Izatys Resort Begins a New Chapter on Lake Mille Lacs
Story and Interview by Chris Pederson with resort owner Kathy Elbert
Some places live in our memories exactly as we left them. For me, Izatys Resort remained frozen somewhere in the ’90s, when my dad and uncle owned a townhome there and the resort and surrounding towns became the setting for many nostalgic adventures. I learned to play golf there—badly—fished for walleye, searched the shoreline for crawfish, snowmobiled and indulged in kiddie cocktails and chicken fingers at Bayview Bar & Grill.
But after the late 1990s, I stopped going. Nearly three decades passed before my family and I decided on a whim to spend our 2026 Memorial Day weekend there. Returning felt both familiar and surprising. The lake, golf course, and easygoing rhythm of northern resort life stirred memories almost immediately, yet there were also unmistakable signs that Izatys was being revived for a new generation.
Curious about what had changed, I began asking questions. Conversations with local staff, partners like Chef Tonne and principal owner Kathy Elbert revealed a story much larger than a weekend getaway. Behind the improvements was a group of people who saw both the challenges facing an aging resort and the opportunity to restore a nostalgic Minnesota landmark without losing the character that made generations of guests love it in the first place.
In the conversation that follows, Elbert shares why the new owners believed Izatys was worth fighting for, what they’ve learned since acquiring the property, and how they hope to preserve its past while building a future filled with new family memories.
A special thank-you to Jim Doherty, his daughter Chelsea, and her two boys, who we met this spring while exploring the Izatys beach, and welcomed our family to their nearby property for bike rides, toy-gun adventures, unsupervised sand trap antics, and the unexpected discovery of shared local ties to the Conroy family.
What was your very first impression of Izatys before you ever became involved as owners?
Izatys was a great place to spend a weekend. And a place where the wealthy went to “summer.”
A business opportunity, a nostalgic Minnesota landmark, a challenge — or something else?
It has always been a golf/fishing getaway for as long as I can remember. I also knew it was great for work trips using fishing and golfing as team-building exercises and getting to know co-workers on a more personal level.
I guess we saw it as an opportunity to bring back a nostalgic Minnesota resort, to continue to create experiences and memories.
When you first arrived on the property as prospective owners, what stood out emotionally about the place?
Wow, honestly it was a bit overwhelming. A hotel, conference center, clubhouse, event space, golf course, marina, a lot of acreage, an old chapel, a covered bridge, and a water treatment facility! Some things needed updating and repair, and we realized how the property was stuck in the past yet trying to push into the future.
Some people see an aging resort and immediately think about the risk. What made you believe Izatys was worth fighting for?
Because this area used to be a thriving vacation getaway. Now that the walleye are coming back, the possibilities of a thriving vacation getaway are knocking on the door.
We have owners who understand real estate, construction, maintenance, engineering, legal, business, marketing. And we all appreciate the beauty of nature. I’d like to think it was a calculated risk.
Was there a specific moment when you realized, “We’re actually going to do this”? Walk us through that turning point. When things went from the vision to reality of meeting new people (owners), some employees, and writing the check.
I guess it’s a series of events when the reality hits, actually – when the offer was written, when we closed on the property, when we opened for the season, and every day after that!
Summer at Lake Mille Lacs
There’s something deeply nostalgic about a Minnesota lake resort in the summertime. How important was it to preserve that feeling at Izatys?
Very important. I think it’s where family memories are made and talked about for years to come. If the place you spent your happiest summer is a place still around, you want to continue the tradition and bring your children or grandchildren to spend time at the lake and create more memories.
What do you hope guests experience this summer the moment they arrive — whether by boat, golf cart, or driving through the entrance for the first time in years?
A truly relaxing week, weekend, or overnight trip to golf, fish, kayak, canoe, or simply sit by the lake reading a book, enjoying an adult beverage, the sound of the waves lapping against the shore and the sun on your face. And the sunsets!
How central are boating, golf, lake life, and outdoor recreation to the future identity of Izatys?
Very important. Without those things, we are just a hotel in the woods with a golf course and a bar. I love walking out towards the Marina early in the morning and watching the boats launch and seeing smiles and anticipation on the faces of people for an excellent day on the water.
For someone who hasn’t visited Izatys in 10 or 15 years, what would surprise them most today?
That the golf course is better than it’s ever been before. The hotel hasn’t changed much over the years, but the rest of the place sure has!
History & Legacy
Izatys carries decades of memories for Minnesotans — vacations, reunions, weddings, fishing trips. How conscious are you of being temporary stewards of that legacy?
Very. Again, it’s about making memories, re-living old memories and making each person feel like they are family. It really is a privilege to work with people on creating their special events, whether it’s a one-day adventure or a weeklong experience.
What stories have longtime guests or local residents shared with you since the ownership transition?
It is so much fun when people share their Izatys memories. I hear a lot of stories and people are always smiling when they tell them. I’ve learned of a lot of Izatys history, boating and fishing adventures, and shenanigans on the golf course. I’m not supposed to repeat some of them.
How do you modernize a destination resort without losing the character and charm that made people fall in love with it in the first place?
We need to keep the relaxed atmosphere – people come up here to get away, to relax and have fun. That should never change. We do listen to our guests about what they enjoyed most and their ideas of what we could add. We are looking at adding more “conveniences,” and if somebody wants something, we try to make it happen. So I guess the modernization would be to add “concierge-like services”, and I think Izatys has a long history of silently doing that.
The Comeback Story Begins
What were the biggest challenges you discovered after officially taking ownership?
It’s like moving into a house someone else has lived in for 30 years. It’s going to take some elbow grease, rehab, and maybe a little touch up here and there to make it our own. Initially, a lot of attention was given to the mechanicals of the buildings and grounds, things people don’t see but are necessary. Health and safety of our guests, community, and environment are important. Over time, you will see things change.
What are the first visible signs guests will begin seeing that indicate Izatys is entering a new chapter?
New golf carts, work on the golf course – fixing cart paths, bunkers, signage, new docks in the Marina, and the remodeled bar and pro shop just to name a few.
When you picture Izatys three years from now on a perfect July weekend, what does it look and feel like?
Golfers on the well-maintained and beautiful golf course, anglers catching more Walleye, kayakers out on the water, expanded beach area for picnics and basking in the sun. Someplace that the entire family can enjoy even if there isn’t a golfer or fisherman in the group!
Are there any current opportunities for ownership and if so, what are they and how would one go about getting in touch with Izatys to discuss?
Not at this time, but never say never…I guess they should give me a call!
Izatys Resort
8383 Izatys Road Onamia, MN
320-532-4574
izatysres@izatys.com
