You could complain about the cold, the snow, and the fact that it’s dark before 6 p.m., or you could make the most of winter. Embrace the slopes, the trails, the state parks, the historic towns, and the abundance of cozy lodging options within a few hours’ drive of the Twin Cities metro. Survive, revive, and thrive with these winter escapes.
Courtesy of Grand View Lodge
Grand View Lodge
Grand View is one of those quintessential “Up North” resorts, and with anything that has a reputation as being one of the best, it lives up to the hype. On the National Register of Historic Places, the main Grand View property is not only a beautiful, historic place—right on Gull Lake—but offers on-site restaurants, a full-service spa, and a full roster of winter activities. Through the Pines Winter Recreation Center, guests can rent snowshoes or cross-country skis, or book a $10 dog-sled ride through the woods. Romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides are available for a small fee, complete with a pair of Clydesdales and a bottle of champagne. Go skating, play hockey or broomball on the resort’s ice rink, bring your snowmobile, or rent a sled at Boats and Beyonds Rentals and explore a wide network of trails. Guests at Grand View also receive 15 percent off lift tickets, tubing, and rentals at nearby Mount Ski Gull. If you’d rather stay indoors, you can take the kids to the Family Fun Center at Grand View, featuring an 18-foot-tall bouncy slide and bounce house, indoor mini waterpark, or gaming system area. Visit during the Brainerd Jaycees’ Ice Fishing Extravaganza January 27-28, with $150,000 in prizes. grandviewlodge.com
Courtesy of Arrowwood Resort
Arrowwood Resort
The chilly air, barren trees, and frozen ground might indicate that it’s winter outside, but at Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria, it’s summer inside. A 2.5-hour drive from the cities is all it takes to “travel to the tropics without the baggage fees.” The “tropics,” in this case, is the 38,000-square-foot Big Splash indoor waterpark, where the water is warm and the rides are cool. There’s a basketball shoot-out, lily pad waterwalk, lazy river, swimming pool, and small arcade for the kids; and for the adults, a hot tub, poolside bar, full-service on-site spa, and beautiful views of the lake. Winter activities include broomball, ice skating, and ice fishing. Carlos Creek Winery and the Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum are a few miles down the road. Waterpark packages are available online. arrowwoodresort.com
Giants Ridge. Photo by Paul Pluswik
Giants Ridge
Giants Ridge is an upscale resort with 35 alpine ski runs, rustic-chic lodging, and pool and spa—about an hour north of Duluth. The conditions are good, the prices are reasonable, and the après ski scene is alive and well at Burnt Onion, the on-site restaurant. Cross-country skiers will appreciate the diverse and well-groomed trails (including an illuminated 5K for night skiing), snowshoe trails, some Nordic trails open to fat biking, terrain parks, and a snowtubing park. A well-marked snowmobile trail system winds its way through the breathtaking scenery of northeastern Minnesota’s Iron Trail. (The pristine Superior National Forest encompasses this extensive system.) Visit the website for winter deals. giantsridge.com
Hawks View Cottages
Since opening in 2000, visitors from every state in the U.S. have stayed at Hawks View Cottages in Fountain City, Wis., just two hours from the metro area along the Great River Road. The treehouse-like cottages are modern, clean, comfortable, and private while providing incredible views of the Mississippi River (and if you’re lucky, the occasional eagle or hawk). Popular winter activities include snowshoeing, wine tasting, and visiting Elmer’s Auto and Toy Museum, Prairie Moon Sculpture Garden, art galleries, Seven Hawks Vineyards, and other wineries on the Great River Road Wine Trail. Everything you need is provided with your stay, from towels and bedding to cooking pots and dishes. Even breakfast fixings are included: bread, orange juice, sausages, instant oatmeal packets, coffee, eggs, and condiments. As one reviewer commented, “I will do this trip again … it refreshed my soul.” hawksview.net
Courtesy of Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior
Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior
When you’re on the North Shore, it’s all about the outdoors. In the Lutsen-Tofte area, guests make the most of winter by skiing and boarding at Lutsen Mountains (the largest and highest ski destination in the Midwest, with over 90 runs), or exploring mile after mile of scenic landscapes—think ridgelines, hillsides, woodlands, and dramatic Lake Superior overlooks—on cross country skis, snowshoes, or snowmobiles. Those looking for a unique winter adventure can schedule an hour-long dogsledding ride or longer half or full-day dogsledding trip, and those wishing for a more low-key winter experience can go on a horse-drawn sleigh ride or take the mountain gondola to the top of Moose Mountain for dramatic Lake Superior vistas.
Speaking of dramatic views, there really isn’t a bad view from any of the lodging options on Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior, where the waves crash against the rocky shoreline of the largest freshwater lake in the world right outside your door. Other compelling reasons to visit Bluefin include well-appointed rooms, a heated indoor and outdoor pool (used even in winter!), award-winning food at The Bluefin Grille, friendly service, spa services at nearby Surfside, and complimentary activities (reserve snowshoes for no additional charge, or skate on the outdoor ice rink, lit at night). Guests appreciate the pet-friendly lodging, free shuttles to Lutsen Mountains, and kids’ activities program, led by Bluefin staff. bluefinbay.com
Courtesy of Good Ol’ Days Family Resort
Good Ol’ Days Family Resort & Wilderness Point Resort
In the winter months, it’s all about ice fishing and snowmobiling at Good Ol’ Days Family Resort and nearby Wilderness Point Resort in the Brainerd Lakes area of central Minnesota. Good Ol’ Days, on Lower Cullen Lake, is just six blocks from downtown Nisswa; while just a few miles down the road there are cabins and villas for rent at Wilderness Resort, situated on beautiful Middle Cullen Lake. Guests staying at Good Ol’ Days have access to Wilderness Resort amenities, including a fitness center, indoor swimming pool, game room, sauna and hot tub. Pets are welcome. Hot Deals and Stay and Play weekend packages are available online to nearby Mount Ski Gull, where the snowtubing hill and limited runs are currently open (weather permitting). goodoldaysresort.com | wildernessresortvillas.com
Courtesy of the Lodge on Lake Detroit
The Lodge on Lake Detroit
Rejuvenate. Reconnect. Relax. Those three words are synonymous with the Lodge on Lake Detroit, a smoke-free lifestyle hotel with all rooms facing Big Detroit Lake.
Extra touches that leave a lasting impression include an on-site spa, lobby sunset serenades (enjoy a glass of wine while listening to a grand piano), a focus on eco-conscious biodegradable products, a complimentary full breakfast, a handicapped-lift in the pool and hot tub, a top-of-the-line fitness center, and soothing sound machines beside comfortable beds. The Lodge is a popular destination not only for those looking for a quiet and relaxing winter getaway, but also for ice fishing enthusiasts (there are more than 400 lakes within a 25-mile radius), skiers/boarders, and snowmobilers (cruise across 200 miles of rolling prairie and through secluded woodlands). Stay during Polar Fest February 9-20, 2017, a “celebration of winter in Detroit Lakes,” with activities around town including a snowman-making contest, snow games, dances, live music, and a fireworks display. Ski packages are available for nearby Detroit Mountain. thelodgeonlakedetroit.com
Hudson Hot Air Affair. Photo by Bucklew Photography
Hudson
Just 30 minutes from the Twin Cities, Hudson is a showcase of Victorian architecture (thanks to lumber barons building estates along the St. Croix River). This charm is reflected in the B&Bs, in the historic downtown, in the untouched beauty of the river. Spend a day or a weekend here, and experience the boutiques, restaurants, galleries, museums, and Phipps Center for the Arts that give the town a feeling of yesterday. Go fat tire biking, hiking, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in beautiful Willow River Park, or ice fishing on the St. Croix River. (Don’t forget your camera—you won’t want to miss capturing shots of trumpeter swans.) “Hudson has something for everyone, from nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts to shoppers and foodies,” says Mary Weller, director of tourism for the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau. Enjoy Caribbean food at San Pedro Café, craft beer and grill specials at Barker’s Bar & Grill, classic American fare and phenomenal river views at Pier 500, a wine bar/bistro/gift shop at Urban Olive & Vine, burgers and growlers at Stone Tap, and an extensive wine selection at The Nova of Hudson. The city is also home to numerous craft-beer-centric establishments and independent boutiques and galleries, including Seasons on St. Croix, featuring the contemporary and fine art creations of more than 160 artists. A fun time to visit in winter is during the annual Hudson Hot Air Affair, scheduled this year from February 3-5, 2017, a “spectacular family weekend” including a parade, hot air balloon launches, geocaching, smooshboarding, fireworks, live music, karaoke, a dance, and the Hot Air Balloon Moon Glow/Field of Fire. discoverhudsonwi.com
Courtesy of Visit Winona
Winona
When it comes to stunning natural scenery, the small town of Winona, about a two-hour drive from the Twin Cities—steals the show. Set within the bluffs of the Mississippi, the beautiful backdrop leaves a lasting impression on visitors, and has for centuries. At one point, the city was a port, then a lumber-milling town, then the home of J.R. Watkins, who earned his wealth selling tonics. (In the 1800s, there were reportedly more millionaires per capita in Winona than any other city in the country.) This opulent history is preserved in the architecture, in the stained glass windows of notable buildings, and in the grand old homes. Winona is more than just a historic river city with pretty scenery, though. Its also carved a niche as having a vibrant cultural and art scene, evident in the Marine Art Museum and a host of festivals: the Minnesota Beethoven Festival in June, Great River Shakespeare Festival June through July, Boats and Bluegrass in September, Mid West Music Fest in April, and the Frozen River Film Festival, February 15-19, 2017, a documentary film festival expanding awareness through visuals, art, and stories. visitwinona.com
Courtesy of Inns of the Valley
Inns of the Valley
In the mid 1800s, logs jammed the St. Croix River as they made their way to sawmills along the riverbanks. Today, you won’t see log jams, but you will see some of the same types of homes along the river—and now you have the opportunity to stay overnight at these B&Bs. The homes making up Inns of the Valley, a group of nine Minnesota and Wisconsin inns and bed and breakfasts located in the St. Croix River Valley, range from a Jane Austen-inspired European country home to a historic Queen Anne-style home built in 1884. Staying at a B&B makes perfect sense in winter, says MaryEllen Cox, owner of Phipps Inn Bed & Breakfast and treasurer of Inns of the Valley. “Not only are all of the inns a great place for snuggling on a cold winter’s night—think fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, cozy rooms, quiet ambience—but the Valley is also great for skiing (both cross country and downhill), snowshoeing, winter hiking, shopping, wineries, breweries, and fabulous one-of-a-kind restaurants from one end to the other.” She says all of the inns offer a full breakfast and some will even bring it to the guests’ room for those who want to sleep in a little longer.
The website lists events in the area and has an availability calendar for all nine inns. innsofthevalley.com
Courtesy of Visit Proctor
Proctor
The small town of Proctor might not be on your radar, but if you like skiing or boarding, you like the North Shore, and you want to experience a charming small town, it should be. Located near Duluth, Proctor is a little over a two-hours’ drive from the Twin Cities metro. Here, you’re apt to see more wildlife than people. “Proctor is a warm and welcoming host city,” says Sally Hedtke, event coordinator, City of Proctor Tourism. “We are unique and quirky, but offer our guests adventure and comfort at the same time.” Spirit Mountain is a short drive away, there are cross-country ski trails “in every direction,” she says, as well as snowmobile trails right from area hotels. While staying in Proctor, visit The Field Station Café for a pastrami sandwich, try a burger from the Derailed Bar, and check out the Historical Society Train Museum, where the country’s rich railroad heritage is showcased. Visit in February for the ALS Blizzard Tour sponsored by Black Woods February 1-4, Winter Carnival February 4, or Classic Snowmobile Challenge February 25. Hotels offer winter discounts as well as Stay and Ski packages, in partnership with Spirit Mountain. For more information, visit the website. visitproctormn.com
Lighthouse B&B. Courtesy of Lake County Historical Society
The Lighthouse B&B
During the turn of the 18th century, it was a tough job being a lighthouse keeper. They had to trim the wicks of the oil lamps in order to make sure the flame burned bright, they had to replenish the fuel, they had to clean the lenses and the windows. It was a lot of pressure—if there wasn’t a bright, steady light, there could be a shipwreck. Now you can stay at The Lighthouse B&B on Lake Superior in Two Harbors, a beautifully restored lighthouse, and watch through the portholes as ships approach, imagining what it must have been like for those lighthouse keepers long ago. Thanks to the Lake County Historical Society, this is a highly valued resource for anyone who wants a different North Shore overnight experience. The three rooms are well-equipped, warm, exceptionally clean, and cozy, and the service and breakfast receive rave reviews. Walk to the nearby brewery, watch the sun set in the harbor, tour the lighthouse museum, explore the grounds (including the remnants of an old ship), and enjoy the peace and quiet in this unique B&B. lighthousebb.org
