Joyce Estate Main Lodge Restoration Volunteers

One hundred years ago, Joyce Estate was living large during the roaring 20s, and a century later, HistoriCorps is helping return it to its former glory days.

In 2023 HistoriCorps began a new partnership with the Chippewa National Forest whose region covers roughly 1.6 million acres in the north central woods of Minnesota. Secluded just outside of Grand Rapids you’ll find Joyce Estate, an Adirondack-style lodge built by David Joyce, heir to a major lumber supplier. During its hay-day of the roaring twenties, the 4,500-acre summer vacation spot boasted a private golf course, telephone line, and even an airplane hangar. One can image a lifestyle similarly depicted in the Great Gatsby with historical undertones from prohibition and women’s suffrage playing out among the rich and famous who frequented the estate.

Constructed between 1917 to 1935, Joyce Estate originally contained 40 buildings spread out among the quiet woodlands surrounding Trout Lake featuring rustic log architecture similar to the Great Camps of upstate New York. The Joyce family frequented the estate until the early 70s and in 1972 the estate was absolved by the Forest Service who now manages the area as a popular recreational attraction.

Today the estate is a far cry from its hay day of the 1920s and 1930s with many of the buildings suffering from a lack of maintenance and severe rot accumulating over the years. Last season we were fortunate to receive a gracious amount of local support from neighboring residents who have treasured Joyce Estate as their family’s backyard escape. Their dedication along with our generous volunteers who traveled hundreds of miles to lend hand made a huge impact and put this project in a great position to see completion. This season we’re back to finish the job and hope you won’t mind spending a week or more lakeside with us as we see the necessary repairs and replacements through.

HistoriCorps is elated for our return to the Chippewa National Forest this season and we hope you will join us for this truly one of a kind project. If you’d like to learn more about Joyce Estate please visit the Forest’s website and check out the USDA’s brochure.

SESSION DATES: June 2-7 and June 9-14

Please plan to arrive at the campsite no earlier than 5pm and no later than 7pm on the first day of your session.

LOCATION: Located roughly 30 minutes north of Grand Rapids, MN.

HistoriCorps is committed to educating and training volunteers in preservation skills, with an overarching mission of inspiring a preservation ethic in all those involved. Learning and working alongside expert HistoriCorps field staff, volunteers and applying the traditional skills necessary to restore Joyce Estate:

• Repair damaged southwest corner
• Roof replacement and decking repairs as needed
• Repair exterior and interior cupola

Click here for more information and registration!

You will know your registration was successful when you receive a confirmation email. Contact volunteer@historicorps.org for assistance.