Century of Veteran Rest
Minnesota Veterans Campground Celebrates One Hundred Years of Rest and Recreation
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A 75-acre lakeside camp in Minnesota is marking 100 years of welcoming veterans to rest and fish. The Veterans Campground on Big Marine Lake, formerly called Disabled Veterans Rest Camp, has grown from 3,000 annual visitors in 2008 to over 126,000 in 2025 Press Democrat. Veterans from all 50 states now come to the site each year.
For some veterans like Jimmy LeBath, the camp became home. LeBath found the facility through an internet search in 2012 and now lives there year-round, fishing daily on the lake Press Democrat. The camp sits on land once owned by Isaac Staples, a 19th-century lumber baron and Minnesota industrialist.
From Disabled Veterans Haven to National Destination
The camp began 100 years ago with a simple mission: give veterans a place to recover and relax. Originally named Disabled Veterans Rest Camp, it reflected its focus on wounded and disabled service members Journal Advocate. Over decades, the mission stayed the same but the reach expanded.
Growth exploded in recent years. Visitor numbers jumped from 3,000 in 2008 to more than 126,000 by 2025 Journal Advocate. The camp now draws veterans seeking quiet, fishing, and community with other service members across the country.
A Lake Getaway That Saved Lives
For many veterans, the camp offers more than recreation. It provides respite from isolation and mental health struggles that often follow military service. Jimmy LeBath's decision to move there full-time shows how powerful the refuge can be Press Democrat.
Daily routines like fishing help veterans heal. The quiet lake and open space create space for reflection and connection. The camp's century of operation proves veterans need and value these sanctuaries Press Democrat.
Century on Historic Minnesota Shoreline
Big Marine Lake sits on land with deep roots in Minnesota history. Isaac Staples, the lumber baron who once owned the property, shaped the region's economy in the 1800s Press Democrat. Today, his land serves a different purpose: honoring those who served.
The 100-year milestone marks a rare achievement in veteran services. Few facilities maintain their mission for a full century. The camp's summer celebration honors a legacy of care and proves that small, dedicated places can make enormous differences in veterans' lives Journal Advocate.
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