Minnesota vacation ideas?

[mom2tbcnm]

Hi,
My dh's fam is looking for somewhere to go for a 3-4 day weekend family vacation. We would like to go to MN. We thought about Duluth area, but for us it really is a long way (other family members live closer). Does the HIvemind have any suggestions?
We are looking for:
a place for 5 families,
variety of kids ages,
by a lake
not too expensive
fun nature walks, fishing, town nearby to shop
cabins, or condos (mil and sil are not campers)
Thanks,
Katty

[AnneJ]

Can you give us an idea which part of MN would not be too far for you? I'm not sure where you are from so not sure what would be closer. You'll have better luck in the central and northern parts of the state.

[mom2tbcnm]

My fam is coming from Iowa, but other members are coming from minneapolis and far northern Iowa. I'd be ok with northern Minn. if it was a really great place.
Katty

[Dayle in Guatemala]

Brainerd Lakes area is right in the middle. There's nature trails and paved trail where you can bike, walk, or roller blade for miles if you want! There's lots of lakes, good resorts and hotels, great restaurants, lots of cute shops in the Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, Crosby area. There's a Nature Learning Center and an Aboretum that has great activities for families as well as Paul Bunyan Amusement Center. You can also do mini golf, water sliding (indoors or outdoors), and it's only a short drive to Duluth if you all want to go for the day.

(Can you tell I used to live there and really miss it!)

[Tracey in TX]

We drove from TX to BWCA (Ely). Stayed at the local resort, which was REALLY inexpensive! Kids eat FREE (big deal with 5 DC). We will return--even considered this year, but can't carve out the time.
Had the time of our lives. Stayed in a hotel setting w/ pools/hot tub, on lake w/ kayaking, fishing, night group activities, airplane rides, etc.

[Tami]

Idea: Lutsen Lodge (older lodge with gourmet food and great lodging specials) - it is right on Lake Superior. Lutsen also has family and child activities, mountain bike rentals, and a Gondola ride.

It is right near Temperance River State Park - one of the most beautiful and fun places! Also, visit Cascade River State Park - gorgeous waterfalls (wear trail sandals or water shoes and you can wade for a long way!).

Other areas that would be a good day trip from Lutsen: Gooseberry Falls (wear watershoes or trail sandals & bring swimsuits and swim!) and Split Rock Lighthouse.

North of Duluth is very, very scenic. It is worth the drive to see the real Minnesota wilderness. Lutsen offers the gateway to this, plus gourmet food and nice accomodations.

HTH!

[Tami]

we spent a week at Little Winnie resort near Brainerd, and it was a fantastic week at a great price. It is black bear country, and there are Northern in the lakd, so nobody seems to swim or hike much, though.

Lake country is nice if you like to hunt and fish. Personally, I think it might get boring if you like to swim and hike. (No tomatoes, please!)