A memorable experience awaits By Jillian Chandler
Dirk and Kim Van Der Kolk have called North Idaho home for more than two decades, during which time they were the proud owners of two restaurants in the Coeur d’Alene/Hayden area, as well as a certified home for the elderly. When Kim’s mother became ill five years ago, the couple decided to sell everything and move to Florida to care for her. Unfortunately, Kim’s mother passed away soon after. After a bit of persuading, her father, known to many as Grandpa Joe, agreed to move back with Kim and her husband to the beautiful Northwest—Bonners Ferry to be exact.
Following their move back to the Idaho panhandle, a new endeavor would soon follow. In December of 2019, Dirk and Kim opened Tavern at the Lodge at Dodge Peak Lodge to eager diners seeking new flavors, and in February of 2020, their purchase of the whole Dodge Peak Lodge property was finalized. Their dream of being back in Idaho and once again owning their own business has been realized, and with much anticipation and excitement for the Van Der Kolks as well as the Bonners Ferry community as a whole.
Dodge Peak Lodge is a finely crafted log structure which features comfortable accommodations, each room adorned with locally handcrafted log furniture. Named after Dodge Peak in Boundary County, the lodge is located in the Kootenai River Valley and offers rooms accommodating families and groups of up to five people, individuals and couples. They offer special weekly rates for those looking to enjoy an extended stay—including meal plans.
They offer packages for weddings, family reunions, parties, hunters and snowmobilers, even wine tastings, including up to 14 hotel rooms and even an event space. And RV Parking is available on-site.
In addition to the wonderful accommodations, you’ll find The Tavern at the Lodge, where Dirk brings decades of restaurant and cooking experience—Dirk cooked at a variety of restaurants all over Europe!—to the table. “Really, his passion is what prompted us to open this restaurant,” says Kim, “and hospitality has always run in my blood. This is a perfect combo for us!”
Guests will find a delicious array of starters, soups and salads, and delightful entrees. From stuffed mushrooms and escargot to Spanish shrimp, your taste buds are sure to dance! And don’t forget about their house-made, from scratch, French Onion and Lobster Bisque soups. Entrees feature everything from Chicken Marsala and Veal Parmesan to Rib Eye Steak and Tuscany Shrimp Pasta. And you can’t forget their selection of Schnitzel, served with knodel and vegetables. Then there are the specials, like the Paella Spanish and Bouillabaisse.
Their goal at Tavern at the Lodge is to make their customers happy and have them “leaving with a memorable experience.”
“I think we are unique first and foremost because of our outstanding chef, my husband, Dirk,” affirms Kim. “In addition, our menu is quite diverse with many European favorites.”
Dirk and Kim are truly grateful for all of the encouragement and positivity they have received from the community in this endeavor over the last three years. “Just all the support we have been shown and the willingness to help in any way to have us succeed,” smiles Kim. “We are big on family, and friends who have become like family, and have always had their support. The community of Bonners Ferry continues to welcome us with open arms.”
The Van Der Kolks feel blessed to have been given the incredible opportunity to be a part of the Bonners Ferry community which has so graciously accepted them since relocating to the area, and shown unwavering support to Dodge Peak.
They invite you to dine with them for dinner Thursday through Saturday, with service provided 5 to 8pm, book a stay—or both. Reservations for dinner are recommended, though not required. To reserve your room, you can do so online.
Dodge Peak Lodge
5952 Main Street
Bonners Ferry, Idaho
208.267.7268
DodgePeak.com