At the northwest end of Lake Carlos in Alexandria, Minnesota is Mount Carmel Drive. Its name comes from Mount Carmel in Palestine and shares the trait of being highland overlooking a beautiful body of water (note that there is level land at the east end of Mount Carmel Drive at Lake Carlos).
In 1937, the Lutheran Bible Institute of Minneapolis purchased 40 acres of land at this Lake Carlos location for $2,500. On July 2, 1938 they opened a camp at a cost of $40,000. A cabin could be rented for $1 per night. Ah, the good old days. But, you did have to furnish your own bedding. If you didn’t, the rental was $2 per night with bedding.
In 1956, 35 additional acres were purchased between Mount Carmel and Luther Crest for $10,000.
The Lutheran Bible Institute had used the camp as collateral for a loan and unfortunately had to default. Fortunately, eople got together to save the camp. After negotiations, it was purchased for $420,000 and named Mount Carmel Ministries.
Visitors to the camp and residents along Mount Carmel Drive enjoy very nice shoreline and a beautiful, broad view of Lake Carlos.
