Top Northwest Minnesota Resorts

Loon songs, Big Turtle and creative sand castles…this isn’t the fantasy land you invented as a child. It’s Kohl’s Resort in Bemidji, Minnesota! This Northwoods lakeside resort is a family-oriented haven. Bring the whole family to make memories that are far more magical than any daydream!

Situated on the eastern shore of Big Turtle Lake, Kohl’s is tucked away in the freshly scented pine and birch trees of Buena Vista State Forest. The clear blue water of this lake is home to various game fish and the Minnesota state bird, the loon. On top of all this is our favorite: the weekly Sandcastle Contests! Grab your buckets and exercise your creativity in sand architecture. We’re sure glad we got to see some of the wondrous creations that guests at Kohl’s thought up! More favorites of ours include the minnow races, massage hours, canoe trips, the water trampoline, indoor pool, sauna, game room and more! A little birdie also told us that our No. 2 spot is ideal for avid birdwatchers to spot osprey, Boreal chickadee, Great Blue Heron and many more (the little birdie also told us that once you come to Kohl’s, you’ll keep coming back year after year!).

Related activities

Though Kohl’s calls itself a Bemidji Family Resort, they also know how to take care of the ladies. Come up for Ladies Weekend and enjoy the company of other ardent scrapbookers and stampers.

Fun facts

Kohl’s Resort was founded in 1948 by Helen Kohl, a fashion model, and Bob Kohl, a professional photographer, who were tired of Chicago city life. So, they took their two-year-old son and moved to a two cabin vacation property in northern Minnesota.

Related Onsite Offerings

Who says fun at Kohl’s is only for the summer? During the winter, Kohl’s maintains a private skating rink with a hockey net! Bring your skates, sticks and pucks and get in the game!

Our No. 10 spot couldn’t be more straightforward with its name: Break on the Lake Resort. Isn’t this what we’re all ultimately striving for this summer (or winter, for those cold sport lovers)? True to its name, this Cass Lake resort is simple and restful.

Enjoy community on Spaghetti Night when you can spend quality time with your family and meet other families staying at Break on the Lake. There is a pool, sun deck, outdoor playground and lodge with pizza and snacks, but the amenities we deem most important are the watercraft. In paddleboat or kayak, take time to paddle out on Cass Lake to Star Island which has its own lake, Lake Windigo. This is the only lake inside of a lake in the country! When you have completed your historic expedition, try your luck at catching the largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, muskie, walleye and perch that swim beneath the water’s surface. If your travels take you off the lake, Forestedge Winery is the next stop for sampling delectable fruit and berry wines. Remember – this is your break and you should relax and enjoy it however you want. And that’s the philosophy at Break on the Lake!

Getting there

Break on the Lake Resort is located on the north shore of Allen’s Bay on Cass Lake. Take US Hwy. 2 to Resort Area Dr./County Rd. 75. Drive 3.5 miles to County Rd. 33. Turn right and continue 2.5 miles to the Break on the Lake Resort sign.

Fun facts

Bemidji is divided into two parts. The older section has quaint shops, restaurants and a small theater. The newer section has modern department stores like Target, a movie theater and more restaurants.

Related Onsite Offerings

One dock space or slip is free for one boat per cabin at Break on the Lake Resort’s dock.

Of course a Minnesota Northwoods vacation would be incomplete without some form of fishing fun, but our No. 11 pick, Wigwam Resort on the Rainy River has compiled an impressively comprehensive array of services for all seasons of fishing!

A yellow log lodge surrounded by manicured grounds with a full-service dining room, nightly entertainment and a cabana bar stand at the forefront of this wooded resort. Inside you are greeted by an inviting fireplace and cushy chairs and impeccable service. Winter, summer, spring or fall – it doesn’t matter, the staff is here to make your angling adventure at Wigwam a success. In the winter, ice fish with bait, poles and tackle from the resort and have the resort clean, package and freeze your catch for the trip home! Summer fishing means you can take the boat on Rainy River and expert guides will help you from fishing the reefs to down-rigging for that story-worthy walleye. Spring means the days are longer and the guides track fish daily to acquire the expert knowledge for you and your fishing team. Fall fishing for sturgeon can be combined with hunting to make the ultimate sportsman experience!

Related activities

Want to keep up with the goings-on at Wigwam even after you’ve left? Check out the Wigwam Blog on the resort’s website!

Fun facts

Wigwam Resort is a pet-friendly resort.

Related Onsite Offerings

Enjoy special package deals on special occasions at Wigwam Resort like a bachelor or bachelorette party!

Finally, a true fishing lover’s lodge! There is definitely something fishy going on at Sportsman’s Lodge in Lake of the Woods, Minnesota. And this is good news for the fervent fisherman looking for walleye, sauger, muskie, northern pike, perch, crappie, rock bass and more!

Sportsman’s Lodge has thought of every spin you’d want on a Minnesota Northwoods vacation. Stay at Eagle Ridge, the more secluded wilderness lodging, or walk a little further to Oak Island which is close to the Minnesota-Canadian border. Rainy River is the main lodge and, in our opinion, the ultimate headquarters for anglers. Year-round fishing adventures with Sportsman’s means they assist you in every way – in obtaining a fishing license, bait, providing excellent guides and a successful catch! Some people claim that “seeing is believing,” but you can take it from our eyes that the game at Sportsman’s Lodge is on and you’ll come out the victor. Of course, we get carried away when it comes to amazing Minnesota fishing lodges, but here are activities for the non-rod and tackle-bearing guests: mushroom picking, horseback riding, a Fish Fry Cruise, guided duck and goose hunting, a round of golf and 500 miles of snowmobile trails!

Related activities

When the sun goes down, if you’re tired of casting and reeling, come to The Sandbar for billiards, darts, video games, live bands, a wood dance floor and tasty beverages!

Getting there

From Minneapolis/St. Paul, take I-94 West to the Clearwater Exit and then take Hwy. 24 East to Hwy. 10 North. Follow this road to Motley. From Motley, take Hwy. 64 North to Hwy. 200 West. Then take Hwy. 71 North to Blackduck and go straight to MN Hwy. 72. This road will take you all the way to the east side of Baudette and to a T in the road. Take Hwy. 11 West through Baudette to Hwy. 172 North on the west side of Baudette and. Take Hwy 172 North for 12 miles and watch for Sportsman’s Lodge’s sign.Turn right on County Road 33. The lodge is straight ahead.

Related Onsite Offerings

Sportsman’s Lodge also makes your fishing trip easier with 16 charter boats, 40 fishing houses and docking available.

Northern Minnesota is known for outstanding hospitality, breathtaking vistas and outdoor adventure. Come experience all of this and more at the Horseshoe Resort in Cass Lake, MN.

Peaking out from the pines and oaks of the Chippewa National Forest, Horseshoe Resort is perched directly on Cass Lake. The trees and the water combine to give you a feeling of serenity and relaxation as you experience all the resort and area have to offer. The resort is located in between the towns of Cass Lake and Bemidji. Each location has shopping, dining and entertainment for all ages. The area surrounding the resort is rich with lakes and opportunities to enjoy the pristine natural environment. Fishing is one of the main draws to the area and Cass Lake is one of the premier lakes to fish walleye and muskie. Horseshoe Resort takes pride in providing you with memorable experiences and comfortable accommodations. Whether you're looking for a cozy one bedroom setup or 12 bedrooms for a group, the resort is ready to assist. The cabins are fully outfitted and have a range of perks depending on which cabin you choose. They include such amenities as ceiling fans, refrigerator, stove, air conditioning, flat screen tv, full bath, linens and much more. If you’re looking for outdoor activities try hiking or biking the local wooded trails or rent a boat at the resort and experience the world class fishing of Cass Lake.

Address

Horseshoe Resort, 20528 Williams Rd. S.E. Cass Lake MN 56633

Highlights

Check out renting a boat at the resort. They recently upgraded their fleet with new pontoons and fishing boats.

Related activities

There are local fishing guides that can bring you to the best spots to catch fish. The resort can help you contact one of them if your interested.

We’ve found paradise! Seriously, we have. Paradise Resort on Moose Lake caught our attention and earned itself the No. 8 spot of Northern retreats we’d love to escape to again and again! So grab your sunscreen and your sense of adventure for this Minnesota lake experience!

Paradise Resort understands that vacation is synonymous with location. That’s why they’ve chosen a picturesque spot on Moose Lake among cedar tree groves in the Chippewa National Forest. This is the backdrop to a peaceful walleye, bluegill, crappie, bass and northern fishing expedition for those who are experienced or those who are just beginning. We love that this paradise has boats big enough for the whole family. Rent the Crestliner Canadian 18 Tiller. With its 18-ft. flat floor, pedestal seats, 40 hp Mercury motor and fish finder, the entire group is in for a memorable treat. We suggest getting your feet wet and sampling the various water toys at Paradise, including paddle bikes, a water trampoline with a slide, hydro-paddlers and more! These, along with an outdoor playground, horseshoes and local golf courses, make Paradise Resort an oasis of entertainment!

Related activities

Nearby attractions include Las Vegas-style gambling and the Itasca State Park, where the headwaters of the Mississippi are found.

Getting there

Moose Lake is located 25 miles east of Bemidji, midway between U.S. Highway 2 from Call Lake and Blackduck, Minnesota, 220 miles north of Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Related Onsite Offerings

The Lodge, newly renovated in 2008, can provide you with tackle, bait, fishing licenses and some grocery items. It also has a new grill that serves delicious hamburgers, fries, chicken, shrimp, pizza and appetizers!

Nestled on the shore of beautiful Blackduck Lake, White Birch Resort welcomes families, friends, couples and solo travelers to enjoy a five-star destination in Northwest Minnesota. This all-inclusive resort, offers rates that fit any budget. Indulge in amenities including barbecue grills, an outdoor playground, horseshoe area, a sandy beach and much more! Venture outdoors and explore Blackduck Lake. Kayaking, canoeing, and fishing are everyday activities. Or if you prefer, head out for a visit to Leech Lake Indian Reservation for miles of scenic hiking trails around Leech Lake.

Address

18882 North Blackduck Lake RD Hines, MN 56630 US

Highlights

Leech Lake Rec Area is best known for its excellent fishing and boat access to Portage Bay on Leech Lake. Fishing enthusiasts find walleye, perch, bass, northern pike and musky and a trophy here and there.

Fun facts

Blackduck Lake features 2,500-acre of pure Minnesota beauty. The lake has a maximum depth of 35 feet and it's home to walleye, northern pike and yellow perch.

Located on Lake Kitchi, Bliss Point Resort is a family fishing resort/RV park that’s perfect for your next Northwest Minnesota getaway.

Bliss Point Resort cabins feature three season porches with lake overviews, fully equipped kitchens, high speed internet, and much more. Their RV park now has 40 full hook-up RV sites all with enough space to have a large deck to soak up the abundant nature of the north woods. There are lots of outdoor activities in Blackduck, Minnesota for guests to enjoy, some of these activities include hiking, fishing, and hunting. If you want to explore Blackduck further, visit the Beltrami County Historical Center to learn about the history of the area, do a wine tasting at Forestedge Winery, or bowl your heart out at Blackduck Bowling Lanes.

Address

26851 Roadrunner Drive Northeast, Blackduck Roadrunner Dr NE, Blackduck, MN 56630

Getting there

From Cass Lake: Take Highway 2 east five and a half miles to county road 10/39 (Scenic Highway) and turn left (north) and go seven miles until you reach the Scenic Store & Gas Station. Take a left on Roadrunner Dr NE (directly across from the Scenic Store & Gas Station) and follow half of a mile to Bliss Point Resort. From Grand Rapids: Take Highway 2 west 47 miles to county road 10/39 (Scenic Highway) and turn right (north) and go seven miles until you reach the Scenic Store & Gas Station. Take a left on Roadrunner Dr NE (directly across from the Scenic Store & Gas Station) and follow half of a mile to Bliss Point Resort.

Related Onsite Offerings

RV sites have access to nature trails that wind throughout the 40 plus acres of the undisturbed natural habitat of Bliss Point Resort.

If you're looking for a family-friendly, intensively secluded, and superbly rustic cabin experience, look no further than Linder's HideAway Cabins.

All three of Linder's Cabins are as cozy as they are lovingly cared-for (which is to say, very). Each includes a fireplace, grill, spacious covered porch, and outside kennels with dog houses (so you can bring your best friend along!). Activities are many and close by. Go snowmobiling on a nearby trail, roast some wienies on the fire pit, or join your kids on the new playground. Whether you are planning a family getaway or a fishing trip for the gang, Linder's HideAway Cabins will make your trip a memorable experience.

Address

4173 Basswood Rd NW, Baudette, MN 56623

Entrance fees

The Summer Rate is only $38.00 per person!

Getting there

The cabins are located 3/4 of a mile South of Lake of the Woods on the Morris Point Road, 4 miles East of Zipple Bay, and 4 miles west of Rainy River public access at Wheelers Point.

Fun facts

If you're looking for the perfect locale to book a family vacation, fishing trip or lakeside retreat, then look no further than Blackduck Lodge & Resort, located 24 miles northeast of Paul and Babe.

This peaceful destination on Blackduck Lake offers four comfortable cabins and one quaint studio. Each cabin is equipped with the comforts of home: satellite TV, DVD player, full kitchen and wireless internet. With each cabin rental, you will also have use of a picnic table, charcoal grill and fishing boat! This resort is, above all else, family friendly! Blackduck Lodge & Resort features a sandy swimming beach, outdoor playground and a variety of additional recreational options. Don't let Mother Nature keep you down; rainy days can be spent in the lodge playing pool, cards or board games. At Blackduck Lodge & Resort, the rates are affordable and the fun is endless!

Address

24233 Pass Road Northeast, Hines, Minnesota 56647

Highlights

Why not make your next family vacation one to remember? At Blackduck Lodge & Resort your kids will have a blast hanging out on the sandy beach, swimming in the lake, and playing an exciting game of volleyball or basketball. You can also get the whole family together for some badminton, horseshoes or bocce ball!

Related activities

The fishing on Blackduck Lake is excellent! The resort has boat and depth finder rentals available so you can take full advantage of your lakeside location. Species of fish found in the lake include: walleye, perch and bass. No matter if you're a beginner or an expert angler, this is the place to catch a prized fish!

There are dozens of reasons to stay at Zippel Bay Resort in Minnesota’s breathtaking Lake of the Woods County- come and find yours!

Picture yourself on a path surrounded by seemingly endless pencil thin trees with sunshine yellow or burnt orange and red leaves. This path can lead you further through fanning boughs of pine trees or to the edge of the 65,000 miles of shoreline on Lake of the Woods. Our path led us to our cabin, rustic but modern, with a comfy sofa in front of a large stone fireplace and a Jacuzzi tub and steam massage shower! Of course, this wasn’t the only path we took. Being on or near the large public hunting land in Lake of the Woods County, Zippel Bay offers prime hunting opportunities. Take your pick of challenging game from mallard and grouse to whitetail deer and bear! And, of course, we couldn’t resist mentioning fishing. Zippel Bay is your lucky catch with the highest walleye and sauger limits in Minnesota and premier lodging!

Related activities

Fishing isn’t just for warm weather on Zippel Bay! Drive out on well-maintained ice roads to rent a heated ice fishing house, a dark house, a tip-up house or a sleeper house.

Fun facts

Lake of the Woods is on the border between Minnesota and Canada and has 14,000 islands.

Related Onsite Offerings

The Out-post Cabin is perfect for the avid hunter. Next to Beltrami State Forest, this four-bedroom log cabin is completely surrounded by public hunting land.

Tradition is not just a series of rituals reserved for the holidays. Join in the tradition of relaxing Minnesota lakeside vacations at Morning Star Resort on Lake Andrusia. With nightly beach bonfires, a waterfront picnic area, boat launch and more, Morning Star will become a family favorite!

Morning Star Resort has the much-desired quality of seclusion paired with the convenience of proximity to Bemidji and other area attractions. If one lake’s tranquil waters are not enough, steer your boat in the direction of the eight other lakes in the Cass Lake chain. Just make sure you return with your catch of the day and fire up the grill by your cabin’s deck! Take a dip in the crystal blue water off the dock or take the kids tubing and water skiing! When they’ve exhausted themselves on the playground or building sandcastles, we recommend taking a much-needed rest on the sandy beach with a good book. Organize a game of horseshoes or volleyball before heading out for some sightseeing at Paul Bunyan’s Playhouse or shop in downtown Bemidji. Disappear into the forested lake country of Northern Minnesota at Morning Star Resort and reenter the world refreshed and revitalized!

Average temperature

In the summer, the average temperature is 70-85 degrees F and in the spring it is 45-65 degrees F.

Getting there

From Cass Lake, MN travel two miles west on Hwy. 2 to County Rd. 75. Travel 3.75 miles on County Rd. 75/Palace Casino Rd. to County Rd. 33. Turn right onto County Rd. 33/Mission Rd. Travel 1.75 miles to Bald Eagle Drive. There will be a large Morning Star Resort sign on the left. Turn left onto Bald Eagle Drive and travel 1.75 miles to the T in the road. Turn left onto Lake Andrusia Rd. and travel .75 miles until you see Morning Star Resort on your left. The resort is located at 223 Circle Loop.

Fun facts

Lake Andrusia is 1,647 acres and Cass Lake is 15,596 acres.

In the Land 10,000 Lakes, it can be exasperating to choose just one. Let us narrow it down for you: Bostic Bay in Lake of the Woods, Minnesota. You’ll be warbling a happy loon tune in no time when you delight in Cyrus Resort’s many amenities.

We’ve talked a lot about fishing first, so we’ll switch it up and tell you about activities that don’t involve gills. During winter, stretches of powdery white snow await the tracks of your snowmobile. In summer, run after the kids on the outdoor playground or challenge someone to a game of horseshoes. We liked the sound of lounging in the outdoor heated pool best! But we can see you’re anxious to hear about what Cyrus offers for the angler at heart. Bostic Bay is a prime location for northern pike and chartered fishing trips that bring you so close, you’ll feel like you can lean over and touch a fin! The lake may freeze, but that doesn’t mean your fun has to freeze too. Hop on Bombardier transportation to a heated ice fishing house to make that memorable story about the prize catch in the cold of winter.

Related activities

Cyrus Resort has an onsite full bar and restaurant that will prepare an unforgettably delicious shoreline lunch of fresh walleye when you know you’re going to be out on the water all day.

Fun facts

If you are flying into the Baudette Airport of Minnesota, Cyrus Resort can make special arrangements to provide you with transportation from the airport.

Related Onsite Offerings

Cabins at Cyrus Resort are cozy and convenient with color TV, linens and fully-equipped kitchens. Larger three- to six-bedroom cabins come with a fireplace!

However you choose to stay, River Bend's Resort & Walleye Inn is a superb way to experience Baudette!

River Bend’s Resort offers 13 different cabins to choose from, all with a diverse array of amenities for you to enjoy! All units offer air conditioning, flat screen TV’s, full kitchens, and more. If you'd prefer to stay in River Bend’s Walleye Inn, that's always an option as well. Rooms are warm and inviting, featuring one or two queen size beds, a flat screen TV with HBO and cable, a microwave, coffee pot, and refrigerator. If you feel like living life to the fullest, reserve either the two room suite or the jacuzzi suite!

Address

3343 Red Oak Rd NW, Baudette, MN 56623

Getting there

The lodge is 11 miles from Baudette International Airport and 12 miles from downtown Baudette.

Related Onsite Offerings

Other amenities include ice-fishing houses and boat rentals.