A view of a dock leading into the water at a resort in Minnesota.

27 Best Resorts in Minnesota for Summer and Winter Getaways [2023]

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Are you planning a summer getaway and need the best resorts in Minnesota to spend your time at?

Minnesota is filled with breathtaking landscapes, thousands of lakes, and lush forests, making it the perfect destination for that resort life!

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing retreat, an adventurous getaway, or a fun-filled family vacation, Minnesota has something for everyone.

Spend time relaxing in the cabin, take out a kayak onto the water, fish from the dock, or just sit back and listen to the sounds of loons calling in the distance.

I can almost hear the crackling of a bonfire with the sounds of waves crashing into the shore from the lake. It’s pure magic.

So if you’re looking for somewhere to get out and explore with your family this summer, check out these Minnesota resorts!

Best Resorts in Minnesota

1. Cove Point Lodge [Best Resort on a Lake in Minnesota]

Location: Beaver Bay
Open Season: Year-Round
Best For: Everyone

Another favorite North Shore resort in Minnesota on a lake is Cove Point Lodge, located in Beaver Bay, just a short distance from Silver Bay.

It’s an award-winning resort, with direct access to Lake Superior and all of the best activities along the North Shore.

You can choose to stay either in one of their 2 or 3 bedroom cottages or book a stay in the Lake Superior lodge rooms.

Along with the great accommodations, you can also take advantage of this great lodge in Minnesota’s top amenities that will make your stay just that much better!

A view of Lake Superior from the shoreline.

Top amenities include lakeside campfires and s’mores kits, an indoor pool and hot tub, hiking trails along the beach, and different rentals like bikes and snowshoes.

You can also enjoy fine dining at the lodge dining room, or at the nearby Cove Crossings, and grab a Scandinavian continental breakfast every morning.

And of course, be sure to enjoy the views of Lake Superior, and explore more of what the North Shore has to offer, whether it be in winter or summer.

2. Kamp Dels [Best Family Resort]

Location: Waterville
Open Season: Summer
Best For: Families

If you’re hoping to find the best family Minnesota resorts, then Kamp Dels is calling your name!

As a combination outdoor waterpark, campground, and resort, this is the ultimate destination for an outdoor adventure this summer!

Rent a cabin at Kamp Dels, choosing from either a 2-bedroom, studio, or 5-bedroom, and house your entire family together.

Each cabin varies in the number of people that it can sleep, but they all have everything that you’ll need for an enjoyable stay!

During your stay, of course, you’ll want to take advantage of the epic outdoor waterpark, that the kids won’t ever want to leave. On top of that, there’s a petting zoo, climbing wall, mini golf, and more.

You can also hang out on Lake Sakatah, and enjoy the views of the lake right from your cabin! Rent a boat from the resort or use their kayaks, paddleboard, aqua trikes, and more!

Fishing is also a popular activity on the lake, and of course, you wouldn’t want to end a day at the resort without sitting by the crackling campfire.

3. Quarterdeck Resort [Best Resort in Minnesota for Adults]

Location: Nisswa
Open Season: Year-Round
Best For: Luxury Travelers & Adults

This unique, luxury Minnesota resort off of the shore of Gull Lake offers a different type of stay than some of the other resorts on this list!

Enjoy staying in either one of their large lakeside cottages, lodge suites, or an adorable beach house.

Relax on the 850 feet of shoreline on Gull Lake, dine at their Quarterdeck Beach Grill, grab an alcoholic drink to enjoy at Sand Bar, or rent a boat to head out onto the water.

A view of golden colored trees reflecting into a lake.

And coming up soon, Club Quarterdeck is coming, with a year-round outdoor pool, outdoor fitness center, vintage video games, a hot tub, sauna, and more!

While kids can stay here, it’s more suited as an adult-friendly resort, so it’s perfect for couples, friends’ weekend trips, or business retreats!

4. Gunflint Lodge [Best Resort for Couples]

Location: Grand Marais
Open Season: Year-Round
Best For: Couples

One of local’s favorite resorts in the entire state of Minnesota is Gunflint Lodge, located just off of the Canadian border from the Gunflint Trail.

While technically the address is Grand Marais, which is found on the North Shore, Gunflint Lodge is about a 1-hour drive from the small town!

A stay here will truly give you that Northwoods feel, as you’ll be nestled right in the forest off of the shore of Gunflint Lake.

Guests can indulge in a range of activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the fireplace in one of the cozy cabins.

A fish hook hanging off of a dock pole near a lake.

One of the best parts about this resort is that it’s perfect for couples, whether it be for a honeymoon or just a getaway. There are special couples cabins that feature a private spa.

As someone who studied abroad in Denmark, I love that the Gunflint Lodge embraces the ‘Hygge Season,’ and ensures that your time here is nice and cozy, no matter the season.

From snowmobiling in the winter to zip lining and watching the northern lights above in the summer, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories.

5. Little Norway Resort [Best Minnesota Resort for Summer]

Location: Park Rapids
Open Season: Summer
Best For: Families

I’ve spent several summers on the lake at Little Norway Resort, a great resort in Park Rapids, as my family has rented a cabin there for years.

Several different cabins are available for rent, from small one-bedroom cabins to large three-bedrooms, perfect for a family, and many are dog friendly!

Kids love spending the summer here at Little Norway, as there is so much to do! From playing on the large playground to running around and digging with beach toys, they’ll stay busy.

As a kid, we always chased the frogs around in the cattails and spent hours swimming from the shoreline to the bright yellow raft.

The tip of a paddleboard and a person in a kayak.

You can enjoy taking the kayaks and canoes out on the Little Mantrap Lake or renting a speedboat or pontoon for the weekend.

And being so close to Park Rapids gives several other opportunities for fun to be had, whether it be visiting Itasca State Park or wandering Main Street.

There is also a lodge that offers essentials that you may have forgotten, including ice cream, which we all know is a must-have!

Enjoy those warm summer nights at Little Norway relaxing by the fire pit, listening to the loons call, and relaxing with family. It’s what makes Minnesota so great during summer!

6. Lutsen Resort [Best Resort for Winter in Minnesota]

Location: Lutsen
Open Season: Year-Round
Best For: Skiers/Snowboarders

The North Shore is jam-packed with some of the best hidden gems in Minnesota, and a visit during the summer will be the furthest thing from a regret.

Lutsen Resort sits right on the beautiful shore of Lake Superior and gives some of the best access to all that there is to do on the shore.

From epic hiking trails to snowmobiling and a ski resort just a mile down the road, Lutsen Resort leaves nothing to be desired!

A view of a ski lift at a ski resort in Minnesota.

This historic red best lodge in Minnesota offers rooms inside of its main lodge, many of which have views of Lake Superior from the window.

Log cabins are also available to rent, as well as townhomes if you’re traveling with a larger group.

Those who will love Lutsen Resort the most are skiers and snowboarders, as you’ll be a mere 5 minutes from the state’s top ski resort, Lutsen Mountains.

But even during the summer, you can enjoy swimming in Lake Superior, touring the North Shore’s 8 state parks, and wandering through small towns, like Grand Marais and Two Harbors.

7. Breezy Point Resort [Best Luxury Resort in MN]

Location: Breezy Point
Open Season: Year-Round
Best For: Luxury Travelers

Located not far from the fantastic Crosby area, where you’ll find world-class mountain biking and bright mine pits, is Breezy Point Resort.

Nestled along the shore of Pelican Lake, here you’ll find a large variety of different accommodations to choose from.

Everything from lodge rooms inside the main lodge, to smaller vacation home-style apartments, you’ll find something to fit your needs.

A view of a lake at sunset.

This 4-season destination has long been a favorite amongst resort-goers, and tops the list as one of the best luxury resorts in Minnesota!

During a stay at Breezy Point Resort, you can enjoy playing on the sandy beach, relaxing in the Serenity Spa, playing a round at the nearby golf course, or enjoying some fine dining.

No matter what you do, your stay here will be nothing short of relaxing and enjoyable.

8. Eagle Nest Lodge

Location: Deer River
Open Season: Year-Round
Best For: Families

Eagle Nest Lodge in Deer River, MN is the perfect destination for anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of Minnesota’s north woods.

Located on the shores of beautiful Cut Foot Sioux Lake on East Seelye Bay, this lodge offers stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy!

Choose to stay in one of their 16 cabins, all of which vary in size and location. Some are perched up right along the lakeshore!

Since they’re open year-round, you can visit and enjoy any Minnesota activity that you like, from swimming to ice fishing!

Take one of the complimentary rentals onto the lake, from stand-up paddleboards to sailboats. Kids will also love jumping on the water trampoline.

Everyone can also enjoy the sand volleyball courts, pickleball, a playground, and some time spent around the campfire ring.

With its cozy accommodations, beautiful surroundings, and endless outdoor activities, Eagle Nest Lodge is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

9. Cedar Valley Resort

Location: Lanesboro
Open Season: Year-Round
Best For: Large Group Gatherings

Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a girl’s weekend, a family reunion, or just a weekend away, Cedar Valley Resort is there for you.

Located just outside of Lanesboro off of the Root River, this family-owned resort offers 11 log cabins to choose from for your stay.

Each of the cabins varies in size, but many of them can sleep over 20 guests (the Northwoods Cabin can sleep 38!), so it’s perfect for large gatherings.

Myself holding a s'mores near a campfire at a resort in Minnesota.

So if you’re planning a family reunion, be sure to head to Cedar Valley Resort!

Enjoy a different kind of water adventure, as you can kayak or tube down the Root River, or spend time relaxing at the resort.

Fun activities such as horseshoes, pickleball, basketball, a tubing hill, a new ice skating rink, and bonfires are perfect for spending time together with your family.

You can also rent a variety of different equipment for each season, including canoes, kayaks, bikes, snowshoes, cross-country skis, and more.

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10. Kavanaugh’s Sylvan Lake Resort

Location: Brainerd
Open Season: Year-Round
Best For: Everyone

Located along the shores of Sylvan Lake in Brainerd, this beautiful resort is everything that you’re searching for in a Minnesota resort.

Offering a select variety of accommodations such as cottages, condos, and suites, there’s no doubt you’ll be able to find the perfect one for your family.

No matter the season, you can plan a visit to Kavanaugh’s, as they’re open and ready for visitors year-round!

During your stay, take advantage of their amenities like a kid’s playground, a large swimming beach, fishing docks, opportunities for boating, and more.

Two of the top features include their indoor pool and hot tub, as well as a seasonal heated outdoor pool to enjoy that summer sun!

Along with all of the fun activities on the resort, you can venture out into Brainerd and check out the hiking, biking, great restaurants, and golf courses nearby.

You can enjoy rentals throughout the seasons of items like boats, bikes, snowshoes, ice skates, and cross-country skis.

Overall, this hidden gem of a resort offers the perfect blend of luxury and Midwest charm!

11. Northern Lights Resort & Outfitters

Location: Kabetogama
Open Season: Year-Round (select cabins)
Best For: Fishermen & women

Ready to really escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and head deep into the north woods of Minnesota?

A visit to Northern Lights Resort on Kabetogama Lake most definitely will grant you that wish!

All of their cozy cabins are themed just as you would expect a northern Minnesota cabin to be, and each varies in size, from one bedroom to five bedrooms.

Spend time relaxing by the lake, take out a canoe or kayak, or play a yard game with your family.

Trees and a lake at Voyageurs National Park.

This resort is particularly popular among fishermen and women because of its access to Lake Kabetogama, which boasts some great fishing!

You can rent a boat from the resort to get out onto the lake and explore and catch some fish while you’re at it!

Northern Lights Resort is also very close to Minnesota’s only national park, Voyageurs National Park, which is best explored by boat!

While they do have two options for lodging during the winter, Northern Lights Resort is primarily open during the summer months.

12. Lost Lake Lodge

Location: Nisswa
Open Season: Summer
Best For: Everyone

Nestled along Lost Lake, between a number of other large lakes around the Brainerd area, is Lost Lake Lodge.

This smaller resort has been bringing fun and helping guests make memories for over 70 years on their 80-acre property in Nisswa.

Book a stay in either one of their cottages or cabins, ranging between one bedroom and four bedrooms, with some being pet-friendly.

Some of the cabins sit right on the shore of Lost Lake, while others are situated on the eastern shore of Gull Lake.

At the resort, you can hangout on the lake, go for a swim out to the large floating raft, see what kind of fish you can catch, or just relax by the campfire.

A fishing pole sitting in a dock with a lake in the background.

There are also pontoons, fishing boats, and speed boats available for rent, so you can enjoy the water. Or, you can take out the kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards for no cost!

Nearby are several restaurants, great golfing, a small ski resort, and more. In fact, the Lost Lake Lodge Restaurant is also available to dine at.

Since this resort is only open during the summer, you’ll want to book your accommodations early to make sure you don’t miss out!

13. Fair Hills Resort

Location: Detroit Lakes
Open Season: Summer
Best For: Families

Being one of the few areas with lakes close to Fargo, ND, Detroit Lakes becomes a popular location for vacationing in the summer!

Fair Hills Resort is located on the shores of Pelican Lake, offering guests the opportunity to participate in a range of outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, kayaking, and more!

Being recognized by several publications has proven time and time again how great this resort is!

Plan a weekend getaway to one of their over 100 cabins, all of which range between one and four bedrooms, and have a few with their own kitchens.

Enjoy fun activities like swimming, boating, fishing, a basketball court, and more. You’ll truly never be bored at Fair Hills.

Guests can also enjoy fun weekly activities, which are scheduled and for everyone to enjoy! And every Tuesday night in the summer, you can enjoy a favorite event called the Hootenanny and Smorgasbord.

14. Sugar Lake Lodge

Location: Grand Rapids
Open Season: Year-Round
Best For: Everyone

Found right in my hometown of Grand Rapids, I’m a little biased when I say that Sugar Lake Lodge is definitely one of the best Minnesota resorts.

Nestled right along the shore of Siseebakwet Lake, which is derived from the Ojibwe word for ‘sugar,’ this resort is beautiful!

Choose to either stay in one of their lakeside cabins, or in a room right in the main lodge. Both have great lake views! Or, you can book a stay in one of their golf course villas.

Lily pads in a lake from a Minnesota resort.

Enjoy all of the top amenities during your stay, such as full kitchens in select rooms, nightly bonfires, a white-sand beach, and free use of non-motorized boats.

You can also rent either a pontoon or fishing boat to take out onto Siseebakwet Lake for some fishing or just cruising around.

One of the best parts about Sugar Lake Lodge is the outdoor heated pool where you can relax and enjoy the views of the lake.

A stay at this resort is great for families, couples, business retreats, and everything in between!

15. Chase on the Lake

Location: Walker
Open Season: Year-Round
Best For: Everyone

Found right in the small city of Walker, just off of Leech Lake, Chase on the Lake is located within Walker Bay.

This resort offers incredible views of the lake, a great spot to watch the sun come up, great accommodation options, pet-friendly rooms, and endless fun.

Lakeside rooms and condos are available to rent, depending on what size space you need for your family, all boasting amazing views of Leech Lake.

During your stay, you can experience a true Minnesotan getaway while enjoying the lake by swimming, boating, fishing, and just splashing on the shore.

Dine lakeside, take advantage of their full-service spa, or just sit back and relax by the campfire. Whatever you do, you’ll be glad you chose Chase on the Lake.

Nearby, you’ll find plenty to do in Walker, especially during the summer months when big events such as Moondance come to town!

And being open year-round, a stay here will give you easy access to one of the best ice fishing lakes in the state!

16. Madden’s on Gull Lake

Location: Brainerd
Open Season: Year-Round
Best For: Golfers

Gull Lake is a popular spot near the Brainerd Lakes area for recreation of all types, whether it be winter or summer.

And with a stay at Madden’s on Gull Lake, you can really experience all of those fun activities and see for yourself why Minnesota is great, even in winter!

Being so close to the legendary golf courses in Brainerd makes this resort perfect for those who are traveling for a golfing trip.

There’s a large variety of accommodations to choose from here, including lakeside villas, homes on the golf course, and larger multi-bedroom houses.

Tyler paddling in a kayak down a lake.

No matter what you need for your stay, it’s likely that you’ll find it here at Madden’s on Gull.

Aside from the fantastic golf, you can also enjoy an inflatable waterpark, wake surf and water ski school, a fitness room, boat rentals, and more.

Brainerd is home to a large selection of hiking and biking trails, and Madden’s features a few fantastic beaches to relax on, as well as an indoor and outdoor pool to enjoy.

No matter what your visit is for, there’s something for everyone, especially golfers, at Madden’s on Gull Lake!

17. Eagle Ridge Resort

Location: Lutsen
Open Season: Year-Round
Best For: Skiers/Snowboarders

Another great resort to book a stay at if you’re looking to experience some of the best skiing in Minnesota is Eagle Ridge Resort.

With ski-in and ski-out access to Lutsen Mountains, this is your prime North Shore destination for the winter season!

And even during the summer months, a stay here gives you easy access to the North Shore’s hidden gems and most popular destinations.

A view of Lake Superior from the shoreline of the North Shore.

Book a stay in a fireplace studio for cozy vibes during your visit, or just stay in one of their classic suites.

If you’re traveling with a larger group, you may be interested in one of their condos, which have multiple bedrooms.

A heated outdoor pool and hot tub top the list of amenities at Eagle Ridge Resort, but others include a fitness center, sauna, on-site dining, and amazing views!

18. Lodge at Giant’s Ridge

Location: Biwabik
Open Season: Year-Round
Best For: Skiers/Snowboarders

If you’re a fan of downhill skiing or snowboarding, then a winter visit to the Lodge at Giant’s Ridge is going to be perfect for you.

The lodge sits right at the base of the ski hill, offering some of the best ski-in and ski-out lodging in the state!

You can book either a one, two, three, or four bedroom suite within this great lodge in Minnesota, and enjoy all of the best amenities that Giant’s Ridge has to offer.

From in-room jacuzzis to kitchenettes available for your use, and easy access to the ski hill, you’ll have all you need for a stay.

A ski lift at the Lodge at Giant's Ridge.

Even if you aren’t visiting during the winter months, this still makes for a great resort in Minnesota, as Giant’s Ridge turns into an outdoor recreation hub in the summer!

With a world-class golf course on-site, as well as some of the best mountain biking trails in the Midwest, and miles of ATV trails, you couldn’t ask for more!

There is also a restaurant and bar right inside the lodge, and you can find other dining options within the ski chalet.

19. Voyagaire Lodge

Location: Crane Lake
Open Season: Year-Round
Best For: Visitors to Voyageurs National Park

If you’re planning a visit to Voyageurs National Park, then a stay at Voyagaire Lodge is going to be the perfect plan for you!

As Minnesota’s only national park, it’s a must-see, whether you’re a local or a visitor!

Relax on the shores of Crane Lake, head out onto the water for some kayaking or canoeing, and dine on their beautiful lakeside deck.

Inside the lodge, you’ll find a wide variety of guest rooms, each of which has multiple beds, it’s own bathroom, and one of which has its own kitchen.

A view of a lake at sunset from a lakeside resort in Minnesota.

On the lake, you can enjoy some fishing, as you’ll find some of the best species up here like walleye, crappie, and bass!

And of course, make your way into Voyageurs National Park for some hiking, boating, and exploring.

20. Grand View Lodge

Location: Nisswa
Open Season: Year-Round
Best For: Everyone

As you’ve probably seen throughout this post, the Brainerd Lakes Area is packed with fantastic resorts, and Grand View Lodge is another one.

Here you’ll make memories with your family that you’ll remember for a lifetime, as Grand View Lodge has been doing since the early 1900s!

There are quite a few options for lodging, including their boutique hotel, the main lodge, golf course homes, and two versions of lakeside homes.

Depending on what you need, it’s likely that you’ll find it here for your stay, and some of the units are even pet friendly!

Along with the beautiful lodging options, you’ll get to enjoy close access to Gull Lake, world-class golfing, and an on-site spa.

You can also enjoy biking on the trails around Brainerd, swimming in their lakefront pool, and relaxing in the sliding down the resort’s indoor waterslide!

21. River Point Resort

Location: Ely
Open Season: Year-Round
Best For: BWCAW Visitors

Ely is a fantastic location in Northern Minnesota, surrounded by towering green trees, shimmering lakes, and opportunities for exploring.

Being the gateway to the famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness makes it a great place to stop before heading out for your adventure.

At River Point Resort, you’ll enjoy the beautiful shoreline of Birch Lake, and will have plenty of opportunities to recreate on the lake.

Myself on a paddle board on a large lake.

Choose between vacation home cabins, regular cabins, villas, and chalets, depending on what size home you need for your stay.

Enjoy fun activities like kayaking and canoeing, admiring the milky way and northern lights, hiking the surrounding trails, and fishing.

From honeymoons to family reunions to family vacations, a stay at River Point Resort will always help create long-lasting memories!

22. Larsmont Cottages

Location: Two Harbors
Open Season: Year-Round
Best For: Adventurers

Located on one of the best places to stay in the state, Lake Superior, the Larsmont Cottages are a great choice for a Minnesota resort in Two Harbors.

With views of Lake Superior from your windows, shoreline just steps out your door, and easy access to the North Shore, there’s nowhere better to be!

Choose between one, two, or three bedroom cottages to fit everyone in your party that’s tagging along on this adventure.

A view of Lake Superior from the shore at a North Shore resort.

It’s tough not to have a blast here, as you’ll have an indoor pool and sauna to enjoy, as well as lakeside fire pits, complimentary s’mores, and an on-site restaurant.

Check out the trails nearby with their bike, snowshoe, and trekking pole rentals, or head into town for some fun in Two Harbors.

An on-site restaurant also makes it easy to grab dinner, or you can check out the many great restaurants nearby.

23. Ludlow’s Island Resort

Location: Cook
Open Season: Summer
Best For: Families

Are you looking for a unique way to spend time at a resort this summer? Then check out Ludlow’s Island Resort, on Lake Vermillion.

Compared to other resorts that are situated along the shores of a lake, Ludlow’s is found on a 5-acre private island, just off of the shore!

As for accommodations, you’ll find a large selection of cabins that vary in size from small one bedrooms for couples getaways to large five bedrooms for family gatherings.

You’ll be on island time here at Ludlow’s, so don’t worry about being stressed, as everything is laid-back and relaxing.

Enjoy their use of water equipment such as hydro bikes, paddle boards, kayaks, and more. There are also small waterslides and a climbing inflatable for the kids.

Sports courts are available to get a friendly game going, and kids can take part in other fun activities like playing on the playground and joining their Summer Kids’ Program.

The Woodland Spa is the perfect place to get a relaxing massage during your stay.

Your time at Ludlow’s Island Resort will leave you feeling refreshed and wishing you could stay at the lake longer!

24. Grand Ely Lodge Resort

Location: Ely
Open Season: Year-Round
Best For: BWCAW Visitors

Nestled right along the shores of Shagawa Lake in Ely, this resort puts you within reach of the incredible Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Enjoy a peaceful stay in their lodge, with choices of rooms including multi-room suites, deluxe guest rooms, and whirlpool suites.

No matter what you choose, you’ll have amazing views of the lake!

A view of two docks on a lake with trees in the foreground.

Be sure to take advantage of all of their great amenities, including an indoor pool and whirlpool, room service, and an on-site restaurant.

Relax on the waterfront and visit the marina to rent a boat and head out onto the after. You can also use their non-motorized boats like kayaks and canoes.

During your stay, you can also head on into the town of Ely, which has plenty for visitors to explore and experience!

25. Arrowwood Resort

Location: Alexandria
Open Season: Year-Round
Best For: Large Group Gatherings

With everything from guest rooms, townhomes, cottages, and a waterpark, a stay at Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria will be a great time!

Choose from their variety of accommodations, depending on how large of a space you need.

Then, enjoy the Big Splash indoor waterpark, where you’ll find 3 waterslides, a kiddie area, a lazy river, and more.

On-site dining is available in three different places, and having fun is made easy with their access to both Lake Alvin and Lake Darling.

Rent a boat from the marina, take out a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe, or try your hand at fishing in the Minnesota lakes.

For large groups, there are big townhomes that can house up to 14 people, and the conference center is a great place to host weddings.

26. Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake

Location: Brainerd
Open Season: Year-Round
Best For: Golfers

Sit back and relax by the campfire, play a round of golf, or head out into the lake for some family fun. No matter what you’re hoping to do, you can do it at Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake!

Also situated along the shores of Gull Lake, similar to a few other resorts on this list, you’ll find Cragun’s to be quite beautiful.

Located close to the Brainerd Lakes area, you’ll find plenty to do here, including easy access to the lake for fishing, boating, swimming, waterskiing, and more.

A view of a lake from a Minnesota resort at sunrise.

Enjoy special activities put on by the resort like bean bag tournaments, crafts, trivia, dog sled rides in the winter, and water wars in the summer.

And golfers will especially love staying here, as Cragun’s Legacy Courses is one of the top places to golf in the state!

As for the accommodations, there are a variety of options including cabins, as well as suites inside the lodge.

27. Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge

Location: Deerwood
Open Season: Year-Round
Best For: Families

Since opening back in 1898, Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge has been providing families with some of the best memories.

It all started when Joseph Ruttger and his wife opened up their home on Bay Lake to travelers and fishermen to have a home-cooked meal.

Today, you can stay here, choosing from their villas overlooking the lake, lakefront cabins, golf course condos, or lodge rooms.

Hang out by the bonfire and roast a marshmallow, go for a pontoon ride, take a guided fishing trip, head out on a canoe, and do so much more at Ruttger’s.

You can dine at one of their four restaurant choices, including Aunti M’s coffeehouse and Ruby’s Dining Room for that home-cooked meal you’re craving.

No matter what you do, your time at Ruttger’s will be nothing short of relaxing and memorable, and you’ll be wishing you could return as soon as tomorrow.


Can I Visit Minnesota Resorts in the Winter?

Yes, there are some resorts that are open during the wintertime that you can definitely plan a visit to!

A view of trees covered in snow in a field.

In fact, winter is a popular season for many resorts, as they offer easy access to lakes, which let visitors do a variety of activities such as ice fishing, snowmobiling, and more.

Here are a few of the best resorts that offer winter lodging (although there are many more!).

  • Sugar Lake Lodge
  • Lutsen Resort
  • Gunflint Lodge
  • Lodge at Giant’s Ridge
  • Eagle Nest Lodge
  • Kavanaugh’s Sylvan Lake Resort

FAQs

What are Best Family Resorts in Minnesota?

There are many great family resorts in Minnesota, but some of the best include Eagle Nest Lodge, Fair Hills Resort, Kamp Dels, and Little Norway Resort.

What are the Best Pet-Friendly Resorts in MN?

Have a pet that’s tagging along? Check out Little Norway Lodge, Grand View Lodge, Lost Lake Lodge, and Chase on the Lake for some pet-friendly resorts in MN.

What are the Best Resorts in MN on a Lake?

Nearly all of these resorts are found on a lake. But the best Minnesota resorts on a lake include Madden’s on Gull Lake, Sugar Lake Lodge, Cove Point Lodge, Gunflint Lodge, and Chase on the Lake.


Wrap-Up: Resorts in Minnesota

Minnesota is a state that offers visitors and locals an abundance of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and of course, lakes.

Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or a relaxation enthusiast, the state’s best resorts have something to offer everyone.

So no matter what you’re planning a getaway for, these great resorts in Minnesota will be the perfect place to do it!