Tepetonka Ranch proposed for Kandiyohi County property near landfill – West Central Tribune
— The
family of facilities continues to grow in Kandiyohi County.
Tepetonka Hospitality LLC submitted a proposal for use of the county’s recently purchased property adjacent to the Kandiyohi County Landfill. The company, created in 2023, manages non-golf activities and lodging for the Tepetonka Club golf course west of New London.
The county had made a request for proposals for the use of the property after the purchase was approved in July of this year. The county asked for proposals that would maintain recreational use of the land. According to Kandiyohi County Administrator Kelsey Baker, the proposal by Tepetonka Hospitality was the only one put forward.
In a July meeting, the board
approved the purchase of the property for $2.5 million.
By owning the land, the county is better able to monitor the spread of pollutants and the environmental impact of the landfill.
Located on Norstedt Lake off U.S. Highway 71, the 140-acre property includes multiple water features, paths and woodlands. There are several structures as well, including a house, barn and cabin.
The Kandiyohi County Board at its regular meeting Tuesday discussed the Tepetonka Hospitality proposal. A contract is currently being drafted by county staff and will be presented to the board at an upcoming meeting.
The proposal states that Tepetonka Hospitality would use the property for year-round activities under the name Tepetonka Ranch. This would be another Tepetonka property alongside Tepetonka Club and Tepetonka Beach Club, a Green Lake property.
The proposal presented at the meeting Tuesday is for the county to enter a five-year lease with the possibility of renewing in five-year increments. Tepetonka Hospitality would pay for all operating expenses, repairs and maintenance for the land except for real estate taxes and county-related uses. The proposal suggests payment of $25,000 per quarter to be made by Tepetonka Hospitality to the county.
Twelve items were listed under the scope of use. These include staff housing, overflow lodging for guests, club events and several outdoor activities. The list in the proposal is not exhaustive, and other activities could take place.
Contributed / KemperSports
The property would be managed by KemperSports, a third-party management organization that has a longstanding relationship with Tepetonka Club and Tepetonka Beach Club, according to the proposal.
In a Sept. 16 email from Tepetonka Hospitality President Mark Haugejorde to Baker, which was presented during the Oct. 7 board meeting, Haugejorde states that Tepetonka would be prepared to begin the lease “as soon as all mutually-agreed upon items of repair and replacement are complete, along with final documentation.”
The property contains multiple structures that required repairs. Kandiyohi County Environmental Services Director Gary Geer stated Tuesday that the county has spent money on inspections for the structures. The most significant expense found was a flat-roof balcony on the home on the property. The county has completed roof repair on both the home and a cabin on the property.
Whether these repairs fulfill the agreed-upon items was not stated in the proposal. According to the agreement, any improvements beyond initial repairs would be the responsibility of Tepetonka.
Tepetonka Hospitality announced the Tepetonka Ranch in a news release issued later on Tuesday.
“I grew up hunting and fishing in this area, and I can’t wait for our members and their guests to enjoy the outdoor culture of our community,” Haugejorde, CEO of Tepetonka Club, said in the news release. “We are very excited to launch Tepetonka Ranch as we add to the wide array of fun and camaraderie that comes with membership.”
Contributed / KemperSports
According to the release, Tepetonka Ranch would be used throughout the year and would host golf and outdoor youth programs. The 140-acre property would be used for more weather-appropriate activities during the fall, winter and spring, allowing members with Tepetonka to enjoy Tepetonka properties year-round.
Upgrades to the property would include a network of paths, a game reserve, and a sporting clays course designed by national champion shooter Joe Beditz.
The sporting clays and game preserve would be located in the northern portion of the property, according to the proposal. Within these, members and guests would be able to sport shoot and hunt pheasants raised on site.
To ensure the safety of shooting in this area, the proposal states that shooting would be done away from Norstedt Lake on the western side of the property and away from U.S. Highway 71 on the eastern side of the property, amid any other safety considerations.
Contributed / Tepetonka.com
According to a promotional video on the Tepetonka Ranch website, the property would open Oct. 17, 2026.
Tepetonka activities and hospitality properties are open only to members and their guests.
According to a previous article by the West Central Tribune,
the golf club has a cap of 100 members with a membership fee of $100,000.
For more information on the meeting or to view minutes and agendas from previous meetings, visit
Levi Jones is the West Central Tribune’s business reporter. After growing up in the Twin Cities, Jones attended Hamline University for journalism and media communications. After graduating in 2020, Jones has worked as a reporter covering anything from sports to politics.
