Top Minnesota Family Getaways

Sitting right in the heart of the glorious Minnesota North Shore, Gunflint Lodge is the lodge of choice for fishermen, hikers, bikers, kayakers, and families from all over the state. You might say it's SUPERIOR to the rest!

Terrible puns aside, Gunflint Lodge is a fantastic place to bring your family any time of year. The colder months bring cross country skiing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling opportunities galore. When you need to warm up, simply return to your cabin and sit next to a roaring fire or hop into your whirlpool spa or sauna. The authentic hard wood style with ensnare your senses and capture your imagination. Meanwhile, in the summer months every lake-time activity you could imagine is available. Cannonball into the water, go for a bike ride, or explore one of the nearby state parks!

Address

143 South Gunflint Lake Grand Marais, Minnesota 55604

Number of runs/trails/roads/etc.

In wintertime there are more than 125 miles of cross-country trails for you to enjoy!

Related Onsite Offerings

The Ojibwe name for the area is Gichi-biitoobiig, which means "great duplicate water", referencing the two lakes.

As Minnesota’s oldest resort, Lutsen has a storied history and tradition unlike and other. IT's a lot of pressure to live up to, pressure that many other resorts would crumple under. But Lutsens has endured this long because they don't crumble; instead, they thrive.

The authentic Scandinavian architecture, hand-carved log furnishings, and stone fireplaces of Lutsen Resort immediately emit a sense of northern comfort. That sense permeates every aspect of the resort, from the charming lobby to the cozy rooms to Lake Superior’s sparkling depths. The onsite dining is first-rate, and is well-known for its home-style classics with a twist, such as twice-baked potatoes topped with aged cheddar, Canadian walleye served with Minnesota’s own wild rice and Swedish meatballs – a Lutsen Resort tradition! This summer, come to where you can experience Lake Superior’s rock-laden shores, incredible lodgings, and incomparable relaxation.

Address

5700 W. Hwy. 61, Lutsen, MN 55612

Highlights

Lutsen Resort also offers villas, cabins, condos and townhomes if you require more room!

Related Onsite Offerings

The Lutsen Resort grounds include an indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, game room and conference center.

This fishing and boating hotspot is ideal for a family escape any time of year!

The quiet bay of Sand Lake makes for a beautiful backdrop for any occasion- that includes a family vacation, of course! All of Lakewood Lodge's 14 cabins are full of all the comforts of home, and are superbly spacious. Outside, the fantastic swimming beach features water toys, kids activities for all ages, great fall and winter get-a-ways and awesome sportsman’s opportunities. Grab the rods and reels and head out on the lake for some fishing. There's plenty of bass and pike to go around- catch something to brag about when you go back home!

Address

53026 Co Rd 35, Deer River, MN 56636

Related activities

The resort is 24.8 miles from Deer River.

Related Onsite Offerings

There's a sandy beach with a swim raft, plus boat rentals, a playground and a fish-cleaning station.

Fishing, hiking, and relaxing by a tranquil lake as the sun sets- Eagle Ridge Resort has everything you could ever want from a family cabin vacation!

Located 17 miles northeast of Bemidji, Eagle Ridge provides rustic accommodations and superb hospitality for each and every one of its guests. Spring-fed Gulf Lake is known for its great fishing and crystal clear water- you'll practically be able to see the fish biting! If you're the exploratory sort, grab a canoe, kayak, paddle-boat, or stand-up paddle board and make your way down the shoreline. While most of the charm is in the outdoors, Eagle Ridge knows that modern conveniences are also critical in facilitating an excellent vacation. Thus, they provide their guests with free Wi-Fi throughout the resort! Stay connected with the world while your family has an unforgettable outdoors experience!

Address

10246 Stallion Ct. NE Tenstrike, MN 56683

Dates and Times

Eagle Ridge Resort opens in May for the annual fishing opener, and stays open through the glory days of September!

Fun facts

Over 70 different species of birds have been identified and documented at Eagle Ridge!

Located in scenic Brainerd, Sullivan's Resort's nine two-bedroom deluxe cabins, one three-bedroom, and huge Retreat Home are the perfect place for you and your family on your next vacation!

Sullivan's Resort & Campground has more family activities than you could ever hope to accomplish in a weekend! Out on the lake there's plenty of kayaks, paddle boards, fishing boats, a canoe, and even a pontoon for rent. Back on the shore there's volleyball, basketball and horseshoes for the kids, while parents can relax in the indoor heated pool, hot tub, and sauna. One things for sure- there'll be no complaints of "I'm bored" on a trip to Sullivan's!

Address

7685 Co Rd 127, Brainerd, MN 56401

Getting there

The resort lies 13.1 miles from downtown Brainerd.

Related Onsite Offerings

Guest laundry and a fish cleaning station are also available.

Situated along the U.S-Canadian border, Kabetogama Lake has miles of pristine undeveloped shoreline and 25,000 acres of clean, cool water. Where you stay isn't nearly as important as what you do here, but rest assured- you and your family will have an unforgettable experience.

Kabetogama Lake is a forested lake country setting born of an ancient glacier flow, edged by the great Canadian Shield. If you're a city family, there's a decent chance that you don't even recognize some of the words in that previous sentence. The knowledgeable experts of the Kabetogama Lake Association will gladly educate you on all that you're ignorant of. Bring a boat and you'll be blown away by the glorious surrounding flora and fauna.Cruise along the interconnecting Voyageur waterway and aspen covered granite islands, where you'll view bald eagles, osprey and pelicans. If you'd like to get even closer to nature, explore the area in a canoe, kayak, or on foot. Fishing is always a popular and fun activity for beginners and veterans alike.

Address

9707 Gamma Rd, Kabetogama, MN 56669

Related activities

Sand Point and Crane lakes are 65 miles west to east!

Fun facts

Voyageurs National Park is Minnesota's only National Park and was discovered by 18th century French-Canadian Voyageurs who transporting goods and furs along the international border lakes.

Velkommen! Little Norway is the premier Scandinavian-inspired Minnesota resort, where you'll enjoy spacious chambers, and enough fun to fill Asgard itself.

This full-service family resort is located just one mile south of Itasca State Park but right on top of unbridled joy! Located on the north shore of Little Mantrap Lake on a quiet peninsula, Little Norway hosts excellent fishing and its crystal clear waters are a nature lover's delight. Watch the sun rise in the morn as you listen to the loons call, then watch the sun set as eagles fly overhead. The lodgings are fit for the gods, as cozy as they are spacious (which is to say, very). So wrangle the family, grab your horned helmet and head north (or a different direction, depending on where you live)!

Population

Almost a million Minnesotans claim Norwegian ancestry.

Highlights

Minnesota is the only state to refer to the red pine as a Norway pine.

Fun facts

Oslo is the capital of Norway.

Don't be fooled by the name- Sand Lake is very much filled with water, and Sand Lake Resort is filled with memories just waiting to be made!

First things first: you'll be staying in colonial comfort during your stay at Sand Lake Resort. The are seven cabins to choose from, each sleeping anywhere from three to six people. They're fantastic places to kick back and take some well-earned rest, but when you're at SLR you'll be spending most of your time outside enjoying the beautiful environment! Nearby you can go hiking or biking on the local Trails (including the famous The Willard Munger State Trail), zoom around the hundreds of miles of ATV trails, or hit the lake for some quality Walleye fishing!

Address

94154 Co Hwy 61, Sturgeon Lake, MN 55783

Getting there

The resort lies 0.7 miles from Moose Lake Carlton County Airport

Related Onsite Offerings

There's also a game room with a ping pong table!

Resting on the shores of beautiful Bowstring Lake is the perfect place for your next Minnesota getaway. Geiger's Trails End is a little sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Surrounded by the Chippewa National Forest, this refreshing retreat lets you take a break from everyday life and indulge in simple pleasures instead. Here you will feel right at home in one of their cozy lakeside vacation homes, equipped with all modern amenities to ensure your convenience. When you're not enjoying the peace and quiet of your home-away-from-home, venture out to explore the incredible Minnesota surroundings.

Address

51713 Trails End Rd, Deer River, Minnesota 56636

Highlights

Take out a paddle-boat or kayak to explore the lake, or just dive in for a swim. Beach volleyball is another great way to have fun without getting too wet!

Related activities

Cast your line for an assortment of fish such as bluegill, crappie, and largemouth bass.

For an unforgettable Southern Minnesota family vacation, visit Dickerson's Lake Florida Resort! This is a 13-cabin beach resort near Spicer, Minnesota. Their cozy cabins offer many modern amenities, including refrigerators, linens, microwaves, and gas stoves.

Dickerson's is a family-owned beach resort that provides classic Minnesota family vacations. Family members of all ages will love the traditions of hayrides, campfires, s'mores and more. Homemade donuts, coffee, and juice are served on Sundays. Dickerson's always offers a great time to kick back with family! Lake Florida is a peaceful Minnesota lake that's perfect for swimming and fishing. And nearby there's golfing, biking, hiking, shopping, and more! Experience Minnesota like it was meant to be experienced at Dickerson's Lake Florida Resort!

Address

13194 Second Street NE, Spicer, Minnesota 56288

Extra Stops

With six golf courses in the area--including Little Crow Country Club in Spicer, Eagle Creek in Willmar, and Hawk Creek in Raymond--there is no shortage of options for those seeking time away from the lake by hitting the links.

Fun facts

Dickerson's Lake Florida Resort rests on the east side of spring-fed, 674-acre Lake Florida, one of the best walleye lakes in Central Minnesota!

Let "The City of Healing Waters" in Southern Minnesota be the place for your next family getaway and stay at Eagles on the River Vacation Rentals.

Eagles on the River Vacation Rentals, a southern Minnesota getaway, offers a diverse selection of accommodation options. For smaller families, a Riverside Condo, Twain’s Suite, or The Carriage House, may be the perfect option. Larger families might be better suited in the Historic Anderson House Hotel. This historic 23 room hotel is an ideal venue for a large family reunion or wedding. Wabasha has plenty of activities to entertain the family, adventure on the Mississippi River with guided canoe tours, connect with live eagles at the National Eagle Center, and ride a beautiful hand-carved carousel at Lark Toys.

Address

152 W. Main St., Wabasha, MN 55981

Population

The population of Wabasha, Minnesota is 2,481.

Related activities

No matter what time of year you come to Wabasha, there will be a funfilled event waiting for you! Attend the Grumpy Old Man Festival in February, the SeptOberfest in September and October, the 100 Miles of Christmas in December, and more!

Even with the serenity of Gull Lake, luxurious rooms and cabins, and seven (!) restaurants, Madden's still has the meticulous attention to detail and personal attention that each and every guest deserves.

Depending on your family's size, a room or cabin at Madden's will offer a spacious space for you to relax and recuperate from the helter-skelter pace of everyday life. But you're here for fun, and that this resort has in spades! Tennis courts, USCA-sanctioned croquet lawns, lawnbowling, sand volleyball, horseshoes, badminton, and shuffleboard are all obscure games that both adults and kids will be excited to learn. Madden’s also offers four swimming pools with whirlpools and saunas, a children’s wading pool, an outdoor hot tub overlooking Gull Lake, and a complete “waterpark,” complete with trampoline, swim platform and water bouncers. Give your family what they deserve; come to Madden's as soon as possible.

Address

11266 Pine Beach Peninsula, Brainerd, MN 56401

Getting there

Maddens is only two miles from Pillsbury State Forest and 15.7 miles from Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport.

Related Onsite Offerings

Other amenities include a spa offering massages and beauty treatments!

Come to the Good Ol’ Days Resort in Nisswa, Minnesota to create unforgettable memories with the whole family!

Good Ol’ Days Resort is located on Lower Cullen Lake, the largest of the three lakes on the Cullen Lake chain, with 400 acres of crystal clear water. They provide pontoons and motor rentals, a swim raft, and a central dock system for fishing and convenient boat mooring. Your family will never go without something to do at the resort, with lawn swings, a playground area, and a basketball and volleyball court on site. Enjoy access to their Wilderness Resort amenities clubhouse by swimming in the pool, playing in the game room, and breaking a sweat in the fitness room. There is also a wide variety of activities to try in the Brainerd Lakes area. Shop the eccentric stores of downtown Nisswa, hike the Paul Bunyan Trail, or try Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf for a one-of-a-kind mini golf experience. This Minnesota resort will bring your family closer together, make your reservation today!

Address

26050 Oak Ln, Nisswa, MN 56468

Highlights

Make sure to plan your trip during peak season for a chance to participate in organized activities like minnow races, worm races and even an ice cream social.

Fun facts

The resort was completely renovated in 2006 and boasts 10 new cottages and an eight-unit lodge.

Located along the edge of the Superior National Forest and overlooking beautiful Bear Island Lake, YMCA Camp Northern Lights is the perfect place for family fun.

YMCA Camp Northern Lights features 26 lakeside and lake view cabins and 8 tent sites. Featuring between one to five bedrooms, these cabins let you find the perfect size to accommodate your family. Summer stays offer staff-led, age-specific programming for a portion of the day and all-family programs in the afternoons and evenings. Discover all the natural beauty on several nearby hiking trails around camp and the surrounding area, or head down to the beach for a day of swimming, sandcastle building, and even fishing. The water trampoline is always a hit with the kids as well, plus you can't miss out on an evening campfire with marshmallows and storytelling!

Address

9089 Highway 21 N Babbitt, Minnesota 55706

Highlights

Family dogs are welcome at YMCA Camp Northern Lights during the fall, winter, and spring seasons.

Getting there

The lodge is 6.9 miles from Babbitt.

Peer through the pines and birches of the Chippewa National Forest and you’ll discover one of Minnesota’s best-hidden gems. Moore Springs Resort is everything you could want in a family vacation: activities to do, things to eat, and memories to make.

Moore Springs is as picturesque as any other resort in Minnesota. Yes, your lodgings are rustic, cozy, and all you could want, but you're at a cabin for the outdoors fun! Hit the water for fishing, swimming, and canoeing around crystal-clear Howard Lake. Afterward, you could go hiking in the Chippewa National Forest or bike the Heartland or the Paul Bunyan Trail. It's your vacation- live it up!

Address

5127 Howard Lake Rd NW, Akeley, MN 56433

Highlights

The resort features 1100-feet of beautiful shoreline!

Related Onsite Offerings

If it's camping you want, you can choose sites that are lakeside, or wood on the upper tier of the resort.

For the ultimate Minnesota experience, look no further than Hidden Haven Resort. This secluded retreat rests on 30 acres along the shores of Big Bass Lake, just 12 miles northwest of Grand Rapids. It's the ideal choice for your next family getaway, as everything that's waiting for you is sure to make you feel right at home.

Their 13 log-sided lake cabins offer stunning views from their large decks and modern amenities to ensure your comfort. Step right outside from your cabin to the 365-foot sandy beach that offers plenty of space to lounge under the sun. Build a sandcastle or go for a swim! Take out the resort's complimentary canoe, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards to explore the lake, or spend an afternoon fishing across the waters. If that's not enough, beautiful nature trails through Deer River Municipal Forest offer a great outdoor experience, the onsite playground is sure to entertain the kids, and a weekly ice cream social during the summer is fun for everyone!

Address

31516 Malbay Rd, Cohasset, Minnesota 55721

Highlights

The kids will love building sandcastles or diving into the waves for a swim. An onsite playground is available, and if you're visiting in the summer, don't miss out on their ice cream socials and campfire doughnut nights!

Related Onsite Offerings

Complete with full kitchen, large deck with charcoal grill, comfortable living spaces, and your own free dock slip, these cabins are the perfect home-away-from-home.

If you're looking for a supremely fun family vacation that won't break the bank, Holiday Inn Minneapolis NW Elk River & Wild Woods Waterpark was made especially for you!

Hospitality, accommodations, and location all are excellent here, but the real draw is the eponymous Wild Woods Waterpark. Designed in the style of an old river town, the park is 30,000 square feet of unprecedented fun! Slide down one of the amazing four-story waterslides, including two tube slides and one body slide, or circle the Prospector's Pan. Kids can test their skill at the old-fashioned Log Walk, cruise down the Lazy River, or go one-on-one at the basketball court in the activity pool. You're going to leave exhausted but raring to go back!

Address

9200 Quaday Ave NE, Otsego, MN 55330

Related activities

The hotel is an 11-minute drive from the Ellingson Car Museum and 30 miles' drive north of Minneapolis.

Related Onsite Offerings

The facility also offers a restaurant serving American fare (where kids 12 and under eat free) and an indoor water park with slides and a lazy river!

Just south of the quaint town of Nevis, sitting adjacent to beautiful Crow Wing Lake, sits Anderson’s Starlight Bay Resort. Whether you and a partner are seeking romantic solitude, or your dragging a huge family up for a cabin weekend, it's bound to be their new favorite place.

Unbridled hospitality, luxury accommodations, and fun up the wazoo... these are just a few of the things you can expect from a vacation to Anderson's. Cabins are spacious and cozy, set right next to the lake so as to From the cozy interior of your cabin, set out and explore your gorgeous surroundings. When you aren't swimming, fishing, or boating on sparkling Starlight Bay, you'll be observing the bountiful wildlife, including songbirds, turkeys, eagles, deer and other small woodland critters. Your family will absolutely love it.

Address

27155 County Rd 33, Nevis, MN 56467

Total area

Crow Wing Lake is 378.45 acres.

Highlights

The northern pike, walleyes, and the largemouth bass fishing is second to none!

While Brainerd isn't a "classic" vacation spot, it nonetheless makes for a fantastic one, in no smart part due to the Holiday Inn Express. With excellent amenities, superb hospitality, and a close proximity to nearby lakes and outdoor recreation, Brainerd will become your new destination of choice.

Perhaps the crown jewel of the Brainerd area, the onsite Three Bear Water Park serves as a perfect destination for families of all ages. It features a winding lazy river, 1,000 gallon dumping bucket, and unbridled mirth. Hungry? Check out the complimentary hot Express Start Breakfast (featuring items such as scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits and fruit), or the onsite Three Bear Grill for lunch and dinner. During the summer, you can spend a quiet afternoon on Gull Lake, while winter brings skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. And time of year, you'll find cozy rooms and a fantastic getaway!

Address

15739 Audubon Way, Baxter, MN 56425

Related activities

The hotel is only 3.7 miles from central Baxter.

Related Onsite Offerings

Amenities include free buffet breakfast, an American grill where kids 12 and under eat free, an arcade, and fitness and business center!

Gull Lake features all the things that make Minnesota Lakes wonderful, with the added bonus of a quaint, small town setting. Cragun's Resort and Hotel is the best place to experience all that it has to offer.

In addition to their rustic charm and impressive cleanliness, Cragun's guestrooms and cabins come with cable TV and free WiFi. Cabins also have separate living rooms, fireplaces, full kitchens, and a private game room (perfect for the kids if the weather is uncooperative). Get outside and enjoy the plethora of activities available onsite! The golf course, spa, and marina are perfect for parents, while kids will love the indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, and spacious sandy beach. Hungry? Go enjoy some succulent meat at the steakhouse or relax at the poolside buffet.

Address

11000 Craguns Dr, Brainerd, MN 56401

Fun facts

Cragun's Legacy Golf Course has been rated as the "Midwest's #1 Golf Course", and is proud to be a Certified Bronze Audubon International Signature Sanctuary.

Related Onsite Offerings

Cragun's is consistently named one of the Top Wedding Venues in Minnesota thanks to their wide variety of indoor and outdoor wedding venues

Just a short drive from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center is an incredible family retreat to spend a day, weekend, or (if you indulge yourself) even longer!

Arrowwood is an all-seasons resort focused around Minnesota’s natural splendor and aimed squarely at anyone seeking fun. Here you'll enjoy the natural beauty of the lakeside resort hotel while taking part in dozens of exciting activities in and around the grounds. Adults will adore the 18-hole Atikwa Championship Golf Course, while kids will bask in the glory of the indoor Big Splash Waterpark. Offsite you can take the family for tours of the Carlos Creek Winery or the Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum.

Address

2100 Arrowwood Lane NW, Alexandria, MN 56308

Highlights

Let the kids loose and spend a day at the onsite Darling Reflection Spa. Unwind with a soothing massage, manicures, or pedicures!

Related activities

The hotel is 4.2 miles from downtown Alexandria and 4.7 miles from Casey's Amusement Park.

Quiet, family-run Solbakken Resort on Minnesota’s North Shore is the perfect escape for you and your family.

From lakeside cabins to fireplace suites in their historic main lodge to a lake home for larger groups, Solbakken can fit families of any size. The resort rents canoes, kayaks, and pontoons to interested guests. Solbakken makes experiencing the Northwoods easy and fun by providing shuttles to trailheads at places such as Cascade River State Park and Temperance River State Park. The resort also features amenities like a hot tub/sauna, a community fire pit, wireless internet in the lobby, motel and Jonas House, and much more. Families can also enjoy the perks of being near Grand Marais, a quirky North Shore harbor village. Head over to the Harbor House Grille for a meal with a view and check out the locally-owned shops filled with one-of-a-kind handcrafted items and fine art. Solbakken Resort is the ideal spot for an unforgettable family vacation.

Address

4874 W Hwy 61 Lutsen, MN 55612

Highlights

Attend a free BBQ provided by the resort every Friday in July and August. Enjoy yummy food, great company, and lawn games!

Related activities

If you need a break from the lake, hit the links at the Superior National Golf Course or savor a glass of wine at the North Shore Winery.

Formerly known as Tip Top Cove, Rusty Moose Resort may have a new name but it continues to provide the same superb hospitality and luxury it always has!

This casual, laid-back resort is the perfect place to treat your family to an unforgettable weekend. Beautiful Lake Miltona provides endless opportunities for wet 'n' wild fun, from swimming to waterskiing to fishing. Whatever your vice, you could waste an entire day JUST on the water. Meanwhile, your group will be staying in superior comfort in your two, three, or four bedroom cottage, with easy access to the small town charm of nearby Alexandria. What more could you possibly want?!

Address

13430 E Lake Miltona Dr NE, Miltona, MN 56354

Highlights

There are boats, motors, gas, and bait are all available onsite!

Related Onsite Offerings

All units are air conditioned, so those hot summer months are never an issue!

In the heart of the majestic Chippewa National Forest, on ten acres of pristine forested land, you'll find Driftwood Resort. Each of their cabins are fully equipped and provide breathtaking views of the Minnesota Northwoods.

Nestled on the shores of Sand Lake, you can wake up each morning and watch the sunrise over the waters before heading out for a day of fishing. Boat and pontoon rentals are onsite, so cruise the lake at your leisure and reel in plenty of walleye, pike, and bass. The surrounding forest views are sure to take your breath away, and if you're looking to get a little closer, enjoy a rejuvenating hike through the trails after you've had your fill of water fun. There's no better place than this to enjoy quiet, undisturbed nature and adventure.

Address

56029 County Road 157, Max, Minnesota 56659

Population

142

Elevation

1,371'

Highlights

Spend your days hiking through miles of forest trails and keeping your eyes peeled for signs of wildlife!