85 years of Memory Making
Where the story began
The Whitefish Area flourished as a logging hub, driven by abundant white and Norway pines. The Whitefish Chain of Lakes provided a natural route for transporting logs, with deep waters and protected bays.
The Corps of Engineers builds a dam on the south end of the chain, raising water levels and reshaping the lakes. These changes improved navigation and marked the beginning of the area’s shift from logging to recreation.
Construction begins
Marion and Anne Arnold arrive from Nebraska with a dream to build a resort on Pig Lake. With outside help and unique materials, they begin constructing cabins in a way that stands out from local tradition.
The first five cabins at Black Pine Beach Resort are completed. The original investor and his family become some of the resort’s very first guests. As logging fades, tourism rises and resorts begin to dot the shoreline. Families flock to the area for fishing, relaxation, and a taste of “Paul Bunyan’s Playground.”
The Arnolds sell the resort after many years of ownership due to age and health. A new owner, a train engineer and his wife, take over and operate it as a small seasonal retreat.
Bob and Lynn Scharenbroich discovered the resort by chance after spotting a simple roadside sign. What began as an unexpected stop led to the purchase of Black Pine Beach Resort and its return to a full-time destination for families, couples, fishermen, and golfers—continuing its legacy rooted in history, nature, and tradition.
Jeff and Jackie Novitsky officially take the helm as the current owners of Black Pine Beach Resort. Relocating from the Zimmerman/Princeton area of Minnesota with their twins, they are excited to meet guests and continue the resort’s legacy of warmth and hospitality.
Carrying the story forward
Jeff and Jackie Novitsky are the current owners and operators of Black Pine Beach Resort, and they know how important every moment of your vacation is. Anticipating your needs, offering thoughtful touches, and providing gracious service are hallmarks of their approach. Together with their family and dedicated staff, they make it their mission to help you create cherished vacation memories while carrying on the tradition of care and warmth that has defined the resort for decades.
This is a great place to go with your kids and enjoy some quality family time. Our kids loved leaving the elves a note and then going back the day to find they wrote back and the Secret Garden is a fun activity to do with the kids. The place is very clean and well kept, the beach is perfect for the family, and they have boats, paddle boards, kayaks to rent as well. We will definitely be coming back next year.
N., Minneapolis, MN
Returned again for our annual fishing trip. This place is a true classic of old time family lake resorts. Can’t be many of these left. Individual cabins, immaculate lake kept. Wonderful beach with plenty of lounge chairs, large inflatable, rafts, pristine beach. Small playground in the middle of the resort, perfect for families. Family run, very personable. Highly recommend.
Pamela B., St Paul, MN
Ready for your Whitefish Lake Escape?
The cabins are ready. The sunsets are waiting. All that’s left is you.