Northern Minnesota Getaways

by Wendy Webb

Now that summer is here, it’s time for a family getaway. But many of us don’t want to plan a big vacation to someplace like Yellowstone or the Black Hills this year — it’s just not in the budget, or there’s no time in the schedule for a long trip. If that’s the case for you, why not stay close to home and find the serenity and peace that only a respite in the Land of 10,000 Lakes can deliver? Here are three of the best small town, lakeside getaways this state has to offer.

Walker
www.leech-lake.com

I love Walker — it’s truly one of the best small towns in the state and a fabulous place for an old-fashioned family summer getaway. I’ve spent a good deal of time in this charming village because my in-laws had a cabin just outside of town until about 10 years ago, and I know the area and the people there can’t be beat. The town itself is filled with fun gift shops, ice cream parlors, and restaurants like Café Zona Rosa or Benson’s (excellent pizza!) Walker is also the place you can find an old-fashioned family lake vacation. Places to stay include the new Trapper’s Landing, the historic Huddles, Anderson’s Northland Lodge, and everything in between, but all specialize in providing your family with a boating, fishing, swimming, playing, campfiring, s’more-eating getaway your kids won’t ever forget.

Grand Marais
www.grandmarais.org

When I’m in Grand Marais, which is often because we’ve got a cabin on the Gunflint Trail, there are few things I enjoy more than sitting with a glass of wine at a window table at the Gunflint Tavern, on the roof at the Raven, on the deck at the Angry Trout or on the porch at Chez Jude watching the lake shimmer. I also love wandering through the various shops in town like the Trading Post, Birchbark Books and Gifts, Sivertson’s Gallery and of course Drury Lane Bookstore (these are just a few). Great food, great shopping, a great lake — what more do you want? The great outdoors? That’s here, too. Whether you’re planning a Boundary Waters trip or just want to hike on trails close to town, the options are nearly endless.

Ely
www.ely.org

Ely is in contention for “America’s Coolest Small Town” from budgettravel.org, and one visit to this charming gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness will tell you why. Meander around town into the shops and galleries, like Piragis legendary outfitters, Steger Mukluks, Ledgerock Pottery, and don’t miss world-famous photographer Jim Brandenburg’s gallery. Try the Boathouse Brew Pub for lunch, or the exquisite Blue Heron for dinner (reservations needed). After you’ve shopped and eaten to your heart’s content, arrange a canoe trip with one of Ely’s many outfitters (beginners are welcome) and stay in one of the area’s gorgeous resorts that range from luxurious getaways with programs for kids, hot tubs and mini bars, to rustic cabins. Burtside Lodge is one of the oldest and most beautiful lodges in the area, and has been operating in one form or another since 1911. The Grand Ely Lodge, right in town, is also a fabulous option. And many other resorts, hotels and bed and breakfast inns are close by.

Look for our “Explore Wisconsin” article next month!