Minnesota is also known as the Land of 10000 Lakes, and one of the most beautiful lakeside getaways you can enjoy with your kids, bonding over the sounds of waves crashing against the idyllic lakeshores to fun activities like swimming and fishing. This Midwestern state has stunning lakeside resorts, family entertainment, and more! The jagged bluffs of Lake Superior’s North Shore are a prime destination for a getaway. Turtle Lake to Shagawa Lake boasts water sports and beach fun. So, why don’t you pack up and choose one of the best resorts in Minnesota for families:
Best Resorts in Minnesota
1. Madden’s on Gull Lake
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If you want to experience the definition of classic Minnesota luxury, the choice should be Madden’s. You can choose between the houses on the bays of Gull Lake or villas on the golf course. Nestled along Gull Lake, this wonderful resort offers more recreational activities than any other in the Midwest. You can choose multi-bedroom houses, traditional guestrooms, and villas. Once you have settled down, enjoy a game of bowling, pickleball, sand volleyball, horseshoes, badminton, or shuffleboard. You can swim at one of the three sandy beaches, while your kids hang out on the inflatable water park.
2. Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior
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There are endless ways to create memorable experiences with your family at Bluefin Bay. Located on the shores of Lake Superior just outside of Tofte, this charming, rustic resort offers traditional guest rooms and suites with fully equipped kitchens and spacious living rooms. Famous as one of the best lake resorts for families, there are top-notch summer activities for your kids, warm and inviting staff, and outdoor adventures on the North Shore. Included in your stay are mountain and road bike rentals, along with access to a private beach with fire pits where you and your kids can roast some marshmallows.
3. Lutsen Resort
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For a one-of-a-kind unforgettable experience, book your staycation at the Lutsen Resort, one of the most highly rated resorts. Located where Lake Superior and the Poplar River meet, the resort combines country chic with rustic elegance, offering Scandinavian heritage and culture. Families can discover the history as they walk across the bridges and different buildings. You can choose from historic lodge rooms, cabins, or condos. Cabins have fireplaces, full kitchens, and decks overlooking Lake Superior while condos overlook the Poplar River. The indoor pool complex includes a hot tub and sauna, and if that’s not enough, the kids can enjoy swimming at the private beach or indulge in many water sports. Guided hikes, waterfall tours, and bike rentals are also available.
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4. Gunflint Lodge
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This classic and charming resort is set along the Gunflint Trail overlooking Gunflint Lake and is perfect for families who want a secluded place to themselves. Gunflint Lodge provides accommodations with one-to-five-bedroom cabins, with most cabins having a full kitchen, a spa bathtub, and a fireplace. Families will love using the resort as a base camp for their summer fun. You can use canoes, kayaks, tubes, and stand-up paddleboards. There is more to do than splash around in water: several scenic trails are accessible to families looking for some land adventures. An outdoor haven, the resort also has zip lines, horseback riding, and fishing tours.
5. Ludlow’s Island Resort
Image credit: Ludlowsresort.com
Perhaps one of the most unique resorts, Ludlow’s Island is a picture-perfect getaway for people with kids. You can escape to your private island on Lake Vermillion, which also serves as a boutique resort with 22 luxury, hand-crafted cottages built by the Ludlow family. The rooms have wood-burning fireplaces, screened-in porches, and decks, within 50 feet of the water. You can book from one-to-five-bedroom houses and indulge in family time with unique packages like Father’s Day getaways or gourmet weekends. Go for fishing, rent a pontoon boat, or a speedboat for waterskiing, or get in a few rounds of golf, once the kids settle down. Other activities include paddleboarding, hydro biking, kayaking, water slides, zip-lining, and canoeing.
6. Skyport Lodge and Raven Rock Grill
Image credit: Skyportlodge.com
Set on the shores of Devil Track, this wonderfully rustic lodge is located within Superior National Park. The Skyport Lodge and Raven Rock Grill have direct access to the lake, and you can indulge in some fun water activities like kayaking, canoeing, and pontooning, and the best part is that these watercraft are dog-friendly too. Listen to music while enjoying each other’s company under the starry night around the campfire. They also have an onsite full-service restaurant with a kids’ menu, so what better way to end the summer than a family dinner?
7. Grand View Lodge Spa and Golf Resort
Image credit: Grandviewlodge.com
You will love Grand View Lodge if you are looking for a high-fun lake resort for all ages. Be amazed by the stunning backdrop for family fun all summer long. When you stay at the resort, you will realise that at least a week will be required to pack it all in. Activities are endless, from a pontoon boat ride, a game of golf, hiking, and biking to banana tubing, swimming, and paddle boarding. Race down the zipline course, go for a horseback ride, or indulge in much-needed self-care at their spa while children have fun at the Kids’ Club.
8. Breezy Point Resort
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For more than a century, this resort has been one of the best ones in Minnesota for families. One of the laidback destinations in Central Minnesota, it caters to families throughout the year and all four four-seasons. Breezy Point has hotel-style rooms, jacuzzi suites, and full vacation homes that you can choose from. Overlooking the Pelican Lake, you can indulge in water sports and enjoy kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, fishing, and more. You and your family can also enjoy a stroll or swim at their private beach with bonfire facilities. If that’s not enough, you can go hiking or biking along the Breezy Point Four Seasons Trail. While children play in the recreational room, the parents can relax at the spa, play tennis, or visit the golf course.
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9. Kavanaugh’s Sylvan Lake Resort
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Located in the heart of Brainerd, on the crystal clear Sylvan Lake, Kavanaugh’s Sylvan is one of the best family-run, kid-friendly resorts that prides itself on making everyone feel at home, regardless of their age. The lodging option varies from one-, two-, and three-bedroom cabins, cottages, and suites. You will love their stocked kitchens, grills, washer/dryers, fireplaces, and more. Rent pontoons, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards if you want to explore the lake. Your kids will be busy with activities like tennis, pickleball, racquetball, horseback riding, hiking, biking, and fishing. You can also choose from their two sandy beaches and an outdoor pool. An indoor pool with a whirlpool is available for parents, while kids play at the on-site playground.
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10. Lost Lake Lodge
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Minnesota’s “Best All-Inclusive Resort”, Lost Lake Lodge is relatively smaller than most resorts in the area. Families who want a remote vacation surrounded by stunning landscapes will love Lost Lake. You can choose from one-, two-, or three-bedroom cabins, which come with a full kitchen, dining area, fireplace, and a deck to enjoy breathtaking views. You can rent a pontoon, speed boat, or fishing boat and explore the lakeside. There are complimentary non-motorized watercraft like kayaks and paddle boards that kids will love. There is an arcade game room, shuffleboard, and ping pong when the weather is not agreeable.
Conclusion
Summer is the popular season as kids are on a long holiday when they can go fishing, play volleyball, or get tanned on the sugar sand beaches of this Midwestern state. From camping, kayaking, hiking, or spending time in a pool, sauna, or hot tub, options are never-ending. But it doesn’t mean winter is less desired when you can go on a snowmobile or hike on a cross-country ski. Regardless of the month, Minnesota is one of the best places to spend your vacation with your family and create unforgettable memories.