Are you looking for the best Minnesota resorts for the perfect vacation away? If so, keep reading!

There are plenty of amazing Minnesota resorts in the state, which can be perfect choices for vacations and weekend escapes. If you’re on the lookout for the perfect Minnesota resorts for your next trip away – hopefully our list of the top Minnesota resorts will give you plenty of ideas and inspiration!


But what are we looking for in these Minnesota resorts?

We’re looking for amazing hotels and resort complexes that offer a wide range of activities, in a beautiful setting and surroundings. A lot of these Minnesota resorts vary greatly in what they offer guests – but the one thing they all have in common is that they’d all make an ideal getaway and break from everyday life.

In these Minnesota resorts, we’ve looked for luxury lodging, or unique lodging, high-quality rooms and amenities, great views, interesting activities and a perfect setting (usually lakeside!).

So, let’s get into it!


Our favorite Minnesota resorts…


Quarterdeck Resort

Are you looking for the best Minnesota resorts near the Twin Cities? If so, you’ll adore the Quarterdeck Resort. Tucked away near the Gull Lake, this beautiful resort is ideal for city dwellers who want a break from metropolitan madness. Although this is a gorgeous family resort, we usually recommend the Quarterdeck Resort as one of the best Minnesota resorts for couples on account of its breathtaking views and romantic atmosphere. 

During the summer months, this resort is ideal for fishing and boating. However, if you’re visiting during winter, then be prepared for skiing and a touch of ice fishing. Both seasons are beautiful here, so you needn’t worry! Perfectly private and cozy, this is one of the top Minnesota resorts that earns a spot at the top of our list. 

Image credit: https://quarterdeckresort.com/

Grand View Lodge

Another one of the best Minnesota resorts on our list? It’s Grand View Lodge. Now, Grand View Lodge has long been considered one of the best Minnesota resorts. Not only is it ridiculously aesthetic, but it offers visitors plenty to do.

It’s one of the oldest and best Minnesota resorts (it opened in 1916!), so you can expect old-fashioned charm and a business model that focuses on pleasing customers. Realistically, with this level of experience, you’d expect to walk away from this place more than satisfied!

What we love about Grand View Lodge is its wide range of amenities. Along with amazing dining areas and sprawling golf courses, you’ll also find a state-of-the-art spa. If you’re travelling with kiddos, then this is one of the best Minnesota resorts to consider. With excellent kid’s programs and activities on the daily roster, it’s an ideal accommodation option that will keep little ones occupied. When it comes to luxurious Minnesota resorts, this ticks all the boxes.

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Image credit: https://www.grandviewlodge.com/

Madden’s on Gull Lake

Next on our list of Minnesota resorts, it’s Madden’s on Gull Lake. If you want to feel as though you’re being transported to a tropical island on your next visit to Minnesota, then we can’t recommend Madden’s on Gull Lake enough.

Although a visit to this Minnesota resort doesn’t come cheap, there’s a reason it’s considered one of the best Minnesota resorts out there. Both luxurious and welcoming, this is one of the best Minnesota resorts for those on the hunt for a high-class holiday that doesn’t feel too pretentious. 

Although the golf course here is a major selling point of this resort, the tennis and croquet club are equally impressive. If you’d like to pass on the more physical stuff and get straight to relaxing, then you can head to the Spa at Madden’s. With unbeatable views and rejuvenating treatments, this is one of the best Minnesota resorts that will have you feeling as good as new. 

Read more USA travel inspiration: The Top 10 all-inclusive resorts in Florida

Image credit: https://www.maddens.com/

Minnesota resorts: Breezy Point Resort

Breezy Point Resort is one of the best Minnesota resorts for anyone who wants to relax in style. Although this place is certainly grand, it has a distinctive country charm that makes it feel like a home away from home. With gorgeous fittings, plenty of dining options, and a private balcony for each room, this is one of the best Minnesota resorts that we know of.

Breezy Point is on the rustic side when it comes to décor, with pine furniture being central to the resort’s design. However, don’t let this fool you. There are endless amenities here, including kitchenettes, an indoor swimming pool, a golf course, a private marina, and even a private island for you to sink your teeth into. This is a beautiful choice for relaxing Minnesota resorts.

Image credit: https://breezypointresort.com/lodging/

Chase on the Lake

Located near downtown Walker, this large resort is one that is impossible to overlook when creating a list of the best Minnesota resorts. If you’re looking for a laidback vibe, then this may not be among the best Minnesota resorts for you. However, if you like bright lights, casinos, and plenty of modern amenities, then Chase on the Lake will be right up your alley.

This resort is perfectly located for those who enjoy a touch of gambling. Set only a short distance from the Northern Lights Casino, Chase on the Lake is one of the best Minnesota resorts for anyone who wants to crawl into bed after a night on the town. If you prefer sports to casinos, then you can hit the lake for some jet skiing or kayaking! Whatever you like to do while on vacation, Chase on the Lake has got you covered. This is a great choice if you’re looking for Minnesota resorts on the water.

Read more USA travel inspiration: Top 15 California beach resorts

Image credit: https://www.chaseonthelake.com/

Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior

If you’re on the hunt for lake views and privacy, then you can’t do better than Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior. In our opinion, this is one of the best Minnesota resorts as it’s literally based on its own private cove. Therefore, it’s extremely unlikely that you’ll be faced with anyone but resort guests for the entirety of your stay.

This place has a distinctive Scandinavian vibe, and the décor feels extremely warm and cozy. Although you can enjoy the various dining rooms and pools on offer, we feel curling up with a book by your cabin’s fireplace is just as appealing at Lutsen Resort. Another beautiful choice for Minnesota resorts by the water.

Image credit: https://www.lutsenresort.com/

Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center

Are you traveling to Minnesota with kids? If so, then Arrowwood Resort is going to be among the best Minnesota resorts for you to check out. Although being set directly on the edge of Lake Darling is a massive bonus, what makes this one of the best Minnesota resorts is Arrowwood’s indoor waterpark.

Yep, you read that right – indoor water park. Featuring three waterslides and a host of other exciting features, you’ll struggle to pull the kiddos away from this incredible attraction. 

If you’re not heading to Arrowwood with kids, never fear. It’s still one of the best Minnesota resorts around! As the lake is on your doorstep, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better location for kayaking and boating. Once you’ve exhausted yourself with incredible activities, you can head back to the amazing Deck Bar & Grill for a bite to eat. Ah, bliss. This is such a great option for Minnesota resorts.

Read more about USA travel inspiration: 20 easy weekend getaways from NYC 

Image credit: https://arrowwoodresort.com/

Ludlow’s Island Resort

Ludlow’s Island Resort has long been one of the best Minnesota resorts for families with kids. Located only minutes from Lake Vermillion, this is one of the best Minnesota resorts for anyone who enjoys fishing, boating, and waterskiing. Not only does this resort offer plenty of things to do, but it’s also extremely luxurious.

Each cottage here has a wood-burning fireplace with lake views. So, if you like to take your vacations at a slow pace, this place is one of the best Minnesota resorts that will allow you to do just that. 

If you’re traveling with kids but need a break, why not set your little ones up at the kids’ club here? With plenty of fantastic activities on offer that will exercise both their bodies and brains, you’d be foolish to pass on the opportunity to hand them over for a few hours! Another fantastic choice if you’re looking for Minnesota resorts.

Image credit: https://ludlowsresort.com/

Bluefin Bay

Another one of the best Minnesota resorts that we love is Bluefin Bay. Perched on the edge of Lake Superior, this stunning spot is one of the best Minnesota resorts for visitors who want to experience luxury on a budget. What we think makes Bluefin Bay one of the best Minnesota resorts is the fact that it is family owned.

Not only does this give the place a degree of charm that you won’t find at larger and more ornate Minnesota resorts, but it means the staff truly care about your experience. 

Although this spot offers amenities like restaurants and plenty of heated pools, what makes this one of the best Minnesota resorts is a gorgeous, private beach. Not only is it enormous, but it is ideal for water-based activities like swimming and sailing. So, if you’ve ever wanting to flex those sailing muscles, now’s your chance!

Image credit: https://www.bluefinbay.com/

Cedar Valley Resort

If you’re looking for the best Minnesota resorts that offer guests plenty of privacy, then you can’t do better than Cedar Valley Resort. With only nine cabins on site, this is one of the best Minnesota resorts that books up well in advance. As well as being one of the best Minnesota resorts when it comes to privacy, Cedar Valley Resort is perfectly located for water-based activities. Whether you fancy fishing or kayaking, the incredible lake here has got you covered.  

Should you wish to take things outside the resort, there is plenty to do in nearby Lanesboro. Offering unbeatable hiking and biking trails as well as local eateries and boutiques, it’s a perfect choice of Minnesota resorts to visit for some TLC. 

Image credit: https://cedarvalleyresort.com/

Hopefully this list of top Minnesota resorts has given you plenty of ideas and inspiration!

There are so many wonderful Minnesota resorts in the state, these are only a handful of what’s on offer! But we’ve picked these amazing Minnesota resorts for our list because we love what they offer, and we think each offers a beautiful opportunity for escaping everyday life and stresses! What more could you ask for when choosing a Minnesota resort!

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