Three Mile Lodge repairs almost done, rates set for 2025

Planning a wedding for the summer? Union County Conservation has a familiar location ready. Three Mile Lodge, after storm damage last year necessitated repairs, is ready to return as conservation’s biggest attraction.

Union County Conservation Director Mike Hilger stated repairs are “pretty much 100% done” during a conservation board meeting last Tuesday. Besides a few minor details, such as further electrical work, Three Mile Lodge repairs are complete. The lodge will be available for reservation for the season, including a new move to online reservations.

The Three Mile Recreation Area, alongside the newly repaired lodge, will operate as usual for the upcoming season. The 2,675 acre recreation area will have two campgrounds, nine cabins (including the Lakeshore Cabin), four shelter houses and the lodge available for rent. During last week’s regular meeting, the conservation board decided on rates for the upcoming season.

Camping rates for full service and electric each went up $2 for $32 and $22 per day, respectively. Per day cabin rates have increased by $10 for the basic cabins ($75 on weekdays, $85 on weekends) and $20 for the Lakeshore Cabin ($100 on weekdays, $110 on weekends). A change to the pet fees now include a daily payment, as well as an increase to $20 per day from the $10 one-time fee. The conservation noted recent stories of unruly pets damaging cabins during this decision.

Lodge rates received the largest changes. A singular price for weekday reservations were set at $250 per day. The summer weekend package received an increase of $400 to $1400 for the weekend. Winter weekends will see a discounted $700 package. If no events were scheduled for a weekend, an on-demand weekend package was set at $450. Nonprofit organizations looking to use the lodge saw their rates increase by $100 to $150 per day.

Rates for renting conservation attractions were approved:

Camping rates per night: $32 - full service. $22 - electric. $15 - nonelectric.

Cabin rates per day: Basic cabin - $75/weekday, $85/weekend. Lakeshore Cabin - $100/weekday, $110/weekend. Pet fee, $20.

Lodge rates: $250/day - weekdays. $1,400 - summer weekend package. $700 - winter weekend package. $450 - on-demand weekend package. $150/day - nonprofit organizations.