Those looking for a family vacation spot in the Midwest should head to a Minnesota resort that caters to adults and kids. There are several available that offer golf and spa treatments for the parents, supervised activity programs for the children, and swimming, boating and other outdoor action for all ages.
Families get the royal treatment at Cragen's Resort and Hotel. For starters, youngsters enjoy the many activities at Camp Cragun's Kids Program. In spring and summer, there is swimming, crafts, boat rides and games available. In fall and winter, kids can enjoy bike riding, ice skating and hockey.
Parents can get pampered at the Gull Lake spa, or play golf at Cragun's Legacy Courses. In warm weather, the whole family will enjoy the pools, tennis courts, fishing guide service, sports center and hiking trails. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are popular choices.
Cragun's Resort and Hotel on Gull Lake
11000 Craguns Drive
Brainerd, Minnesota 56401
800-272-4867
craguns.com
At Lost Lake Lodge, parents can fish or take a hike while their children have a blast at Kids Kamp. Each day has a different theme so young folks don't get bored. For instance, on Water Day they learn to fish, and on Craft Day they make nature projects.
Kids also like Beach Burger Night that includes dinner and games for ages 15 and under. Parents enjoy it, too, because they get time for a quiet dinner together.
Lost Lake Lodge
7965 Lost Lake Road
Lakeshore, Minnesota 56468
218-963-2681
lostlake.com
Grand Ely Lodge puts out the welcome mat for families year round. Adults and kids all enjoy ice fishing and snowmobiling in the cold months, and canoeing, biking and hiking in the warm weather.
Children love the supervised programs that include crafts, hikes, scavenger hunts and games. They'll also find special activities such as kite making and a kids' night out.
Grand Ely Lodge
400 N. Pioneer Road
Ely, Minnesota 55731
800-365-5070
grandelylodge.com
With swimming, water skiing, wake boarding and fishing, it's hard to know what to do first at Pehrson Lodge & Resort. That's not even mentioning the other opportunities for families, such as canoeing, kayaking and games like volleyball and croquet.
Children have fun in the lodge's "Camp Twain" program. Activities include crafts, nature hikes, water games, model boat building and a pontoon ride to view wildlife.
Pehrson Lodge & Resort
2746 Vermilion Drive
Cook, Minnesota 55723
218-666-5478
pehrsonlodge.com
At Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge, adults can take some time for themselves and know their children are happily occupied with Kids' Kamp activities. The camp offers crafts, music, games, swimming and hiking.
Parents can get relaxing treatments at The Fine Line Salon & Spa, or simply relax on the beach at Bay Lake. Afterward, there's fun for the whole family, including fishing, boating and water skiing.
Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge
25039 Tame Fish Lake Road
Deerwood, Minnesota 56444
218-678-2885
ruttgersresorts.com
