Sheep Creek Lodge Faces Hardship

A local institution, Sheep Creek Lodge, faces catastrophic business struggles. Trouble arrived when a septic tank on their property failed on August 7th. 

It’s a lodge and a restaurant located at Mile 88 of the Parks Highway. But, co-owner Jessi Leach says, it’s also a community center, where they host meetings, annual holiday buffets and provide seniors in need from several area communities with food through the Meals on Wheels program. 

Leach says everyone is welcome. Dog mushers sit next to snow machiners. It’s a place for people to come together. 

Since the septic tank failed, they’ve had to lay off one-third of the staff and significantly cut the remaining employees’ hours. 

Additionally, the owners have had to cancel and refund bookings. They are also discounting the rates on their dry cabins, since inside bathroom and shower usage is no longer available. 

If the lodge is forced to close, Leach says there’d be even fewer year-round jobs in the area. 

The owners are waiting to learn the cost of the repairs and whether the work can start before the ground freezes. Currently, their goal is to raise $100,000, but they don’t know if that would cover it. 

The lodge has received an outpouring of support from community members. Along with the ongoing crowdfunding, Willow Area Community Organization offered to host a fundraiser. People have also mailed in checks and even contributed extra money to the tip jar. 

The owners say they’re humbled by the community's care and are hopeful their business will survive this hardship.