West Cook in Cook County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The American Plan Cabin
Photographed By McGhiever, August 19, 2023
1. The American Plan Cabin Marker
You are standing near the former site of the Judge's Cabin built approximately 1934.
"American Plan" was a popular cabin rental option from the 1920s-1970s. American Plan cabins were furnished with beds, chairs, dressers, and a wash table for a water basin and pitcher. Water was delivered daily. An outdoor privy was nearby. Guests ate meals at a central dining room in the lodge, and showered in the utility building.
American Plan cabins at Chik-Wauk were clustered close to the lodge and named Carey #1, Judge's #2, Crow's Nest #6, and Cabin Across the Bridge #3. Anglers wishing to spend as much time fishing as possible enjoyed American Plan convenience, which often included a shore lunch.
How was this cabin named? Legend says a judge stayed in the cabin each year. If you have additional information to share, stop in and visit with one of the staff members.
Erected by Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1934.
Location. 48° 10.111′ N, 90° 52.869′ W. Marker is in West Cook, Minnesota, in Cook County. Marker can be reached from
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Trapper Shack (within shouting distance of this marker); This Log (within shouting distance of this marker); Portage Canoe Rest (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Step back in time... (about 600 feet away); History of Saganaga Lake (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named History of Saganaga Lake (approx. 0.3 miles away); Gunflint Lake Scenic Overlook (approx. 8.3 miles away); The 2007 Ham Lake Fire (approx. 8.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Cook.
Photographed By McGhiever, August 19, 2023
2. The American Plan Cabin and marker
Photographed By McGhiever, August 19, 2023
3. Interior of the American Plan Cabin
Photographed By McGhiever, August 19, 2023
4. Map of Saganaga Lake marker
Photographed By McGhiever, August 19, 2023
5. Map of Saganaga Lake marker on the porch of the American Plan Cabin
Credits. This page was last revised on November 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 9, 2023, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 49 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 9, 2023, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
