Located in Spring Lake, the Anchor Inn Resort is an inexpensive vacation option for families who love nature and the outdoors. Though the resort has bed-and-breakfast style accommodations, a campground is available for tent or RV camping. If you are a fishing enthusiast, area fishing locations include Bowstring Lake, Sand Lake and Rice Lake. Hunting, hiking and boating round out the list of resort activities. Hiking trips, in particular, provide views of wildlife ranging from chipmunks and beavers to deer and bear. Rates in 2010 begin at $420 for a small cottage; $85 a night for a bed, boat & breakfast rental; and, for air-conditioned RV campsites, $20 a day.
Children can enjoy area attractions such as the Children's Discovery Museum and Midway Bowling and Miniature Golf in nearby Grand Rapids. Before you leave, take photos and ask to have them included in the resort's photo album.
Anchor Inn Resort
55960 County Rd. 4
Spring Lake, MN 56680
218-659-2718
anchorinnresort.com
If you love the water, a houseboat rental is an extremely pleasant and economical vacation experience. Voyagaire Lodge and Houseboat Rentals is located between Minnesota's water canoe area and Superior National Forest and remains the only houseboat rental located near the Canadian border, according to the lodge's website. The Voyagaire 550 houseboat is a 900-square-foot boat replete with a hot tub, two bathrooms, a living room area and entertainment center. The bed-and-breakfast option is a cheaper option for families, with rates in 2010 as low as $89 for couples and $7 per children ages 6 to 12. Breakfast is included, and if you bring food items from home, they can be stored on the boat.
Voyagaire Houseboat Rentals
7576 Gold Coast Rd.
Crane Lake, Minnesota 55725
800-882-6287
voyagaire.com
Bed-and-breakfast homes are an ideal way to save money because of the inclusion of meals with your overnight lodging. Minnesota is home to a number of bed-and-breakfast accommodations, including the Olcott Bed and Breakfast in Duluth. It is housed in an early 20th century-style mansion that was designed by world-renowned architect William T. Bray. Guests receive a number of treats, including organic coffee, teas and hot chocolate. Rooms are romantic and consist of spacious suites with fireplaces, private bathrooms and DVD players. Guests can choose from more than 250 DVDs in the Olcott Bed and Breakfast movie library. "Romance Package" prices are as low as $50 for couples in 2010.
Olcott Bed and Breakfast
2316 East 1st St.
Duluth, Minnesota 55812
800-715-1339
olcotthouse.com
