Top Hotels in Minnesota Lodges
Top Things to do in Minnesota
10 Lodges in Minnesota: Best hotel deals for 2023
The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have the famous Mall of America and Walker Art Institute. Bluff Country to the south has water sports and cross country skiing. The Prairielands abound with lake recreations.
Things to do in Minnesota
1. Good Ol' Days Family Resort
Overall Ratings
4 based on 48 reviews
Poor Maintenance and Cleaning
Reviewed By BVELockI stayed here with some friends for a weeklong summer vacation. I had heard about this resort from some friends that stayed here a few years ago before the new cabins were built. I had high expectations from what I had been told about this resort. Upon check in I was told that the resort was not offering complementary breakfast right at the moment even though I was told it was offered when I made my reservation several months earlier. We stayed in Cabin 11 which was one of the newly constructed cabins. When we got to our cabin we found that it had been cleaned poorly. There was a note from the cleaner Tabitha on the counter. We found that all of the hard floors had sand and dirt on them. The counters and stove were also dirty. The grill outside was disgusting and had not been cleaned for a long time. The underneath of the kitchen sink was very dirty and had not been cleaned in a long time. The ceilings and walls had several spots that looked like blood on them. There were multiple lights out in our cabin. The front door would not latch shut and deadbolt strikes were not installed on the front or back doors. The kitchen table legs were loose along with the bench seat at the table. The bathroom toilet seats were loose along with the entire bathroom sink basins. The fridge handles were also loose. The shades in the bedroom were too long and would not stay up. The beds were cheap and were way to soft and not supportive. I had a sore back each morning I woke up because of this. The Wi-Fi internet was also very slow. The water heater must have been small because after 2 people would shower there was no hot water left in the cabin. We had to ask every night to have firewood brought to our rack as they were barely stocking it. The new cabins do have a full kitchen and have all the pots and pans and utensils. The cabin also has in unit washer and dryer. They are 3 bedroom 2 bathroom cabins. Overall I was disappointed with the resort as I felt like they had good facilities but did not want to properly upkeep and clean them. If they were not being cheap it would have been a significantly better experience. Our rate was the early summer rate which was reasonable but starting memorial days the rates go up to summer rates which are significantly more expensive. I do not know that I would necessarily return to this resort based off of this experience. I would be more likely to try a different resort in the area. Hopefully Good Ol Days can improve on their upkeep and cleaning and they can improve.
2. Silver Rapids Lodge
Overall Ratings
3 based on 145 reviews
Meh
Reviewed By tom_in_natureWell, it’s great for a crew of hunting/ fishing buddies. Maybe not so much for the family. Yeah cabins haven’t been updated in quite a few decades. Things don’t quite work right. It gets us through the night. I would probably stay if no other options were available.
3. Ruttger's Birchmont Lodge
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 105 reviews
Overlooking Lake Bemidji, this year-round resort is set around a 1920s lodge, and lies 9 miles from downtown Bemidji. Some rooms, cabins and amenities are seasonal, including the restaurant and bar. Lodge rooms come with private bathrooms, cable TV, microwaves, mini fridges, and free Wi-Fi. Rustic 1- to 4-bedroom cabins add living rooms and screened-in porches. Some Lodge rooms and cabins also have kitchenettes. Amenities include a sandy beach, indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, and fitness center. In the summer months we also have boat rentals for an additional fee, and free use of canoes, kayaks, stand up paddle boards and paddle boats.
Dated Lodge Rooms
Reviewed By Jack VSmall room. No seating except hard desk chair or bed bench. All wood construction so joists squeak when someone walks in the room above. Very poor noise insulation from other rooms and hallway. Bed was like a sponge. Breakfast room understaffed. Poor breakfast for the price of the room. Only warm items were the waffles and coffee and the waffles are too tough to eat. EXCELLENT dining room for supper.
4. Cascade Lodge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 483 reviews
YOUR HISTORIC BASECAMP ON THE NORTH SHORE Cascade Lodge, established 1927, is a landmark property on the North Shore of Lake Superior surrounded on three sides by Cascade River State Park. Cascade Lodge offers a warm, inviting environment with log cabins and lodge rooms that display rustic charm and modern amenities in an extraordinary natural setting. Cascade Restaurant & Pub at Cascade Lodge offers authentic North Shore ambiance with a nod to Irish public houses, and is committed to sourcing local and seasonal ingredients featured on a casual and approachable menu. Beer on drought, exciting wines by the glass list, and inspired craft cocktails are perfect provisions for a truly relaxing and inviting experience. Cascade Lodge is conveniently located nearby Lutsen Mountain Ski area and Superior National at Lutsen Golf Course. Miles of hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing, snow shoeing and snowmobiling trails start from the lodge and cabins.
A perfect stay!
Reviewed By Shadowe10What a charming place! I stayed two nights in room 214 and could have stayed longer! Spotlessly clean and lovingly maintained. Lake Superior breezes all night long. Restaurant in walking distance. Comfy bed and great water pressure. Quiet and peaceful after a day on the trails.
5. Big Bear Lodge and Cabins
Overall Ratings
5 based on 498 reviews
Big Bear Lodge is a small family owned and operated wilderness resort located on Poplar Lake, just off the historic Gunflint Trail in the Arrowhead Region of northeastern Minnesota. Originating in the early 1900’s Big Bear is one of five founding resorts on the Gunflint Trail. Our traditional one-room cabins have warm wood throughout with log beams, fireplaces or wood-burning stoves. There are 6 lakeside cabins, and 3 private guest rooms in the newly refurbished lodge. The lodge has 2 large Rumsford fireplaces a lounge on the main floor, gift shop, and a lounge/library on the loft level. All cabins have modern amenities, including a full kitchen, & 3/4 bath. Lakeside sits a handcrafted sauna for guests to enjoy. Poplar Lake has 3 BWCA entry points and we offer free canoe/kayak usage for those who like a casual day on the lake. Big Bear is a four season resort - 3 Cabins & 3 Guest rooms are available for winter stays. Some food service in lodge & cabins are dog friendly.
Peaceful, relaxing, well-equipped
Reviewed By scottg2018Rented two cabins here and both were wonderful. They're very clean, well-equipped, comfortable, and possess beautiful views. There are boats to either use (canoes, kayaks) or rent (pontoon, fishing boat), well-built docks with chairs and ladders for water access, and a beautiful lodge. Each cabin has an outdoor fire pit (and an indoor fireplace/wood burner) for campfires, so bring s'mores fixings! Check-in was easy and we were able to bring our dogs. Andy & Ida are fabulous hosts, and we had a terrific time. HIGHLY recommend this for a peaceful, relaxing vacation!
6. Clearwater Historic Lodge
Overall Ratings
5 based on 580 reviews
Clearwater Historic Lodge and Canoe Outfitters is oldest resort and outfitter on the Gunflint Trail. The main lodge is listed on the National Historic Registry and has 5 bed and breakfast rooms. The resort also offers 8 lakeside cabins, all with kitchens, bathrooms and private docks. The 5 bunkhouse accommodations for those entering the Boundary Waters Canoe Area provide a great option for the night before a canoe trip. Motorboat, canoe, kayak and paddle board rentals available.
Exceptional experience
Reviewed By rfrakeWe had an incredible experience at Clearwater. The staff goes above and beyond in ensuring that you feel welcome and comfortable. The lodge is rich in history and the breakfasts were amazing. This was a true boundary waters experience filled with quiet and true hospitality. We will definitely be back. The outfitters were top notch and we had a great time exploring the surrounding area. If you are looking for a lodge for a base of activities we couldn't recommend the Clearwater with more enthusiasm.
7. Timber Wolf Lodge
Overall Ratings
5 based on 245 reviews
Founded in 1937 - this marks our 78th year of hosting family vacations on beautiful Bear Island Lake near Ely, MN. Our guests give us a Top 5 Ranking on Trip Advisor because they love 1) our Sleep Number Beds (we're the only area resort that has them); 2) our remodeled cabins; 3) our new furnishings including new mattresses, pillows and linens and 4) our quick-to-serve staff. Each week our staff will host a free guided tour of Kawishiwi Falls, one of the most majestic waterfalls in the region. Bring your camera and make lasting memories this summer. Your family will also enjoy our private sandy beach and new water trampoline. In addition to our fishing boats, our marina offers you a 19' Larson ski/tube boats and a Northwood's pontoon. Each of our cabins feature the new Keurig single-cup coffee brewers - enjoy a fresh brewed cup of coffee every morning compliments of us. There is just something about that first cup of Starbucks or Caribou coffee from your lakeside deck overlooking the tranquility of Bear Island Lake. Relax & de-stress. We offer 12 cabins that can sleep from 1 to 14 guests. Next door is our Good Sam Accredited RV Park with 23 sites. Our resort covers 75 acres of woods and rests along the shores of 2,362 acre Bear Island Lake. Timber Wolf Lodge is a very special place!
Cabin #2
Reviewed By Jean Ann DMy husband and I stayed in cabin #2 in late August. It's a wonderful cabin with a nice view of the lake. We watched squirrels and chipmunks frolic from the comfy living room. We played cards and ate at the generous dining room table. The staff was very helpful and friendly. We also had a boat and it worked well. It's a beautiful place--I hope next time the fish are biting. Thank you Timber Wolf Lodge!
8. Cross River Lodge
Overall Ratings
5 based on 184 reviews
John and Rose want to welcome you to our wilderness paradise and find some relaxation. We can point you towards whatever it is you are looking to do...or maybe it's a new adventure for your exploration. Sudbury Meteorite Ejecta field very near lodge. No liquor license but BYOB and it is welcome in the lodge. Come sit by our historic fireplace or on our screened porch and relax...We have suites above the lodge and cabins available. We have a "no surprise" pricing policy. Our price plus sales and lodging tax is the price. NO RESORT OR HIDDEN FEES! Hope to see you soon!
Best of the best!!!
Reviewed By Woodmaster3546Cross River Lodge offers an amazing getaway for anyone wanting to explore and enjoy the north woods or for those seeking peace and serenity. Lodge hosts, John and Rose, are welcoming and truly enjoy their guests, many of whom return year after year. One of the highlights of your stay is the delicious breakfast offered at the lodge each morning. John is well known for his amazing french toast (my personal favorite) and his own creation, "the mess". John and Rose often share stories about the history of the lodge and Gunflint Trail, and are also happy to provide recommendations for the best hiking and sightseeing, as well as offer tips on how to catch a glimpse of local wildlife. The lodge and cabins are homey and clean, and offer beautiful views of Gunflint Lake. We love Cross River Lodge and recommend it to anyone who enjoys nature, serenity and making friends. You won't be disappointed.
9. Sunset Lodge
Overall Ratings
5 based on 168 reviews
Sunset Lodge is a full-service fishing & hunting resort located on Oak Island in the Northwest Angle of Lake of the Woods. Offering a year-round paradise for vacationers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Our beautiful lodge features a full bar and restaurant complete with nightly dinner specials, daily happy hour specials and off-sale. Guests enjoy amenities such as A/C, free WiFi and DirecTV on HD TV's resort-wide; break water that protects your boat at our private docks (free boat slips for guests) and an on-site convenience store for any forgotten items, ice, bait, apparel, tackle, etc... Gas is also available! The lodge's convenient Lund fishing boat rentals and experienced guides add to the enjoyment of the area's fantastic summer fishing. Fish house rentals and heated bombardier transportation to and from the lodge to the fish houses provides a comfortable and worry free way to fish in the winter.
Can’t go wrong with Sunset Lodge!
Reviewed By BuffaloboltWe got to spend the last week of July with the Sunset Lodge crew. We had a fantastic time. A great first day with Corey as our guide, we caught a bunch of walleye and he showed us spots to fish the rest of the week. Their rental boats were top notch. We boated 2 muskies and lost 2 more. The food was fantastic, the staff is awesome and the lodge is great cool hangout with a mix of guests and locals. We will be back.
10. Voyagaire Lodge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
Excellent customer service, excellent rooms, excellent location
Reviewed By MNAdventurer13Had a great time. Was greeted warmly (including our dog), customer service couldn't be beat. Justin helped us with our sled/battery problems (they are equipped to handle some snowmobile problems as well). They all went out of their way to make us feel welcome. They not only met, but exceeded our needs (including our dog!). It was a great location, easy access to all of the trails, space for parking the vehicles/trailers and sleds. They had good recommendations for dinner (the restaurant was temporarily closed) and knew the area well. Can't wait to go hang out with Justin & Gina, Teresa & Kipper again. We felt like we were family (including our dog)! :)
