Motel and resort completes two expansions

TROUT CREEK – After two years in the works, the Trout Creek Lakeside Motel and Resort has just recently finished an expansion they have been hard at work completing.

According to owner John Harris, the motel was purchased in 2002 and he has been remodeling ever since.

The most current renovations are the addition of a restaurant in June and even more recently a gift shop. The 1,600 square foot gift shop and sporting goods store was added after the property next door came up for sale in August. Merchandise was moved into the new space on Thanksgiving Day. Along with that, a 40 by 70 foot pavilion was added.

All the renovations stem from the owner’s vision of the motel. The goal was to turn it into a resort destination with all the amenities needed for travelers.

The new additions have greatly added to the growing business.

“It rounds out our business. With the restaurant we are able to offer from our guests to the residents in the valley here some quality food along with comfortable lodge like accommodations,” said Harris.

So far the feedback received has all been positive but the work is far from complete.

“We’re going to be adding a meeting room down the road along with a couple rentals,” said Harris.

The plan is to eventually “blow out” the front and the back of the motel, expanding it to include a meeting room, restrooms and a catering kitchen. So far there is no schedule for these renovations.

“Right now we are seeing how this winter goes,” said Harris.

The addition of the restaurant involved a few changes but overall, Harris said it has been running smoothly.

“With the restaurant everything is new for us. But we got a great staff,” said Harris. “We’re very happy where we are at. We’re doing what I think we need to be doing for the restaurant so far.”

The restaurant compliments the semi-new bar that was built two years ago.

Not only is the Lakeside Motel and Resort an event venue but the constant development helps cater to the needs of the residents of Trout Creek.

“We cater to the locals,” said Harris.

The shop helps do this by offering ladies clothing, kitchen items and a big variety of pottery. The shop also offers fishing tackle for walleye, bass and northern pike – something that appeals to both locals and tourists.

“We’re doing what we can to bring in residents of the valley and the local crowd,” said Harris.