Grand View Lodge

Are you longing for a superlative lodging experience? Look no further than the Grand View Lodge Spa & Golf Resort

I’ll set the stage. Here geese land on the lawn, black squirrels scamper throughout the grounds, Adirondack chairs invite you to chill, and seemingly in and around fireplaces are lit for warmth and atmosphere—all to the background of raven and crow calls.

This is Grand View Lodge Spa & Golf Resort. To envision it, think “Dirty Dancing,” the iconic old movie that featured a back-in-the-day 60s vacation getaway. Here, in the small Minnesotan town of Nisswa is a similar historic, lakeside resort sitting on 750 acres of land and offering eclectic activities like water sports and lawn games—but with a with luxury bent. The vibe is almost like an upscale summer camp. So treasured has the experience become to guests that many return year after year.

This is the land of 10,000 lakes, so let’s go to the shores of Gull Lake, home of Grand View Lodge. When you see the sign for Hole-in-the-Day Bay, you’ve arrived.

Tip: To get into the “Grand View” mood, start with a s’mores kit from the front desk (it’s complimentary).

In the Beginning . . .

An auspicious property, Grand View Lodge was built in 1921, but the charming retreat has expanded into an upscale vacation destination. Here you’ll find dozens of cabins and cottages interspersed with craftsman homes, the 60-room North Hotel (in addition to the Main Lodge), championship golf, innumerable specialty restaurants, 2,500 feet of sand beach fronting the lake and a two-level, full-service Glacial Waters Spa.

Selected in 1979 for the National Registry of Historic Places, the Main Lodge (the resort’s heart)—built from the property’s Norway pine—is one of today’s most well-preserved examples of early resort log construction. As part of its designation, the lodge cannot be altered by construction and only materials authentic to the early 1900s can be used throughout.

Eat and Drink

In Grand View tradition is its collection of different distinctive eateries, which begins with the Heritage Room. In typical “Grand” energy is the room’s expansive Grand Breakfast—comprised of a variety of egg dishes, savory meats, French toast, pancakes, fresh-from-the-oven sweet treats (daily selection), fruits, cereal and more.

CHAR craft steakhouse (year-round) is known for its premium and custom-prepared craft steaks, locally-sourced fish and fresh produce—all complemented by local wines, as well as Old and New World vinos.

It’s reminiscent of a French vineyard cellar with an intimate bar and dining room, so perfect for a cozy escape along with Cru (May-October).

Found in a small yellow-and-white home-like setting, complete with lace curtains, is Italian Gardens (May-October). From savory small plates to hearty platters meant for sharing, this restaurant takes diners on a flavorful journey of authentic Italian and Sicilian cuisine.

Tanque Verde Cantina (May-September) promises a taste of the Southwest without leaving the beach. Open from sunrise to sunset, this is the toes-in-the-sand place for such menu items as esquites fritters, street tacos and Chef Justin-inspired chilaquiles.

Located on The Pines Golf Course and acknowledged as the best sports bar north of Gull Lake, Freddy’s Sports Grill (year-round) has the textbook trifecta—food, fun and sports. Featuring eight big screen TVs, pub games, a full-service bar and tasty fare (i.e. bacon jam burger matched with the local Castle Cream Ale).

Tip: Sundays feature prime rib till the slow-smoked meat runs out, so get there early to enjoy.

Fore!

The resort offers golf on two championship courses situated within some of the state’s most striking forests and fragile wetlands. The Pines’ 27 holes give golfers a variety of possibilities with the Lakes, Woods, and Marsh nines; and The Preserve’s 18 holes are known for their elevated tees and tour-speed greens.

Prescription for Pampering

Glacial Waters Spa gives guests an escape from life’s bustle into the serene embrace of the wellness center’s natural healing waters. Consistently recognized as one of the nation’s best, the dual-level facility offers two relaxation lounges, an outdoor jacuzzi, a dry sauna and the distinctive 20-minute Halotherapy treatment (one of its many spa services).

This exclusive wellness treatment consists of dry salt therapy infused into the spa’s dedicated Halotherapy room. With pink hued walls of Himalayan salt blocks, rock salt flooring, two loungers and a background of restful music, the soothing service provides numerous benefits. From fighting infection and stress to aiding with skin conditions and sleeping, one’s wellness is enhanced by removing toxicity from the respiratory system.

Tip: A veteran of twenty-one years with Glacial Waters Spa, technician Josh Hayes, is a master masseur.

Get Going, Get Busy

Stretching more than 100 miles, the Paul Bunyan State Trail connects Nisswa with several in-the-vicinity towns. As the state’s longest paved bike trail, it gives guests the opportunity to ride on their own cycles or one provided by the resort.

Warmer months feature tennis, sand volleyball, swimming (in the waterfront pool or at the aqua facility), paddleboarding, banana boating, kayaking and pontoon cruises. And then there’s fishing, of course. With around 450 lakes within a 30-mile radius, this region is at the core of angling opportunities.

In winter, sports range from the more subdued possibilities of horse-drawn carriage rides and sledding to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating and snowmobiling.

Found in the daily schedule of always changing pastimes are such days-gone-by pursuits as paper chain making, biggest splash contest, sidewalk chalk, bingo, Dr. dodgeball, yoga and laser tag, among others.

The Scoop

Despite its abundance of activities, Grand View Lodge has the feel of a secluded sanctuary tucked into an undiscovered corner of the woods.

Tips: Consider traveling off-peak—winter, spring and fall as opposed to summer, as well as the slower days of Sundays and Mondays. While some eateries and activities are seasonal, non-summer stays entail fewer crowds and are easier on the wallet. 

In the End . . .

I was thankful. Thankful for those Minnesotan visionaries who foresaw the appeal of the state’s lakes region. Thankful for this step back into the best of the past. And thankful for the legacy of leisure— Grand View Lodge Spa & Golf Resort.