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Getting Away From Your Lake-Home Getaway!
A tour of some of the area's finest lake destinations.
What does going “up north” mean? Does it mean going to the family cabin or a favorite resort? Does going up north mean a weekend full of camping, hiking, and fishing? Maybe going up north really means going west or even south.
Going up north means something different to everyone. To some, it means roughing it in the wilderness with tents and campfires. To others, it means escaping the hustle of the cities to a peaceful lake. For most Minnesotans, going up north means traveling to the same destination.
Discover what up north means to other Minnesotans by trying a new vacation destination this fall. Visit a historic B&B, a rustic cabin, a family resort or a luxury hotel. Watch the beauty of the leaves changing on the St. Croix or on Lake Superior.
Minnesota is home to 10,000 lakes and even more vacation destinations. There is so much to experience so close to home. Enjoy your adventure!
Historic
Historic inns and hotels allow guests to slip into a slower paced time of the past. Each has a wonderful and unique story to share and many are a short drive away. Consider heading to Red Wing to visit the St. James Hotel or to Hastings to stay at one of the charming Thorwood Historic Inns. Rather head north? Take a trip to The Naniboujou Lodge in Grand Marais or the Brittany Cottages on Madeline Island.
St. James Hotel
The feel of the early 1900’s is present in each area of the St. James Hotel. Guest rooms are named after historic riverboats and are individually decorated with turn of the century style and antique furnishings. Fantastic dining with a panoramic view of the great Mississippi is available in the dining room on top of the hotel. Jimmy’s pub, full of character, invites you to sink into a leather chair and stay awhile if you are interested in an afternoon cocktail.
The woodwork and furnishings of the St. James Hotel lobby is worth a moment of study, as well as, the rest of the common areas. Pictures throughout depict the rich history of the hotel and the town of Red Wing.
The St. James Hotel is mainly for couples and leisure travelers who come here for the experience and feel of historic Red Wing and the historic St. James Hotel. For more information, visit www.st-james-hotel.com.
What to see and do in the Red Wing area
- Shopping
- Antiquing,
- Site seeing (22 buildings listed on National Register of Historic Places)
- Rock climbing
- Golfing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Boating
- Downhill Skiing
- Cross country skiing
Thorwood Historic Inns - Thorwood and Rosewood
A few blocks from the St. Croix, awaits the Thorwood Inn in historic Hastings. Guests are welcomed to explore its old world charm and unique decorations that ensure no two rooms are the same. After a day full of activity, guests may retire to their suite and slip into the soothing waters of their two-person whirlpool tub and stare into the fireplace tucked cozily in the room.
Down the road is the Rosewood Inn that was saved and renovated by owners Pam and Dick Thorsen. They captured the flow and essence of the old Victorian home by using pieces of the old Ritz Hotel in Chicago. Like the Thorwood, an elegantly decorated foyer and sitting room await you upon arrival, as do the one-of-a-kind suites which include a fireplace that can be seen from the bed or the two-person tub. The attic suite boasts a skylight to gaze out of on a clear night and a teak wood tub for two.
The Vermillion, St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers embrace the inns with beautiful bluffs and ravines making it a great escape from the cities and perfect for a quick weekend getaway.
A homemade dinner and two person massage awaits in the privacy of each suite. “Sometimes once the guest sees the suites, they can’t imagine leaving, so we are becoming famous for our hat box suppers” said the Innkeepers. “We also offer bountiful picnics to be enjoyed in the beautiful nearby parks with river vistas.” More creative package ideas can be found on www.thorwoodinn.com.
What to see and do in the Hastings area
- Carpenter Nature Center
- Old Ramsey Flour Mill and Falls
- LeDuc Mansion owned by the MN Historical Society.
- Mississippi, Vermillion, and St. Croix River and Bluffs
- Kayaking
- Frisbee golf
- Walking
- Biking
- Golfing
The Brittany Cottages
The Brittany Cottages are great for people truly seeking peace and quite. Tucked away on ten peaceful acres are a few secluded cabins on a small island. Guests start their journey by traveling to Madeline Island from Bayfield on the Madeline Island Ferry. The cabins are situated on the edge of Lake Superior with a private beach to enjoy. Decorated like an old cabin , the cottages feel like a place that many used to go to as a kid.
Once a private estate, built in 1905, by Gregory Hull, a civil war hero, and his wife Cora. This now secluded resort, displays many of the original furnishings that can be found garnishing the property. A breathtaking garden, refurbished by Innkeepers - Alan and Beth Fischlowitz, allows the same escape as it did in the 1920’s. Complete with a flower lined croquet court, original stones and gazebo, it is the perfect place to get lost in a book.
“Imagine being in the garden with a book or a martini and watching a deer walk by you 20 feet away and ignore you” described Alan. Besides reading in the garden, many guests bring their kayak or rent one on the mainland and launch it from the private beach. Check outwww.brittanycabins.com for beautiful photos and more information.
What to see and do in Bayfield/Madeline Island area
- Big Bay State Park
- Madeline Island Wilderness Preserve
- Tour the Apostle Islands
- See a stage shows at the Big Top Chatauqua
- Bonfires on the beach
- Golf and tennis at Madeline Island Golf Club
- Rent mopeds, bikes, canoes, kayaks or sailboats
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Charters
- Shopping
Naniboujou Lodge
Naniboujou is on the National Registry of Historic Places and rightfully so. This resort was built and decorated in the 1920’s. It was to be an “ultra exclusive private club for Babe Ruth, Jack Dempsey and Ring Lardner among other club charter members”. Black Friday, of the Great Depression, spoiled the hopes of it remaining ultra exclusive and eventually it was sold and opened to the public.
This is a destination for those who want to get away from everything. “Enjoy a quality of life others only dream about,” suggest innkeepers, Tim and Nancy Ramey. They encourage guests to leave behind their laptops and cell phones and lose themselves in the 1920’s aura.
The original hall is brilliantly decorated with designs of the Cree Indians, bright and colorful like no other décor in the world. Silence surrounds the property and lets guests focus on the gorgeous views of Lake Superior. Red Adirondack chairs line the beach and a large solarium faces the lake for picturesque views. The view is more than Lake Superior, moose, deer, birds and other animals frequent the property. To learn more about the view and lodge visit www.naniboujou.com.
What to see and do in the Grand Marais area
- Superior Trails
- Judge C.R. Magney Park
- Grand Portage National Monument and Trail
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
- Cross country skiing
- Hiking
- Shopping in Grand Marais
Luxury
Luxury resorts offer endless activities and more comforts than home. Brainerd, the Dells, Lutsen, and Two Harbors, boast spectacular properties such as; Cragun’s Resort, Grand View Lodge, Kalahari Resort, Lutsen Resort & Sea Villas, Caribou Highlands Lodge and Grand Superior Lodge. Each property offers its own style of luxury, perfect for fun and relaxation.
Cragun’s Resort
Cragun’s Resort has perfected the art of creating packages that cater to groups and families. Honeymooners enjoy staying in the Shoreline Suites while groups up to 25 find the Oaks House perfect for staying together but maintaining privacy with separate entrances. Cabins and Lakeside rooms are also available.
With 1-mile of shoreline and two beaches on Gull Lake there is an endless amount of water activities to keep every guest entertained. The resort is great for active families and groups looking for the cabin experience with endless activity.
Personal boats are welcomed and tour boat runs daily for a scenic cruises. Canoes, paddleboats, pontoon and ski boats are available at the full service marina along with water sport equipment. For the kids, there is Water Adventures, with lifeguard certified counselors that guarantee kids are safe and have a good time on the lake.
Horse drawn trolley rides, beach parties and hiking are common activities in the fall. Cragun’s is the #1 family resort. They offer plenty of programs to keep kids busy so they sleep through the night. Families love the “Get Wild” animal show and the kid’s club. Check out Cragun’s Labor Day and MEA packages this fall.
For golfers, the upscale Legacy Courses, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr, are a must play. All holes are designated as an International Signature Sanctuary. This top notch golf resort even has golf carts with ProLink GPS. If the weather isn’t ideal for golf, guests visit the Sport Centre which hosts golf simulators, as well as an indoor track that encompasses the volley ball, basketball and tennis courts. For reservation and additional information, visit www.craguns.com.
What to see and do in the Brainerd/Nisswa area
- Paul Bunyan Trail
- Pillsbury State Forest
- Bobby’s Legacy Golf Courses
- Dutch’s Legacy Golf Course
- Boating
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Family Programs
- Kids Water Adventures
- Hiking
- Indoor Sports Centre
- Gull Lake tours
- Dog sledding
- Cross country skiing
Grand View Lodge
Grand View Lodge has been catering to families since 1918. Many of their visiting families have been returning for the past 40 years to experience the rustic woodsy feel combined with luxury. The main lodge is filled with cozy chairs and an enchanting stone fireplace. Outside quiet sitting areas, an outdoor fireplace and wooded walking paths join the beautiful Grand View gardens with thousands of flowers. Follow the incredible flower lined stone walk way to the beach and set your eyes on glistening Gull Lake. Guests love the indoor waterslide and pool that sits on the edge of 1,500 feet of natural sand beach.
Grand View offers town homes, distinctive lakeside cottages or historic lodge rooms to accommodate any size group. Playaks, canoes, paddle boats and non-motorized fishing boats are at no charge to guests. Ski boats and pontoons are available for rent or keep your own boat on a guest boat lift. For hot deals at Grand View visit www.grandviewlodge.com.
What to see and do in the Brainerd/Nisswa area
- Paul Bunyan Trail
- Pillsbury State Forest
- The Preserve Golf Course
- Deacon’s Lodge Golf Course
- Mountain bike rental
- Guided bike tours
- Horse back riding
- Fishing
- Yoga
- Water wars
- Basket weaving
- Live lounge acts
- Massage
Kalahari
Kalahari, a luxury hotel in the Wisconsin Dells, makes family travel fun the whole time. This resort is ideal for families who want lots of entertainment. Open year round, this resort includes the nation’s largest indoor wave pool and nine water slides. The 410 foot long Torrent River and the pipe-style, spiral flume Tanzanian Twister as well as the Lily Pad Hippo Walk, lap pool and the Baboon Bay children’s play area can be found under one roof. Outside, water activities include waterslides - Zimbabwe Zipper and Swahili Swirl and a whirlpool spa. A regulation size basketball court, two white-sand volleyball courts, three luxurious spas and a digital, surround sound, 10-screen cinema can also be found on the property.
Custom designed African themed furniture, a fireplace, large balcony and safari inspired artwork and fabrics decorate suites. The Presidential suites also include a wet bar, dining for six, living room and deck with oversized whirlpool. For more details on the rooms at Kalahari make sure to check out www.kalahariresort.com.
What to see and do in the Wisconsin Dells area
- Everything at Wisconsin Dells
- Endless Waterslides and wave pools
- Sports
- Spas
- Theaters
- Art Galleries
Lutsen Resort and Sea Villas
Lutsen Resort and Sea Villas stretch across the shoreline of Lake Superior and the Poplar River. From the old North Shore feel of the lodge rooms to the modern luxury of the condominiums, Lutsen Resort meets the needs and expectations of every guest. The scenic views, natural back drop and expansive offerings have made Lutsen Resort a very popular place for weddings.
Surrounded by wooded area, it is terrific for watching the fall colors fade into winter. Guests can warm up on cool evenings with the fireplace in the lodge, a bonfire on the beach or in their own private jacuzzi. Oversized chairs await you in the lodge, sink into them and take up a game of checkers or read a book next to the fireplace. In January, some guests join the polar bear club by dipping into Lake Superior and running back to the warmth of the indoor sauna and pools.
Lodge room, Sea villa, Poplar River condominium and Log town home guests have full use of the resort’s historic lodge. The lodge includes lakeside fine dining, lounge for drinks and casual dining, game room, heated pools and a complimentary par three golf course. For lodging descriptions and area activities visit www.lutsenresort.com.
What to see and do in the Lutsen area
- Gondola rides
- Lutsen Mountain Bike Park
- Horseback riding in the Sawtooth Mountains
- The Alpine slide
- The Superior Hiking Trail
- Sea kayaking
- Snowmobiling
- Dog sledding
- Fishing
- Golf
- Hiking
- Downhill Skiing
- Cross Country Skiing
- Swimming
Caribou Highlands Lodge
Caribou Highlands Lodge is nestled on Lutsen ski hill with never-ending views of the woods and mountains that wrap around Caribou inviting guests to explore. Paths and trails lead onto the mountain and into the woods for those who wish to see nature at its best. The North woods feel of Caribou transports guests from the hustle of the big city while still enjoying all the amenities of a luxury resort.
At every turn guests will encounter attention to detail in the crafts that decorated the main lodge and each of the properties. Caribou offers a charming stay in the main lodge, Village condominiums, Village town homes or Poplar Ridge executive lodges. The town homes and executive lodges are available to rent as a whole or as separate floors. Perfect for a romantic weekend getaway or a large group vacation.
The three season outdoor heated pool, indoor pool, 3 whirlpools and 2 saunas are great places to relax after a long day of hiking or mountain bike riding. Tennis courts, video arcade, canoeing and the Mountain Kids program are a few other ways to enjoy the stay at Caribou. Ski-in and ski-out lodging is available at Caribou during the winter season. Additional information can be found at www.caribouhighlands.com.
What to see and do in the Lutsen area
- Gondola rides
- Lutsen Mountain Bike Park
- Horseback riding in the Sawtooth Mountains
- The Alpine slide
- The Superior Hiking Trail
- Sea kayaking
- Snowmobiling
- Dog sledding
- Canoeing
- Mountain Kids Program
- Cross Country skiing
- Downhill skiing
- Tennis
- Golf
Grand Superior Lodge
Sister to Caribou Highland Lodge is Grand Superior Lodge in Two Harbors. Grand Superior promises a small family feeling with all the amenities of home. “I treat this as if I were welcoming guests into my home” said John Hartwick, General Manger.
Privacy and that “away feeling” are captured in each of their unique lodge rooms, 1-2 bedroom cabins and 3-4 bedroom homes. It would be easy to stay snuggled in one of the cozy cabins reading a book next to the fireplace but Two Harbors offers a lot of activities.
It is a short trip to Split Rock Lighthouse, Gooseberry Falls or the Superior Hiking Trail to watch the brilliant fall colors dance in the north shore breeze. After a long hike, many guests like to slip into the soothing 12 person whirlpool that is encased in large smooth stones in the lodge. The waves of Lake Superior can be seen lapping the shoreline from nearly everywhere at Caribou, including the large whirlpool and the balcony of the restaurant.
The restaurant serves a northern cuisine of elk, venison, walleye or trout and compliments them with a reserve wine list for special occasions. For reservations make sure to visit the Grand Superior Web site at www.grandsuperior.com.
What to see and do in the Two Harbors area
- Two Harbors Museum and Ore Docks
- Gooseberry Falls Sate Park
- Split Rock Lighthouse and State Park
- Superior Hiking Trails
- Grandpa Woo’s Excursions
- Fine Dining
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Biking
- Fishing
Secluded
Secluded cabins and resorts offer the peace and tranquility the busy soul needs. Sprinkled across the lakes of Minnesota many secluded properties still offer quiet time and picture perfect settings. Discover Castle Haven on Lake Superior, Samara Point Resort on Gull Lake and The Lady Slipper Inn and The Heartland B&B in Lake Country.
Castle Haven
1 mile off the highway down a dirt road are the secluded Castle Haven Cabins. These 12 cabins sit snuggly on the shores of Lake Superior. Built in 1935, the cabins have been part of the Lind family since the beginning. Dwight and Debbie Lind take pride and care of their cabins and as tradition holds, they do everything, even the cleaning. The cabins house two bedrooms, kitchens and hardwood floors. Recently, they added an addition to their property when they opened the Quilter’s Cabin in May.
The Quilter’s Cabin is not for overnight guests but for guests looking for brilliantly colored fabrics and detailed patterns for quilts. Guests stop in to enjoy the array of fabrics, colors and engage in interesting conversation with other guests and with Dwight and Debbie.
This is a great place to sit back and hear the stories. People come here to, “open the windows and listen to the waters,” Debbie explained about her guests who keep coming back. “It is never the same here, wait ten minutes and it will have changed. It never gets boring.”
85% of their guests are repeat visitors. “Debbie & Dwight are such nice people. We have been coming to the same cabin for the last 21 years. We just love it.” long-time visitor, Dale VandenHouten, said after he and his friends returned from Grandma’s Marathon.
More information about Castle Haven can be found at www.castlehaven.net.
What to see and do in the Two Harbors area
- Two Harbors Museum and Ore Docks
- Pioneer Crafts Gift Shop
- Gooseberry Falls Sate Park
- Split Rock Lighthouse and State Park
- Superior Hiking Trails
- Rustic Inn Café
- Grandpa Woo’s Excursions
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
Samara Point Resort
Samara Point Resort captures the spirit of simple country elegance. Lakeside cabins with pine and calico décor are nestled in the still woods of lake country. Samara Point is found on the North end of Gull Lake. Boats trailered by guests, are welcomed to tie up at the private dock. Otherwise, the use of a 14 foot fishing boat is provided with each cabin along with a secluded sandy beach. Pontoons and motors can be rented and bait and gas purchased at Samara Point. Badminton, volleyball and croquet equipment line the property for your leisure. To ensure the peacefulness that Samara Point offers guests, the number of guests is limited.
This is the place to “get away from it all”. There are no planned activities, no game rooms, and no schedule. Only natural wood burning fireplaces, handcrafted furnishings, picnic tables and grills at each cabin. Plaid bedspreads, large picture windows, screened in porches and personal kitchens at the cabins are perfect for couples vacationing together. The 4 bedroom home on the channel welcomes a slightly larger group with a private dock and stocked kitchen. Reservations can be made online at www.samarapoint.com.
What to see and do in the Brainerd/Nisswa area
- Paul Bunyan Trail
- Pillsbury State Forest
- Boating
- Enjoy the peace
The Lady Slipper Inn
The Lady Slipper Inn offers excellent bird watching. Gold finches, purple finches, Baltimore orioles, wood peckers, wood ducks, geese, blue hereon and other birds can be seen up close. A hike down the well maintained trails lets guests spot deer and other wildlife. A view of the wildlife is also offered from private suite windows and personal decks.
The typical destination for the guest staying at The Lady Slipper Inn is the B&B. Guests get a sense of a real calming feeling when they visit one of the well designed and comfortable rooms. Each room has a double whirlpool tub, fireplace, private deck and private entrance. Guests enjoy twin spring fed ponds for swimming, catch and release fishing and canoeing. In the fall, they relax on a horse-drawn sleigh rides, let their minds wander in nature’s beauty during a cross country ski trip or a jaunt on the trails with complimentary snowshoes.
Sitting at the head waters of the Mississippi, “this is a beautiful, settling, romantic get away for couples” said Innkeeper Pat Corbid. Full descriptions of rooms and area attractions can be found at www.ladyslipperinn.com.
What to do and see in the Park Rapids area
- Straight Lake Creek
- Itasca State Park
- Park Rapids area
- Area Lakes
- Hiking
- Canoeing
- Cross country skiing
The Heartland B&B
Guests who stay here generally are headed for the Park Rapids area which is only 6-miles away. “The Heartland B&B is the exact opposite of the Lady Slipper Inn” explained Pat. “The guests are more active and tend to participate in events outside of the B&B”. This is a great place to stay when attending weddings, special events, and family reunions on the areas lakes.
In the middle of lake country, guests can set off in any direction and will stumble upon one lake or another in less than 3-miles. There are plenty of trails, state parks and area lakes to keep everyone moving. On-site bike rental is available and in the winter snowmobiling out of the B&B to the area trails and lakes is very common. The Heartland Web site, www.heartlandbb.com, has more information on area attractions and events.
What to do and see in the Park Rapids area
- The Heartland Trail
- Soaring Eagle Trail
- Horseback riding in Paul Bunyan Sate Park
- Itasca State Park
- Area lakes
- Boating
- Hiking
- Cross country skiing
- Snowmobiling
Explore Minnesota is another great site to find new and exciting destinations, www.exploreminnesota.com. I hope you take me up on my challenge and try spending a weekend or week away from your normal vacation destination. I know you will appreciate the new experience. 