To envision Grand View Lodge Spa & Golf Resort (Grand View Lodge), think “Dirty Dancing,” the iconic generations-ago movie that featured a back-in-the-day, 1960s-like vacation getaway. Here, in the small Minnesotan town of Nisswa is a similar historic, on-the-lake resort sitting on 750 acres of land and serving up such wholesome activities as lawn games and water sports—now coupled with luxury. The resulting vibe is that of an upscale summer camp. So treasured has the experience become to guests that many return year after year to a reward of a lifetime of cherished memories.
In this land of 10,000 lakes, with such bodies of water as Christmas Lake, Forget-Me-Not Lake and Ice Cracking Lake, let’s go to the shores of Gull Lake, home of Grand View Lodge. When you see signage for Hole-in-the-Day Bay, you’ve arrived.
To set the stage, this is where geese land on the lawn, black squirrels scamper throughout the grounds past Adirondack chairs scattered about for lounging and in and around fireplaces seemingly always lit for warmth and atmosphere—all to the background of raven and crow calls.
Tip: Get in the mood with a complimentary s’mores kit from the front desk.
In the Beginning . . .
While the resort was founded in 1916 and Grand View Lodge was built in 1921—the charming retreat has since 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 the two-level, full-service Glacial Waters Spa.
Selected in 1979 for the National Registry of Historic Places, the Main Lodge (the heart of the resort)—built from the property’s Norway pine—is one of today’s most well-preserved examples of early resort log construction. And as part of its celebrated designation, the lodge cannot be altered by construction and only materials authentic to the early 1900s can be used throughout.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
In Grand View tradition is its collection of all distinctive, all different eateries, which begins with the Heritage Room (year-round). 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 (selection changes daily), 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.
For a cozy escape reminiscent of a French vineyard cellar, along with an intimate wine bar and dining room, is Cru (May-October).
Found in a small yellow-and-white home-like setting, complete with windows of lace curtains, is Italian Gardens (May-October). From savory small plates to hearty platters meant for sharing, the restaurant takes diners on a flavorful journey of authentic Italian and Sicilian cuisine.
Appealing to those looking for a family-friendly environment is Northwoods Pub (year-round). Nestled in the lower level of the Main Lodge, it’s a casual option created for watching favorite sports while savoring chef-inspired dishes and sipping on local craft brews—accompanied by live entertainment.
Offering many appealing features of outdoor dining—a welcoming patio, cozy fire pits, cascading waterfalls and a chic stone bar—is On the Rocks (May-September). In an atmosphere of peaceful ambiance, the eatery has become the place to unwind in style with handcrafted cocktails, assorted appetizers, mouthwatering burgers and succulent sandwiches—all complemented by stunning views.
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 masseuse.
Get Busy, Get Going
Stretching more than 100 miles, the rail-trail named 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 of those 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. 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.
Here’s 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.
Tip: Consider off-peak travel—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 require less money.
At the End of the Day . . .
At the end of my stay, kudos to those Minnesotan visionaries who foresaw the charming appeal of the state’s lakes region in the creation of a legacy of leisure— Grand View Lodge Spa & Golf Resort.
