In the hospitality industry, sustainability usually means low-flow showerheads and a sign asking you to reuse your towels. Maybe some locally sourced food on the menu and refillable shampoo bottles in the bathroom. And that's pretty much it. At Ruttger's, we take it a step further. Many little steps further, actually.
For more than 126 years, people have been coming to Bay Lake to unwind, recharge, and experience a true Lake Country vacation. That’s why we’re committed to caring for the region we call home by protecting its unique environment and reducing our ecological footprint. So that future generations can enjoy the Minnesota they love just as much as we do.
Read on to see how our animal staff are helping us run Ruttger's Bay Lake Resort more sustainably. One leaf, one blossom, and one goose at a time.
Protecting Our Heritage
Learn about the sustainability efforts at Ruttger’s
Our Goats
The Swiss army knife of sustainable lawn care
If you’ve played golf at Ruttger’s or walked by the courses, you’ve likely already seen them: our herd of five Pygora goats. Sherman, Waylon, Buddy, Alfred, and Ollie help our groundskeepers keep the greens tidy and invasive species at bay. But they are more than just natural, low-emission lawn mowers. Our goats also reduce fire risk by eating dry vegetation, improve soil quality with their hooves and droppings, and produce valuable fiber. Their biggest environmental impact, however, is helping us significantly reduce herbicide use. Fewer toxins on the golf course mean safer rounds for you and a lighter environmental burden for Lake Country.