Best Memorial Day Getaways In Or Near Minnesota
Minnesotans like to head out of town for long weekends. Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer and is often the weekend to head up to the cabin and prepare for the season of fishing and frolicking by the lake. However, if you are someone without a cabin, your options for an out-of-town weekend are vast. Any of these areas of Minnesota and Wisconsin make fantastic spots to travel to for a quick getaway before the summer warms up.
Lutsen, Minn.
Eagle Ridge Resort
445 Ski Hill Road
Lutsen, MN 55612
(800) 360-7666
www.eagleridgeatlutsen.com
Begin your summer by enjoying the beauty of northern Minnesota while staying in a fantastic resort setting. While Lutsen boasts some of the best skiing resorts for winter activity, the summer months can be amazing as well. The Eagle Ridge Resort offers luxury condos and rooms with beautiful views of the forest, mountains and lakes. Visit the North Shore's seven state parks and spend the days hiking, biking or fishing along Lake Superior. Rent a canoe or kayak for an adventure through the wilderness. Hiking trails are lined with waterfalls and Minnesota wildlife. Back at the resort, families can relax by the indoor pool or eat at the resort's dining establishment for a memorable weekend.
Tomah, Wis.
Cranberry Country Lodge
319 Wittig Road
Tomah, WI 54660
(608) 374-2801
www.cranberrycountrylodge.com
Head out to our eastern neighbor for a weekend of fun and adventure in Tomah, Wis. Located in Cranberry county, halfway between the Twin Cities and Chicago, Tomah has something fun for everyone. Tomah contains a plethora of parks, outdoor activities and hiking trails for those who crave nature. Travel to the museum of cranberries to learn why Tomah is the center of Cranberry county and pick up a baked good stuffed with cranberry-licious flavor. Those who enjoy golfing will also find fantastic courses to play on. Stay at Cranberry Country Lodge and get free admission to a nearby indoor waterpark too.
Brainerd, Minn.
Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake
11000 Craguns Drive
Brainerd, MN 56401
(800) 272-4867
www.craguns.com
Head into the heart of Minnesota where Brainerd is in the middle of the state and possibly the best lake fishing in Minnesota. Stay on a cabin along the lake or bring your family to a lakeside room at Cragun's Resort. Check out the fishing at Gull Lake, Pelican Lake or the Whitefish Chain to catch yourself a walleye or bass. Golf courses are also a huge draw to central Minnesota and Cragun's has one of the best in Brainerd. Wherever you live in Minnesota, Brainerd is right in your backyard to enjoy.
Detroit Lakes, Minn.
Fair Hills Resort
24270 County Highway 20
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
(800) 323-2849
www.fairhillsresort.com
Nature lovers and those who enjoy a weekend on the water will love Detroit Lakes, Minn. With over 400 lakes in a relatively small area, staying lakeside and feeling the breeze come off the water is highly likely in Detroit Lakes. Nature hikes become bird and wildlife spotting exhibitions and boating is a common activity. For more kid-friendly activities, Detroit Lakes is home to a skate park, mini golf courses and an amusement park as well.
Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
Chula Vista Resort and Waterpark
2501 River Road
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
(855) 388-4782
www.chulavistaresort.com
One of the most popular destinations outside of Minnesota is Wisconsin Dells. Known as the water park capital of the world, the Dells offers indoor and outdoor attractions for waterpark enthusiasts everywhere. The Chula Vista Resort contains a spa, golf course and steakhouse along with two giant waterparks. Check out the surrounding city of downtown Wisconsin Dells for shopping and entertainment while you're there.
Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for eight years. She loves covering all things Minnesota and her work can be found on Examiner.com.