Does anyone have a suggestion for a resource (guidebook, website, magazine, etc) to help me choose a resort in northern Minnesota? I'm looking for a lakeside location that has great Walleye fishing (and rents fishing boats) but has other amenities (kayaks, hiking trails, kids activities) as well. It also should be somewhat quiet and remote-no jet skis, and not a place that has tons of development.

I know there are MANY lakeside resorts, and rather than just post the broad "which one should I go to?" question, I'm wondering if there are any particularly opinionated resources anyone can directly me to. Of course, if anyone has any specific suggestions, I'd love to hear them. For now, let's say price isn't a major consideration.

Dear Christy, There are lots of resorts in Northern Minnesota. Look by lake name: Pelican Lake, Cass Lake, Cross Lake, etc. Breezy Point is a beautiful large resort. Or look up Brainerd Chamber of Comm. www.explorebrainerdlakes.com. Nisswa is another beautiful little town.
Good Luck,& enjoy the Walleye, my favorite fish too. Captain Dolphin

I would check out the Gunflint Lodge, www.gunflint.com, which is remote and meets your other criteria. It's a classic in Minnesota.

The Brainerd Lakes area is beautiful and popular, but I'm not sure it would be quiet enough for you. Still, you should check it out.

Another resource I would suggest is www.exploreminnesota.com.

When you narrow your choices down, let us know and we can give some feedback on specific spots.

Happy hunting!

I also recommend Gunflint Lodge on the Gunflint Trail in Grand Marais, MN. We have stayed there a number of times and have enjoyed it many times. Think it is exactly what you are looking for - there are also many other lodges on the Gunflint Trail that might meet your approval. Happy Fishing!!

It's pricey, but here's an option on a lovely lake:

http://www.ludlowsresort.com/cabins.cfm

Repete, how is the food at Ludlow?

Christy, if you have a meal in Grand Marais, consider the Angry Trout. It is one of the best restaurants I tried on my visit. Gorgeous part of the country, enjoy yourself.

Thanks for the replies so far! Gunflint looks like a good option, as does Ludlow. I think River Point Resort near Ely is in the lead so far (at least with me, based on their web site, but it has to pass muster with my midwestern in-laws who will be going as well).
I have heard good things about the Angry Trout at egullet.com, too, so that definitely sounds worth a visit.

Cmcfong,
Don't have a current report so I'd hate to say, but it always has been better than standard resort fare. My guess is it wouldn't be to the Angry Trout level, but since I haven't been there can't really compare.

Thanks, repete. We fell in love with Northern Minnesota this summer and plan to return for a longer visit.

i have never been to the gunflint lodge, but friends of mine have been trying to get us up there on vacation.. they are regulars in the winter, too, and love it.

they actually don't live faraway, so they have been to them all.

www.exploreminnesota.com is the best site for finding a resort. One of your requests will be almost impossible. The only lakes in Minnesota which do not have jet skis on them are the ones in the Boundry Waters Canoe Area and those lakes don't have resorts. Only hundreds of miles of walking trails and lakes.

Those jet skis are truly annoying but you can't get away from them except if its raining.

That's good to know. Most of the resorts I've looked at don't allow jet skis, but I know they can't control their neighbors. It's interesting that certain lakes don't ban them-I've been to many lakes/waterways in the PNW where they are banned, and I'd think that an area that is famous for it's fishing would have some rules about them.

christy, believe me, our state legislature has tried to ban them for years but it always gets defeated due to a big name manufacturer headquartered in Minnesota. Its the exact same problem with the snowmobile industry and the use of them in state parks and state wildlife area. I'm probably going to get a drive-by snow balling just for saying this! ops, that didn't come out right.

I'm looking for the same thing, only it doesn't have to be that quiet or remote. Something only 1-2 hours north of the Twin Cities. Thanks!

Susan

sjde53, The Brainerd areas would be the best for your criteria. About a 1.5 hour drive. tons of resorts of all kinds and prices. Google Brainerd Minnesota. It will list lots of related web sites and links. You don't even have to add the word resorts because the Brainerd area is all about resorts.