiling so our guest could easily lower the mechanism, attach their decorations, and raise it with less hassle,” Miller said.

Stiklestad is always looking to host new events for the community. It often hosts concealed carry permit classes, and other classes. If you’re looking for something new, try participating in a murder mystery dinner, where you solve a fictitious murder scene while enjoying one of Stiklestad’s incredible meals. Stiklestad has also hosted theater camps for youth. This year, treat mom by snagging a seat at its incredible Mother’s Day brunch. This brunch features a separate menu with a mimosa special, three different seating times, and a special treat for mom upon your arrival.\

Next time you are planning a family outing or team-building retreat, don’t overlook Stiklestad Lodge. Stiklestad staff is dedicated to working with the surrounding communities, so guests can experience everything they want during their stay and create memories that will last a lifetime.

“We want to be the vehicle to build long-lasting relationships. We want Stiklestad to be the memory that people bring up year after year and say, ‘Remember when we were at Stiklestad,” Miller says. “If a guest is looking for something that we don’t offer, we will work with local community members.”

Cass County Electric is proud to provide power to a venue that allows our members to experience what rural North Dakota has to offer in a breathtaking atmosphere while building a connected community. While Stiklestad is building its future and expanding its events, it will never forget the history from where it started. Visit StiklestadLodge.com for more information.