From Church Camp to Base Camp
Contributed by Madeline Kelly
Built in 1976 by the Episcopalian Diocese of Alaska, Meier Lake functioned for over 25 years as a religious retreat and summer camp, but by 2012 the property had fallen out of use and into disrepair. When the current owner first toured the lake, he saw its potential.
“It was unique, a perfect fit” he told me. He wanted to preserve the lake from further development, “what happens to [Meier Lake] if it isn’t bought as a whole piece? It gets subdivided.” He says his goal for the property was much like the reason it was originally built; for it to be “a private space of reflection for people to come together and make memories”. In 2016 he purchased it and then the hard work began.
Over the course of five years the property was remodeled and once again restored into a place of recreation and relaxation. Now almost fifty years after its original construction, Meier Lake Resort is once again a gathering place for both local Alaskans and out-of-state visitors alike.
“It takes three days for guests to unpack [here]. One day for your luggage and two more for all your other baggage.” He says, “Time slows down when you finally put the phone down, turn off the tv and decompress.”
The main lodge, wood-fired sauna, and five cabins now function as a venue for retreats, weddings, and holiday parties. Among the events this year, the lake hosted The Alaska State Disc Golf Championship and a cross-cultural immersion event that celebrated the diversity of Alaska.
Jessica Wardlaw, the general manager, says that after working in a large chain hotel, the opportunity to manage a small resort was a welcome one. “You get to pour your heart and soul into things and make it your own” she said. One of the things she loves the most about the property is its location; “You’re still close to things but you feel like you’re in the wilderness.”
One of Wardlaw’s favorite aspects of her job is helping people plan and organize multi-day retreats and holiday parties. As the summer season winds down, Meier Lake is gearing up for fall and winter events, along with craft cocktail service in the future.