40 FAQs For Your MN Resort Vacation in Grand Rapids, MN

MN Resort Vacation in Grand Rapids, MN

40 FAQS FOR YOUR MINNESOTA RESORT VACATION

in Grand Rapids, MN

Everything You Never Thought to Ask

about a stay at Wildwood Resort

The MN resort vacation in Grand Rapids, MN, is kinda our thing. We have over 30 years of experience providing MN family vacations at Wildwood Resort. Since signs of spring are starting to pop up everywhere, it’s time to start thinking about summer vacation at Wildwood! For that reason, we decided to compile a list of our most frequently asked questions:

FAQs

When is the best time to visit Grand Rapids, MN?
The best time to visit Wildwood Resort for a MN resort vacation in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, depends on you! If you want warm weather and lake days, we recommend late June through mid-August. If you want the best fishing, we would recommend late May through June and September into early October when the lake temps are cooler. If you want to ice fish, we recommend early January to early March. If you snowmobile, we recommend mid-January through February.  
Cabins are fully furnished with full-sized appliances, pots, pans, dishes, and glassware. We also provide blenders, coffee pots, K-Cup coffee pots, crockpots, electric griddles, and an electric skillet. Outside, we provide a gas grill with propane included, a picnic table, outdoor chairs, and a private fire pit. We also provide garbage bags, paper towels, toilet tissue, dish soap, and dishwasher soap.
Our guests need to bring kitchen and bath towels, groceries, toiletries, and personal items. Other items you might consider include nightlights, a tablecloth for the picnic table, insect repellent, a fillet knife, Ziploc bags and/or kitchen storage containers, a flashlight, and any consumables (salt and pepper, etc.). Sign-in information for your subscription channels is helpful if you plan to watch TV while on vacation.
Rokus and/or smart TVs are available in all of our cabins.
Yes, we have high-speed internet.

Our deposits are non-refundable after January 1 of the year of your stay.

Check-in is 4:00 pm on your day of arrival, and check-out is 9:00 am on your day of departure.

No, we do not allow pets of any kind.
All our cabins are non-smoking, and we do not allow guests to vape indoors. We do not allow marijuana to be smoked on our property.
All taxable items are subject to 6.875% state sales tax and 1% county sales tax. Cabin rentals are subject to an additional 3% lodging fee.
We only book by the week from the 1st of June until mid-August. From mid-August through May, we have a 2-night minimum stay requirement.
Oak Lodge is a 6-bedroom duplex that will sleep up to 16 people.
Aspen Lodge and Cedar Lodge are both 2-bedroom cabins that will sleep 5-6 people.
Aspen Lodge is our most private cabin.
We sell souvenirs, clothing, candy, and some pre-packaged ice cream treats.

No, but you can purchase them at several locations in Grand Rapids, MN. You can also purchase them online, and we are happy to help you with that.

We have boats and pontoons available for rent.

We do not allow jet skis.

Yes. We have a private boat launch, and cabin rental includes dock space for your boat.

Yes, we have electricity on our docks.
Yes – night crawlers and leeches. But there are excellent bait stores nearby if you prefer to fish with minnows.
Yes, we sell premium gasoline onsite.
Yes, we have lifejackets for everyone.
We do not have washers or dryers in the cabins. However, we have a seasonal laundry room that is available from mid-May through September. You do not need quarters for laundry; we add the cost of the loads you wash and dry to your bill.

We are located 8 miles west of Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

Grand Rapids, MN is 8 miles away and has two large SuperOne grocery stores, plus an Aldi, Walmart, Target and S&S Meats.

Florio’s Grill & Tavern is 2 miles from the resort in Cohasset, MN, and there are many more excellent dining establishments in the Itasca County area.

Wildwood Resort is a year-round destination for any MN resort vacation in Grand Rapids, MN. During the winter, the Grand Rapids, Minnesota area has snowmobile trails, cross-country ski trails, fat tire bike trails, and snowshoe trails. Ice fishing is also a popular winter activity. During the spring, summer and fall, visitors enjoy hiking trails, biking trails and watersports on area lakes. Grand Rapids, MN, offers shopping, dining, and entertainment options. There are museums, including the Judy Garland Museum/Children’s Discovery Museum, Forest History Center, and Itasca County Historical Society. Visit our Area Attractions page for a detailed list of things to do in Grand Rapids, MN.

Our sandy beach has a safe, gradual decline into deeper water. The average water depth at the end of our docks is less than 4 feet. We provide lounge chairs and toys for playing in the sand. Our guests enjoy free use of our kayaks, SUPs, hydro-bikes and hydro-paddlers. Bass Lake has a soft bottom, so weeds do grow in the lake bottom, but we clear weeds from the swimming area regularly.

Activities for the kids include enjoying our safe, sandy beach, including sand toys, kayaks, SUPs, and hydrobikes. We have a playground, basketball court and yard games. We also have a membership at the Children’s Discovery Museum so that our guests can go free of charge.
We do not have a pool, sauna or hot tub.
Yes! Our west-facing location on Bass Lake offers a front row seat for beautiful sunsets.
Bass Lake (DNR ID 31057600) is well-known for panfish, specifically sunfish varieties and crappie. It is a naturally reproducing walleye lake, and it does benefit from every-other-year walleye stocking by the DNR. Northern pike and largemouth bass are plentiful, while smallmouth bass are present but not as numerous as largemouth.
Except for our swimming area, fishing from our docks is allowed.
Very occasionally, guests who have spent time wading in the shallow weeds where swimmer’s itch is common have reported it. Guests swimming in our swimming area or in the open lake do not contract swimmer’s itch.
We do not have any campsites and do not allow campers or sleeping tents for overflow guests.
Yes, each cabin at Wildwood Resort has a private fire ring. We require guests to buy firewood locally (per the DNR’s request), but we also sell firewood for $10 a generous load.

No.

Four Reasons to Spend Your MN Summer Vacation in Grand Rapids, MN 

Wildwood Resort near Grand Rapids, MN

4 REASONS TO SPEND YOUR MN SUMMER VACATION

in Grand Rapids, MN

We have been operating Wildwood Resort near Grand Rapids, MN since 1999. In our nearly 30 years here we have developed a strong opinion on why vacationers should spend their Minnesota summer vacation in the Grand Rapids, MN area. Are we biased? YES! But that doesn’t make us wrong. 

Woods & Water

Nature at Your Doorstep!

Minnesota is known as the land of 10,000 lakes, but did you know that Itasca County has more than 1,000 of those lakes within its borders? Look at an arial map of the Grand Rapids, MN lakes area and it seems like you see nothing but water and trees! Our county also has nearly 296,000 forested acres managed by the county and five major, named forests that are within or border the county including:

NATURAL & HISTORICAL

points of interest

Many of the visitors who stay with us spend their summer vacation days playing on Bass Lake. But there are many more who make the time to take in the natural beauty and historically significant points of interest nearby.

Grand Rapids, MN is home to: 

Itasca County is home to:

Venture just a little farther from Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and you will find the Mississippi Headwaters, Soudan Mine, the International Wolf Center or the Vince Schute Wildlife Center. 

Dining, Shopping & Entertainment

in Grand Rapids

The thing I love most about owning a resort in this area is that within minutes, guests can find dining, shopping and entertainment in town OR they can find themselves amidst the woods and water of Itasca County.

Wildwood Resort is located just 10 minutes out of Grand Rapids, Minnesota where visitors can shop at national retailers or in locally owned shops. 

Visitors can dine out at some of the same restaurants they find in their hometowns, or they can experience unique dining experiences in locally owned and operated diners and breweries. 

The Reif Center offers visitors world class performances and concerts while local venues showcase live music with regional talent. VisitGrandRapids is an excellent resource for more information about all there is to see and do in Grand Rapids, MN.

STAY & PLAY

relax & reconnect

MN family vacations at Wildwood Resort in Grand Rapids, MN

Wildwood Resort near Grand Rapids, MN is a year round destination for those seeking a Minnesota family vacation in the heart of the northwoods. With our focus on comfort, amenities and customer service, our guests can focus on rest, relaxation and relationships! Book your Minnesota summer vacation in Grand Rapids by calling 218-328-5858 or checking our online availability. 

FAQs

How far is Itasca State Park from Wildwood Resort?

Itasca State Park is 90 miles west of Wildwood Resort.

There are 2 breweries: Klockow Brewery & Rapids Brewing Company.

The Chippewa National Forest is the closest forest to Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
There are over 1,000 lakes in Itasca County with approximately 870 to 950 lakes larger than 10 acres.

Wildwood Resort is approximately 6.5 miles from Grand Rapids, MN.

Wildwood Resort is 199 miles (approximately 3.5 hours) from Minneapolis/St.Paul airport (MSP).

Why Book Your Minnesota family Vacation Cabin Now?

Minnesota family vacation cabin

WHY BOOK YOUR MN FAMILY VACATION CABIN NOW

in Grand Rapids, MN

Family Friendly Lodging on Bass Lake | Grand Rapids, MN

Is where I book

in Minnesota important?

Minnesota family vacation cabin

Yes! And the earlier you book your Minnesota family vacation cabin the more likely you are to find the location you want. Consider these things:

 

  • Where in Minnesota do you want your Minnesota family vacation cabin to be located?

  • What type of Minnesota resort meets your needs?

  • What is there to do nearby my MN family vacation cabin?

Where in Minnesota you book your family vacation cabin matters when it comes to distance from your home. Do you want to stay near your home to minimize drive time? Or do you want to be somewhere with no cell service? Consider how far you want to travel because Minnesota is a big state

Where you go also speaks to the kind of Minnesota family resort you want. Do you want a large resort with lots of people and lots of activity? Or do you prefer a “Mom and Pop” resort that is owned by the same person that rakes the beach every morning? Both have positives but at Wildwood Resort in Grand Rapids, MN we believe in treating guests the way we want to be treated.

Where you vacation at a Minnesota family resort might be dictated on what you want to do or see. If day trips to educational or natural attractions are important then make sure the area you target has lots for you to see. Book your Minnesota family vacation cabin near bike trails, restaurants, shopping attractions, festivals, sporting events, historical sites, lakes or rivers that interest you!

When is the Best Time to Rent a

Minnesota Family Vacation Cabin?

Minnesota family vacation cabin

NOW! Booking your Minnesota family vacation cabin early means that you are most likely to be able to secure the dates that work for you. Consider these points:

 

  • What type of Minnesota resort meets your needs?

  • What size cabin do you need?

  • What do you want to do on your Minnesota family vacation?

  • Do you like hot weather?

  • Is it important to you that you catch fish?

  • Are your PTO days hard to schedule?

  • Do you need time to save up for vacation?

We like to say that there is a Minnesota resort for everyone from fishing resorts to family resorts to corporate resorts! If you target a species of fish then make sure you choose a resort on a lake (or near a lake) that is known for that species. If you want to focus on the kids then choose a family-friendly resort that offers lots for kids to do. Think about what activities mean the most to you can choose accordingly.

Book early to make sure that you can find the right size cabin for your group. In general, the larger the group the harder it is to find the right resort, at the right time with the right size & number of cabins open. If you are flexible, then you can wait to book but if not, then call today!

When to book also depends on the weather you find most ideal. If you do not appreciate the hot summer sun, then book where and when it is cool. That means May or early June at a northern Minnesota family vacation cabin. Up north the warmest and sunniest summer days usually come during the last week of June through the first week of August.

If your ideal Minnesota family vacation cabin is on a lake where you can catch lots of fish then consider time of year in terms of the fish life cycle and the classification of lake. Mother Nature dictates that different species spawn at different times, lake temperatures and in different habitat. Make sure the timeframe you book works for the fish you want to catch!

PTO days can be hard to come by in some companies. The earlier you book your Minnesota family vacation cabin the better the chances that you can reserve your time off. And if your group is a large one, then planning in advance gives everyone time to put in for their vacation days.

Finally, the earlier you book your Minnesota vacation the more time you give yourself to add pennies to the vacation piggy bank.

FAQs

Why book a cabin at Wildwood Resort in Grand Rapids, MN?

Wildwood has been hosting Minnesota family vacations on the shore of Bass Lake near Grand Rapids, MN since 1938. Our cabins offer guests all of the comforts of home including AC, dishwasher, Roku TV, fireplace, full kitchens and family-friendly atmosphere. Grand Rapids, Minnesota is a quick 10 minute drive from the resort where guests find shopping, dining and entertainment. Located in the heart of Itasca County, Wildwood is the perfect home base from which to launch your outdoor recreation activities including snowmobiling, x-skiing, snowshoeing, biking, hiking, ATVing and day trips.

Now! Visit our Online Availability page to see our current openings.

Calling All Girlfriends! Plan a Girlfriend Getaway in Grand Rapids, MN

girlfriend getaway in Grand Rapids, MN

CALLING ALL GIRLFRIENDS

Plan Your Getaway

Family Friendly Lodging on Bass Lake | Grand Rapids, MN

4 ideas for your

Wildwood Resort Girlfriend Getaway

I read a book once that talked about how women “pour themselves out into everyone around them” so the need to refill our “pitchers” is very real. Taking care of ourselves means we can continue to care for all of those in our lives who mean so much to us! In support of “full pitchers” I suggest you plan a girlfriend getaway with all of your favorite girls! Here are 4 ideas for a fun-filled girls’ weekend at Wildwood Resort in Grand Rapids, MN:

• Relaxing Girlfriend Getaway Weekend
• Crafting Girlfriend Getaway Weekend
• Cookie Exchange Girlfriend Getaway Weekend
• Book Club Girlfriend Getaway Weekend

1.

MINNESOTA RELAXING

Girlfriend Getaway Weekend

I have a group of Grand Rapids, MN friends who get together at Wildwood Resort every spring. Our theme is “no shame” which means that we can participate in group activities (or not) with NO SHAME. We do not have to shower, wear makeup, or hang out the whole time. We all get to do what we want, whenever we want during our weekend.

• Meals are a group effort where two or three ladies take each breakfast and dinner and decide in their small group what they will make for the meal. We bring food for the meal we are helping with and snacks and drinks to share.
• We schedule massage therapists to come out to the resort for on-site massages, and we usually do a group craft.
• In the past, we have brought in artists to help us make jewelry or guided painting projects. Other years, we have done our own craft where we’ve made signs, chunky blankets, and porch pots.

Most of all, we laugh like crazy and share our lives in a way we can’t during normal day-to-day life. Another girlfriend group that stays at Wildwood annually rents a portable sauna to enjoy during their weekend. Regardless of your idea of relaxation, it’s a weekend meant to recharge your batteries through rest and renewed connections with the important women in your life. It’s impossible to do it wrong!

2. Crafting Girlfriend

Getaway Weekend

We have several groups of ladies who gather here at Wildwood on an annual basis for crafting weekends. I’m always so jealous when they move in because I love the idea of quilting or scrapbooking for an entire weekend!

We provide extra tables and chairs, and they rearrange the furniture to set up their work stations. Then they work on projects for DAYS without having to clean up their workspace.

Often, we see lights on into the wee hours of morning and I imagine them working and sleeping as they choose. We have hosted scrapbooking weekends, knitting weekends, and quilting retreats. Crafters are so creative so if you can imagine the perfect crafting weekend then you can make it happen here at Wildwood Resort.

3. Cookie Exchange Girlfriend

Getaway Weekend

One year, that same group of local friends that I mentioned above decided to try a December getaway weekend where we did a holiday cookie exchange.

That weekend, the cabin smelled AMAZING as friends worked on completing their holiday baking. Not everyone baked…some of us just washed dishes and helped decorate cookies. We exchanged tried-and-true holiday recipes that have been handed down through generations of our families. We made holiday-themed drinks, had an ugly sweater contest, and even got some of our holiday shopping done online!

I enjoyed that weekend a little extra because it was a productive weekend that refilled my pitcher in the midst of a busy holiday season. I can imagine doing another weekend preparing freezer meals where everyone gets new recipes and also goes home with freezer meals to make life a little easier during busy weeks. Oak Lodge has a perfect setup for a cooking weekend with friends thanks to its two fully furnished kitchens!

4. Book Club Girlfriend

Getaway Weekend

I have a local friend who does “Book Camp” with one of her book clubs. She plans a weekend that includes overnight accommodations, yummy food, lots of reading and literary-related crafts!

She plans meals based on books that the group has read which can be catered or prepared by the group. She packs a lot of reading time into the weekend and even has group goals for the number of pages read.

One of her creative ideas for activities includes lunch in Grand Rapids, MN and then time spent reading at local parks and touring local book stores. She also plans fun book-related activities, including literary-themed jigsaw puzzles, book-themed games of Charades, painting bricks to resemble book spines, or bedazzling jackets of favorite books. Level up your book club experience with a stay in one of our cozy cabins!

Contact us today to plan your Girlfriend Getaway in Grand Rapids, MN!

FAQs

How many people can stay in a cabin at Wildwood Resort

Whether you are looking to have an intimate weekend for two or a scrapbooking weekend for twenty, our new cabins are sure to accommodate your group.

When booking your girls’ getaway, please let us know you would like to have a massage therapist, a local artist teach a lesson, etc… and we can provide you with contact information.

Yes. Each cabin has a Weber gas grill.

There are a lot of great places to enjoy dinner. If you can provide us with a few more details, we can give you recommendations.

Rent A Cozy Winter Cabin to relax and reconnect

Winter Getaways in a cozy winter cabin at Wildwood Resort in Grand Rapids, MN

What is your idea of a perfect winter weekend at Wildwood Resort? Does it include reading by the fire, doing crafts or playing games in a cozy winter cabin? There are a lot of people we have met who would say they would NEVER visit Wildwood in the winter because they do not like cold weather activities. I am challenging that in this blog post because the real issue is found in how you define “cold weather activities.”

Winter Getaways in a cozy winter cabin at Wildwood Resort in Grand Rapids, MN

Most people would define them as snowmobiling, ice fishing and x-country skiing. But I also include napping by the fireplace, cooking comfort food in the crockpot, playing games, reading books, watching movies and doing crafts all while looking out the window at a winter wonderland! You can do ALL of those fun and cozy “cold weather” activities during a winter weekend at Wildwood.

crafting weekends in a cozy winter cabin
Winter is perfect for crafting weekends

We believe that there is nothing better than a long weekend Up North to break up a long Minnesota winter. All of our cabins have in-floor heat and gas fireplaces. Our cozy, winter cabin kitchens are fully furnished with everything you need to prepare hot meals on cold days and our peaceful setting on the shore of Bass Lake could not be more beautiful! It is the perfect place to spend time reconnecting with the people who mean the most to you.

Play in the Snow and Return to Our Cozy Winter Cabin

cozy winter cabin
There’s nothing better than a warm stay on a cold night

Even in low-snow years our guests find lots to do in our area! Ardent Bicycles rents x-skis, snowshoes and bikes for use on area trails including Tioga Recreation area. The Reif Center makes world-class performances accessible in northern Minnesota and the Judy Garland Museum allows fans to peek behind the scenes during a Stolen Ruby Red Slippers Tour. The Forest History Center will take visitors on a horse-drawn forest tour while the Escape Room at the Itasca County Historical Society offers a fun and challenging way to spend a winter afternoon.

Winter really can be wonderful during a relaxing winter stay at Wildwood Resort!

northern lights at wildwood resort
There’s nothing more breathtaking than northern lights over a frozen lake

PLAN YOUR FALL COLORS GETAWAY TO WILDWOOD RESORT

fall colors getaway at Wildwood Resort in Grand Rapids, Minnesota

“Stay 3 nights and Get 4th night free”
Book now!
https://guest.rezstream.com/search/wildwood-resort 

Itinerary Ideas for a Fall Colors Getaway in the Grand Rapids, MN Area

Even though it is only mid-August, I can’t help feeling like summer is over. That makes me so sad because summer is easily my favorite time of year! However, I suppose since it IS the middle of August that it’s natural for thoughts to turn to the next season on the docket. Fall is just around the corner!

An autumn stay at Wildwood is peaceful! The fall foliage is gorgeous, the days are usually sunny and the nights are cool. Even when the resort is full of guests there is a stillness about the days that is restful. Does that sound good to you? It does to me, too! So I put together some ideas for things to do while during your fall get-away to Wildwood.

  1. RELAX at your lake-side cabin! The buzz of activity that marks our summer has faded away and has been replaced with a slow, easy feeling. You can read on your couch with the windows open or sit on the patio with the sun on your face. You can hit the lake for some fall fishing where the color on the trees make a beautiful backdrop for the deep blue of the water. At night you can sit around the fire and stare up at a star-filled sky or play games around the kitchen table with your friends or family. Mostly, you can do whatever you want on a schedule that you make up. That sounds like Minnesota resort heaven!
  2. GET OUTSIDE and enjoy the incredible scenery in Itasca County! Our favorite thing about the Grand Rapids, MN area is its natural beauty and the opportunities it provides for outdoor recreation. With more than 1,000 lakes and thousands of acres of natural forest, this area is a dream destination for hikers, bikers, hunters and ATVers. Bring up (or rent!) an ATV/OHV and explore more than 200 miles of ATV trails in addition to forest/logging and county roads. Year round Itasca County’s trail systems provide hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails. In the fall these trails offer access to areas off the beaten path to take in the gorgeous fall colors.
  3. FISH BASS LAKE or any of the 999 surrounding lakes in Itasca County! The Grand Rapids, Minnesota area is blessed to be located in the midst of Minnesota lakes country. Bass Lake is a 2400 acre lake primarily known for big panfish but anglers also find walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. As with so many other lakes in this area, Bass Lake is clean and clear with low fishing pressure. Our guests enjoy access to Bass Lake with their own boats or with one of our rental fishing boats or pontoons.
  4. HUNT GROUSE on any of the 1,000,000+ acres of publicaly accessible land including the UPM Blandin Forests, Chippewa National Forest, George Washington State Forest, and many thousands of tax forfeit lands that have been designated for public access for outdoor recreation, hunting and fishing. Duck hunters have access to 1,000+ lakes that are publicly accessible as well. Itasca County is a bird hunting paradise!
  5. ENJOY FALL COLORS around every curve of scenic driving tours in Itasca County! Spend your time Up North exploring our beautiful back country by car or by motorcycle. Pick one (or all) of four driving tours showcasing gorgeous fall colors.
  6. Take in COMMUNITY EVENTS such as Riverfest or the Highway 38 garage sales the 3rd weekend of September. Visit the Forest History Center and take in their fall programming, The Reif Center for world-class performing arts or The Judy Garland Museum for a guided tour about the Ruby Slippers Theft. Visit our vibrant community filled with fabulous dining, shopping and entertainment opportunities.

Wildwood Resort is the perfect destination for your fall colors getaway whether you aim to rest and rejuvenate or explore the natural beauty of the Grand Rapids, MN area. Call 218-328-5858 today or visit our website to book online!

Watch the sun go down over a campfire
Fall fishing
Fall fishing made beautiful by the fall colors
Group of people spending time together
Gather with family and friends
relaxing on a minnesota family reunion vacation
Relax!
women crafting in a cabin
Fall is perfect for crafting weekends
Restaurant table with food
Explore all of the dining options in the Grand Rapids, MN area
fishing for norther pike
Fall fishing is some of the best fishing of the open water year
Itasca County fall color tours
During your fall colors getaway drive the scenic byways in our area and enjoy fall foliage
fall colors getaway
Get out in the woods – hike or bike and enjoy nature
ohv in the woods
Ride thousands of miles of trails and forestry roads

Plan Your winter getaway in minnesota at Wildwood Resort

Getting Ready for Minnesota Winter

As we prepare to host your winter getaway in Minnesota, life at Wildwood Resort has gotten pretty quiet! The deer hunters have come and gone, the docks are out of the lake and the boats have been put to bed for winter. Since we pulled the docks out of the lake the shoreline looks very lonely. However, it feels good to be ready for the Minnesota winter season and it feels REALLY good to take a rest after a busy season! The fall has been a strangely warm one but we have appreciated good weather since it made readying the resort for winter so much easier. Our June rainfall was crazy but after the end of that month we received very little moisture. The lake is as low today as it was last fall so we are hoping for lots of snow this winter to make up the deficit. But before the snow we need cold temps to make good ice. So…if you’re including Wildwood in your prayers tonight we are requesting cold weather, good ice and then lots of snow…in that order. 😉

Winter Getaways in Minnesota winter cabin

Cozy Cabins and Girlfriend Getaways

It’s not too early to start planning for a winter getaway in Minnesota at Wildwood Resort! Our cabins are cozy and comfortable – perfect for relaxing with family and friends or planning a crafting weekend or quilting retreat with your girlfriends. Our cabins are fully furnished and chock-full of amenities like gas fireplaces, free wi-fi, cable TV and and incredible view of Bass Lake! Watch movies, scrapbook, play games or take long winter’s naps by the fireplace – how you enjoy a weekend at Wildwood is up to you!

two women doing crafts at a table

MN Snomobile Trails and MN Ice Fishing

Itasca County has an incredibly beautiful trail system that winds through remote areas with heavy forest. From the door of our cabins, our snowmobilers enjoy direct access to hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails. No trailering required – just suit up and ride! Don’t have snowmobiles? No problem because
R & R Rental in Grand Rapids, MN rents snowmobiles! Our ice fishing guests also appreciate how easily they can reach the best fishing spots on Bass Lake via snowmobile or ATV. (some years by truck if ice conditions permit!) Our resort access is used exclusively for our guests – no public use is allowed. Bass Lake is known for big panfish and is a peaceful, scenic lake!

snowmobiles on a trail in the forest

X-ski Trails, Snowshoeing and Fat Tire Bike Trails

If you are more of a “silent sport” person our area has everything you could want during your winter getaway in Minnesota. X-skiers enjoy the many groomed (some are lighted!) x-ski trails within an easy driving distance of the resort. Ranging from beginner to advanced the trails in our area exhibit the breathtaking beauty that northern MN is know for! Snowshoers will find miles and miles of beautiful, forested trails in which to experience our crystaline winters. Fat tire biking enthusiasts enjoy the Tioga Recreation Area trails where they can enjoy winter on two wheels! X-ski, snowshoe and fat tire bike rentals are available from Ardent Bicycles in Grand Rapids, MN.

The Reif Center, Shopping and Dining in Grand Rapids, MN

If indoor recreation is more your style of winter getaway in Minnesota then FEAR NOT! The Reif Center for Performing Arts is a local treasure located just 10 minutes from Wildwood Resort in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. We are truly fortunate to have a world-class performing arts center in our community with year round performances. Our vibrant, Up North community has an active arts community as well as a variety of restaurants, shopping and entertainment opportunities everywhere you look. So plan your winter stay with us at Wildwood Resort and embrace the winter season this year. Let it Snow!

Planning your family reunion at a Minnesota resort

Anyone who has ever planned a large group vacation will tell you there are some pitfalls to being the planner. The family reunion planner has an even greater degree of difficulty because it involves family! Jay and I are starting our 26th season at Wildwood Resort and over the years we have developed some thoughts about what works and what doesn’t work when planning a group MN resort vacation. So here are some suggestions to consider when planning your family reunion at a beautiful, family resort in Minnesota.

family reunions make happy families

Family reunions are a wonderful way for the generations to mix!

Start planning early…

Most Minnesota resorts book their prime summer weeks a year in advance. It’s a good idea to contact the properties in which you have an interest to see what their booking policy is so you know how far in advance to plan. It’s also a good idea to speak with those properties about what time of year they usually have multiple cabin openings. For example, at Wildwood we have a very regular clientele so we do not often have multiple cabin openings in July. As you begin planning ask the properties if there is a time of year that you should target if you are looking to book multiple cabins.

Do your research so you know how early you need to start planning your next family reunion!

Choose the right property for your family reunion

Prior to making a resort choice, have a disussion the groups’ lodging needs. Not all family members want to share cabins and/or bedrooms. Who wants their own unit? Those with campers may want a resort that has both campsites and cabins. If members of the family will be sharing accommodations, consider the needs of different age groups. For instance, a couple with young kids probably will not be happy sharing a cabin with young adults who stay up late. Does anyone need a handicapped accessible unit? Or are there group members who require a pet-friendly resort?

Consider the wants of the group when choosing a property for your family reunion. Kid-friendly? Kid-free? Close to town? Pet-friendly?

We like to say that there is a resort in Minnesota for everyone! Each resort in Minnesota has a different emphasis and feel so consider the “type” of resort vacation you’re after. For example, do not choose a resort on Lake of the Woods that caters to serious anglers if you are going to have families with kids who will want playgrounds, a beach and kids’ activities. Similarly, do not book a MN resort that caters to families if your group is looking for a quiet, kid-free get-away. Also consider the group’s need for proximity to shopping, restaurants, entertainment or medical care before booking a resort.

Know your target dates

I always feel badly for the person planning for a family reunion. Family schedules today are HECTIC so if there are multiple families with kids involved then things get dicey! Decide as a group what length of vacation you are seeking. For example, many Minnesota resorts book by the week in the summer so if you are looking for a long weekend in July just know that it might be a harder order to fill. Ask each of the families involved in your group vacation to give you multiple dates that will work for them so you have the most options possible. Keep in mind that if the intended group is large then it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to find dates that work for every family you’d like included. Know that at some point you may have to choose dates that exclude people just to keep the plan for your family reunion moving forward. It is also a good idea to have a few properties picked out as possible MN vacation destinations rather than zeroing in on just one. It’s hard enough to sync up schedules and if you are fixed on one specific resort for your family reunion your options are further limited. Online availability is a helpful tool in pre-planning!

Keeping your dates as flexible as possible makes booking a group vacation at a Minnesota resort much easier!

Group of people spending time together

Know your budget

(5) Know your budget – There are many things that impact the price of a resort vacation including location, time of year, type of accommodations, and length of stay. For most resorts in Minnesota the end of June through the first or second week of August are prime rate weeks. That’s because demand for MN summer vacations are the highest at that time of year. If you’re planning a group fishing trip to a lake that’s well-known for great Minnesota fishing then rates might be higher on Fishing Opener weekend than they would be in mid-July. Most importantly, know what price range your group wants to be in and try to keep that in mind as you plan. Savings can often be found by families sharing a cabin and preparing meals rather than eating out or choosing off-peak timeframes.

Grandpa and grandson headed at family reunion

Time of Year Matters

(6) Time of year matters – Think about what is most important to the vacationers in your group and pick your vacation time accordingly. For example, if your group is mostly adults who want to catch fish then target spring or fall to get great fishing and more affordable rates. If your group is looking for traditional family summer vacation then target end-of-June through the beginning of August and know that you likely will pay top dollar for peak vacation time.

Align the timeframe of your trip with the group goals for a successful family reunion week. If catching fish is the goal, target spring and fall for more favorable weather and affordable rates.

Plan for personal space in your family reunion

I love my family completely with my whole heart. We often spend family vacations together and that means tat we are usually together for many days at a time including travel time. Because we aren’t together regularly, negotiating through vacation weeks spent in close quarters can get interesting! We see the same thing in our families who vacation at Wildwood. Sometimes the group is made up of “Friday night friends” who usually do something together on the weekend but have never spent a lot of time together. Other groups are made up of families who don’t generally live in each other’s pockets. Both situations can create tension. Encourage your group to be honest about expectations and the need for space. Sometimes enjoyment of the week can be enhanced with an opportunity to escape the group dynamic through personal space or private family time. While it’s tempting to share a cabin to save money it can cost you on the personal side in terms of lack of privacy.

relaxing on a minnesota family reunion vacation

Allowing for personal space or private family time is crucial to successful group vacations!

Hopefully you picked up a tip or two that will help you plan your next family or group vacation! We love our life at Wildwood because we get a lot of joy providing the place where Minnesota family vacations happen. If you are still hoping to get your family or friends together this summer we do still have some 2024 openings that might fit the bill. We’d love for you to check us out if you haven’t already!

Bring on summer!!
Kim & Jay

Winter Weekends in Grand Rapids, MN

Winter weekends in Grand Rapids, MN are a special kind of special! For both winter-lovers AND winter-haters alike, a weekend at Wildwood Resort near Grand Rapids, Minnesota is a balm for the frost-bitten soul. Our gorgeous and cozy cabins are the perfect backdrop for an UpNorth weekend spent ice fishing, snowmobiling, x-skiing or just relaxing! Bass Lake is well-known locally as a great ice fishing lake and our proximity to snowmobile trail system means our guests have access to snowmobile trails from their cabin. We are centrally located to the numerous, beautiful, groomed cross-country ski trails in our area and close to Grand Rapids, Minnesota for dining, shopping and entertainment. Best of all, our “Stay 2 and Get 1 Night Free” Winter Special makes winter weekends at Wildwood Resort affordable as well as fun!

winter sunset over bass lake
Sunsets are still breathtaking even in winter
family ice fishing
Many of our guests ice fish on their winter getaway
oak lodge in the snow
Life in a snowglobe
snowmobilers ready to ride
Many of our guests enjoy snowmobiling in Itasca County because of the extensive trail system
Snowshoeing
women crafting in a cabin
Crafting weekends are common among our guests who are “non-winter” enthusiasts!
kitchen in Red Oak Lodge
The kitchen is fully furnished and has full-size appliances
The vaulted ceiling gives the living area a bright and airy feeling.
The vaulted ceiling gives the living area a bright and airy feeling.

Restaurants, Entertainment and Recreation

As you plan your winter stay with us please check out the links below for a guide to winter fun in the Grand Rapids, MN area.

Restaurants
Rapids Brewing Company – https://www.rapidsbrewingco.com/
Smoke on the Water – https://www.smokeonthewaterwinery.com/
Unwined Up North – https://unwinedupnorthmn.com/
Forest Lake Restaurant – https://www.forestlakerestaurant.com/
Pickled Loon Saloon – https://www.thepickledsaloon.com/
Zorbaz – https://www.zorbaz.com/lake-pokegama

Entertainment
Www.VisitGrandRapids.com – Calendar of Events for Grand Rapids, Minnesota https://visitgrandrapids.com/event-directory/
The Reif Center – https://www.reifcenter.org/

Recreation
Mt. Itasca Winter Sports Center – https://www.mtitasca.com/
Ardent Bicycles – Bike, x-ski and snowshoe rentals https://www.ardentbicycles.com/
R and R Rentals – Snowmobile rentals https://www.rrrental.com/recreation-rentals.asp
Snowmobile Trails
X-Ski Trails
Fat Tire Bike Trails – https://www.tiogarecreation.com/
Escape Room
Mann Cinema 8 Theater – https://manntheatres.com/theatre/82/Grand-Rapids-8
Children’s Discovery Center/Judy Garland Museum – https://judygarlandmuseum.com/childrens-discovery-museum/

Contact us today to make plans for winter weekends at Wildwood Resort! Online availability: https://guest.rezstream.com/search/wildwood-resort.

Fall Plans for the Empty Nester

family photo
Our family when their leaving home was far in our future!

This fall my husband and I are facing something entirely new: an empty nest. We have had our older daughter home with us for her first few years after high school. But timing is such that as our youngest prepares to leave for college our oldest is also preparing to move away from home. We are so proud of our daughters and excited for their new adventures. We remember what it felt like to set off for something new! But we are so sad for ourselves.

As I anticipate the end of summer and a quiet house, I’m trying to reimagine our lives. I’m a fixer at heart so to feel better I started thinking about how to handle this new phase. Since Autumn is when our changes happen I have been focusing on fall and, specifically, fall in northern Minnesota. Since Grand Rapids is tucked into the woods and surrounded by lakes I’ve decided to take the advice we give to our guests on their Minnesota fall getaways and plan some fall activities we can anticipate.

  1. When the trees begin to turn there is no place more beautiful than right here at home. We often advise our September guests to take a drive north on Highway 38 which is designated as the Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway. With a resort to run and kids in high school sports we’ve only ever worked and watched volleyball in the fall. We’ve never really taken the time to just enjoy the Minnesota fall colors. We’ve appreciated them as we’ve driven to town and worked around the resort but we have never set off into the woods for the sole purpose of experiencing fall in Minnesota.  So, Plan 1 is to explore the our beautiful area during color watch season either by car or hiking trail!

  2. Grand Rapids is such a thriving community! There are many passionate community members who continue to create new reasons for people to spend Minnesota fall getaways in Grand Rapids, MN. There are four restaurants in particular that we love to recommend: Rapids Brewery, Unwined UpNorth, Klockow Brewery and the newest venue, Smoke on the Water. (It is so new the website isn’t quite functional yet so visit them on Facebook!) All of them are locally owned and operated, well-run and maybe a little unexpected for the out-of-town visitor.

    Besides great dining options, there are also many events and attractions to fill your fall weekend in Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids Riverfest happens on September 9th this year. It is a an event that was born out of the former KAXE 91.7 Mississippi Riverfest, a grassroots celebration of the new station along the banks of the Mississippi River in Grand Rapids, MN. Fifteen years later Grand Rapids Riverfest is simply the best party in Grand Rapids. In addition to the music, the festival also incorporates local restaurants and breweries, giving you a literal taste of life in GR. This event is just one of many opportunities to explore and enjoy this fall. So Plan 2 is to get out of the house for some date nights and enjoy all of the great restaurants and area attractions in our area.

  3. Obviously, we are a lodging property so you know I’m going to talk about fall getaways! With newfound free time, a trip out of town is the most logical thing to plan for in my mind. We own and operate my favorite resort in Minnesota!! However, when we want to get away from our work, we book some time at one of the many other Minnesota resorts. We really enjoy spending time in Duluth or on the North Shore so we often head that way when we take a little break. Maybe this year we’ll go west instead. But for you, dear Blog Reader, you should come and stay with us! Wildwood Resort is the perfect destination for romantic Minnesota fall getaways or fall fishing trips. (There’s my shameless plug) But seriously, I think that we will need to book a weekend away for something to look forward to when the house feels a little empty.  Plan 3: book a fall weekend with my husband at a beautiful Minnesota resort.

  4. We’ve all watched family members and friends work through “empty nest syndrome.” The happy ones seem to have found stuff to do like volunteering and activities! One of the things I look forward to is rediscovering hobbies and interests that took a back seat to childrearing. Without kids in the house, I also plan to do more traveling in the fall. While we definitely plan to travel together I also look forward to finding time to spend with the girls who have gotten me to this point in life. Girlfriend weekends here we come! Bring on Plan 4 which will be exploring the world outside of our bubble and spending quality time with our people.

One of my sisters recommended the Facebook group Grown and Flown. I have nothing to do with them from a sponsorship perspective but I’ve found so many of the posts there helpful. Maybe you would, too. I think mostly we will try to focus on being healthy in mind, body and spirit and letting go gracefully through prayer and positive thinking. I hope those of you in our shoes can do the same.