Minnesota lodging
 

I am considering four properties in Minnesota for three nights stay. A couple of them were suggested by Fodorites, a couple I found from other resources. I would like your opinions of them, please.
1. Grandview Lodge, Nisswa, MN
2. Blue Fin Bay, Tofte, MN
3. Naniboujou Lodge, Grand Marais, MN
4. Cove Point Lodge, Beaver Bay, MN
5. South Pier Inn, Duluth, MN

Thanks to the Fodorites who posted on our trip plans. I realize from their postings that some of these properties will be relatively remote and involve significant driving time from Minneapolis. Of course, the Duluth property would be the least "adventurous" but would have the most options for restaurants, etc. We will be staying our last night at the Crowne Point in Bloomington since we have a very early flight the next day.
Thank you for any help.

ttt

It kind of depends on what you want to do while you are in MN. Yes, the South Pier in Duluth is closest to many restaurants, shopping etc. but the others also have hiking, sphopping and some eating experiences too. We have stayed at all the places you have mentioned but they all differ quite a bit. The one with the very least close by (in my opinion) is the Cove Point Lodge in Beaver Bay but it is a nice lodge and a pretty location. Naniboujou and Blue Fin are also not close to large towns - NB is about 18 miles from Grand Marais, MN and Blue Fin is about 25 miles from Grand Marais. Give me an idea of what you are looking for and want to do and I can give you more ideas of what to expect in each place. The drive along Lake Superior on the North Shore is beautiful and we always enjoy stopping at Split Rock LIghthouse and Goodseberry State Park and also have enjoyed hiking around Cascade River and Judge Magney State Park in Cook County. Again, Duluth is the largest city. WE like Duluth a lot and enjoy many visits there - it is busy in the summer. W also love Grand Marais, MN - pretty location on a harbor and some cute shops and a artsy town. Also several restaurants of different types. So, let me know your likes and dislikes and I will try to help.

Thanks, Cali. I appreciate your willingness to help.

We both like quiet places with good food and easy access to hiking and biking. We are not interested in night life. I love to amble in and out of shops but my husband has zero tolerance for that so this trip what shopping we do will be that last night in Minneapolis.

After pouring over the maps, we are narrowing the choices down to Blue Fin Bay and Cove Point. How do they compare on food and accomodations? Is there a small town or area we can walk around after dinner at either? Is there a biking trail near the lake?

Again, thanks for your help. Tiff gave us some great pointers when we started planning this trip. We are looking forward to it immensely.

PS I assume we will take a day trip to Grand Marais and will stop in Duluth on our way up from Minneapolis.

We stayed at Bluefin Bay last November. The location is very convenient to lots of good hikes and scenic drives; the property itself offers a path along the lake. Our unit was spotlessly clean, a few yards from the lakeshore, and had a well-stocked kitchen and a sitting room with a fireplace (wood provided daily)--we loved it.

As for food, the casual bakery provided very nice breakfasts and baked goods and looked cute for dinner, too; I believe the menu was Italian at night. The "bar" at Bluefin Bay also had good food, and was smoke-free and really, well, wholesome for a bar--not a party scene at all, which we liked. The restaurant at Bluefin Bay was terrible--weird service, sad wine list, deeply mediocre food, and high prices--avoid it at all costs. These are the only places you can walk to from the resort; you can stroll around the property, but Tofte isn't really a town in that sense.

Btw, The Angry Trout in Grand Marais is an insitution, featuring fresh, local ingredients.Grand Marais has a few--very few--galleries and shops to poke into and has a pretty setting on the lake.

Enjoy your trip!

Gosh, thanks for the heads up about the Blue Fin restaurant. You are the second person to describe it as terrible. We will avoid that.
Your information was very helpful. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

As you're going through the area anyway, you might want to check out Two Harbors. The lighthouse there is a B&B, operated by the Lake Co. Historical Society. Check out www.lighthousebb.org for more info. We stayed there several years ago and were delighted with it...

We preferred Blue Fin to Cove Bay just because there was a little life around, however I did like the food in the Dining Room better than Blue Fin. Ther other restaurants near Blue Fin were a good recommendation. You can hike and bkie around both places but I also think it would be more fun at Blue Fin. If you are jus out for a drive one day and go up to Naniboujou, do go in as the Dining Room is something to see. It is very large with a very brightly painted ceiling and large Stone fireplace. The food has been good there too. Do stop and see Split Rock Lighthouse on your way up too. It is neat. Also pretty to hike around Tettagouche State Park which is on your way up. Cascade Lodge is about 10-15 miles from Blue Fin and they have a restaurant right across from the lake. I have not been there since the new owners but several people I know have said they enjoyed it. There is a neat hike up the river there too. From your description of what you like I think you will like Blue Fin. We also enjoy going to "Tracks" which is at Caribou Highlands in Lutsen. They have soups, sandwiches and dinners in a casual setting and have always been good. Also has a bar.

Thank you, bookhall and Cali. After looking at all the information, I believe we will book Blue Fin. It seems right for us. We will definitely check out the restaurants....I am sure there is another trip to Minnesota in our future, so many great options.
I appreciate all your help in our planning and I will post a trip report.

Thank you all for the good advice. We booked Blue Fin Bay. There were only two rooms left for the nights we are going. The first night is complimentary! What a nice surprise.

Hope you have a great time!!