18 Best Resorts in Minnesota

If you’ve been following us at ViaTravelers for a while, you probably will have noticed that we have a bit of a thing for Minnesota. From the Twin Cities to quiet rural towns (and for many reasons in between), the North Star State is an incredible vacation destination.

This is exemplified in Minnesota’s resort game. Looking for the best resorts in Minnesota for a cheeky getaway vacay? Rest assured, you’ve come to the right place.

Here we’ve put together an eclectic mix of Minnesota’s best resorts for every style of traveler. Whether you’re planning a vacation filled with winter or water adventures, countless rounds of golf, or want to spend a few days relaxing in a luxurious spa or heated indoor swimming pool, we’ve got you covered.

Minnesota’s best resorts come in all shapes and sizes, from cozy cabin campsites to opulent resorts with vacation houses large enough for your extended family. We included something for everyone to help point you toward the best Minnesota lodging destination for your unique needs.

Best Resorts in Minnesota

1. Lost Lake Lodge

Address: 7965 Lost Lake Rd Nisswa, MN 56468

First established in the 1940s, Lost Lake Lodge is an 80-acre paradise in Brainerd Lake. Nestled between Lost Lake and the Gull Lake Narrows, the resort offers guests the opportunity to escape to a cozy forest cabin.

Choose from an intimate 1-bedroom cabin for two or enjoy a lavish three-story, 4-bedroom cabin for the whole family. From rustic to modern, each cabin has its distinct personality and style. Spend a day out on the water as you enjoy free kayaks and canoes on the only private lake in the area. From boat rentals and hiking trails to an arcade and playgrounds, Lost Lake Lodge truly offers something for everyone.

Located just 5 minutes from nearby Nisswa, Lost Lake Lodge is an excellent choice if you’re looking to escape the crowds and reconnect with nature. When dining, look no further than the Lodge’s onsite restaurant.

Named by guests as “one of the top 10 dining experiences in Minnesota,” Lost Lake Lodge restaurant offers a full chef’s menu with wine pairing, craft beers, and cocktails.

See Related: Best Gunflint Trail Resorts for Lodging in Minnesota

2. Cedar Valley Resort

Address: 905 Bench Street Whalan, MN 55949

Experience the natural splendor of the Root River Valley with a stay at one of the 11 log cabins at Cedar Valley Resort. Here you can choose from a spacious 3-bedroom cabin or host your next family reunion in a massive 8-bedroom cabin that can sleep up to 38 guests! Seriously, they’re freaking huge!

Located alongside the beautiful Root River, the rustic resort offers guests the chance to enjoy a huge array of outdoor activities year-round. Enjoy volleyball, basketball, and bocce ball courts, or rent a bike for a ride along the Root River State Bike Trail, which runs through the property.

Cedar Valley Resort also offers a frisbee golf course, canoe & kayak rentals, and in-room massages for an additional fee. Winter guests will enjoy the resort’s new ice skating rink, ski rentals, a tubing hill, and bonfires.

No matter your interests, Cedar Valley Resort offers plenty of fun for the entire family in a stunning natural setting. Spend the day spotting wildlife in the surrounding wilderness or discover why nearby Lanesboro was once called one of the prettiest towns in America.

See Related: Best Lakes in Minnesota (Ranked!)

3. Fair Hills Resort

Address: 24270 Co. Hwy 20 Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

Fair Hills Resort is definitely not your average lakeside luxury resort – which is exactly what keeps many guests coming back year after year. First established in the Detroit Lakes region in 1926, Fair Hills is the perfect destination for a family vacation.

The 100+ freestanding cabins at Fair Hills Resort offer 1 – 4 bedrooms. Guest rooms are simple yet comfortable and have more of a “summer camp” than a “luxury resort” vibe.

Rest assured, however, that you won’t spend much time worrying about accommodations. Fair Hills’ real draw is its endless stream of classes, activities, and opportunities for outdoor fun.

Just a few of the many draws of Fair Hills resort include [inhales], a heated outdoor pool, playgrounds for the kids, an executive par 3 golf course, 4 tennis courts, 4 shuffle ball courts, volleyball courts, basketball courts, and pretty much any other kind, of course, you can imagine.

And that’s just the stuff on dry land. If you feel like getting your feet wet, there are kayaks, canoes, skis, and tubes for hire, not to mention rowboats, sailboats, fishing gear, and much more.

So yeah, if you’re the outdoorsy type, any reason you might be bored here is on you. And even if you’re not super outdoorsy, this Detroit Lakes resort has plenty of adult classes, from yoga and aerobics to painting and poker. It’s also a popular wedding venue.

Complete with three free meals a day, nightly campfires, talent shows, and treasure hunts, Fair Hills Resort recreates the magic of summer camp for guests of all ages. Also, you should definitely check out their bread recipe. I don’t normally go in for brown, but this was tip-top.

See Related: Most Beautiful Sunflower Fields in Minnesota

4. Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters

Address: 143 S Gunflint Lake Grand Marais, MN 55604

Travel back to a simpler time with a visit to the historic Gunflint Lodge in gorgeous Grand Marais! First established in 1925, the charming resort offers many accommodation options. Gunflint is also pet friendly, so feel free to bring the family dog along for the ride!

Enjoy a stay in a historic cabin from 1928, or enjoy a modern 5-bedroom cabin with a gourmet kitchen, wireless internet, game room, and TV. All of the cabins at Gunflint Lodge feature cozy stone fireplaces, and most have a sauna or hot tub, perfect for idling away those snowy winter nights with your boo and a bottle of wine.

The lodge offers free dockage for guests who prefer to arrive by boat but also offers complimentary kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards for all guests. You can also choose to rent fishing boats or pontoons.

Gunflint Lodge offers plenty of great outdoor recreation choices, no matter what time of year you choose to visit. Set out for a day of fishing with the lodge’s full-time guides, or enjoy horseback riding, hiking, or even ziplining.

During the winter, guests enjoy 60 km of ski trails and opportunities for snowshoeing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, skating, and ice fishing. You’re right on Minnesota’s famous Gunflint Trail, with access to the stunning Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

5. Breezy Point Resort

Address: 9252 Breezy Point Drive, Breezy Point, MN 56472

Breezy Point Resort has been a Minnesota favorite for family vacations, weddings, and conferences for over a century. Set amid the beauty of the Brainerd Lakes Area, Breezy Point sprawls along the scenic shores of Pelican Lake.

Regarding lodging, guests can choose from a huge range of apartments and cabins to luxurious 11-room vacation homes. Breezy Point Resort is more like a small town with four different restaurants, the on-site Serenity Spa, a Marina, and a state-of-the-art conference center that hosts up to 450 people.

The resort is also home to 3 distinct golf courses, including Deacon’s Lodge Golf Course, one of the best championship golf courses in the region. Enjoy a day on the water with lakeside entertainment 6 – 7 nights a week.

Open year-round, Breezy Point Resort also offers plenty of great winter activities, including ice skating rinks, snow golf, sleigh rides, bonfires, and much more.

See Related: Best & Fun Things to Do in Duluth, Minnesota

6. Arrowwood Resort

Address: 2100 Arrowwood Lane NW Alexandria, MN 56308

Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center is located along the shores of Lake Darling in Alexandria, a short drive from the Twin Cities. Arrowwood is the perfect vacation destination for families, group retreats, and weddings, with accommodations ranging from cozy cottages to sprawling townhomes.

One of Arrowwood’s claims to fame is its 38,000-square-foot indoor water park. Here you can play a game of water basketball in the indoor swimming pool, relax on the lazy river, or enjoy the thrill of the park’s 4-story waterslides.

Afterward, enjoy a day of golf on the resort’s 18-hole Atikwa Championship Golf Course or a delicious meal at the on-site 2100 Chophouse. Also, pontoon boats are available for rental in addition to canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats at the Arrowwood Resort Marina.

Complete with a spa, conference center, and year-round seasonal activities. Arrowwood Resort is a great choice for groups of all sizes.

7. Grand View Lodge

Address: 23521 Nokomis Avenue Nisswa MN 56468

Established in 1916, the historic Grand View Lodge is quite possibly one of the most gorgeous Minnesota resorts in existence, and you can quote me on that. This Nisswa resort sprawls across several hundred acres in the scenic Brainerd Lakes area.

Guests can choose from over 250 cabins, suites, or spacious townhouses in several distinct locations. Spend your stay in a cabin along a Gull Lake private beach, overlooking one of the resort’s stunning golf courses, or in the new Grand View Lodge 60-room boutique hotel.

With eight different restaurants, two championship golf courses, a glacial waters spa offering over 70 services, and two indoor pools, Grand View Lodge offers unparalleled modern amenities. During the summer, guests enjoy pontoon rentals, kayaking, paddle boarding, and more on Gull Lake.

During the winter, guests are invited to explore 1200 miles of snowmobile trails, enjoy the resort’s 2 ice skating rinks, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride, or take advantage of discounts at the nearby Mount Ski Gull ski resort. No matter what time of year you visit, you won’t be disappointed with a visit to Grand View Lodge.

See Related: Where to Stay in Minneapolis: Best Neighborhoods & Areas

8. Madden’s on Gull Lake

Address: 11266 Pine Beach Peninsula, Brainerd, MN 56401

If you’re looking for a historical getaway, then be sure to check out Madden’s on Gull Lake. Located lakeside on a 1,000-acre peninsula in the Brainerd Lakes area, the family-owned golf resort has been renowned as one of the best Minnesota resorts for over 90 years.

This classic resort’s accommodation options are pretty bountiful, ranging from cozy cottages and cabins to historic hotel rooms, villas, and multi-bedroom homes for up to 16 guests. If there’s anything Madden’s on Gull Lake is known for, it’s the four award-winning golf courses, which offer plenty of fun for golfers of all levels. I’ve played “The Classic” and the “Social 9” and can attest to their genuine gloriousness.

The resort also features tennis courts, USCA-sanctioned croquet lawns, a fitness center, and even trap shooting and ax throwing. Pick up new skills at Madden’s Wake Surf & Water Ski School, book fishing excursions, or keep the kids entertained for hours at the Gull Lake inflatable outdoor waterpark.

With plenty of onsite dining choices, a couple of bars including an Irish-style pub, a cafe, event spaces, pavilions, and a full-service spa, Madden’s on Gull Lake is a splendid family resort with something for everyone, amid stunning surroundings.

9. Quarterdeck Resort

Address: 9820 Birch Bay Drive S.W. County Rd. 77 Nisswa, MN 56468

If you’re wondering why Nisswa keeps showing up on this list, perhaps you should book a stay at Quarterdeck Resort on Gull Lake. Quarterdeck Resort is a charming boutique resort located on the west shore of Gull Lake.

If you’re looking for a great place to escape the crowds, Quarterdeck Resort may be the perfect Minnesota resort. Here you can enjoy the cozy stone fireplaces and spacious accommodations of the resort’s lodge suites and lakeside cottages or the modern amenities of a multi-bedroom beach house.

Park your own boat in one of the 96 boat slips at Quarterdeck’s marina, or rent a pontoon for a perfect day of fishing or swimming. E-bike rentals are also available for guests who are up for exploring the beauty of the property and beyond.

During the winter, you’ll enjoy easy access to ice fishing, skiing, and snowmobiling. Make sure you also stop by the Dock 77 Restaurant at Quarterdeck Resort for plenty of great food and live entertainment.

See Related: Best Things to do in Nisswa, Minnesota

10. Eagle Ridge Resort

Address: 445 Ski Hill Rd Lutsen, MN 55612

Eagle Ridge Resort is one of the best resorts in Northern Minnesota for guests hoping to pack their next vacation with plenty of adventure. This Lutsen resort offers condo-style accommodations amid the beauty of Sawtooth Mountain in the Superior National Forest.

Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, a fitness center, and ski-in/ski-out access during the winter. Enjoy complimentary guest activities such as music by the campfire, guided Voyageur canoe tours, and a shuttle to the Superior Hiking Trail.

The resort enjoys a prime location for easy access to year-round outdoor activities. Explore the shores of Lake Superior or the hiking and biking trails of the surrounding North Shore parks.

During the winter, the Lutsen resort is a perfect home base for skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and plenty of other snow activities. If you’re looking for an active outdoor vacation or a skier’s paradise, then Eagle Ridge Resort is definitely worth considering.

11. Larsmot Cottages

Address: 596 Larsmont Way, Two Harbors, MN 55616

Looking for a little peace and quiet? Reconnect with nature at Larsmot Cottages, a North Shore resort set along the shores of Lake Superior in lovely Two Harbors.

Inspired by the designs of traditional Scandinavian fishing villages, Larsmot tops the list of hidden gems among the best resorts in Minnesota. Regarding escaping the stress of daily life, Larsmot Cottages are among the best resorts for the job.

Choose from a collection of exquisite Lake Superior cottages with private decks or balconies, fireplaces, kitchens, and many other modern amenities. “Cottages” is a bit of an understatement here, as these fancy holiday homes are pretty roomy.

For eats, you can enjoy an onsite restaurant and full bar after relaxing in the indoor pool or working up a sweat at the fitness center and wood-fired sauna. If that weren’t enough, this Lake Superior resort also includes several complimentary rentals with each stay, including bike, trekking pole, and snowshoe rental, not to mention hammocks, board games, and DVDs to borrow.

See Related: Best Minnesota Distilleries to Visit

12. Kavanaugh’s Sylvan Lake Resort

Address: 1685 Kavanaugh Drive Brainerd, MN 56401

Kavanaugh’s Sylvan Lake Resort in Brainerd is another great choice for family vacations. For over 50 years, the four-star, family-owned resort has guests to relax along the shores of Sylvan Lake. It’s also just a stone’s throw from other great Brainerd resorts, including Madden’s.

The resort’s accommodations come in all shapes and sizes, including condos, cottages, suites, and vacation houses. All guest rooms have a gas fireplace, TV, wi-fi, and other modern amenities.

Enjoy the resort’s 4,400 ft of scenic hiking and biking trails or enjoy one of the many rentals the resort offers, including fishing gear, motorboat, pontoon, paddleboard, kayak, and bikes and eBikes for rent. You can also easily access some of the neighboring golf courses.

No matter what time of year you choose to visit, Kavanaugh’s Sylvan Lake Resort makes for a great home base for a wide range of outdoor adventures.

13. Ludlow’s Island Resort

Address: 8166 Ludlow Rd, Cook, MN 55723, United States

If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy a getaway to a private island, then Ludlow’s Island Resort is here to make your dreams come true. Set on a 5-acre private island in Lake Vermilion, the exclusive resort features a collection of cabins that were handcrafted by the Ludlow family over four generations.

While each 1 – 5 bedroom cabin features its own unique decor, the interiors of each are equally stunning. Ludlow offers everything you need for an incredible lakeside vacation, from canoes and paddleboats to hydro boards and waterslides.

Ludlow’s also offers basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts, as well as playgrounds for the kids. Enjoy a day at the Woodland Spa or catch the trophy fish of your dreams.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway for two or a fun-filled vacation for the entire family, Ludlow’s Island Resort has got you covered.

See Related: Best Leech Lake Resorts in Walker, Minnesota

14. Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior

Address: 5700 W. Highway 61 Lutsen, MN 55612

Lutsen is not only one of the best resorts in Minnesota, but it’s also the oldest. First founded in 1885 by entrepreneurial Swedish immigrant, Charles Axel Nelson, Lutsen Resort is tucked into a private cove along the stunning shores of Lake Superior.

Guests can choose from historic rooms with hand-hewn beams and stone fireplaces, handcrafted log cabins, or more modern cliff-top townhouses. Enjoy nightly bonfires, complete with complimentary s’mores kits and an on-site recreation department designed to help make your stay unforgettable.

Winter activities include ice skating on Lutsen’s rink which overlooks Lake Superior and complimentary ski shuttle services in Lutsen’s 1935 Glacier National Park Jammer Bus. The resort also offers snowshoe and bike rentals.

Get a tour of what makes this resort so special from when we visited here in the video below.

Enjoy kayaking along Lake Superior in the summer, or sign up for one of the resort’s guided hikes, naturalist programs, or flyfishing lessons. Enjoy beautiful views of Lake Superior as you dine at the onsite Strand Restaurant and Wine Bar or relax in the resort hot tub after a day of fun.

15. Eagle Nest Lodge

Address: 58671 Eagle Nest Rd, Deer River, MN 56636

Eagle Nest Lodge is a charming family resort located along Lake Winnibigoshish and Cutfoot Sioux Lake’s shores near the Chippewa National Forest. The cozy lakefront property offers 15 clean, comfortable cabins with 1 – 5 guest rooms each.

Among the best resorts in Minnesota for fishing, Eagle Nest Lodge offers everything you need for a world-class fishing experience. Bursting with lake-based fun, guests can enjoy plenty of free amenities, including canoes, paddleboards, paddleboats, hydrobikes, sportyaks, and sailboats, as well as beach furniture & toys for a relaxing day on the lodge’s private beach

Want to get the blood pumping? Play at the basketball and volleyball courts, or rent a bike for an extra fee. While not the most pinky-up resort on the list, Eagle Nest Lodge offers a cozy family getaway with tons of outdoor fun.

See Related: Best Things to Do in North Shore, Minnesota

16. Northern Lights Resort & Outfitting

Address: 10179 Bay Club Drive Kabetogama, MN 56669

Northern Lights Resort & Outfitting may just be one of the best-kept secrets in Minnesota. Set on Lake Kabetogama in the stunning Voyageurs National Park, this green, family-owned resort offers an exclusive collection of gorgeous cabins.

Choose from cabins offering anywhere from 1 – 5 bedrooms, each with its unique personality. Enjoy complimentary guest amenities, including canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats, or rent GPS-enabled fishing boats and pontoons.

Set out on the fishing trip of a lifetime as you explore 65 miles of wilderness waterways decked by islands, bluffs, and coves. Discover firsthand why Voyageurs National Park is considered a world-class hiking destination or take the chance to see the Aurora Borealis right from the resort’s docks!

Northern Lights is a great choice for a natural getaway, featuring affordable luxury and top-notch fishing.

17. Bluefin Bay Resorts

Address: 7192 MN-61, Tofte, MN 55615

The awesome resort complex that is Bluefin Bay is situated along its private beach on the shores of Lake Superior and is one of our favorites. Why? Because it’s technically three resorts rolled into one!

With stunning views of Lake Superior, the Sawtooth Mountains, and the Superior National Forest, Bluefin Bay offers an assortment of guestrooms, suites, condos, and townhouses.

Choose from in-room amenities like whirlpools, full kitchens, and wood-burning fireplaces. You can even bring along your four-legged friends, as Bluefin is pet friendly!

You’ll also enjoy resort amenities such as heated outdoor swimming pools, an indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, saunas, yoga, and the Waves of Superior Spa. Bluefin Bay Resorts is also home to two award-winning restaurants.

Bluefin also has you covered with a full line of free outdoor recreational equipment. Guests will enjoy complimentary snowshoes, ice skates, and cross-country ski equipment rentals in the summer.

During warmer weather, the resort offers the free use of bikes, hiking backpacks, tennis and badminton equipment, and more. Bluefin is an excellent choice for the perfect balance of luxury and relaxation.

See Related: Best Small Towns in Minnesota to Visit

18. Beacon Pointe Resort

Address: 2100 E Water St, Duluth, MN 55812

As it turns out, there’s no need to retreat to the wilderness for a lakeside vacation. Beacon Pointe Resort is located outside Canal Park, dubbed “Duluth, Minnesota’s playground.”

Whoever dubbed it left out “for tourists”, but hey, I’m not going to lie and say I’m above Canal Park because it’s popular with tourists. It’s popular with tourists (and locals) because it’s a fun part of town with great bars, restaurants, breweries, a distillery, boutiques, gift shops, and views of Lake Superior and the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge. While you’re here spend a day exploring the neighborhood’s many unique shops or take in a little culture at one of the many area art fairs and live music events.

Yeah, I’ve got a lot of time for Duluth, which plays in Beacon Pointe’s favor. This crisp yet colorful modern resort offers beautiful condos with unbeatable Lake Superior and Duluth Harbor views. Guests enjoy amenities like an indoor pool, sauna, and fitness center.

Beacon Pointe also offers complimentary rentals of games, snowshoes, movies, and bikes. Enjoy a ride on the Duluth Traverse Trail, a popular mountain biking destination, or take in the beauty of nature on foot along one of a series of nearby hiking trails.

Winter offers plenty of outdoor adventures, from Nordic skiing and ice fishing to sledding and snowshoeing. If you can’t decide whether to seek out nature’s beauty or a city getaway, Beacon Pointe Resort is a nice blend of both worlds.

Related Resources

• Best Tours in Minnesota
• Best Scenic Drives in Minnesota
• Best Honeymoon Destinations in Minnesota