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Minnesota Lodgings

Enjoy the best accommodations in the North Star state.

The following resorts, inns and bed-and-breakfasts were featured in recent issues of Midwest Living. Because packages are always being introduced and altered, you might want to call the property first.

Alexandria, Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center From the balconies of this modern five-story resort, which stairsteps down to manicured lawns along the shore of Lake Darling, you often hear children giggling on the way to the resort's Camp Arrowwood. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day. 320-762-1124.

Beaver Bay, Cove Point Lodge Open the window, and you'll hear the waves, since each of Cove Point Lodge's 45 guest rooms and three suites faces the lake. Plaid spreads cover rustic, handcrafted pine beds in the guest rooms. 800-598-3221.

Bemidji, A Place in the Woods This resort was built in 1991 along Turtle River Lake, 12 miles northeast of Bemidji. Twelve handsomely furnished one- to four-bedroom log housekeeping cabins overlook the water. Front porches, freestanding wood-burning stoves, and loft bedrooms add to their charm. 800-676-4547.

Bemidji, Finn'n Feather Resort Three generations of the Clemens and Fallis families welcome guests to this resort, 10 miles east of Bemidji along Lake Andrusia. Porches and windows of 20 log and wood-paneled homes overlook the lake. Some cabins boast fireplaces and newer furnishings. 800-776-3466 or 218-335-6598.

Bemidji, Kohl's Resort This resort's 20 brown frame housekeeping cottages cluster along Turtle Lake in Buena Vista State Forest, 10 miles north of Bemidji. Fishing and pontoon boats are available for guest use. 800-336-4384 or 218-243-2131.

Breezy Point, Breezy Point Resort This large, full-service resort 20 miles north of Brainerd features accommodations from motel rooms to a historic lodge. 800-432-3777.

Brainerd, Cragun's Resort This 50-year-old resort rambles for more than a mile along Gull Lake. Lodgings range from cozy, but basic, one-bedroom cottages to a four-bedroom home. All are painted brown and trimmed in Cragun's trademark green. 800-272-4867.

East Gull Lake, Kavanaugh's Resort and Restaurant Guests can choose from two beaches at this meticulously-tended complex of townhomes and cabins, where spring fed Sylvan Lake, one of the area's most peaceful, will lure you in for a swim. All have kitchens, and private decks of two-and three-bedroom townhomes overlook the lake along its sandy shores. 800-562-7061 or 218-829-5226.

Brainerd, Madden's on Gull Lake Amid lush lawns and gardens, the 300 lodgings range from quaint, north-woodsy cabins to plush villas at this 1932 resort. 800-247-1040.

Cook, Ludlow Island Resort Don't expect to rough it at this pampering getaway on an island in northeast Minnesota's Vermilion Lake. The 12 island cottages and seven on the mainland (one to five bedrooms) range from a remodeled 1934 log cabin to spacious new homes. 877-583-5697.

Cook, Pehrson Lodge Resort While anglers hook giant walleyes and northerns, nature programs keep the kids busy at this comfortable resort beside northeast Minnesota's Lake Vermilion, 5 miles north of Cook. The 23 mainland homey cabins have kitchens and sun decks. Or spend a romantic weekend on the private 6-acre island retreat with a cozy cabin. 800-543-9937 or 218-666-5478.

Crane Lake, Nelson's Resort This resort, family-run for four generations, ranks as a northern Minnesota institution. Guests rave about the location and painstakingly prepared lodge meals. Nelson's 28 log cabins (one to three bedrooms), with cheery yellow trim and flower beds in front, line the shore of Crane Lake, 28 miles northeast of Orr. 800-433-0743.

Crosby, Nordic Inn Medieval Brew & Bed A robust Nordic theme dominates five guest rooms. The long table groans with hearty breakfasts of meat pies, oatmeal-apple tarts, and Viking hash browns. They guarantee you won't be hungry at lunch. 218-546-8299.

Crosslake, Boyd Lodge The beach remains a prime attraction for families, and many return year after year to more than 35 honey-colored log cabins. 800-450-2693.

Deerwood, Hallett House Bed & Breakfast First-time guests almost expect to find a clubhouse at the end of the lane that leads by the sweeping lawn. Cushy chairs, bay windows, antique furnishings, sitting rooms and a library remind you of this home's luxurious past, which included a stint as an art deco museum. Guests retreat to five rooms, each with a private bath. 877-546-5433.

Detroit Lakes, Fair Hills Resort This resort's 100 cabins along tree-lined Pelican Lake feel like home. 800-323-2849.

Duluth, Fitger's Inn A historically restored inn along the lakefront htat prides itself on pampering guests with classic, intimate, European-style service. With 62 rooms, they offer everything from deluxe or standard rooms to penthouse suites tailored to meet your needs. 800-726-2982.

Ely, Burntside Lodge The National Register of Historic Places lists this entire resort (6 miles northwest of Ely) at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Cozy, updated 1920s to 1950s log cabins, some with kitchens and flower beds out front, make you feel as if you're at your own lake cottage. Indulge in a glorious dinner at the award-winning restaurant. 218-365-3894.

Ely, River Point Resort and Outfitting Co. In Superior National Forest 10 miles southeast of Ely, Steve and Jane Koschak transformed his family's fishing camp into a vacation retreat. Ten honey-colored cottages have screened-in porches and private docks. Three new villas pamper you with whirlpool baths. 800-456-5580.

Fergus Falls, Nims Bakketopp Haus Bed and Breakfast Hidden among maples on a steep hill that rises above Long Lake, this bed and breakfast's three guest rooms brim with antiques. Comfortable chaise lounges on a shady outdoor deck invite snoozing. 800-739-2915.

Grand Marais, Bearskin Lodge The sleek lodge, with its massive stone fireplace and tall windows, overlooks East Bearskin Lake, 27 miles northwest of Grand Marais next to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Eleven cabins and four townhouses line up along the lakeshore and tuck into the woods. All have fireplaces and private docks; some have screened porches. 800-338-4170.

Grand Marais, Golden Eagle Lodge During winter, cross-country ski for some 200 kilometers of groomed trails, then warm up in front of the fire. 800-346-2203.

Grand Marais, Gunflint Lodge Lodgings at this pampering north-woods retreat, 45 miles northwest of Grand Marais along the Gunflint Trail, include 23 cozy cabins with one to four bedrooms and luxurious new homes with handcrafted furnishings. Do your own cooking or enjoy specialties, such as applewood roasted pork loin with mushroom sauce, at the lodge. 800-328-3325 or 218-388-2294.

Grand Marais, Gunflint Pines Resort & Camp Grounds Enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides or cross-country ski along trails above the south shore of Gunflint Lake, 45 miles outside of Grand Marais. 218-388-4454.

Grand Marais, Heston's Lodge Seven cabins along Gunflint Lake. 800-338-7230.

Grand Marais, Naniboujou Lodge This historic retreat on the shore of Lake Superior (15 miles north of Grand Marais) started as a posh 1920s club. The owners have refurbished the 24 lodge rooms with handsome antiques and reproductions. Half of the rooms look out on Lake Superior. 218-387-2688.

Grand Marais, Old Northwoods Lodge Five cozy cabins along Poplar Lake, one of the oldest resorts on the Gunflint Trail. 800-682-8264.

Grand Marais, Pincushion Bed and Breakfast Four guest rooms just 3 miles north of Grand Marais. Miles of hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing trails are maintained at the doorstep, and views of sparkling Lake Superior are 1,000 feet below. 800-542-1226.

Grand Marais, Trail Center Lodge Three cabins along Poplar Lake. 218-388-2214.

Grand Portage, Grand Portage Lodge and Casino A 100-room lodge overlooking Lake Superior that features comfortable rooms, an indoor pool and sauna, a full service lakeview restaurant, and a state of the art casino. 800-543-1384.

Cohasset, Ruttger's Sugar Lake Lodge This secluded 400-acre retreat, nestled among thickets of spruce and white birch, stretches along the shores of ice-covered Sugar Lake. After a day of cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice skating, guests retreat to 12 lakefront villas or 42 condominiums, some with fireplaces. 218-327-1462.

Hastings, Rosewood Bed & Breakfast Inn This massive, renovated residence gives guests in this Mississippi River town a luxurious taste of bygone times. Visitors often choose to eat breakfast -- which features delicacies such as wild-rice quiche -- in their spacious, antique-filled rooms. Seven have fireplaces and double whirlpools; all eight include private baths. 651-437-3297.

Ray, Kettle Falls Hotel This inn hides so deep in northern Minnesota's Voyageurs National Park (35 miles east of International Falls) that the nearest road is 25 miles away, and guests arrive by boat. Antique beds, dressers and washstands furnish the 12 guest rooms. Fresh walleye stars on the menu. 888-534-6835 or 218-875-2070.

Isle, McQuoid's Inn This resort along Mille Lacs Lake has new motel rooms and condos, and in the winter offers fish house and snowmobile rentals and guide service. In the summer, guests can rent ATVs or go launch fishing. 800-862-3535.

Lake City, Red Gables Inn Enjoy a cozy night at this antique-filled bed and breakfast in town. 651-345-2605.

Lake Shore, Lost Lake Lodge On the Gull Lake Narrows and away from most of the area's vacation crowds, 81 acres of pine woods hide a spring-fed jewel: Lost Lake and this small, relaxed retreat. One of the 12 remodeled cabins (one to three bedrooms) fronts on Lost Lake; others face Gull Lake. All have decks. Two have full kitchens, each with a small refrigerator. 218-963-2681.

Lake Shore, Sandy Beach Resort Since 1938, visitors have enjoyed this resort located along the west shore of Gull Lake, 20 miles north of Brainerd. The 32 yellow-trimmed cottages are steps from the sandy shore. Each cottage comes with a fishing boat. 218-963-4458.

Lutsen, Caribou Highlands Lodge Guests appreciate the view, as they sink into overstuffed chairs beside massive stone fireplaces. In the two-story living rooms of the townhouses, walls of windows seem to bring the outdoors inside. 800-642-6036.

Lutsen, Eagle Ridge Condo accomodations (studio to three-bedroom) with ski in, ski out access. Located right in the mountains. 800-360-7666.

Lutsen, Lutsen Resort and Sea Villas Careful renovation hasn't tampered with the friendly north-country character of Minnesota's oldest resort on the Lake Superior shore. 800-258-8736.

Lutsen, The Mountain Inn This 30-room bed & breakfast style getaway is nestled right in the Lutsen Mountains. 800-686-4669.

Minneapolis, Hyatt Whitney Hotel at St. Anthony Falls Transformed from a flour mill into a hotel in 1987, the beige eight-story brick building overlooks the Mississippi River's roaring St. Anthony Falls. You can opt for a deluxe one-level room with high ceilings; a two-level room with spiral staircase; or the spacious penthouse suites, which offer access to a grand piano, fireplaces and whirlpools. 800-233-1234 or 612-375-1234.

Minneapolis, LeBlanc House Bed and Breakfast Inside the violet two-story inn, seven original stained-glass windows filter the sunlight streaming into the oak-floored living room, parlor and dining room. The two bedrooms (each with private bath) are named after three sisters who owned the inn. 612-379-2570.

Minneapolis, The Marquette Hotel With 277 deluxe oversized guest rooms and suites, this Minneapolis jewel is a favorite among visitors to downtown's IDS Center. Over 50 blocks of shops, restaurants, and entertainment are just footsteps away via the skyway system. 612-333-4545.

Minneapolis, Radisson Plaza Hotel This fancy hotel is conveniently located a block off the main drag downtown and is connected to the skyway. 800-333-3333.

Nisswa, Glacial Waters Spa Escape to northern Minnesota to pamper yourself at this rugged spa. Relax in cabins and treat yourself to luxury. 800-432-3788.

Nisswa, Grand View Lodge This first-class retreat has built a fine reputation for its carefully maintained cabins, restaurant in a classic log lodge, manicured grounds, four golf courses and family activities. 800-432-3788.

Nisswa, Quarterdeck Resort & Boathouse Eatery Relax at this resort located on the shores of Gull Lake. 800-950-5596.

Onamia, Izatys Resort At this resort, a championship 18-hole golf course and 65 townhomes line the south shore of Mille Lacs Lake. 320-532-3101.

Park Rapids, Brookside Resort Homey cabins make this northern Minnesota resort a family favorite. Lots of facilities for all ages include a nine-hole golf course. The 28 sunny-yellow log cottages overlook Two Inlets Lake, 14 miles northwest of Park Rapids and 10 miles from Itasca State Park. 800-247-1615 or 218-732-4093.

Pequot Lakes, Hay Lake Lodge Stay in a small, quiet colony with new townhouses. Closed for two weeks in February. 218-568-8811.

Pine River, Pine Ridge Lodge This remote retreat opened in 1896, and five of the original hand-hewn log cabins still house guests today. A dozen other cabins with plenty of north-woods character greet visitors. Log or cedar villas have views of the golf course and lake. 218-587-2296.

Pipestone, Historic Calumet Inn Step inside the lobby of this 1888 inn 50 miles northeast of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Guest stay in 41 rooms, each with a private bath, some with claw-foot bathtubs and two with a whirlpool. 800-535-7610.

Preston, JailHouse Inn You can slumber in the slammer at this jail-turned-Italiante-bed-and-breakfast. It pampers guests in 12 exquisite rooms, each with a private bath. In the Cell Block room, you even can sleep behind the jail's original iron bars. 507-765-2181.

Rainy Lake, Thunderbird Lodge East of International Falls, this lodge includes motel rooms and modern cabins. 800-351-5133.

Ray, Sandy Point Lodge Along Lake Kabetogama, cozy one-, two- and three-bedroom cabins welcome visitors to this secluded peninsula. 800-777-8595.

Red Wing, St. James Hotel It's the perfect setting for watching the Mississippi River roll by: Victorian elegance in 61 rooms, with flowered wallpaper and hand-quilted bedspreads. 800-252-1875.

Sanborn, Sod House on the Prairie Bed & Breakfast There's no electricity or running water, but you aren't totally roughing it in this comfortably furnished "rich man's soddy." 507-723-5138.

Sauk Centre, Palmer House Simple 1920s decor and small-town atmosphere define this classic along Main Street. 320-351-9100.

Spicer, Dickerson's Lake Florida Resort Window boxes overflowing with flowers and a plate of fresh-baked cookies on your kitchen table speak of homeyness and hospitality. The 13 nicely-decorated cocoa-brown cottages (with full kitchens) stand steps from the shore of shimmering Lake Florida. It's 6 miles west of the quiet resort town of Spicer in the Little Crow Lakes area of west-central Minnesota, 100 miles west of Minneapolis/St. Paul. 320-354-4272.

St. Paul, Chatsworth Bed and Breakfast The homey Victorian house accommodates visitors from around the world with its six guest rooms (two with a shared bath). Located near historic Summit Avenue with shopping at Grand Avenue's specialty stores, and only 15 minutes from the airport. 651-227-4288.

St. Paul, Best Western Kelly Inn Comfortable and basic in downtown St. Paul, with view of the capitol. 800-528-1234 or 651-227-8711.

St. Paul, Covington Inn Bed and Breakfast Float off to sleep at this former towboat-turned-inn. Each of the four cozy staterooms has an outside deck, fireplace and private bath. 651-292-1411.

St. Paul, Saint Paul Hotel Architects of New York's Grand Central Station designed this 1910 landmark, home of the renowned St. Paul Grill restaurant. The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts glitters across Rice Park. 651-292-9292.

Stillwater, Lumber Baron's Hotel Built in a town along the St. Croix River famous for the logging boom, lumber barons would feel right at home in this authentic, yet elegant inn. Guests staying in the 41 rooms can watch boats drift down the river or stroll the riverwalk promenade. 651-439-6000.

Stillwater, The Elephant Walk Bed and Breakfast The moment you ring the brass elephant-shaped bell and walk through the front door, you feel as if you'd entered the Orient. Innkeeper Rita Graybill packs her vintage Victorian bed and breakfast with eccentric antiques and keepsakes from across Asia. Four guest rooms each have a private bath. 651-430-0528.

Stillwater, Waterstreet Inn Built in 1890, this elegant, newly-restored hotel provides views of the St. Croix River Valley from a 300-foot-long patio. Inside the red brick three-story, the original tin ceiling crowns the lobby. 651-439-6000.

Tofte, Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior Waves crash almost at your doorstep, and wide views of Lake Superior fill tall windows of 18 new townhomes. A boardwalk links the original resort to the row of new sand-colored two-story buildings across a small bay. 800-258-3346.

Tower, Pike Bay Lodge Once a mining magnate's home, Pike Bay Lodge is located on Lake Vermillion in northern Minnesota, with Superior National Forest nearby and its 1,200 miles of shore. 800-4-PIKEBAY.

Vergas, Log House and Homestead on Spirit Lake The owner of this lodge has filled the guest loghouse and farmhouse with antiques and treasures. 800-342-2318.

Wabasha, Anderson House Minnesota's oldest opperating hotel has a restaurant that festures classic German specialties and giant cinnamon rolls. 800-565-4158.

Walker, Bailey's Resort Relax at this family resort, which includes nine housekeeping cabins on Leech Lake. 800-458-7540.

Walker, Brindley's Harbor Resort Spend a few nights at this resort with 19 housekeeping cabins along the Leech Lake shore, 15 miles from Walker. 218-547-1721.

Walker, Northland Lodge Adults at this small northern Minnesota resort, 9 miles east of Walker along Leech Lake, appreciate the 16 remodeled cabins. Kids love the activities, including pony rides and waterskiing every day. All the cabins include custom made furniture. 800-247-1719 or 218-836-2332.

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