The Bearskin Lodge and Resort is the perfect place for anyone looking for a unique outdoor experience. This resort is not the typical ski resort as it focuses on cross country skiing. This focus allows the resort to offer it’s guests access to the quiet and peaceful trails that are enjoyed by both cross country [...]
The Wildwood Resort is a a cozy and peaceful getaway for all seasons. The nine resort cabins offer a great view of the lake and summer access to the beach and water sports. A summer in one of their cabins would not be complete without a fishing trip, playing in the lake or exploring a [...]
While Loon Lake Lodge is interesting to explore year round, it is truly best enjoyed in the winter months. During the winter, this resort is transformed into a true winter wonderland that is perfect for a winter break or even a special winter event or celebration. The winter activities at Loon Lake Lodge include cross-country [...]
Brainerd is located in the true heart of Minnesota and has a great deal to offer as far as recreation is concerned. Some of these activities include a variety of outdoor activities like fishing, a full range of golf courses, and trails for mountain biking. Beyond the basic outdoor activities, Brainerd has something many places [...]
Minnesota is famous for the harshness of its winters. And it is equally as famous for the outdoor experiences and inviting atmosphere of its winter resorts.
While you may think of Minnesota as relatively flat, there are many places where you can experience both alpine and Nordic skiing. There are over two dozen ski areas scattered across the state, some with downhill runs that exceed two miles and with drops over 800 feet and with cross country ski trails exceeding 30 miles.
An area that has significant winter sports and well appointed resorts is the Lutsen Mountains along the northern shore of Lake Superior. With four separate mountain ski areas, Lutsen boasts the tallest mountains in the Midwest and the largest ski resort area in the central US. Settled in the late nineteenth century, the resort area was started just after WWII when a returning soldier has an idea to create a resort area based on the mountains and the nearby lake.
With several choices for a winter resort, many of the choices offer traditional resort activities and amenities.
Lutsen Resort along the shores of Lake Superior offers in-room fireplaces, elegant dining, free use of cross country skiing equipment and romantic getaways in a truly spectacular setting.
The Caribou Highlands Resort is situated on Moose Mountain and offers a complete resort package. In addition to the downhill and cross-country skiing, the resort also has dogsledding. It is a sport that replicates the only way that pioneers could get around; visitors can experience a truly unique winter activity. Trips are available from shorter one-hour outings to full day adventures with local mushers as your guide.
The Eagle ridge Resort also offers well-appointed facilities where there are fireplaces in each room. Access to the Lutsen gondola is available form the resort. The gondola is a lift to the top of the Moose Mountain ski runs in winter, and an eye-popping view during the rest of the year.
Bluefin Bay is another resort on Lake Superior offers rooms as well as condos and townhouses in a variety of plans. Renting one of these units with spectacular views of the lake, as well as a complete array of winter sports, can make for a memorable vacation.
Other North Shore resorts in the area include Surfside on Superior, Beacon Point, Grand Superior Lodge, Larsmont Cottages, Cove point Lodge, Devil Track Resort and the Solbakken Resort. Each has their own special attractions and can provide you with a wonderful escape.
Besides these more upscale resorts, there are many other places to stay while on a vacation in the area. And, in addition to winter activities, summer trips can include a wide variety of outdoor activities. The area is known for its excellent fishing, hiking and biking. Fly-fishing for native trout is a way to completely enjoy what nature has to offer.
The area around Brainerd offers a variety of report and spa accommodations with outdoor winter activities.
Cragun’s Resort and Hotel creates a winter wonderland of things for a family to do. Teams of Clydesdale horses pulls a sled around the shores of Gull Lake while you bundle up and enjoy the ride. Or you can take a skimobile into the winter wonderland. You can even do some ice fishing, the Minnesotan’s favorite winter activity.
Grand View Lodge, also on Gull Lake, creates a pampering environment for those interested in a more refined winter retreat. The main lodge was built in 1919 and represents a historic spa and retreat for those looking to enjoy winter activities from the viewpoint of a steaming spa treatment or an elegant gourmet meal.
Another Brainerd resort is Kavanaugh’s. With winter activities alike cross country skiing, skating on the lake, snow mobiles on more than 100 miles of trimmed trails, this resort can be the perfect combination of comfort and enjoyment.
With several other resorts, the Brainerd area is a central location for winter activities.
Many of the other winter resorts in Minnesota offer both cross country skiing and snowshoeing adventures in the winter.
Winter sports and outdoor activities are a real offering for anyone
looking to relax a bit in a Minnesota winter resort. Depending on your choice in winter
sports, there are a wide variety of places to choose from.
