Looking for options for a family (wife, 2 kids, likely 2 grandparents) vacation in the latter part of july. Like to bring my boat and be on the water. Prefer things to do like golf, shop, eateries, social areas. Looking at Arrowhead at Alexandria, Chase on the Lake in Walker, etc. Not looking to get much further north.
We used to go to broken arrow in Alexandria, it’s on that big chain of lakes there. Nice spot. Good fishing opportunities.
I think Broken Arrow is private now…
Nothing wrong with Arrowwood and Alexandria (except too close to home for me). Lots of things to do in that area. Many golf courses,restaurants and winerys around.
We like Grand view lodge on Gull Lake. More lodging options than Arrowwood and better pool. Never had a boat there though.
Craguns or Maddens would be at the top of my list, far better golf courses and similar everything else.
Arrowwood recently sold. Many parts of the building/property were being neglected. Lots of complaints about the water park. I’m guessing there will be lots of renovations in the near future. We boat up to the deck bar quite a few times each summer.
DT
Contrary to popular belief, Craguns is not very “boat friendly.” There’s very limited trailer parking and depending on how busy it is, you may need to park your trailer a significant distance from your room (which bothers me at night or when its unattended). I’ve stayed there each summer for a few days recently and didn’t bring my own boat, but noticed this issue each time.
Other than that it’s a nice place with lots to do.
Can’t comment about Maddens.
No opinions on Chase on the Lake? New ownership and recently I’ve seen much more positive information.
No opinions on Chase on the Lake? New ownership and recently I’ve seen much more positive information.
I’m not a big fan of Chase, why go all the way up north to stay in a cities style busy hotel? Their restaurant is solid, and it’s nice for wandering around Walker’s shops and restaurants though. Personally I’d rather go to Trapper’s Landing or one of the other more rustic style resorts. Also, our cabin is just down the road, and the golf up there is fine but no where near as good as Brainerd or the Iron Range. Best courses are Tianna and Headwaters and those are city prices ($80-90 rounds) but lesser quality imo.
Cragun’s (and Maddens) are very boat friendly if you do a little research and book accordingly fyi (Cabin instead of hotel)
Cragun’s (and Maddens) are very boat friendly if you do a little research and book accordingly fyi (Cabin instead of hotel)
You probably have a point. It was only ever me and the wife and we always stayed at one of the hotel-type buildings. The individual cabins would certainly mitigate the trailer issue. There would obviously be no reason for 2 people to rent out an 8 person cabin in my situation.
Contrary to popular belief, Craguns is not very “boat friendly.” There’s very limited trailer parking and depending on how busy it is, you may need to park your trailer a significant distance from your room (which bothers me at night or when its unattended). I’ve stayed there each summer for a few days recently and didn’t bring my own boat, but noticed this issue each time.
Hmm, not sure I’ve ever been to a “boat friendly” resort then but it’s always been fine.
Hmm, not sure I’ve ever been to a “boat friendly” resort then but it’s always been fine.
You probably have more time at a “resort” than I do Reef. I’m paranoid about leaving my boat unattended for any length of time, especially when it has to be parked a distance from where I am located.
Izaty’s is back open and checks all your boxes.
We just got back from Madden’s. I’m not a big Resort guy, but my wife likes it, and it was her Work Retreat. We stayed in one of the Condos that looks over Wilson Bay. We took the boat to Ernie’s and The Quarterdeck for Lunch/snacks ect. Madden’s also has all kinds of amenities to take advantage of. The boat docks at first come, first served. But, there were plenty of spots everyday. It’s in a nice man made bay, so you’re boat is pretty well protected from wind. I left everything in my boat each night; three locaters, TM, ect, nothing was every moved.
I will say the Pizza joint was ok. Toppings were decent, crust was good, but the sauce needed more flavor. The Pub was fun after about 9:30pm, Mission Point was great; Scallops were cooked perfectly and the wait staff were top notch. The Ice Scream Shop would be great for kids. We left ours with GPa and GMa.
Crappie fishing on Gull was fantastic. Small 2″ swimbait is all you need.
Anything around fergus falls or ottertail county?
Kicked around the idea of buying a condo at Chase for a number of years. I Like Walker for wife/daughter, MN fish HOF, Reeds, etc. Also have fond memories of going to the Federal Dam with a bucket full of shiners and catching pike at will while sitting on shore. Is that still a thing?
No opinions on Chase on the Lake? New ownership and recently I’ve seen much more positive information.
My wife and I stayed at Chase for a weekend about 5 years ago.
The restaurant was wonderful and overlooks the lake.
The room was fine, but right up the stairs from the bar where a live band was playing. Pretty noisy.
I can’t review any of the amenities. We used the hotel as a home base to go hiking in nearby state parks and sightseeing.
going to the Federal Dam with a bucket full of shiners and catching pike at will while sitting on shore. Is that still a thing?
Yeah, I stopped there a couple years back, and hooked up with about a half dozen hammer handles in short order throwing a jig and white plastic.
The Thunderbird Lodge on Rainy Lake would get my vote. But it has been a few years since I was there.
Only 4 resorts left on Otter Tail. Over 1000 lakes in the county, so plenty of options for all species of fish. I don’t have any availability until mid-August, but would be happy to give some advice to other options in the area. Send me a PM if you’d like.
The Thunderbird Lodge on Rainy Lake would get my vote. But it has been a few years since I was there.
Fact! Awesome place! Well worth the drive wherever you are coming from. Awesome food and nice accommodations from what I’ve seen when friends stay there and we visit them. Lots of shopping and stuff to do in International Falls with everything a person needs. Also the fishing and scenery on Rainy Lake is second to none.
Breezy Point would be a great option. Checks all of your boxes.
Rainy is a little far for the kids. Coming from SE SD
Only 4 resorts left on Otter Tail. Over 1000 lakes in the county, so plenty of options for all species of fish. I don’t have any availability until mid-August, but would be happy to give some advice to other options in the area. Send me a PM if you’d like.
PM Sent
I think Broken Arrow is private now…
Looks like recent reviews on Google maps, but not sure why my extended family stopped going. We have our own place up near vermilion so I always go there nowadays since lodging is, well, free.
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Mike Schulz wrote:</div>
I think Broken Arrow is private now…Looks like recent reviews on Google maps, but not sure why my extended family stopped going. We have our own place up near vermilion so I always go there nowadays since lodging is, well, free.
they were selling the cabins off not so many years ago
Chase had bad reviews for along time. Any recent reviews? Like the area.
Craguns works fine for those with a boat. Good marina staff and they do sell fuel at the end of the main dock. We stayed there maybe 5 summers and an additional 3 Memorial weekends with our boat.
Trailer – it may be a bit aways. Just lock the trailer hitch. Access into Craguns is often limited … never had an issue.
Boats are parked along strong docks … they did not have lifts when I had my boat there. BUMPERS are a must. Boat never got damaged … never felt like the boat was going to be pillaged.
Gull is a fantastic multi-species lake … one of my favorites.
Craguns have half day and all day kids camps with activities if you want an afternoon with just the wife.
Maddens is a bit more upscale.
I am not a fan of Grandview if you are fishing. Much of the lodging is really far from the water.
There are other great resorts on Gull if you look around a bit.
Looking at Madden’s and Cragun’s….
Booked at Chase On The Lake for end of july. Planning to bring my boat and fish & tube With wife and kids. We also plan to golf, go to MN fishing Hall of Fame, and a picnic at federal damn to catch pike. Needless to say, multiple trips to Reeds for gear. Any advice is welcome.
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