Lake Lida is one of the nicest of Minnesota's 10,000-plus lakes. Located in Otter Tail County, which has about 1,000 lakes, Lake Lida is known among avid fishermen in the Midwest as a walleye lake. Many other types of fish thrive there, and recreation in the area is not limited to fishing. The area surrounding Lake Lida is home to several resorts with good lodging facilities and access to swimming, boating, hiking, bird-watching, exploring and fishing.
This family resort has nine cabins with kitchenettes, a small grocery store, a library and a hamburger restaurant. The cabins are rented out on a weekly, weekend or extended-stay basis. The resort is open to the public, with no requirements for a membership. There is an area for beach swimming. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent, and so are fishing boats, either with or without motors. There is a boat ramp, dock space or mooring buoy, and a playground. Pets are allowed, even in the cabins.
Maple Beach Resort
23532 St. Hwy. 108
Pelican Rapids, MN 56572
(218) 863-5248
Located east of Pelican Rapids on South Lake Lida, this resort has a spectacular view of Maplewood State Park and has easy access to North Lake Lida. It has 48 acres of land for sightseeing, hiking and exploring, and 6,400 more acres can be explored by boat. There is a concrete launching area for boats. A clean, shallow and sandy area with no drop-offs is available for swimming. Pictures of the resort’s nine cabins, and their respective weekly rates, may be viewed from their website. No pets are allowed.
Cross Point Resort
39870 Cross Point Lane
Pelican Rapids, MN 56572
(218) 863-8593
crosspointresort.com
Jon Solinger is the third generation of Solingers to own this resort. The resort has 15 cottages with bedding, a refrigerator, gas stove, microwave oven, coffeemaker, toaster, dishes, cookware, basic kitchen utensils and fans. Outside each cabin is a charcoal grill, lawn chairs and a picnic table. There is a clean area for swimming and a playground. Boats, canoes, life vests, seat cushions, outboard motors and kayaks are available for rent. Gas, bait, fishing tackle and small food items and drinks are available for sale.
Solinger’s Resort
41569 Dawn Road
Pelican Rapids, MN 56572
(218) 863-4285
solingersresort.com
Crystal Lida is seven miles northeast of Pelican Rapids. It has five modern cabins of different sizes, each cabin of comes with a 16-foot aluminum boat. Included are various bedroom and kitchen amenities, including color TV, kitchen utensils, an electric heater and grills. Guests only need to bring personal items such as towels, soap, dish towels and wash clothes. There are areas for swimming, hiking, biking and bird-watching. This is a no-smoking resort, and no pets are allowed.
Crystal Lida Resort
26389 Co. Highway 4
Pelican Rapids, MN 56572
(218) 863-8155
crystallidaresort.com
