The Merit Lakeside Dining & Cocktails

02/27/2026

01/02/2026

We will be open today at 4:00 PM. We have drive up access on the ice. Look forward to seeing everybody today. We will have pizza, wild rice soup and pretzels on the menu tonight.

01/01/2026

WE ARE OPEN TONIGHT BY REQUEST! PIZZA IS ON THE MENU TONIGHT!

09/09/2025

Looking forward to the winter season! Thank you everyone that visited us this past year. Bring on the ice!

09/07/2025

Thank you everyone that stopped by and supported us this summer season. We will be reopening for the Winter Ice Season December 26th. We hope you stop by and see what Chef Charles has cooking in the kitchen.

09/06/2025

It's your last day to grab your favorite beverage from the Merit and sit by the fire. We are open today from 12PM-8PM for food and then will be closed until December 26th. Thank you all for a great season.

09/05/2025

Here is our Menu for Guest Appreciation Weekend!
Our Hours will be Friday 4:00 PM- 8:00 PM and Saturday 12:00 PM-8:00 PM.
We then will be Closed for the Season and Reopening December 26th for our Winter Season. Thank you for a Great Summer Season!
's Landing Lodge on Leech Lake Reeds Family Outdoor Outfitters

08/24/2025

What a great weekend. Glad we were part of this event!

08/24/2025

Come See Hunter Schroeder Today at 4:00 PM. We will have him set up down stairs due to the weather.

08/21/2025

Many of you know Sophie Diumenti, who was scheduled to sing at The Merit this Sunday as part of our Acoustic Summer Series. She won’t be able to join us — because right now, her family needs all of our love and prayers.

Their precious son, Zion, has been in the Children’s Hospital at Sanford West in Fargo since the end of July. He was diagnosed with HUS, caused by the worst strain of E. coli. This rare and serious infection attacks the kidneys and can affect other organs.

Sophie and Brian have been faithfully by his side as he continues to fight with incredible strength. 💪❤️

📬 If you’d like to send love, encouragement, or prayers their way, cards and letters can be mailed to:
Brian & Sophie Diumenti
PO Box 172
Ottertail, MN 56571

Let’s surround Zion and the Diumenti family with the love and support of our Walker & Leech Lake community. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. 🙏✨
❤️‍🩹

Find the story here:
Sophie Diumenti Music

08/13/2025

Great Lunch Special this weekend.

Here is the chefs Lunch Special for The Merit Lakeside Dining & Cocktails this weekend. It's a BLT with a twist, he adds our smoked Brisket to it. $16 for this colossal sandwich! Chef Charles also needs a name for it.