Northern Minnesota is more than just a winter destination, it’s a four-season playground. There are quite a few reasons to pack up your car, your golf clubs, your fishing gear, and head up north! Spoiler: it involves a lot of fun, minimal Wi-Fi, starry nights, and a world of adventure. Here’s what you and your family and friends can do up north.
Visit Grand Rapids (No, not the One in Michigan)
A short drive from Sugar Lake Lodge is Grand Rapids, a Northern Minnesota town we encourage everyone to visit. Whether you’re into local history and Paul Bunyan trivia or are looking for a good place to eat and drink, there’s a lot to see here and do. You can stroll through the Judy Garland Museum (yes, she was from here!) or explore the local shops and restaurants. The food is better than you’d expect for a town this size (no one hikes 20+ miles on gas station food).
Hiking and Biking Trails. They’re Nature’s Gym Membership
You’ve been meaning to get outside more, haven’t you? Northern Minnesota’s hiking and biking trails are basically Mother Nature saying, “Get off the couch.” From leisurely lakeside walks to quad-burning bike rides, there’s a trail for every skill level. The Mesabi Trail is a highlight, with a 135-mile stretch of gorgeous scenery that makes you wonder why you don’t do this more often.
Looking for a place to hike or bike? We’ve got all the recommendations you need. See the best hiking trails and best biking trails in our area. Think of Sugar Lake Lodge as your base camp!
Fishing, Swimming, and Boating on Sugar Lake
Sugar Lake is the crown jewel of this region, and not just because it’s ridiculously photogenic. This crystal-clear lake is your one-stop shop for every water activity imaginable. Want to fish? Grab a pole and try your luck on the lake. Prefer a more laid-back vibe? Kayak or paddleboard your way across the lake. Feeling a bit more daring? Cannonball off the dock like you’re 12 again. The water’s so clean and refreshing you’ll forget all about that gym membership you’ve been meaning to cancel.
Golfing at Sugarbrooke Every Hole Feels Like a Postcard
If you’re the kind of person who finds zen in a perfect drive down the fairway, Sugarbrooke Golf Course is calling your name. Nestled right next to Sugar Lake Lodge, this par-71 course is as challenging as it is beautiful. The greens are immaculate, the fairways are lined with towering pines, and the views of the lake are enough to make you forget about that double bogey on the last hole.
After your 18 holes, whether you’re celebrating a great round or drowning your sorrows over a lost golf ball, the post-game vibes at Otis’s Grill and Bar unbeatable.
Catch a Free Planetarium Show
When’s the last time you looked up at the night sky and actually saw stars? Like, real stars—not the two or three that manage to peek through the city’s light pollution? In Northern Minnesota, the night sky puts on a show that’ll make you feel like you’re back at your 5th grade planetarium field trip.
The best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a blanket, a warm drink, and maybe a s’more or two (or five). What goes great with s’mores? How about the Milky Way.
Northern Minnesota is A Screen-Free Paradise
Kids these days, am I right? Always glued to their phones, tablets, or whatever new gadget is stealing their attention. At Sugar Lake Lodge, you can pry those devices out of their hands (without a fight!) and remind them what it’s like to just be a kid. Build sandcastles on the beach, paddle around the lake, or tackle the resort’s lawn games. It’s good, old-fashioned fun. No batteries required.
Find a Ultimate Romantic Escape
Looking for a getaway with your significant other? Northern Minnesota is romance central. Imagine sipping wine on your private balcony as the sun sets over Sugar Lake. Or taking a leisurely canoe ride together, just the two of you, as the world fades away. Even a round of golf can turn into a date when the course is this beautiful.
Earn some brownie points by booking an amazing trip without the kids.
Make It a Group Thing with Your Friends
Whether you’re planning a golf weekend, a friend’s getaway, or just a good old-fashioned escape with your crew, you can spend the day fishing, biking, or exploring the local breweries, then wind down with drinks by the fire pit. The shared memories you’ll make here are priceless, no to mention Instagram-worthy.
Why Northern Minnesota? Because You Deserve It.
Let’s be honest: life is hectic. You’re juggling work, family, and about a million other responsibilities. Northern Minnesota—and specifically Sugar Lake Lodge—is the perfect place to hit pause, recharge, and actually enjoy yourself for once.
It’s where the air is cleaner, the water is clearer, and the pace of life is refreshingly slower. It’s where you can reconnect with nature, with your loved ones, and with yourself.
What are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your golf clubs, fishing poles, or hiking boots, and head to Northern Minnesota. Trust us, it’s better than whatever you had planned for next summer.