Minnesota Cabins and Vacation Resorts
Owned & Operated
by Families, for Families

 

Minnesota Family Vacations

Gunflint Lodge | Lutsen Resort | Kavanaugh's
Bearskin Lodge | Lost Lake Lodge | Ludlow's Island

Gunflint Lodge
Gunflint Lodge on Gunflint Trail
Minnesota

Gunflint Lodge

In 1927 Justine Kerfoot explored the Gunflint Trail and fell in love with the remote wilderness, beautiful lakes, abundant wildlife and the rugged pioneer area that was just being opened up to visitors. Soon after, she bought Gunflint Lodge with it's 3 Minnesota log cabins and a small store with supplies sold to the local Chippewas and a few fishermen.

Over the years, Gunflint grew from a rustic resort (outdoor biffies, family style meals, canvas canoes with Indian guides) to one of Minnesota's premier year-round resorts. It is now being managed by the 4th generation of the family, with Lee and Eva Kerfoot as your hosts.

The main lodge has two dining rooms - Justines fine dining and the Red Paddle Bistro, so you have the choice of a wide variety of home cooked meals. One to four bedroom cabins include a full bath with each bedroom, a rock fireplace, a full kitchen, and many have a sauna and hot tub, and all have king and queen sized beds.

Northwoods activities include fishing (guides are available), canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, and naturalist activities that include moose searches, wolf howling, sunset cruises, loon calling, breakfast paddles, dinner horseback rides, kids fishing fun, and various crafts. A masseuse offers ½ and full hour sessions to relax you during your vacation. Winter activities include cross country skiing, dog sledding and snowshoeing. Deer and song birds come right to your cabin looking for their daily handouts of corn and sunflower seeds, which each guest is expected to bring over from the lodge.

It would be a pleasure to welcome you to the northwoods where our wildlife still outnumbers our guests.

Click Here for more info on Gunflint Lodge on the Gunflint Trail


 

Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior
Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior
Minnesota

Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior

Lutsen Resort is a family owned resort with a commitment to provide our guests with a level of service and quality of experience of which we can be proud.

Lutsen resort is Minnesota's oldest resort with roots from the last century.  In 1885, the rugged natural beauty of Lake Superior's North Shore prompted Charles Axel Nelson, a young Swedish immigrant, to establish his homestead overlooking the lake.  He called it "Lutsen".

Soon married, he and his family supported themselves through fishing, logging and trapping.  The original cabin, built at the site of the current Lutsen Resort  lodge, grew into an ever-larger family home.  In the early days, long before a road was built, travelers found Lutsen a stop of convenience as they made their way up Lake Superior. 
The Nelson children vacated their beds for travelers. 

As its reputation for welcoming guests grew, Lutsen began to attract visitors who came to stay...to hike, fish, and hunt.  Known as a friendly haven for weary travelers, the family home evolved into one of Minnesota's favorite destinations.

The sprawling homestead buildings were eventually replaced by the Main Lodge.  This Swedish-style hewn pine timber lodge was designed by renowned Edwin Lunde, for which he received an architect award.  Traditional style Minnesota log homes and condominiums were added to the resort during the last 10 years to provide additional lodging options for guests.

In 1988 the resort changed hands as the original Nelson family sold the resort to husband & wife, Scott Harrison & Nancy Burns, whose roots in northeastern Minnesota go back four generations.  You will find the tradition of warm hospitality with a Scandinavian flavor continues today.

Click Here for more info on Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior


 

Kavanaugh's Sylvan Lake Resort
Kavanaugh's Sylvan Lake Resort - A Brainerd Resort
Minnesota

Kavanaugh's Sylvan Lake Resort

In August of 1969, Sherman and Mae Kavanaugh purchased a small Minnesota family housekeeping resort known as Brown's For Rest. Located on Sylvan Lake near Brainerd, the resort included nine Minnesota cabins and a residence. The resort is now operated by four of the Kavanaugh sons and their families. The business has changed dramatically over the years. In the fall of 2005, a total renovation and expansion was started that will transform the resort into one of the most unique vacation properties in the Brainerd vacation area. A dynamic landscaping occurred that created several streams and waterfalls that meander through the property. Paved walking and biking trails wander through the resort over bridges and along the lakeshore to create a truly peaceful, relaxing vacation environment. All of the condos and cottages are built for families. The rooms range from one to three bedrooms in size with full kitchens, fireplaces and lakeside patios or decks. Kavanaugh's is truly a family resort with many amenities, like indoor and outdoor pools, tennis, basketball, game room and fitness area. 108 holes of premium golf are located within 1 mile of the resort. The Kavanaugh family invites you to come and experience the relaxing new resort environment that Kavanaugh's offers.

Click Here for more info on Kavanaugh's Sylvan Lake Resort in Brainerd MN


 

Bearskin Lodge
Bearskin Lodge on the Gunflint Trail
Minnesota

Bearskin Lodge

Our Gunflint Trail resort is open year round. Located in Grand Marais, Minnesota, Bearskin Lodge features some of the best canoeing, cross country skiing and most pristine wilderness left in the world. Plan your next Minnesota family vacation or winter vacation at our resort, where each Gunflint Trail cabin is nestled in it's own secluded nook and features a private dock and cozy fireplace.

Spring marks the yearly struggle between winter and summer. As days grow longer and warmer, the melting snow is replenished by intermittent bursts of unleashed fury as winter reluctantly loosens its grasp. Slowly, ever so slowly, the first greens erupt and winter has lost.

In the summer families venture north to our Minnesota vacation resort to share quality time together. Old friends reunite. Fishing lines are baited and the thrill of a fighting trophy dances in the minds of adults and children alike. Swimming, canoeing and lazy afternoons go hand in hand.Autumn is the season for lovers. The air is crisp and cool, just right for holding hands and hiking amongst the changing colors before cuddling up in front of a crackling fire at the end of a romantic day.

Spend your winter vacation with us and you will see it is a very special time of year in the north country. It comes early and stays late. At its best, it's served up cold; perfect for cross-country skiing. Experience the quiet solitude, gliding over a carpet of white. Tree boughs droop under the weight of freshly fallen snow. Moose, usually shy creatures, are frequently seen foraging for food.

Click Here for more info on Bearskin Lodge on the Gunflint Trail


 

Lost Lake Lodge
Lost Lake Lodge - A Brainerd Resort
Minnesota

Lost Lake Lodge

Experience the magic of Minnesota's serene natural beauty at Brainerd's best kept secret. At our Minnesota resort, we offer an all-inclusive, full service family resort vacation tucked between the Upper Gull Lake Narrows and private Lost Lake. Stay in one of 13 cabins providing the comforts of home.

Explore nature trails that wind through ancient burial grounds and around the lakes. Take a hike and find deer roaming the woods and terrific bird watching around every turn. Venture out in a canoe, water bike or kayak and float just feet from a family of loons, or watch turtles play in the sun. The Brainerd Lakes area has something for everyone. Stay with us in the spring and fall and receive some great golf discounts at many of the area courses. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, family vacations are popular and parents can take advantage of some alone time, while kids (ages 3 and up) take part in our exciting Kids Kamp programs. Spring and fall, take advantage of romantic getaway packages.

Discover hospitality that invites you to relax and enjoy your stay, with freshly baked cookies in your cabin, and an amazing five-star dining experience at breakfast and dinner. Here at Lost Lake Lodge, we even grind corn and Minnesota Spring Wheat onsite at our Grist Mill, providing the freshest possible ingredients - only the best for our guests!

Click Here for more info on Lost Lake Lodge in Brainerd MN


 

Ludlow's Island Resort
Ludlow's Island Resort on Lake Vermilion
Minnesota

Ludlow's Island Resort

Joseph Burr Ludlow came to Lake Vermilion in 1907 and fell in love with the beauty of a lake with 365 islands and 40,000 acres of sky blue waters.  He purchased Ludlow's Island for $300.  His son, Hod built the first cabin in 1933 and began renting it to friends 1939.  The Ludlow family has been  creating hand crafted Minnesota cabins for guests ever since.

The private island (only 5 acres) is a perfect setting for Minnesota family vacations.  Children can roam and explore without the concern for getting lost and only registered guests are allowed on the property.

The third generation of Ludlow's (Mark and Sally) purchased the resort in 1971 and just this past season, Paul Ludlow began the fourth generation of operating a resort with a continued focus on privacy while providing the amenities expected by today's guest.

Click Here for more info on Ludlow's Island Resort on Lake Vermilion

 

Content Copyright© 2007 Distinctive Lodges
Website Design by TiffanyRichards.com