17 Top-Rated Resorts in Minnesota

Minnesota offers no end of great vacation options for travelers thanks to its beautiful countryside, making it one of the top places to visit in the USA. Whether your journey is for business or pleasure, the Northstar State is also home to an abundance of excellent accommodation choices.

Those seeking a stay in a luxury location couldn’t do much better than book into the historic Grand View Lodge on Gull Lake, popular for its elegant rooms and manicured grounds.

Prefer something a little more rustic? Then those seeking a comfortable stay in a traditional family-run wilderness resort should consider the charm of the well-appointed country cabins at Ludlow’s Island Resort in Cook, or Kavanaugh’s on Sylvan Lake near Brainerd, both popular with outdoor enthusiasts.

Whatever your preferred style of travel, we’re certain you’ll find the best place to stay with our list of the best resorts in Minnesota.

1. Best Western Premier The Lodge on Lake Detroit, Detroit Lakes

Accommodation: Best Western Premier The Lodge on Lake Detroit

Highlights: 4-star lakeside resort with private beach, boating and kayaking, full-service spa

One of the few big hotel brands to make our list of top resorts in Minnesota, the Best Western Premier The Lodge on Lake Detroit owes its popularity to its idyllic location. Set on a lovely 550-foot stretch of picturesque shoreline, this lovely 4-star lakefront property consists of a modest 54 rooms, thus ensuring crowds are never an issue.

These bright rooms come with a choice of one or two queen beds, a handy mini-fridge and microwave, a wet bar, patio, and great views over the lake and surrounding shoreline. An upgrade to consider is the king suite. These spacious units also come with a jet tub, a cozy fireplace, plus a good-sized balcony. A number of easy-access units are also available for those with mobility issues.

On-site amenities include a private 150-foot-long beach for guest use only, boat slips, kayaks, as well as fire pits to enjoy as the sun sets over the lake. There’s also a large heated indoor swimming pool, along with a steam room, hot tub, and full-service spa. Other notable features include a 24-hour fitness center, dining, and live entertainment.

Address: 1200 E Shore Dr, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

2. Madden’s on Gull Lake, Brainerd

Accommodation: Madden’s on Gull Lake

Highlights: Mix of rooms and spacious stand-alone cabins and cottages, golf & tennis

One of the top vacation spots in the “Minnesota Playground” of Brainerd, Madden’s on Gull Lake offers guests a variety of quality accommodations. This sprawling 4-star resort is particularly popular for its stand-alone cabins and cottages, which are well-suited to larger groups of friends and family.

One of the most opulent is the large four-bedroom unit perched just feet away from the water. This impressive unit comes with multiple bathrooms, a full modern kitchen, as well as a separate living room with a fireplace and an additional fireplace on the screened-in porch. It also comes with a private dock and a dedicated fire pit. This first-rate accommodation sleeps up to 14 people comfortably.

Sports fans will love the on-site facilities. These include a golf course, tennis courts, badminton courts, croquet lawns, lawn bowling, and volleyball. For watery fun, there are three heated outdoor swimming pools, plus one indoor pool to choose from. Also worth a mention are the kids’ wading pool, a hot tub, and a number of fun water toys on the lake, including trampolines and slides.

The resort also has its own marina and offers rentals of motorized watercraft such as boats and Jet Skis, along with canoes, paddleboards, and kayaks.

Address: 11266 Pine Beach Peninsula, Brainerd, Minnesota

3. Chase on the Lake, Walker

Accommodation: Chase on the Lake

Highlights: Condo suites with kitchens, full-service spa, dining, and a bowling alley

Popular for its proximity to great shopping, dining, and entertainment in the quaint town of Walker Minnesota, Chase on the Lake offers guests a relaxing lakeside vacation. This higher-end 3-star property is also popular for the high quality of its accommodations, which consist of a variety of options ranging from standard hotel rooms to spacious condo suites.

Whatever size unit you book, you’ll enjoy standard features such as microwaves and mini-fridges, large bathrooms with stand-alone showers and bathtubs, and HDTVs. The condo suites come in one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations and include such additional features as a master bedroom, a full kitchen, plus a separate living room.

There’s much to keep guests occupied at the resort. Highlights include enjoying a meal in the on-site restaurant, booking a massage or other treatment in the spa, or even taking in some family fun at the resort’s private bowling alley.

Other features of note include an indoor swimming pool, a hot tub, as well as a private beach. Water activities include fishing, kayaking, and sailing. In the winter season, be sure to check into their excellent ice fishing packages.

Address: 502 Cleveland Blvd W, Walker, Minnesota

4. Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior, Lutsen

Accommodation: Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior

Highlights: Historic authentic resort experience, live music, nature trails, winter sports

Minnesota’s magnificent Lake Superior shoreline, among the most beautiful lake settings in the USA, is a big draw for guests staying at the family-owned and operated Lutsen Resort. Built in 1885, this elegant and historic 3-star resort is the oldest in the state and continues to provide visitors with a high-end vacation experience.

The emphasis is very much on fun activities and events for the whole family. Popular things to do for families include enjoying live music, taking nature hikes, as well as participating in guided kayak and canoe adventures. Other summer activities include golf, biking, swimming, and fishing.

Come winter, it’s all about downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, and the resort often offers affordable ski and stay packages. On-site dining is also available in the excellent restaurant with its extensive kids’ menus, as is a full-service spa, a large heated indoor swimming pool, a games room, plus a kids’ play area.

Popular accommodation choices include spacious one- and two-bedroom suites, some of which come with loft areas. Other notable features include full kitchens, living rooms with pullout couches, real fireplaces, and large furnished decks with barbecues. The larger two-bedroom units come with an additional bathroom and can sleep up to eight people comfortably. Some pet-friendly units are available.

Address: 5700 West MN-61, Lutsen, Minnesota

5. Quarterdeck Resort, Nisswa

Accommodation: Quarterdeck Resort

Highlights: Romantic boutique-style resort on 27 acres with private beach and water activities

One of the top boutique hotel-style getaway destinations in Minnesota, the Quarterdeck Resort in Nisswa offers couples and families alike no end of great reasons to visit. Situated on a 27-acre property on beautiful Gull Lake, the resort is especially popular for its charming and well-appointed accommodations.

While couples like the main lodge suites with their king beds, families will want to book into the two queen bed option. In either case, you’ll enjoy standard features, including good-sized bathrooms with jet tubs, kitchenettes, fireplaces, and balconies. Some larger suites are also available that include master bedrooms, full kitchens, pullout couches in the living areas, and a dining area.

With its focal point being Gull Lake, there are many fun things to do on the water. Highlights include swimming, fishing, and boating, with rentals available, as well as Jet Skiing, canoeing, and kayaking. You’ll also enjoy the abundant wildlife, which includes eagles and loons.

Notable on-site amenities include dining in the resort’s popular restaurant, a full-service marina, a gift shop, a heated swimming pool with a hot tub, and a fitness center. The resort’s attractive function spaces along with its picturesque setting have assured its spot as one of the region’s top wedding destinations, too.

Address: 9820 Birch Bay Dr SW, Nisswa, Minnesota

6. Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center, Alexandria

Accommodation: Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center

Highlight: All-season sports and golf resort close to Minneapolis & St. Paul

Situated in Alexandria and an easy drive from the city of Minneapolis and the state capital of St. Paul, the four-season Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center is a great choice of destination regardless of your reason for a visit. Sports enthusiasts and convention-goers alike enjoy it for its championship golf course.

Traveling as a family? Then you’ll enjoy this quality 3-star resort’s huge indoor all-season water park, which comes complete with three thrilling waterslides, a lazy river, and a kid’s splash area. Other notable on-site amenities include a full-service spa and a restaurant.

The guest rooms here are spacious and clean, and come with either a king bed or two queen beds. They also feature an always handy mini-fridge plus a microwave.

If available, request one of the king rooms with a view of the lake. These larger units come with a master bedroom, a separate living room with a pullout couch, a gas fireplace, a kitchenette complete with a dishwasher and a full fridge, plus a spacious bathroom with a jet bathtub and stand-alone shower. They also offer a furnished patio.

Address: 2100 Arrowwood Ln, Alexandria, Minnesota

7. Grand View Lodge, Nisswa

Accommodation: Grand View Lodge

Highlights: Spring-fed spa, casual & fine dining, private beach, kids activities, townhome units

Not only is Grand View Lodge on Gull Lake one of the best resorts in Minnesota, it’s also one of the oldest and one of the most attractive. Opened in 1916, this elegant vacation destination in Brainerd offers plenty of great reasons to keep coming back.

Much of the appeal is the resort’s many excellent amenities. Highlights include a full-service spa that uses mineral waters from local springs as part of its treatment program; a variety of on-site restaurant options, including both casual and fine dining; and two world-class championship golf courses.

Fun activities also await at the private beach, along with the heated indoor swimming pool with its waterslide. There are also plenty of kid’s programs and activities, and the resort also has meeting and function rooms.

Come bedtime, a popular choice for families are Grand View’s fully-equipped townhomes. These spacious luxury units range in size from one to five bedrooms and come with large kitchens; separate dining and living areas, the latter with a gas fireplace; and large furnished terraces with barbecues.

Be sure to check the availability of resort packages in the quieter seasons, as well as during holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Address: 23521 Nokomis Ave, Nisswa, Minnesota

8. Ludlow’s Island Resort, Cook

Accommodation: Ludlow’s Island Resort

Highlights: Romantic island setting with private lake-view cabins and beach area

One of a number of family-owned and operated 3-star resorts that rank highly in Minnesota, Ludlow’s Island Resort in Cook offers guests a unique island getaway. Highlights include having your own well-appointed cabin or cottage to enjoy, each offering superb views over Lake Vermilion and plenty of room to spread out.

Notable features of the resort’s 22 spacious and unique units include multiple bathrooms, authentic wood-burning fireplaces, as well as large screened-in porches and decks with barbecues. The cabins range in size from one to five bedrooms.

There’s also much to do in and around the resort, too. Popular activities include the chance to squeeze in some wildlife spotting to exploring the lake’s 1,200 miles of shoreline and 365 islands. Other highlights include a private beach area, along with boating, sailing, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing activities.

The resort is also popular as a hiking destination. Numerous kids’ programs and activities are also available.

Address: 8166 Ludlow Rd, Cook, Minnesota

9. Kavanaugh’s Sylvan Lake Resort, Brainerd

Accommodation: Kavanaugh’s Sylvan Lake Resort

Highlights: Indoor recreation center with pool and spa, games room, tennis, and hiking trails

Another popular choice for a Minnesota getaway any time of year is the family-run Kavanaugh’s Sylvan Lake Resort near Brainerd. The resort covers a large swath of shoreline, ensuring great views from almost anywhere on the property.

Highlights of a stay include relaxing at the recreation complex, which includes an indoor swimming pool plus a spa and fitness center. This sizeable amenity also houses a games room, laundry facilities, as well as the resort’s large heated outdoor swimming pool. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as tennis, and the resort also boasts an extensive trail network that connects to area hiking routes.

When it comes to accommodations, there’s plenty of choice. Popular with groups of up to five people, the one-bedroom cottages come with a master bedroom with a king bed and twin pull-out, a spacious bathroom, full kitchen, dining room, and a living area with a gas fireplace and a queen pullout. They also include a laundry room, plus a large lake-view deck with a barbecue. A three-bedroom cottage is also available.

Address: 1685 Kavanaugh Dr, Brainerd, Minnesota

10. Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts, Tofte

Accommodation: Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts

Highlights: Family-friendly resort with private beach, fire pits, and hiking trails

The 3-star Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts in Tofteon on Lake Superior is another great family-owned and operated Minnesota resort to consider for your next family vacation. In addition to spending time enjoying its magnificent lakefront setting, considered one of the most photogenic locations in Minnesota, the resort itself features plenty of fun things to do.

Topping the list is, of course, its sizable private beach, a focal point for families for its shallow water entry and water-based activities. In addition to swimming, the lake is popular for its boating, sailing, canoeing, and kayaking adventures. It’s also a popular fishing spot. Beachside fire pits are also fun.

The resort also boasts a number of tennis courts and is connected to a great hiking trail network. Other amenities include a restaurant, café, and bistro, which have a good reputation among the locals, too. Add to this the heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, the sauna, plus a spa, and you’ll definitely want to stay put.

As for the resort’s accommodation, they certainly don’t disappoint. Top choices are the apartment units. Coming in one-, two, or three-bedroom configurations, these spacious accommodations include full kitchens, as well as separate living rooms with pull-out couches and fireplaces.

Address: 7192 MN-61, Tofte, Minnesota

11. Beacon Pointe on Lake Superior, Duluth

Accommodation: Beacon Pointe on Lake Superior

Highlights: Lake Superior setting with water views, 8 miles of paved trails, close to Duluth

This popular 3-star property markets itself as the only city of Duluth resort featuring uninterrupted Lake Superior views. And they’re right. The views from Beacon Pointe on Lake Superior are superb, so make sure you request a lakefront room when making your reservation.

Designed in a traditional beach-house style, the facilities here also tend to focus on its waterfront location. Topping the list of things to do here is enjoying a stroll along the eight miles of paved trails that make up the city’s Lakewalk. It’s also good for jogging and cycling, while those into mountain biking will also find themselves close to some of the best trails in Minnesota, including those in Spirit Mountain.

The condo-style rooms are bright, with comfortable beds and nice furnishings and come in a variety of configurations to suit your needs. The larger suites and penthouses are a good option, as are the two-, three-, and four-bedroom condos. These larger accommodations also feature private lake-view balconies, well-equipped kitchens, separate living areas, gas fireplaces, and Jacuzzis.

Address: 2100 E Water St, Duluth, Minnesota

12. Lodge At Giants Ridge, Biwabik

Accommodation: The Lodge At Giants Ridge

Highlights: Close to golf and skiing, large multi-room accommodations, private beach

Now in its third decade of operations, the Lodge At Giants Ridge is a great choice of resort for those looking to make use of neighboring Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort. Set along the narrows between Sabin and Wynne lakes, it’s especially popular with outdoor enthusiasts and is a great choice of place to stay for skiers due to it being steps away from the slopes.

Accommodations are condo-sized and feature a choice of one- to four-bedroom units. Whatever size you opt for, standard features include pine furniture and rustic accents, living areas with futons, as well as kitchenettes. If you’re here in ski season, be sure to request a unit with ski-in/ski-out access. Other upgrade options include hot tubs and fireplaces.

Visiting in summer? If so, you’ll want to check out the private beach and outdoor pool, as well as sample nearby Legends Golf Club. Also worth a mention are the indoor swimming pool, fitness center, spa, games room, and casual dining restaurant.

Address: 6373 Wynne Creek Dr, Biwabik, Minnesota

13. Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters, Grand Marais

Accommodation: Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters

Highlights: Family-owned property in natural setting with hiking, kayaking, and even wolf howls

Family-owned and operated for three generations, with the oldest building on the property dating back to 1928, Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters offers a variety of great accommodations for those looking to explore and enjoy the beautiful Northwoods area of Minnesota. It’s also perfectly situated to explore nearby Grand Marais, one of the most charming small towns in Minnesota.

Guests can expect a warm welcome and friendly service, whether it be when seeking expert advice on area activities and attractions, or when learning how to get the most out of your stay here.

Activities provided include nature hikes and guided canoe trips, fishing, and even wolf howls. The resort, in fact, operates a full outfitting service, ensuring guests have access to everything needed to explore the surrounding wilderness. Watercraft such as canoes and kayaks are available when needed. The resort also has its own full-service spa, as well as a great restaurant.

Consisting of stand-alone cabins and cottages ranging in size from one to four bedrooms, you can expect such features as real fireplaces with ample supplies of firewood provided, full kitchens, charcoal barbecues, spacious bathrooms, and daily towel service. If so desired, request one of the units with its own sauna and laundry facilities.

Larger groups should consider the five-bedroom Pow Wow Lodge. This huge accommodation sleeps up to 10 guests and also comes with three bathrooms, a large living and seating area, lake-view porch, and its own garage.

Address: 143 S Gunflint Lake Rd, Grand Marais, Minnesota

14. Voyagaire Lodge & Houseboats, Crane Lake

Accommodation: Voyagaire Lodge & Houseboats

Highlights: Rustic summer resort with outdoor activities including water sports and hiking

Located overlooking Crane Lake near the border between the US and Canada, Voyagaire Lodge & Houseboats is a great choice of resort for those who enjoy a traditional back-to-nature vacation experience.

Open only seasonally (it’s closed all winter), this summer resort is located close to Voyageurs National Park, the state’s only national park and a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts that’s easily accessible to guests. The park is, in fact, easy to get to by boat, kayak, or canoe, all of which are available from Voyagaire Lodge.

The resort also offers unique vacations aboard its houseboats. Other activities include swimming and fishing. The rustic log lodge offers a variety of accommodation options, including larger units with full kitchens. Be sure to request a lake view if available.

Address: 7576 Gold Coast Rd, Crane Lake, Minnesota

15. Fair Hills Resort, Detroit Lakes

Accommodation: Fair Hills Resort

Highlight: Historic family resort with entertainment and water activities for all ages

Another vacation destination worth considering is Fair Hills Resort in the Detroit Lakes area. Established in 1926, this sprawling all-inclusive resort is excellent value for families and offers a great deal of on-site fun for all ages.

Popular activities include participating in talent contests, as well as their famous “Hootenanny,” a concert celebration featuring folk music and entertainment. Organized sports events and activities are also plentiful and include swimming at the large private beach plus a heated outdoor pool, kayaking, and sailing, as well as tennis, basketball, volleyball, and golf.

Adding to the relaxation are the inclusion of hammocks and fire pits. There are also a number of function and conference rooms, too.

Included with your cabin are standard features such as spacious bathrooms, seating areas, and daily housekeeping services. Sizes range from one to three bedrooms, each of which comes with a large private and furnished deck with great views over the lake. Three meals a day are included with your stay.

And a note for TV addicts: forget it! Fair Hills is very much focused on outdoor fun, so TVs aren’t provided in your accommodations. And rightly so. With so many things to do outside, who wants to stay indoors anyway?

Address: 24270 Co Hwy 20, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

16. Lost Lake Lodge, Nisswa

Accommodation: Lost Lake Lodge

Highlights: All-inclusive resort on private lake with canoeing, biking, hiking, and campfires

Historic Lost Lake Lodge has been welcoming vacationers to its charming 80-acre property near Nisswa for more than 70 years. In addition to offering first-rate meals in its dining room that are included with your stay, you can enjoy numerous water activities on Lost Lake, a private lake that’s linked to the larger Gull Lake chain.

Outdoor activities include a water slide, boat rentals, rowboats, canoes, paddleboards, and kayaks. Also fun are the many hiking and biking trails waiting to be explored, nightly campfires, sports such as volleyball and basketball, and the use of fishing rods.

Guests sleep in their own charming and cozy cabin, which comes in a choice of one-, two-, or three-bedroom configurations, each with a wood-burning fireplace, HDTV, pullout bed, mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and dock.

The largest three-bedroom units can sleep up to 10 people comfortably and include a loft seating area, a family room with a pool table and pull-out couch, three full bathrooms, a laundry room, full-kitchen, and furnished screened-in porch.

Address: 7965 Lost Lake Rd, Nisswa, Minnesota

17. Nelson’s Resort, Crane Lake

Accommodation: Nelson’s Resort

Highlights: Authentic lakeside resort setting with nature experiences and cabins

Family-owned and operated since 1931, Nelson’s Resort is another great Crane Lake destination well-suited to those wanting an authentic Minnesota nature experience. Located within Kabetogama State Forest on the south shore of Crane Lake, this rustic resort features cute log- or wood-sided one- or two-bedroom cabins that are perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends.

Each self-contained cabin features home comforts such as living rooms, large bathrooms with stand-alone showers, and private decks. Upgrades include full kitchens and real fireplaces.

There’s no end of fun to be had outside, too. Guest amenities include a sauna and a beach area, plus free use of the resort’s kayaks and canoes. There’s also a great little playground for those traveling with kids, as well as a games room. An on-site restaurant serves three meals a day, and boat rentals are available.

Map of Resorts in Minnesota

Best Time to Visit Resorts in Minnesota

The best time to visit the resorts in Minnesota is during the summer months of July and August. With warm days, plenty of sunshine, and pleasant evening temperatures, summer in Minnesota was meant to be enjoyed in the great outdoors.

You can expect daytime summer temperatures to reach the low 80s Fahrenheit, with pleasant evening temperatures in the 60s. Early summer, including the month of June, can also be pleasant for outdoor activities but may be cool and a little rainy at times.

The fall months of September and into early October are great times to visit Minnesota. Both daytime and evening temperatures will be cooler, of course, but the advent of those spectacular fall colors makes having to wear a sweater or light jacket bearable.

Lasting from March through April and into May, spring can be unpredictable in Minnesota. March and April are not good months to visit Minnesota, as winter tends to linger in this northern state, with snowy weather giving way to often-heavy spring rainfall. You can expect to start seeing buds and leaves on trees as well as those first spring flowers popping up by mid-May.

If you enjoy skiing and other winter sports, winter can be a good time to visit Minnesota, lasting from November through early March. January and February are the coldest and snowiest months of winter and are generally the best for skiing. The transitional months of November and December, however, can be cold, grey, and a little bleak for anything other than indoor activities.