Blue Goose on 'The Loose'

The Mille Lacs Lake area entertainment landscape takes one giant step forward Sunday.

Garrison’s Blue Goose Inn rolls out its new-and-improved bar and restaurant after completing a month-long facelift. It sports a new bar, carpet, stage modifications, remodeled bathrooms,  an array of detailed upgrades and has been deep cleaned.

It has been closed for the last month to remodel and  it’s just in time for what is shaping up to be a great winter ice fishing season.  The Minnesota Vikings’  Children’s Fund- sponsored Arctic Blast XVI dances on the Blue Goose Inn horizon as well.  The upgrade comes on the heels of the Chico’s Place closing on Highway 169 between Onamia and Milaca one week ago.  

““It needed a facelift,” said owner Mark Tadych, between cell phone calls, Wednesday prior to an open house and private party VIP Showing. “I just want to give credit to the many businesses that helped make this happen. “If you’ve got a 17-year old look, you’ve got to refurbish.”

The ‘Goose’ was bright, clean and refreshing when we stopped in.  Various tradesmen finished details.  Techies, carpenters, and the entire staff all seemed to be taking direction from Tadych.   The Blue Goose Facebook depicts the rebuilding.  Fire destroyed the Goose  17 years ago.

The bathrooms are decked with tile, stainless sinks, granite counter tops and new stalls.  Regulars may forget where they are at.  The digitized dart boards, sound system and televisions scream, “ modern”.  But it’s the Blue Goose’s new focus on detail that may take it over the top.

Tadych, himself, built a replica paddle-boat sized version of the famous Blue Goose fishing launch.  It sits just atop the front door as you walk in.  It makes you do a double take.  You can envision it driving some fun Mille Lacs conversation.

Which may turn to the photos dotting the place that recapture the history of this surviving Mille Lacs Lake icon, which opened in the early 1920s and is a mainstay on the lake to this day?

“The history of this place is extensive,” said Dan Bobseen, chairman for Hazeltine Township, employee for Hazelwood vending company and patron of the Goose all in one.  “I’ve been here since day one and seeing all this brings back good memories.”

The second step will be the Blue Goose Inn’s ability to stay busy.