Courtesy of Grand View Lodge
Even the most relaxing getaways can come with a little drama—and in our case, it arrived in the form of a late-night storm that tore through the Brainerd Lakes area during our two-night stay at Grand View Lodge (GVL) in mid-June. The same storm system also brought along with it the strongest measured winds in Minnesota in almost 13 years, particularly in the Bemidji area.
But when the power went out and trees came down, it wasn’t panic that defined the experience—it was the poise and professionalism of the GVL team. Staff remained calm and gracious, checking in with guests, answering questions, and ensuring service continued as seamlessly as possible despite the setback. Their response turned what could’ve been a stressful disruption into a testament to the resort’s hospitality.
Once the skies cleared, we settled into our weekend in the North Hotel and started exploring the resort’s many amenities—golfing, lounging, swimming in Gull Lake, and most memorably, eating our way across Grand View’s refreshed dining scene.
Courtesy of Grand View Lodge
This summer, the resort unveiled reimagined menus and dining concepts across its 10-plus restaurants, all overseen by Executive Chef Justin Grecco, a Minnesota culinary veteran with a resume that includes The Saint Paul Hotel and the historic Afton House Inn. Grecco brings a passion for both refinement and approachability, with a keen focus on locally sourced ingredients and seasonal inspiration. His influence is evident across the board—from the refined lobster gnocchi at Cru to comfort-driven dishes at The Preserve Smokehouse.
We had dinner Friday evening at CHAR Craft Steaks, and every bite exceeded expectations. I started with the French onion soup—rich, deeply savory, and made with elephant garlic and bubbling caramelized fontina and gruyere—followed by a flawlessly cooked 8-ounce filet mignon with creamy garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus. My husband opted for the 16-ounce Paul Bunyan Prime Rib, which lived up to its name with bold flavor and a seriously impressive cut. The atmosphere at CHAR strikes a perfect balance: upscale yet unpretentious, with design elements that echo the surrounding woods and lakes while feeling elevated enough for a celebratory night out.
We kicked off an already steamy Saturday morning with a tee time at The Pines’ Lakes to Woods 9s—an 18-hole pairing that’s as scenic as it is approachable, especially for a relaxed round. Towering pines lined the fairways, morning sun danced across the greens, and we found ourselves hitting more balls than we cared to count (some better than others) amid a soundtrack of chirping birds and distant laughter from fellow golfers.
Courtesy of Grand View Lodge
GVL has long been known as a golf destination, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re here for a casual round, hosting a corporate scramble, or mapping out a full weekend of fairways and fun, The Pines delivers with a blend of Northwoods beauty and championship-level play. The three distinct nines—Lakes, Woods, and Marsh—offer a mix of elevation, water features, and thoughtful challenges for every skill level. We played the Lakes and Woods, and we especially appreciated the expansive practice area, complete with a two-sided driving range and short-game space.
After the round, we made a well-timed stop at Birdies Pub for a classic golfer’s lunch: a cheeseburger and brat combo with chips and an ice-cold beer, all for just $10. No frills, just exactly what we wanted. Tucked near the turn and designed for easy, efficient service, Birdies is ideal for a quick bite that keeps your game—and your mood—on track. We grabbed a shaded table, took a few minutes to cool down, and toasted to a round well played. Or, at least, well enjoyed.
By midday, we were ready to embrace the other side of Grand View Lodge’s charm: long stretches of leisure. We spent a blissful afternoon lounging on the resort’s beach, which sits just steps from Gull Lake’s inviting shoreline. The water was refreshingly cool on a hot summer day, and there were plenty of beach chairs to go around—a small luxury that doesn’t go unnoticed when you’re looking to fully unwind.
For families or anyone craving more activity, Grand View offers no shortage of daytime diversions. Just beyond the sand, NorthPark—the resort’s newly built, 3,700+ square foot recreation center—is a hub of indoor and outdoor fun. Inside, we scoped out a massive pool area complete with a waterslide, lap lanes, and hot tubs, plus a Kids’ Club, fitness center, and yoga studio. Outside, a sprawling pool deck with yet another hot tub offers year-round soaking and splashing, even when the seasons change.
For those drawn to the lake, the options are seemingly endless. You can hop aboard a kayak or paddleboard for a solo cruise, zip around on jet skis, or gather the crew for a pontoon ride—perfect for catching sunset views or just exploring Gull Lake’s nooks and crannies. If you’re feeling daring, banana tubing behind a speedboat adds a dose of adrenaline and laughter to the mix.
On land, Grand View’s charm continues. We spotted families competing in lawn games like shuffleboard, cornhole, and giant chess, while Garden Park’s new hybrid course blends golf, foot golf, and frisbee golf for a quirky twist on the traditional par 3. And for fishing fans, the Brainerd Lakes area offers access to nearly 450 lakes within a 30-mile radius—truly an angler’s dream.
Courtesy of Grand View Lodge
On Saturday evening, we opted for a casual supper at Northwoods Pub, where the rustic setting and laid-back menu hit the spot after a day in the sun. We tried the Dry Rub Cheese Curds, famously made from Water’s Edge Cheese Curds. They’re oddly square shape but full of tangy flavor and coated spices. My husband tried a Midwest classic with a fresh twist: the Ale-Battered Walleye Sandwich, crisp and golden with lemon aioli and apple-cranberry slaw. I had the Grand Caesar, a hearty romaine salad topped with Parmesan di Parma, focaccia croutons, and rich Caesar dressing.
Afterward, we cooled down with a sweet stop at The Chocolate Ox, one of the resort’s retail gems, stocked with treats and nostalgia. I don’t think you can go wrong with any flavor of ice cream, but we tried Ultimate Oreo and Munchie Madness (cake batter ice cream swirled with a salted caramel ripple, Oreos, M&Ms, and peanut butter cups).
Photo by Alesha Taylor
On Sunday morning, we wrapped up the trip with a couples massage at Glacial Waters Spa, the perfect capstone to the weekend. Nestled among the Northwoods pines, the spa truly lives up to its name—calming, cool, and restorative, like nature’s own sanctuary. We opted for the Grand Relaxation Couples Massage, a 60-minute escape in the spa’s serene duo room where the soft scent of lavender filled the air and the stress seemed to melt away. Heated elements added a soothing touch, and the custom aromatherapy made it feel deeply personal.
Courtesy of Grand View Lodge
But the experience didn’t end there. Before and after our treatment, we took full advantage of Glacial Waters’ impressive amenities: plush locker rooms, a tranquil outdoor hot tub and courtyard, and separate serenity lounges where we could sip cucumber water and truly unwind. A eucalyptus-scented steam room and dry sauna completed the circuit of calm.
With over 100 treatments offered, a top-tier spa boutique stocked with everything from Eminence Organics to Minnesota-made Lakehouse candles, and a philosophy that blends holistic wellness with luxurious comfort, Glacial Waters Spa is a destination in its own right.
What makes GVL so special is its ability to cater to a variety of moods—romantic getaway, family retreat, or foodie escape—all wrapped up in one lakeside destination. From start to finish, the staff made sure every detail was covered, and even the storm couldn’t dampen the experience.
