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Motel

Gosh Dam Place

Stay at Gosh Dam Place Motel offering free WiFi, parking, and a bar in Deer River, MN. Near Chippewa National Forest and 1.9 miles from Dam Bay on Lake Winnibigoshish.

38589 State Hwy 46, Deer River, MN 56636, United States View on map
9/10
Exceptional Based on 486 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free parking Accessible Kid-friendly Bar
What recent guests emphasize

Welcoming atmosphere with tasty, hearty meals

Guests appreciate the friendly hospitality and comforting food offerings in a rustic motor inn setting, balanced with practical accommodations and convenient location near outdoor activities.

Guests often praise

  • Homemade breakfast pizzas and biscuits & gravy described as exceptional.
  • Friendly and personable staff, especially the owner’s warm hospitality.
  • Valued food options including great burgers, wings, and a popular BYO fish fry service.
  • Comfortable, basic rooms with good value for the price.
  • Casual, welcoming atmosphere with unique decor featuring local art and antiques.

Worth knowing

  • Service can vary during closing hours, occasionally less attentive when busy.
  • No pool or fitness center available on site.
  • Free Wi-Fi and parking included, with accessibility features noted.
  • Location is about 1.9 miles from Dam Bay and best suited for visitors to the area.

Best for

  • Travelers seeking affordable lodging with good food in a rustic, low-rise motel.
  • Outdoor enthusiasts visiting nearby Chippewa National Forest and fishing spots.
  • Guests wanting an on-site restaurant and bar with local character.
  • Families and groups looking for kid-friendly accommodations with easy parking.
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About this property

Welcome to Gosh Dam Place

Gosh Dam Place is a low-rise motel located in Deer River, Minnesota, offering basic accommodations with free Wi-Fi and free parking. The property features an on-site restaurant and bar known for its friendly staff and hearty, reasonably priced meals, including popular dishes like burgers, wings, and a catch-and-cook service for fresh fish brought in by guests. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is casual and decorated with local wildlife and memorabilia, creating a welcoming environment appreciated by both travelers and locals alike.

Situated just under 2 miles from Dam Bay on Lake Winnibigoshish, this rustic motor inn provides a convenient base for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the nearby Chippewa National Forest and Cut Foot Sioux Lake. These natural attractions offer opportunities for camping, fishing, hiking, and nature viewing. The property is also within reasonable driving distance from Bemidji Regional Airport and Range Regional Airport, making it accessible for visitors arriving by air.

While the rooms are basic, guests frequently highlight the motel’s comfortable accommodations and the approachable hospitality of the owner and staff. Some reviews note moments of less enthusiastic service during off-hours, but these are generally offset by the quality of food and overall friendly interactions. The motel does not offer a pool or fitness center but is accessible and kid-friendly, making it suitable for travelers seeking a straightforward, convenient stay.

Ideal for visitors focused on nearby outdoor activities or passing through the area, Gosh Dam Place offers a practical option with essential amenities and a strong reputation for its restaurant. Its location along State Hwy 46 provides easy access to local attractions and the surrounding natural landscape.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Accessible
Kid-friendly
Bar

Not available at this property

Pool
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

LJ
Laurie Johnson Apr 11, 2026
10

Visited this place for an early morning Vikings game when we were staying at a nearby resort. The homemade breakfast pizzas and biscuits and gravy were a 10 out of 10 but what made us tell everyone about it was the owner. She was incredibly personable and friendly. It appeard many of the patrons were locals who know both she and her husband. She was very busy when we were there but took time to make conversation with everyone in the bar and never stopped working. She definitely has a gift for hospitality. We will definitely be back and will tell our friends. Don’t pass it by!!

BB
Beth Berzelius Apr 06, 2026
10

Great burgers and pizza Staff is friendly and kind. Highlight of the fishing trips!!

JC
James Cotner Mar 26, 2026
10

Been multiple times, great wings and burgers. This time we brought fresh walleye that we caught ice fishing this morning. Their BYO fish fry is top notch and reasonably priced. 10/10 recommend.

R
Rainbow Feb 25, 2026
8.0

Lunch was a walleye sandwich. It was great! With very good tarter sauce, fresh crispy lettuce and bread. Regular fries were okay. Great service, atmosphere is open with great wall art, animals, fish, antiques and even a monkey Packers cheerleader.

FD
Falcar Deckion Jan 23, 2026
10

Great food, service was a bit surly. I attribute that to us coming in close to closing. She was a young girl and probably not happy to see 5 guests come in last min while she was trying to close up her tables. That aside.. food was outstanding, and very reasonably priced. Will be back next time up that way, but will go a tad earlier.

RN
Ron Nagy Jan 16, 2026
10

Food was amazing. Nachos were huge and layered with goodness. Made the mistake of ordering a small pizza and nachos for just two people..needless to say there were leftovers.

GS
Gary Schulz Jan 12, 2026
10

We stop there for dinner each year when we are fishing. They have a catch and cook service where they will cook the fish you catch and serve it with a potatoes choice, Cole slaw and beans. Always is very good!

TF
Thorin Flores Dec 29, 2025
10

The value is unbeatable. The rooms were comfortable, the food at the restaurant was top tier, there is a gas station next door that has propane. Pretty much everything you need right there.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Gosh Dam Place

Deer River, Minnesota

Set 1.9 miles from Dam Bay on Lake Winnibigoshish, this low-rise, rustic motor inn is 27.2 miles from Grand Rapids.

  • Bemidji Regional Airport 55 min Car
  • Range Regional Airport 1 hr 15 Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Minnesota. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Chippewa National Forest 434 reviews

Chippewa National Forest

200 Ash Ave NW, Cass Lake, MN 56633, United States

4.7 · National Forest
Cut Foot Sioux Lake 20 reviews

Cut Foot Sioux Lake

Bowstring Lake, MN 56636, USA

4.7 · Lake
Winnibigoshish Dam 1 reviews

Winnibigoshish Dam

Deer River, MN 56636, USA

5 · Dam
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