Top 10 Minnesota Northwoods Hotels

Slip into rustic relaxation at the Arrowwood Lodge at Brainerd Lakes, which features 102 rooms and suites, over 7,500 square feet of meeting and banquet space, and the onsite Arrowwood Lodge Grill &; Bar. Find fun with the indoor waterpark, arcade, indoor/outdoor hot tub, fire pit, and more! Reach beyond the well-meaning motto "take only pictures, leave only footprints" and see the Brainerd Lakes Area outdoors, indoors at the unique Arrowwood Lodge at Brainerd Lakes! Minnesota beauty survives inside these A-frame, cabin-inspired walls. Happy campers delight in the rustic beauty of a Brainerd Lakes lake cabin that visits each unique lodging rooms and suites . Stay in the Big Bear or other individual “cabin” suites for some authentic indoor-camping fun! Northwoods travelers enjoy the inspiration of the outback while indulging in hotel luxuries like The Arrowwood Lodge Grill &; Bar, meeting & conference rooms, wedding ceremony and reception spaces, and an authentic tall-tale classic Paul Bunyan Indoor Water Park!

Address

6967 Lake Forest Road, Baxter, Minnesota 56425

Highlights

This outdoors-man's paradise boasts more than 500 lakes and rivers, with parks and forests to boot.

Related activities

Sample world-class golfing, fishing and boating, biking or snowmobiling on the Paul Bunyan Trail, shopping, and kayaking.

Grand Ely Lodge is a one-of-a-kind Northwoods destination at the gateway to the Boundary Waters. Combining fine dining, superior lodging, meeting space and outdoor recreation, Grand Ely is its own oasis, offering the amenities of a full-service resort and the personalized service of a staff who know their guests by name. Shagawa Lake and the surrounding area are outdoor playgrounds for families and groups of all types Shagawa Lake is a premier Northwoods location for all your northeast Minnesota outdoor recreation: fish for walleye and pike, take out a canoe, kayak, or paddleboat or rent a pontoon or motorboat from the Grand Ely Lodge's marina. Complimentary dock space is available if you bring you own boat. If you'd prefer to stay dry, hike through the lush nature trails. Your Midwest mecca awaits!

Address

400 North Pioneer Road, Ely, Minnesota 55731

Related activities

Shagawa Lake is a premiere northern Minnesota fishing lake for smallmouth bass, walleye and northern pike. Grand Ely Lodge can arrange guided fishing and remote trips to other lakes, or you can rent a boat from the marina, use some of the complimentary fishing equipment and set out on your own for a fun angling adventure.

Related Onsite Offerings

Kids are the center of attention at Grand Ely: The Cubby Bear Cub Club has scheduled activities all summer. Nightly campfires are for everyone, and kids under 10 eat free!

Appeasing every type of traveler, Timberlake Lodge Hotel is a premier Northwoods full-service hotel. A three-story craftsman-style building showcases 84 unique and beautifully furnished guest rooms caters to the business travelers, couples on romantic retreats, and vacationing families. Business amenities include wireless internet, a full service business center, fitness center, lending library, and the spacious boardroom for special meetings. Family amenities include a convenience store, adjoining room suites, full or mini kitchens, and flat-screen televisions. Find some aquatic adventures at the Grand Splash waterpark, which includes an over sized hot tub, kiddie pool with frog slide, and a 98-foot tube slide! All Timberlake guests are treated to a full, hot breakfast buffet each morning and handicap accessible rooms are available. All under one roof, the lodge is home to the 17th Street Grill that features daily lunch specials, regular weeknight specials, and exceptional fine dining in the Grand Rapids area. You'll find something for everyone here!

Address

144 SE 17th Street, Grand Rapids, MN 55744

Highlights

For winter wonderland fun, head to Itasca County for some of the best snowmobiling in Minnesota. The lodge has direct access to the Taconite Trail, and Grand Rapids and the surrounding area offer 1,000 plus miles of well-groomed snowmobile trails.

Related activities

The surrounding area of Itasca County features more than 1,000 lakes, meaning angling enthusiasts will have plenty of chances to reel in trophy walleyes or northern pike!

Best Western Premier The Lodge on Detroit Lakes brings chic to the Northwoods with modern style and amenities. Here, you and your family can enjoy the luxury you deserve at a price that won’t drain your wallet. Most rooms at the hotel have a private balcony with spectacular views of pristine Big Detroit Lake. Inside your room you’ll discover dramatic décor, glass enclosed showers, and upscale bedding. And every room comes with great amenities like a microwave, refrigerator, and wet bar. The Lodge at Lake Detroit has added bonuses that you won’t find at most other family resorts in the area. While the kids are enjoying the heated indoor pool, you can escape to The Spa Within where you can receive a luxurious massage or spa treatment. How’s that for a relaxing family vacation? And don’t worry about breakfast! The hotel offers a complimentary hot breakfast buffet so your family can start the day off right. You’ll find this, plus much more, at this comfortably luxurious Detroit Lakes hotel!

Address

1200 East Shore Drive, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota 56501

Highlights

There's fun to be had just a stone's throw away, as a spectacular selection of restaurants and golf courses are just minutes from the property!

Related Onsite Offerings

Discover dramatic décor, glass-enclosed walk-in showers, upscale bedding, and flat-panel LCD HDTVs at this chic stay!

Rapid River Lodge & Waterpark combines aquatic adventures and Northwoods splendor to create an unforgettable Northern Minnesota vacation. Make a splash at the waterpark, which features a 250-foot tube slide, a 175-foot body slide, and a lazy river with a waterfall and rapids, all spread across 13,000 feet of water-fueled fun. This splash sanctuary also boasts a spacious kiddy pool with an amazing array of slides and water features with a tree fort that children find absolutely enchanting. After an exhilarating day in the waterpark, relax in one of 68 suites, which feature locally crafted cedar furniture and tables, welcoming fireplaces, and soothing whirlpool tubs. If it's outdoor relaxation you seek, enjoy a day of fishing in the Land of 10,000 Lakes or hike through the lush nature trails. You'll find aquatic and outdoor fun here!

Address

7376 Woida Road, Baxter, Minnesota 56425

Highlights

Find something to remember your vacation in the gift shop, have some fun in the video arcade, or stay in shape in the fitness center. There's something for everyone!

Related Onsite Offerings

When you're not shooting down a water slide, relax with a soak in the hot tub or a steam in the sauna. Relaxation and recreation unite!

Soak in the serenity of the Northwoods outdoor oasis of AmericInn Lodge & Suites Two Harbors!

You walk quietly back, soft steps across the weathered smooth rocks, to find your way back to your suite where the warmth of a whirlpool and fireplace await you. Wake up each morning to free, hot, home-style AmericInn breakfast and let your stresses fall away in the pool, hot tub, and sauna. The north shore is known for its waters, woods, and snow. See them all for yourself from the rocky outcrops and wooded canopies of Superior Hiking Trail and hike, bike, snowshoe, or ski many of the area’s beautiful state parks.

Address

1088 Hwy. 61 North, Two Harbors, Minnesota 55616

Highlights

Aside from offering fantastic fishing, Lake Superior will keep you entertained when you visit the museum by the famous Superior harbor lift bridge and see remnants of sunken ships.

Related activities

The rocky shores of Lake Superior are hosts to numerous State Parks open for happy campers all summer long. Visit Gooseberry, Temperance, and more! The shaded northwoods and cold, open air of Lake Superior offer some of the best scenic views in the north. It's the perfect beachside getaway you've been looking for!

Overlooking the sparkling shores of Lake Bemidji, Hampton Inn and Suites Bemidji features modern flair and provides easy access to buzzing nearby attractions. Catch a tan on the 700 feet of private beach or dive in for some aquatic adventures. Rent a canoe or paddleboat and explore the waters, reel in some trophy fish, or water ski. Visit during the winter wonderland and try cross country skiing or snowmobiling. After an adventure-filled day, return to the property and soak in the relaxation. Kick up your feet with a free in-room movie and room service. Family vacationers will have plenty of space when they reserve a spacious suite with an in-room whirlpool or lake views. Enjoy an array of amenities that include an indoor pool with kids pool, fitness center, business center, and multi-function meeting space. No matter what type of traveler you are, Hampton Inn and Suites Bemidji delivers!

Address

1019 Paul Bunyan Drive South, Bemidji, Minnesota, 56601

Related activities

Bicycle rentals allow you to explore the vibrant area while lush nature trails allow you to soak in the simple life.

Related Onsite Offerings

Sample some delicious dining at the onsite Green Mill Bar and Grill, which is perfect for family meals or happy hour.

Spectacular natural scenery, a wealth of recreation options, and rustic yet refined accommodations make Temperance Landing on Lake Superior an unmatched Northwoods nook! Just minutes away, you'll find the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Temperance River State Park, and the Superior Hiking Trail. When the winter wonderland arrives, carve up the slopes at Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort, which offers exceptional skiing and snowboarding in the Sawtooth Mountains. After an action-packed day, return to your luxury log home and kick up your feet. Two-and-a-half-story vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, and breathtaking views of the the lake await. Warm up beside the welcoming fireplace, unwind in the Whirlpool tub, and stretch out on the deck or balcony. You'll find an outdoor oasis all year round!

Address

7192 Highway 61, Tofte, Minnesota 55615

Extra Stops

Visit the quiet harbor village of Grand Marais and visit its unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants!

Highlights

Your luxury log home includes two flat-screen televisions, a full kitchen, an open family room, and much more. Enjoy all the comforts of home!

Your next family summer vacation would be well spent at Tamarack Village in scenic Ely. Although you’ll experience their pristine location and their unbridled enthusiasm for customer service, you won’t have to pay an exorbitant fee; the prices are as fantastic as the rest of the experience. Come and discover it for yourself!

In those blisteringly hot summer months, a crystal clear cold lake is often the best relief. Yes, water parks and pools are popular, but the crowds and chlorine can often be unbearable. You won't deal with any at Tamarack Resort. Resting right on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Tamarack features water clarity of up to 16 feet and more than 150 islands. The lake is perfect for fishing, canoeing, and swimming. Get in the water for a refreshing dip, or grab a good book and settle in for a relaxing afternoon. Your gorgeous cabin will be waiting for you at day’s end.

Address

3499 Tamarack Rd, Ely, MN 55731

Highlights

Ely is located on the Vermilion Iron Range, and is historically home to several iron ore mines.

Fun facts

The Common Loon is Minnesota's state bird.