Guide to Minnesota Family Resorts In Brainerd Lakes Area and Beyond

Photo: Eddie Thomas, Star Tribune illustration

There’s still time to head ‘up north’ for a summer family vacation at the lake before school starts.  While searching for a great Minnesota family resort, I found a fantastic article in my local paper,the Star Tribune, by editor Kerri Westenberg.  There are SO many resorts and cabins, she asked her readers to submit their favorites,”the places that draw them just as surely as wet skin attracts beach sand”.  Click the photo or this link to read the full article.

There are three main areas, although they each cover a lot of ground: Brainerd Lakes area (closest to the Twin Cities at about 3.5 hours northwest), Bemidji, and the North Shore (along Lake Superior, north of Duluth).  There are occasional celebrity sightings in these areas, too; Brainerd seemingly the most popular.  Kerri’s article features an interactive map showing which resorts are in which area, reviews, phone number and link to the resort’s website.

Grand View Lodge in Nisswa was not on her list, but worth mentioning given it’s popularity with my circle of friends (Brainerd Lakes area).  Some others in the Brainerd area that readers liked were:

Auger’s Pine View Resort  in Motley (www.augerspineview.com)

Shady Hollow Resort  in Pillager (www.shadyhollowresort.com)

Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge   in Deerwood (www.ruttgers.com)

Birch Bay Resort in Nisswa (www.birchbaygolfresort.com)

Lost Lake Lodge in Lakeshore (www.lostlake.com)

If you are heading ‘up north’ and need a great place to stay, please read Kerri’s article for a comprehensive list of great resorts along with reader reviews and stories.  You’re sure to find one that becomes a family favorite in your household.   Let us know your favorite in the comments below!