Minnesota's Luxe Lakeside Retreats Await Discerning Travelers
Newest
Luxury rentals
Family-friendly
Pet-friendly
Swimming
Upcoming events
Popular cities
South Saint Paul
Experience South Saint Paul and stroll the historic Stockyards Exchange, a unique landmark celebrating the city’s vibrant heritage.
Saint Paul
Explore Saint Paul and stroll through the historic Summit Avenue, home to the largest stretch of Victorian architecture.
Roseville
Experience Roseville and enjoy shopping at Rosedale Center, a premier retail destination with top dining options.
New Ulm
Explore New Ulm and celebrate German heritage at the iconic Hermann Monument and vibrant Oktoberfest festivities each fall.
Mounds View
Explore Mounds View and enjoy the unique Silver View Park, perfect for lakeside picnics and outdoor fun.
Minneapolis
Plan a trip to Minneapolis and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the world-famous Minnesota State Fair.
Duluth
Explore Duluth, where you can stroll the Lakewalk and watch massive ships arrive at the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge.
Crystal
Plan a trip to Crystal and enjoy the lively Crystal Frolics festival with live music, food, and family fun.
Travel Tips
Embrace the Local Culture
Embrace the Scandinavian heritage by savoring Swedish meatballs at FIKA Café in Minneapolis. Explore Nordic culture at the American Swedish Institute's Turnblad Mansion.
Respect Nature
Enhance your garden with native plants like purple coneflower and wild bergamot to attract butterflies and bees.
Be Flexible
From Minneapolis, a 2-hour drive (120 km) by car or RV leads to Jay Cooke State Park's trails and waterfalls. Duluth's 1-hour drive (80 km) by car or van offers access to the North Shore's hiking and boating adventures.
Support Local Businesses
Experience culinary excellence at Angry Trout Cafe in Grand Marais, savoring fresh Lake Superior whitefish. For outdoor adventures, visit Canoe Country Outfitters in Ely, offering comprehensive canoe trip outfitting services. Enjoy a thrilling day at Wild Mountain in Taylors Falls, featuring waterparks, alpine slides, and go-karts.
Pristine Wilderness Sanctuaries Transform Minnesota’s 11,842 Lakes Into North America’s Ultimate Paddling Paradise
Minnesota’s legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area beckons with 1.1 million acres of pristine wilderness spanning 1,200 lakes connected by ancient portage trails, where couples paddle cedar-strip canoes through Ely’s mirror-calm waters while families discover walleye fishing on Lake Vermilion’s legendary depths. Lake Minnetonka anchors the Twin Cities region with its 125 miles of intricate shoreline perfect for sailing adventures, while luxury lakefront estates offer private docks and panoramic bay views across 23 interconnected bays. Pet-friendly lake cabins throughout Itasca State Park provide fenced yards where golden retrievers explore headwaters trails leading to the Mississippi River’s legendary source, while vacation rentals range from historic Grand View Lodge on Gull Lake to modern lakefront condominiums overlooking Mille Lacs’ 132,516-acre expanse.
Authentic Cultural Celebrations Honor Minnesota’s Nordic Heritage Through Four-Season Festival Traditions
The Minnesota State Fair transforms August’s Twin Cities into a cultural celebration featuring 1.8 million annual visitors experiencing local agriculture and craft traditions, while Duluth’s Bayfront Festival celebrates July’s North Shore culture with live music echoing across Superior’s vast waters. October’s spectacular fall colors draw couples to romantic lakefront bed-and-breakfasts on Leech Lake’s pristine shores, where legendary muskie fishing meets autumn’s golden maples reflected in 112,000-acre waters. Winter transforms these lakes into cross-country skiing corridors and ice fishing destinations, with heated lakefront cabins providing cozy refuge complete with wood-burning fireplaces and panoramic views of snow-draped northern forests.
Wilderness Adventure Sanctuaries Provide Elite Access to Minnesota’s Most Coveted Outdoor Recreation Experiences
Groups seeking adventure gravitate toward spacious vacation compounds on Lake of the Woods’ Canadian border waters, offering private saunas and chef kitchens mere minutes from world-class northern pike fishing and Superior National Forest hiking trails. The North Shore corridor provides family-friendly properties near Grand Portage’s historic trading post, where voyageur history meets world-class outdoor recreation including Superior Hiking Trail adventures and scenic river kayaking. Modern lakefront lodges feature gourmet kitchens perfect for preparing locally-caught lake trout, while pet-welcoming accommodations throughout Voyageurs National Park provide easy shoreline access where dogs can safely swim in Minnesota’s refreshingly cool, crystal-clear northern waters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what Minnesota has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
-
Brainerd Lakes area offers 450+ lakes with family resorts from $150 nightly featuring beaches and kids’ programs. Detroit Lakes provides sandy swimming areas with rentals starting at $125. Alexandria features chain lakes perfect for tubing. Prior Lake near Twin Cities delivers convenience. Lake.com helps families find Minnesota properties with docks and beaches.
-
Lake Minnetonka offers surprising deals on older cabins from $175 nightly between luxury estates. Gull Lake provides affordable options starting at $140 with fishing access. Leech Lake features budget-friendly rentals under $125. Otter Tail County delivers hidden gems from $100. Lake.com’s value filters identify Minnesota’s best lake cabin bargains.
-
June through August brings 70-80°F temperatures perfect for swimming and boating. May offers excellent fishing before summer crowds. September provides ideal weather with stunning fall colors. July peaks for water sports but brings mosquitoes. Lake.com shows Minnesota’s seasonal highlights helping plan optimal timing for preferred lake activities.
-
Grand Marais charms couples with artistic atmosphere and North Shore cabins from $150 nightly. Stillwater offers romantic river town B&Bs near wineries. Lanesboro provides secluded valley retreats perfect for anniversaries. Lake Vermilion delivers wilderness romance with pristine waters. Lake.com’s couples collection features Minnesota’s most intimate waterfront escapes.
-
North Shore excels with dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and Superior views. Rentals from Duluth to Grand Marais start at $125 nightly. Fall colors spectacular late September. Winter offers frozen waterfall hikes. Summer stays cooler than inland. Lake.com showcases North Shore properties from budget cabins to luxury lake homes.
-
Boundary Waters gateway towns welcome pets with wilderness cabins from $100 nightly. Voyageurs National Park area offers dog-friendly rentals with water access. North Shore allows leashed pets on most trails. Brainerd Lakes provides fenced yards near beaches. Lake.com’s pet filters show Minnesota properties with policies and nearby adventures.
-
Peak season (Memorial Day-Labor Day) brings $300-600 nightly for quality lakefront homes. Luxury properties exceed $1,000 on premier lakes. Smaller cabins average $200-350. Weekly rates save 10-15%. Location matters, for instance Minnetonka costs triple northern lakes. Lake.com’s pricing tools compare Minnesota’s 10,000+ lakes helping find best values.