If you’re looking for a nice getaway, look no further than the great state of Minnesota. Minnesota is blessed with an abundance of beautiful lakes and four incredible seasons. And if you are looking to enjoy a beautiful vacation near one of these fantastic lakes, look no further.
We have compiled a list of the best lake resorts in Minnesota to help you plan your next getaway. Whether looking for that perfect family-friendly vacation spot or the best golf stay-and-play packages, you will find many beautiful options in our list below.
Our choices for the best lake resorts in Minnesota are listed in no particular order. We hope you will get out and explore the beautiful lake regions and find your perfect, action-packed or peaceful Zen vacation. Any way you like it, a getaway in the lakes region of Minnesota is good for your soul.
1. Best Western Premier’s The Lodge on Lake Detroit, Detroit Lakes
At Best Western Premier’s The Lodge on Detroit Lake, you can enjoy a spectacular stay where your every lakefront vacation need is met. Waterfront toys available for guests include kayaks and paddle boats, along with available boat slips. You have access to a private beach and community outside fireplaces.
Seasonal outdoor activities include biking, snowmobiling, fishing, hiking, and bird watching. Everything you could want in a nature-focused adventure getaway.
For spa lovers, the onsite Spa Within is a full-service day spa ready to cater to all your pampering needs. Imagine relaxing in a woodland setting after an hour-long deep tissue massage.
2. Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior, Lutsen
The Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior is a beautifully rustic resort nestled in a wooded location with gorgeous views and outdoor fun. Outdoor activities include swimming, fishing, kayaking, hiking, golf, ice skating, skiing, snowshoeing, and more.
Their Strand Waterfront Dining Room is the perfect place to enjoy a wonderful dinner. The Lutsen Resort also offers pup upgrades so your four-legged family member can tag along on your outdoor adventure. The golf and stay packages will make your golf getaway endless fun on the lake.
All these reasons, and so many more, make Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior one of the best lake resorts in Minnesota.
3. Madden’s on Gull Lake, Brainerd
Madden’s on Gull Lake is another great option for a family-friendly lake getaway. With the main lodge perched on a hill above the lake, you can enjoy panoramic views from your guest balcony. With four golf courses, Pine Beach East, Pine Beach West, Social 9, and The Classic, Madden’s stay-and-play packages are perfect for a group golf getaway, making it one of the best lake resorts in Minnesota for golf enthusiasts.
Of course, they offer great lakefront activities along with wonderful dining and a luxurious day spa. You’ll be able to get out and enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer when you visit Madden’s.
4. Quarterdeck Resort on Gull Lake, Nisswa
At the Quarterdeck Resort on Gull Lake, you will enjoy a modern lakefront getaway with every desirable activity at your fingertips. In the summer, fishing, boating, golf, and more are ready for you to enjoy. In the winter, get out and try your hand at cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, or ice fishing. For some on-the-water fun, the resort offers pontoons, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and bikes.
Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at Dock 77, their onsite restaurant, then sit on the beach and watch the sun go down. Vacation getaways never looked or tasted so good. Just sit back, relax and let the good times roll.
5. Chase on the Lake, Walker
At Chase on the Lake, you can stay, play, dine, and spa at this beautiful Northwoods lake resort. Dine at The 502 Restaurant and Bar which offers patio dining with a gorgeous view. Explore the Aveda Copper Door Spa, their onsite, full-service day spa.
Enjoy all the outdoor activities you expect from one of the best lake resorts in Minnesota. Whether you are seeking a relaxing break from the daily grind or an adventure-packed vacation experience, Chase on the Lake will be just what the doctor ordered.
Add in a dash of gorgeous sunsets, S’mores on the beach, and beautiful accommodations, and you have the recipe for a great getaway.
6. Lost Lake Lodge, Nisswa
The cottages at Lost Lake Lodge offer a quaint and charming lakefront stay. Complete with living areas and kitchens, the cabins bring getting away in the woods to life.
Lost Lodge offers boat rentals for cruising the lake, a private beach, and a nature trail for your outdoor pleasures. You’ll enjoy the simplicity of life that is what lakefront vacations are all about.
You can enjoy delicious meals at the Lost Lake restaurant then head back to your cabin for a great night’s rest, or choose to stay in and cook yourself in your cottage or cabin, in the fully equipped kitchens.
The fresh air will do you good, and you’ll quickly see why Lost Lake Lodge made out a list of the best lake resorts in Minnesota.
7. Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center, Alexandria
The Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center offers guests rustic log cabins, modern amenities, and lots of fun activities to make your stay the best. This northern Minnesota resort has an indoor water park, championship golf, a full-service marina, and more.
Arrowwood Resort offers great activities for adults and kids, it is the perfect combination for a fun family getaway. Alternatively, Arrowwood Resort is the perfect place for a getaway with your friends. Two dining options include the Lake Café with views of Lake Darling while you enjoy a hearty breakfast and the Deck Bar & Grill for fabulous pub grub and fun. You’ll have to agree, Arrowwood Resort is one of the best lake resorts in Minnesota.
8. Grand View Lodge Spa & Golf Resort, Brainerd
The Grand View Lodge Spa & Golf Resort is your family-focused, lakefront getaway vacation. This chic, rustic boutique hotel offers all the amenities and activities you desire. The gorgeous pool with two water slides and a hot tub is the best spot to relax after you take advantage of the 125-plus miles of bike trails.
Grand View Lodge offers golf stay-and-play packages where you can tee off at either of their two courses, The Pines or the Preserve. Full-service day spa options at the Glacial Waters Spa offer guests a place to relax and unwind while enjoying a pampering massage or spa treatment.
Lots of wonderful dining options are available from grill options at the Northwoods Pub to full-plated dining at Char, the onsite Steakhouse. After a day of busy activities, it’s wonderful to have dining options to fit your needs. After your stay here, you’ll agree Grand View Lodge is one of the best lake resorts in Minnesota.
9. Ludlow’s Island on Lake Vermillion, Cook
At Ludlow’s Island on Lake Vermillion, you will be immersed in the wooded lakefront vacation style. This private island has everything you expect to find for a family fun getaway at one of the best lake resorts in Minnesota.
Stay in a classic, Northwoods-style cabin that offers wood-burning fireplaces, decks, screened porches, and a water’s edge view. To experience a tree house feel, reserve top-floor accommodations. You will feel like you have stepped back into summer camp – albeit a luxury version of summer camp, but it will bring the kid out in you nonetheless.
Some activities at Ludlow’s Island include boat rentals, zip lines, water slides, paddle boats, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, hydro-bikes, and more. Feel like a kid again and explore lakefront living as an adult with amped-up activities and tons of fun.
10. Kavanaugh’s Sylvan Lake Resort, Brainerd
The Kavanaugh’s Sylvan Lake Resort in Brainerd is the quintessential lakefront resort. Rustic and charming, you will find all the lakefront activities you desire. Beaching, boating, paddle boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, pontoon boating, and more. In the winter you can enjoy classic Northwoods activities like snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and more, then head on for your favorite hot beverage.
When you stay at Kavanaugh’s Sylvan Lake Resort you will be wrapped in a lakefront camp-like adventure with all the amenities at your fingertips. It will bring out the kid in you, and you will love how it feels.
11. Fair Hills Resort, Detroit Lakes
When you stay at Fair Hills Resort, you will be steps away from all the on-the-water fun and games you desire from a lakefront vacation. The family-friendly atmosphere is apparent in the wealth of activities Fair Hills offers. From treasure hunts for the kiddos to tennis, golf, and classic on-the-water fun, you will love your stay at Fair Hills Resort.
Every day there is a list of join-in activities including yoga, fishing, tubing, water aerobics, and so much more. The robust daily activities schedule is one of the things that makes this resort one of the best lake resorts in Minnesota.
12. Breezy Point Resort, Breezy Point
At Breezy Point Resort guests will feel they have entered a private lakefront community. With the bustling marina, beautiful lodging and championship golf, and great dining options, you can see why Breezy Point has been one of the best lake resorts in Minnesota for 100 years.
Three golf courses: Deacon’s Lodge, Whitebirch Course, and Traditional Course will have your golf getaway options covered. If you prefer a more relaxing vibe, head over to the Serenity Spa for a massage or treatment. Dine at one of their four onsite restaurants including Antlers, their signature dining location.
And don’t hesitate to visit them in the winter, when guests can enjoy snowmobiling, ice skating, and cross-country skiing, just to name a few activities.
13. Eagle Nest Lodge, Deer River
When you stay at Eagle Nest Lodge, you better be ready for traditional lakefront fun. The fishing is world-class and a great family activity. Catch of the day – Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and more.
Of course, you can also enjoy all the lakefront fun like paddleboards, hydro bikes, sailboats, canoes, and more.
Eagle Nest Lodge also offers several scheduled activities during peak season, from arts and crafts to BINGO, nature hikes, and beach volleyball. Sporting enthusiasts will not only enjoy the great fishing, but Duck, Goose, Grouse, and Deer Hunting expeditions are available. With all these amenities and activities is it any wonder why Eagle Nest made our list of the best lake resorts in Minnesota?
14. Boyd Lodge, Crosslake
When you think of rustic, lakefront stays, you think of Boyd Lodge. Stone fireplaces, timber-framed log cabins, and beautiful wooded views take you away from the daily hustle to a peaceful and relaxing lakefront resort stay.
Activities offered at Boyd include hanging at the beach, volleyball, hiking trails, water sports, fishing, and, of course, campfires. In the winter, you can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, along with outdoor hockey and ice fishing.
Relax, sit back, and enjoy some quality family time at Boyd Lodge and you’ll understand why it rounds out our list of the best lake resorts in Minnesota.
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for a fun time on the water, a relaxing spa day, or a round of golf, these resorts have exactly what you are looking for. We hope you enjoyed our list of the best lake resorts in Minnesota and have found one or two that will work for your very best vacation. We pride ourselves in bringing the best of the best to the people of our great state.
Have you stayed at one of these resorts before? What was your favorite experience there? Tell us about it in the comments.
Still haven’t found your perfect getaway? Then keep learning about unique places to stay in Minnesota to book the perfect reservation for your next trip!
Can’t get enough of Minnesota lakes? Then keep living the Minnesota lake life with the help of my info posts and guides!
- About the Author
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Born in Madelia, MN, to a now 5-generation Minnesota family, Ryan’s MN roots go deep.
A painter by day, Ryan founded Life in Minnesota in 2013 with his wife Kelly to chronicle their musings on everything Minnesota. Ryan and Kelly are raising their 7 kiddos in Maple Grove, MN.
When he’s not shuttling his kids around to hockey practice, you might find him in the shop working on his leatherwork. Undoubtedly, there will be a family trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area every summer, and of course weekends at Grandpa’s cabin up north in the summer.