The history of family resorts is woven into the fabric of the North Shore. It is a story of our region’s evolution and enduring appeal. These resorts portray the pioneer settlers’ entrepreneurial spirit and Lake Superior’s enduring attraction. Today, entrepreneurs Jim and Laura Goodman are stewards of Bob’s Cabins, a 15-cabin resort on Lake Superior’s Shore that is over 100 years old.
The Goodmans bought the property five years ago and have vowed to maintain its atmosphere as a “simple, clean, country place.” Visitors won’t find Wi-Fi or television in the cabins, which are perched for the best views of Lake Superior. In our modern age of connectivity and constant activity, Bob’s is a throwback to an earlier time.
That strategy has worked for decades. Jim Goodman reports the cabins are fully booked every season, and 85% of their customers are repeat visitors, some for several generations. The balance is people referred by existing customers.
“Our mission is to be mindful of what we’re doing,” Jim said. “We want it to be economical to stay at Bob’s.” This commitment to affordability is not just a business strategy but a heartfelt invitation for even a single-income family to experience the beauty of Bob’s Cabins.
The Scenic North Shore Highway, built in the 1920s, dramatically increased accessibility on the Shore and spurred tourism growth. Ingvald (“Jake”) Jacobson built 20 one-room structures along the lake and opened Jacobson’s Cabins, now Bob’s.
The North Shore became more appealing as people sought respite from urban life. During this period, there was a proliferation of family-owned resorts as locals capitalized on the influx of visitors. The fledgling tourism industry in the Larsmont area built over 150 rental cabins, but only three dozen remain. Early accommodations were simple.
Bob and Doris Sansom bought the resort from Jake in 1948, changing the name to Bob’s Cabins. After 29 years, they sold to Peg Morris and Ed Landin in 1977.
In 1993, Bill Guse bought the resort and continued to run Bob’s Cabins with the same care and philosophy he inherited from Peg and Ed. He retained the resort’s older, uncomplicated character and pace.
Spurred on by his mother, 14-year-old Jim Goodman applied for a summer job with Bill doing lawn care, cabin maintenance, and cleaning. Over those school-day summers, Jim learned the ropes of the business and found a friend and mentor for life in Bill Guse.
“I learned a lot from Bill,” Jim said.
Jim graduated from Two Harbors High School in 1998. He left the area to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the renowned Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, IN.
Jim and Laura married in July of 2005. They settled in the Duluth area and are raising three young ladies: Mabel, 16; Indie, 14; and Iris, 9. They visited Bill often on visits to Two Harbors, and when Bill was ready to sell in 2020, the Goodmans stepped up, bought the resort, and moved to Larsmont.
Bill didn’t go away. He lives in a house on the property and continues to work on projects with Jim.
Jim is an engaging and energetic businessman. In addition to his past work developing wind energy projects, he is sought out to assist local entrepreneurs with business planning and forecasting.
He considers himself a servant to the guests of Bob’s Cabins and the natural beauty of the North Shore.
“I learned empathy and diplomacy from my parents,” Jim said. Long-time Lake County residents, his father served as Lake County’s Highway Engineer, and his mother retired as a public health nurse.
A dedicated family man with deep community roots, Jim is delighted to be back in Lake County. His motto on his LinkedIn profile is “Willing to help.” Those three words describe him perfectly.
Most North Shore resorts maintain a family-friendly atmosphere, emphasizing the natural beauty of Lake Superior. Not many preserve the historical family-friendly experience you’ll find at Bob’s Cabins.
For more information, visit bobscabinsonlakesuperior.com or call 218.834.4583.
