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History

History

Leading the Way: Our Rise in Hospitality Management

Cote Hospitality has been creating exceptional experiences and memories for guests in Minnesota for over 100 years. As one of the premier hospitality management companies in the region, we've built a legacy of excellence that spans generations.

From our humble beginnings as a summer camp to our current collection of iconic properties, we've always stayed true to our roots while embracing innovation and change. Join us on a journey through the rich history of one of Minnesota's most respected hospitality companies.
Ranch House in Cote Hospitality Group - Nisswa Minnesota

Cote Hospitality

Our History

Cote Hospitality's entrepreneurial spirit and passion for creating memorable experiences have been the driving force behind their success for over a century. Its ability to anticipate and adapt to the changing needs of guests while remaining true to their core values has been the key to their longevity and success in the hospitality industry.

Camp Lincoln for boys and Camp Lake Hubert for girls have a 100-plus-year history of creating fun, aligning values and adventure in Central Minnesota"s lake country. As brother-sister camps, they are located across the lake from each other, with separate facilities and activities, but under the same ownership and long-standing mission and purpose. Alumni from across the USA and worldwide talk with pride about their wonderful memories and the great times at Camp Lincoln and Camp Lake Hubert.

Grand View Lodge is proud of a 100-plus-year legacy of providing exceptional service and hospitality to guests. The resort features 2,500 feet of beautiful shoreline on Gull Lake with a year-round playground. You will enjoy luxury accommodations, a medley of dining options, an award-winning and rejuvenating wellness space called Glacial Waters Spa, 45-holes of championship golf, and an array of activities and amenities while staying at Grand View Lodge.
Tanque Verde Ranch, added as a part of the Cote Hospitality resort collection in 1957, is one of old-time cattle and guest ranches in Arizona. Located on 60,000 acres of Tucson's most breathtaking desert landscapes, nestled among the Rincon Mountains and adjacent to Saguaro National Park and Coronado National Forest, the Ranch provides guests with charming accommodations, unparalleled amenities, the La Sonora Spa, and many unique activities such as horseback riding, nature hikes, mountain biking, fishing, artisan workshops and more.

Our History

Inception and Vision in 1909s Cote Hospitality Group - Nisswa Minnesota

Inception and Vision

1909

First Property 1923s Cote Hospitality Group - Nisswa Minnesota

First Property

1923

Expansion Takes Off in 1927s Cote Hospitality Group - Nisswa Minnesota

Expansion Takes Off

1927

Milestone Achieved in 1937s Cote Hospitality Group - Nisswa Minnesota

Milestone Achieved

1937

Entering New Horizon in 1957s Cote Hospitality Group - Nisswa Minnesota

Entering New Horizon

1957

Modern Era in 1960s Cote Hospitality Group - Nisswa Minnesota

Modern Era

1960s

Renovation and Growth in 1970s Cote Hospitality Group - Nisswa Minnesota

Renovation and Growth

1970s

Continued Growth in 1980s Cote Hospitality Group - Nisswa Minnesota

Continued Growth

1980s

Ongoing Growth Journey in 1997s Cote Hospitality Group - Nisswa Minnesota

Ongoing Growth Journey

1990s

Ongoing Growth Journey of 2008s 2009s Cote Hospitality Group - Nisswa Minnesota

Ongoing Growth Journey

2000s

Growth Journey in 2023s Cote Hospitality Group - Nisswa Minnesota

Growth Journey

2010s

2015+

Opening a new stay

2019

2020+

Tanque Verde Ranch Opens The Barn

2020

Today

Foundation of Values and Experiences

Today

1909
In 1909, William Blake, of the renowned Blake School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, founded the Blake Camp located on the shores of Lake Hubert in Nisswa, Minnesota.
1923
The Cote Hospitality legacy begins when Reynolds Fredrick Brownlee Cote (Brownie), a former Blake Camp staff member purchases The Blake Camp, renames it Camp Lincoln, and establishes the family's introduction to the camping industry and establishes its core values and guiding principles.
1927

Brownie opens Camp Lake Hubert for Girls across the lake from Camp Lincoln, expanding the family's camping operations.

1937
The Cote family acquired Grand View Lodge, originally opened by M.V. Baker in 1919, diversifying their portfolio with a resort property on Gull Lake in Nisswa, Minnesota. Now parents of campers have a place to stay just a couple miles away.
1957
The company purchases Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, transforming it into a unique blend of a classic western dude ranch and a world-class resort.
1960s
The Cote family second generation takes over operations and Fred Boos becomes General Manager of Grand View Lodge, while Sam Cote joins as full-time staff at Camp Lincoln and Camp Lake Hubert.
1970s
Camp Lincoln/Camp Lake Hubert expands its offerings with Golf, Tennis, and Family Specialty Camps. Bob Cote becomes General Manager of Tanque Verde Ranch.
1980s
Sam Cote becomes Executive Director of Camp Lincoln & Camp Lake Hubert. Grand View Lodge is added to the National Register of Historic Places. Norway Center opens expanding opportunities for business meetings and conferences.
1990s
To keep the family tradition alive, Ruggs Cote becomes the third generation to join Camp leadership. Grand View Lodge creates a new industry by opening The Pines, the area's first championship golf course.
2000s
Cote Hospitality opens the area's first full service spa at Grand View Lodge call Glacial Waters Spa. Camps add the tallest outdoor climbing wall in the upper Midwest.
2010s
Continuing the third generation family tradition, Bob Cote becomes Chairman of the Board. New conference center opens at Grand View Lodge.
2019
Opening a new stay option in 2019, Grand View Lodge introduces the North Hotel, a uniquely designed boutique-style hotel offering 60 rooms.
2020
Tanque Verde Ranch opens The Barn, a stunning meetings, weddings and event space allowing for up to 350 guests.
Today
Cote Hospitality continues to serve new and multi-generation families through a strong foundation of values and experiences. The guiding principles and a rich heritage of providing 100 year of distinctive hospitality continues to shape the business today.

"The Camping experience teaches how to adjust socially, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. It is to teach self discipline and athletic skills through fun and honest competition in a wilderness area."

– Brownie Cote, Scholar, Professor, Athlete, Summer Camp Counselor and Entrepreneur