We are a family-run organization that offers many great opportunities in a northwoods, homestead atmosphere. In 1971, Grandpa and Grandma Barr traveled west from Ohio to the North Shore of Lake Superior. Nestled alongside the famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness they found a home. However, they did not merely want a home ?to call their own?, rather, Grandpa and Grandma?s hope was that many would find this place to be their own ?home away from home?. And it proved to be true.



Continuing on in this tradition of hospitality are daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Mark Patten. We, together with family members and friends, welcome you to share in the beauty of our surroundings, simple lifestyle and our extended family.

While we desire all of our guests to feel "right at home" here, Okontoe is often a longer-term home for young people and adults who either do not have a home of their own or are in need of a nurturing family environment. Many of the proceeds from our services to the public go to sponsoring their stay here.

We invite you to explore the pictures and descriptions on the following pages of our Sleigh Rides, Lumberjack Breakfasts, and our Homestead Life Retreats. You will see snapshots of our homestead lifestyle, which may be observed here throughout the year in gardening and ice harvesting as well as logging for firewood and plowing the gardens with our Belgian horses. Finally, to get you pointed in the right direction, a map and location description are provided on the last page.

Okontoe is located 27 miles up the Gunflint Trail from Grand Marais, Minnesota.