Shoal Lake is a 286-acre lake located in northcentral Minnesota. The lake, which offers public boat access on its southeast corner (off County Road 532), is excellent for fishing, especially for Northern pike and bluegill but also crappies, largemouth bass, and sunfish. While the nearest town is Nashwauk, area hotels are primarily found in the nearby town of Grand Rapids, which offers accommodations ranging from small motels to cozy bed-and-breakfasts.
The Budget Host Inn in Grand Rapids, Minnesota is a quick 15-minute drive from nearby Shoal Lake. The 34-unit hotel offers senior citizen, AARP, AAA, and corporate lodging discounts, and has a AAA two-diamond rating, indicating "more than basic accommodations" at a moderate price. The no-frills rooms feature basic amenities such as phone service and premium cable; a few even offer en suite whirlpool tubs. The hotel's biggest draw is its convenience, as it offers guests a continental breakfast, a playground for the kiddies, adjacent coffee shop and restaurant, and nearby coin laundry. Guests can also take advantage of available airport and bus station transportation as well as park-and-ride snowmobiles from the motel.
The Morning Glory Bed and Breakfast is a peaceful, romantic lodging option just 10 minutes from Shoal Lake. The hotel is small, with just four suites and a common living room and breakfast room. Each suite offers a private sitting room and bathroom, as well as cable television. Breakfast is served daily, with flexible times throughout the week and at nine on the weekends; snacks, including cookies and hot beverages are always available, and wine and hors d' oeuvres are served at 5 p.m. on the weekends. Each suite also has a fireplace, and some offer luxury baths, such as a whirlpool or claw tub.
The Lakes Inn is located in Grand Rapids, 15 minutes from Shoal Lake. The 80-room hotel includes suites, king, and double rooms, and a location convenient for both business travelers and vacationers. Nature-lovers will enjoy the hiking, skiing and golfing that are readily available, while in-hotel dining and an event center are convenient for large groups. Fishing and snowmobiling are popular activities with guests, and the cultural and historical experiences of Grand Rapids are just minutes away.
The Itascan Motel is located 15 minutes south of Shoal Lake, in Grand Rapids. The motel offers large groups and long-term-stay guests the convenience of two- and three-room suites, many featuring kitchenettes. The motel has laundry facilities and offers bargains including discounted long-term and winter rates. The hotel also welcomes pets and smokers.
The Pine Grove Motel offers comfortable accommodations to Shoal Lake travelers, and is located just 12 minutes from the lake. While the amenities are basic, they offer convenient trailer hook-ups, a private picnic area, quick beach access, and a sauna. Long-term and group visitors will find the suites with kitchenettes convenient.
