NORDIC HARBOR

Revitalizing a Chisago Lakes tradition of hospitality

Nic Kirvida, a lifelong resident of Lindstrom, is proud to announce the grand opening of Nordic Harbor, a newly revitalized motel, vacation house and market developed to become a cornerstone of local and visitor experiences.

This exciting new venture lends a hint of Scandinavian modern design to the heart of Center City, offering a unique blend of nostalgia and contemporary comfort.

Nic's journey to this moment is rooted in his love for the community. Growing up, he recalls working his first job at age 14, at Rose Hill Resort, on the other side of South Center Lake, cleaning boats and fueling them for guests, earning a wage of $3/hr, (depending on how well he worked that day.) After attending college in Duluth and spending transformative years in Glenwood Springs, Colorado and Austria, Nic and his wife, Sarah, returned to Lindstrom in 2017, ready to invest in their hometown's future.

In 2022, Nic learned that the Go Boat Motel and My Burger property in Center City was slated for demolition. Saddened by the potential loss of yet another community landmark, Nic made a successful purchase offer and acquired the property, marking the beginning of Nordic Harbor's transformation.

Inspired by the popular show (RE)Motel, Nic and Sarah embarked on an ambitious renovation, blending Scandinavian design elements with the motel's mid-century theme. The result is Nordic Harbor, a boutique motel featuring six thoughtfully redesigned rooms, including four singles and two suites, each with private patios offering lake views, as well as a mid-century private vacation home with surprising lake vistas from all angles.

The Market at Nordic Harbor, the property's former My Burger take-out, has been reimagined into a vibrant community hub. It offers grab-and-go snacks, groceries, Italian Gelato, a liquor store, and a rooftop bar with lake views. Additionally, guests and locals can rent pontoons to explore the lakes, making it a perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure.

This portion of the property is an example of a successful partnership between Nic Kirvida and Jesse Norring who was Nic’s contractor on the house and the motel, prior to partnering on the Market.

"We've been open for just a month, and the response has been overwhelming," Nic shares. "Seeing people enjoy the property, from kids loving the gelato to families creating new lake memories, has been incredibly rewarding.

“The smiles on peoples’ faces, the appreciation for what we’ve done, the new found destination we’ve become is beyond measurable. We're honored to serve our community and visitors alike," Nic added.

The vision for Nordic Harbor is more than a business venture; it's a tribute to the area’s past and a promise to its future.

Nic says, “The stars truly aligned for this opportunity, and it couldn’t have happened without the support of my wife, Sarah, our wonderfully understanding and patient children, my partnership with Jesse, his wife Kerri and their loving kids. We are blessed.”