For "Minnesota Nice," Follow Me To Grand View Lodge Spa & Golf Resort

The Archive Folio

• April 23, 2026
• ByCynthia Dial

To envision Grand View Lodge Spa & Golf Resort, think "Dirty Dancing," the iconic generations-ago movie that featured a back-in-the-day, 1960s-like vacation getaway — a place where families came together, where the days were filled with wholesome activities and the nights with laughter and dancing, where the simple pleasures of summer were celebrated with a sincerity that now feels almost quaint. 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 that elevates the experience without diminishing its essential character. The resulting vibe is that of an upscale summer camp, a place where the rhythms of the natural world set the pace and the cares of the outside world simply dissolve. So treasured has the experience become to guests that many return year after year, sometimes generation after generation, to a reward of a lifetime of cherished memories that are passed down like heirlooms.

Grand View Lodge is not merely a resort; it is a tradition — a place where families come to mark the seasons of their lives, where children who once learned to swim in Gull Lake now watch their own grandchildren take the same plunge, where the annual summer trip is not a vacation but a homecoming.

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In this land of 10,000 lakes — a number that feels almost mythical until you experience the landscape for yourself and realize that the water is everywhere, a defining feature of the Minnesota countryside that shapes everything from the economy to the culture to the quality of the light — with such evocatively named bodies of water as Christmas Lake, Forget-Me-Not Lake, and Ice Cracking Lake, let us go to the shores of Gull Lake, home of Grand View Lodge. When you see signage for Hole-in-the-Day Bay, named after the legendary Ojibwe chief who once ruled these waters, you have arrived at a place that has been welcoming guests for more than a century — a place where the lake is not merely a backdrop but the central character in the story of the resort.

Gull Lake itself is a sprawling, glittering expanse of water that seems to change character with the light — silver in the morning, sapphire at midday, and molten gold as the sun sets behind the pines. The lake is the heart of the Grand View experience, the reason the resort exists and the reason guests return, year after year, to a place where the water is always cool and the air always smells of pine.

To set the stage, this is where geese land on the lawn with the casual authority of creatures who know they belong here more than anyone, where 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 that echo through the pines like a conversation between the forest and the sky. The setting is pure Minnesota lake country, a landscape of gentle hills, dense forests, and sparkling water that has been drawing visitors since the days when the only way to reach it was by steamboat or horse-drawn carriage.

There is a particular quality to the light here — filtered through the pines, reflected off the lake, softened by the mist that rises from the water on cool mornings — that makes everything feel slightly enchanted, as though the resort exists in a time that is not quite the present and not quite the past but somewhere in between, a place where the modern world is welcome but does not set the rules.

Tip: Get in the mood with a complimentary s'mores kit from the front desk — a small but significant gesture that signals the resort's understanding that the best memories are made not from grand gestures but from simple pleasures, and that there is something profoundly satisfying about roasting a marshmallow over an open fire while the stars emerge one by one above the lake. The s'mores kit is more than a complimentary amenity; it is an invitation to participate in a ritual that connects you to the generations of guests who have sat around these same fire pits, watching the same stars, and feeling the same sense of contentment that comes from being in a place where the world feels exactly right.

As the marshmallow caramelizes and the chocolate begins to soften between the graham crackers, you may find yourself thinking that this — this simple, sticky, impossibly sweet moment — is worth more than any turndown amenity or minibar offering could ever be. And you would be right, because the truest luxury is not the absence of effort but the presence of joy, and there is no joy quite as pure as the one that comes from a fire, a stick, and a sky full of stars.

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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 that has managed the rare feat of growing without losing its soul. Here you will 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 — a comprehensive array of amenities that would be impressive in any context but is remarkable in a resort that still retains the warmth and authenticity of its humble origins.

The expansion has been guided by a philosophy that respects the past while embracing the future, creating new spaces that feel like natural extensions of the original property rather than additions that compete with it. The result is a resort that offers the best of both worlds: the charm and character of a historic lakeside retreat combined with the amenities and services of a modern luxury destination.

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Selected in 1979 for the National Registry of Historic Places, the Main Lodge — the heart of the resort, the soul of the experience — was built from the property's own Norway pine, harvested from the very land on which the lodge stands, and it remains one of today's most well-preserved examples of early resort log construction in the United States. Walking into the Main Lodge for the first time is a visceral experience: the scent of aged wood, the warmth of the massive stone fireplace, the play of light through the tall windows that frame views of the lake — all of these elements combine to create a space that feels not merely historic but eternal, as though the lodge has always been here and always will be. 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, a restriction that ensures the building's integrity is preserved for generations to come.

This is not merely a building; it is a living piece of American history, a testament to the vision of the people who built it and the dedication of the people who have maintained it for more than a century. To stay in the Main Lodge is to participate in a tradition that predates the automobile, the airplane, and the internet — a tradition of gathering at the lake that is as old as the state itself.

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In Grand View tradition is its collection of all distinctive, all different eateries, which begins with the Heritage Room (year-round), a dining room that lives up to its name by honoring the culinary traditions of the region while serving them with a generosity that is distinctly Minnesotan. In typical "Grand" energy is the room's expansive Grand breakfast — comprised of a variety of egg dishes prepared to order, savory meats that speak to the heartland's love of hearty fare, French toast and pancakes that are golden and fluffy, fresh-from-the-oven sweet treats whose selection changes daily and always includes at least one surprise, fruits, cereal, and more than enough to fuel a day of adventure on the lake or the golf course.

The Heritage Room breakfast is the kind of meal that sets the tone for the entire day — abundant, unhurried, and served with the kind of warmth that makes you feel as though you are dining in someone's home rather than a restaurant. It is the perfect embodiment of the Grand View philosophy: generous without being ostentatious, satisfying without being excessive, and always served with a smile that is genuine.

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 that have been selected with the kind of care that suggests the sommelier takes the wine list as seriously as the chef takes the menu. CHAR is the kind of steakhouse that earns its reputation through consistency and quality rather than spectacle, serving steaks that are cooked to perfection with the kind of attention to temperature and timing that can only come from a kitchen that takes its craft seriously. The locally-sourced fish — walleye, northern pike, and other species pulled from the region's lakes — is a reminder that the best ingredients often come from the waters and fields just beyond the resort's boundaries.

The wine list is a journey in itself, featuring selections from Minnesota's own wine country alongside bottles from the great regions of the Old and New Worlds, each one chosen to complement the menu and to offer guests the opportunity to discover something new alongside their favorite classics.

For a cozy escape reminiscent of a French vineyard cellar, along with an intimate wine bar and dining room, is Cru (May-October), a seasonal gem that captures the romance of the European wine country in the heart of Minnesota lake country. The space is designed for intimacy — low ceilings, warm lighting, and the kind of quiet atmosphere that encourages conversation and the leisurely appreciation of good wine. The wine bar offers a curated selection that changes with the seasons, and the dining room serves dishes that are as carefully composed as the wine list, each one designed to complement the bottles rather than compete with them.

Cru is the kind of place where you lose track of time — where a dinner that begins at seven extends naturally to ten, where the conversation flows as easily as the wine, and where the outside world feels as distant as another country. It is the perfect expression of a resort that understands that dining is not merely about sustenance but about the creation of memories.

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Found in a small yellow-and-white home-like setting, complete with windows of lace curtains that evoke the charm of a countryside cottage, is Italian Gardens (May-October), a restaurant that looks as though it was plucked from a hillside in Tuscany and deposited, improbably and delightfully, on the shores of Gull Lake. From savory small plates that invite sharing and conversation to hearty platters meant for communal enjoyment, the restaurant takes diners on a flavorful journey of authentic Italian and Sicilian cuisine that is as honest and satisfying as the cuisine of the Italian countryside itself. The pasta is made fresh daily, the sauces are rich with the flavors of slow-simmered tomatoes and fragrant herbs, and the portions are generous in the way that Italian portions are meant to be — abundant, joyful, and served with the kind of warmth that makes every meal feel like a family gathering.

The setting itself is half the charm: dining beneath lace curtains with a view of the lake through the window, the sounds of the resort drifting in through the open door, and the aroma of garlic and olive oil perfuming the air, you understand why Italian Gardens is one of the most beloved spots on the property.

Appealing to those looking for a family-friendly environment is Northwoods Pub (year-round), a convivial gathering place that understands the art of making everyone feel at home. Nestled in the lower level of the Main Lodge, it is a casual option created for watching favorite sports while savoring chef-inspired dishes that elevate pub fare beyond the expected — think artisanal burgers, creative flatbreads, and shareable plates that are as satisfying as they are surprising — and sipping on local craft brews from Minnesota's thriving brewing scene, accompanied by live entertainment that adds a layer of warmth and energy to the proceedings. The Northwoods Pub is the kind of place where strangers become friends over a shared enthusiasm for the home team, where the laughter is genuine and the welcome is unconditional.

It is the resort's most democratic space — a place where the distinction between the golfer and the fisherman, the parent and the child, the regular and the first-timer simply dissolves in the shared pleasure of good food, good drink, and good company.

Offering many appealing features of outdoor dining — a welcoming patio that invites lingering, cozy fire pits that extend the evening into the cool Minnesota night, cascading waterfalls that provide a soothing soundtrack, and a chic stone bar that serves as the social hub of the space — is On the Rocks (May-September), the resort's most atmospheric seasonal dining venue. In an atmosphere of peaceful ambiance, the eatery has become the place to unwind in style with handcrafted cocktails that are as beautiful as they are delicious, assorted appetizers that are perfect for sharing, mouthwatering burgers that have achieved a local reputation for excellence, and succulent sandwiches that are substantial enough to satisfy after a day on the lake or the golf course — all complemented by stunning views that transform a simple meal into a memorable occasion.

As the sun sets over Gull Lake and the fire pits cast their warm glow across the patio, On the Rocks becomes the kind of place where you want to stay all evening — watching the light change, sipping a cocktail, and feeling the kind of deep contentment that comes from being in exactly the right place at exactly the right time.

Tanque Verde Cantina (May-September) promises a taste of the Southwest without leaving the beach, a culinary departure that brings the bold, vibrant flavors of the border to the shores of Gull Lake with a confidence that makes the juxtaposition feel not merely acceptable but inspired. Open from sunrise to sunset, this is the toes-in-the-sand place for such menu items as esquites fritters that crackle with the sweetness of fresh corn, street tacos that are as authentic as anything you would find south of the border, and Chef Justin-inspired chilaquiles that bring a touch of culinary sophistication to a dish that is beloved for its simplicity. The cantina is the resort's most relaxed dining venue, a place where the dress code is swimsuit optional and the atmosphere is pure summer.

There is something about eating Southwestern food on a Minnesota beach that is unexpectedly perfect — the heat of the salsa complementing the warmth of the sun, the cool of the margarita complementing the cool of the lake, the vibrancy of the flavors complementing the vibrancy of the summer day.

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 — in equal measure, creating a space where the enthusiast and the casual fan alike can find common ground. Featuring eight big screen TVs that ensure no game is ever out of sight, pub games that keep the energy high between plays, a full-service bar that pours with the kind of generosity that is the hallmark of a true sports bar, and tasty fare that goes far beyond the typical bar menu — the bacon jam burger, matched with the local Castle Cream Ale, is a combination that has achieved something approaching legendary status among the resort's regulars.

Freddy's is the kind of place where the afternoon slips away without you noticing, where the conversation is as good as the game, and where the only thing better than the food is the company. It is the resort's most unpretentious dining venue, and it is all the better for it.

Tip: Sundays feature prime rib till the slow-smoked meat runs out, so get there early to enjoy what is arguably the best prime rib in the Brainerd Lakes area — a cut of beef that has been prepared with the kind of patience and expertise that only comes from a kitchen that takes its meat seriously. The slow-smoking process imparts a depth of flavor that cannot be achieved by any other method, and the result is a prime rib that is tender, juicy, and imbued with the kind of smoky richness that makes every bite a celebration. The Sunday prime rib is a tradition that draws regulars and newcomers alike, and it sells out for a reason — when something is this good, word travels fast.

This is the kind of dish that reminds you why traditions exist in the first place — not as rituals performed out of habit but as experiences that are worth repeating because they deliver a reliable, uncompromising pleasure that no amount of novelty can replace. The prime rib is served with all the classic accompaniments — horseradish cream, au jus, roasted vegetables — each one prepared with the same care and attention that elevates a Sunday dinner from a meal into an event.

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The resort offers golf on two championship courses situated within some of the state's most striking forests and fragile wetlands, courses that are as beautiful as they are challenging and that offer a golf experience that is genuinely connected to the natural landscape of Minnesota. The Pines' 27 holes give golfers a variety of possibilities with the Lakes, Woods, and Marsh nines — each one offering a distinct character and a distinct set of challenges that reflect the terrain through which it winds. The Preserve's 18 holes are known for their elevated tees that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and tour-speed greens that reward precision and punish complacency in equal measure.

Golf at Grand View is not merely a sport; it is an immersion in the landscape — a journey through forests of towering pines, across wetlands teeming with wildlife, and along shorelines where the water shimmers in the distance. The courses are designed to be enjoyed by players of all skill levels, but they are also designed to be respected, and the golfer who approaches them with patience and humility will be rewarded with a round that is as memorable as it is satisfying.

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Glacial Waters Spa gives guests an escape from life's bustle into the serene embrace of the wellness center's natural healing waters, a sanctuary of calm that feels worlds away from the activity that fills the resort's other spaces. Consistently recognized as one of the nation's best resort spas, the dual-level facility offers two relaxation lounges where the silence is broken only by the gentle sound of flowing water, an outdoor jacuzzi that is particularly magical in the cool Minnesota evening, a dry sauna that purifies with heat, and the distinctive 20-minute Halotherapy treatment (one of its many spa services) — a unique offering that draws on the ancient tradition of salt therapy and delivers it with modern sophistication.

The spa's design is a thoughtful complement to the natural world outside, with materials and colors that echo the lake and the forest, creating a space that feels like a natural extension of the landscape rather than a departure from it. Whether you spend an hour or an entire afternoon, Glacial Waters Spa offers the kind of deep, restorative relaxation that is increasingly essential in a world that rarely stops moving.

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This exclusive wellness treatment consists of dry salt therapy infused into the spa's dedicated Halotherapy room, a space that is as beautiful as it is therapeutic. With pink-hued walls of Himalayan salt blocks that glow with a warm, roseate light, rock salt flooring that crunches gently beneath your feet, two loungers that invite you to surrender to the experience, and a background of restful music that seems to emanate from the walls themselves, the soothing service provides numerous benefits that extend far beyond the merely physical. From fighting infection and stress to aiding with skin conditions and sleeping, one's wellness is enhanced by removing toxicity from the respiratory system — a process that occurs naturally as the microscopic salt particles are inhaled and begin their work of cleansing and healing.

The Halotherapy room is a space that operates on multiple levels simultaneously: it is a treatment room, a meditation space, and a sanctuary of calm where the simple act of breathing becomes a form of healing. Twenty minutes in this room, with the salt air filling your lungs and the warm light washing over you, is enough to make you understand why salt therapy has been practiced for centuries — and why Glacial Waters Spa has made it a centerpiece of their wellness offerings.

Tip: A veteran of twenty-one years with Glacial Waters Spa, technician Josh Hayes is a master masseuse whose hands possess the kind of intuitive knowledge that comes only from decades of practice and a genuine calling for the healing arts. Booking a session with Hayes is not merely a luxury; it is an investment in your wellbeing that will pay dividends long after you have left the resort. His technique is both powerful and precise, addressing the specific tensions and trouble spots that accumulate in the body with a sensitivity that can only be described as instinctive — he seems to know where you hurt before you tell him, and he knows exactly how to make it better.

In an industry where turnover is the norm and consistency is the exception, Hayes represents something increasingly rare: a practitioner who has dedicated himself to a single craft at a single property, deepening his expertise with every year rather than scattering it across multiple venues. The result is a massage experience that feels less like a service and more like a conversation between two bodies — one seeking relief, the other offering it with a gentleness and authority that only two decades of listening to muscles can produce.

Stretching more than 100 miles, the rail-trail named Paul Bunyan State Trail connects Nisswa with several in-the-vicinity towns, offering a journey through the Minnesota landscape that is as scenic as it is accessible. 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, exploring the countryside at a pace that allows for the kind of close observation that is impossible from a car. The trail passes through forests of birch and pine, skirts the edges of glittering lakes, and connects small towns that are the very definition of Minnesota charm — each one a destination in its own right, each one worth a stop.

The Paul Bunyan State Trail is named after the legendary lumberjack of American folklore, and riding it feels like a journey through the same landscape that inspired those tall tales — a place where the trees are impossibly tall, the lakes are impossibly clear, and the air is impossibly fresh. It is the perfect complement to the resort experience, offering a different perspective on the same beautiful landscape.

Warmer months feature an abundance of activities that make the most of the resort's extraordinary lakeside setting: tennis on courts that are shaded by mature trees, sand volleyball on the beach, swimming in the waterfront pool or at the aqua facility, paddleboarding across the calm waters of Gull Lake as the morning mist rises, banana boating for the thrill-seekers, kayaking through quiet coves where the only sounds are the dip of the paddle and the call of the loon, and pontoon cruises that offer a leisurely tour of the lake with a drink in hand and the sun on your face. And then there is fishing — the activity that draws more visitors to the Brainerd Lakes area than any other. With around 450 lakes within a 30-mile radius, this region is at the core of angling opportunities, and Grand View Lodge provides the perfect base for exploring them.

Whether you are an experienced angler seeking a trophy walleye or a first-time fisherman looking for the simple pleasure of a bobber disappearing beneath the surface, the waters around Grand View Lodge offer an experience that is as rewarding as it is restorative. There is something about fishing that connects you to the landscape in a way that no other activity can — a patience, a stillness, a willingness to wait for what the water will give.

In winter, the resort transforms into a wonderland of cold-weather activities that are as enchanting as their summer counterparts. Sports range from the more subdued possibilities of horse-drawn carriage rides through the snow-draped forest and sledding down gentle hills that are perfect for children and adults alike, to the more vigorous pursuits of cross-country skiing along trails that wind through the frozen landscape, snowshoeing through silent forests where the only tracks are your own, ice skating on the lake under a sky thick with stars, and snowmobiling across the vast expanse of the Brainerd Lakes area with the kind of freedom that only winter can provide.

The winter at Grand View Lodge is not a season of hibernation but of transformation — the same landscape that offers swimming and boating in summer offers skiing and snowmobiling in winter, and the same resort that bustles with activity in July offers a quieter, more contemplative kind of beauty in January. For guests who have only experienced the resort in summer, a winter visit is a revelation — a chance to see a familiar place through an entirely different lens.

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 — a program of activities that reflects the resort's commitment to the kind of simple, wholesome fun that has been the hallmark of the Grand View experience for more than a century. These are not activities that were chosen because they are trendy or Instagram-worthy; they were chosen because they work, because they bring people together, because they create the kind of shared experiences that families remember and talk about for years to come.

In an era when children are more likely to be found staring at screens than playing outside, the daily activities at Grand View Lodge offer a powerful antidote — a reminder that the most satisfying pleasures are often the simplest, and that the best memories are made not from the extraordinary but from the ordinary moments that are made extraordinary by the company in which they are shared.

Despite its abundance of activities, Grand View Lodge has the feel of a secluded sanctuary tucked into an undiscovered corner of the woods — a place where the noise of the world fades to a murmur and the only sounds are the ones that nature provides. The resort's 750 acres provide a kind of spaciousness that is increasingly rare in American hospitality, a sense of room to breathe and roam and be alone with your thoughts that cannot be measured in square footage but can be felt in the way your shoulders drop and your breathing slows the moment you arrive. The seclusion is not isolation — it is a different kind of connection, a connection to the land and the water and the sky that is impossible to achieve in a more crowded setting.

This is the paradox of Grand View Lodge: it is a resort that offers more activities than most guests could possibly experience in a single visit, yet it never feels busy or crowded or overwhelming. The activities are there when you want them, and they disappear when you don't — leaving you with the kind of peace and quiet that is the truest luxury of all.

Tip: Consider off-peak travel — winter, spring, and fall as opposed to summer, as well as the slower days of Sundays and Mondays — for a different but equally rewarding experience of the resort. While some eateries and activities are seasonal and may not be available during the quieter months, non-summer stays entail fewer crowds and require less money, making the resort's considerable charms accessible at a price point that is significantly more affordable. The fall, in particular, is spectacular — the forests surrounding the resort erupt in a blaze of color that is among the finest autumn displays in the Midwest, and the cool, crisp air is perfect for hiking, golfing, or simply sitting by the fire with a good book.

The savvy traveler knows that the best time to visit a resort is not always the most obvious time, and at Grand View Lodge, the off-peak seasons offer a kind of intimacy and tranquility that the busy summer months simply cannot match. It is a chance to experience the resort at its most authentic — a place where the pace is unhurried, the welcome is warm, and the beauty of the Minnesota landscape is on full display.

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. Their vision has endured for more than a century, not because it was grand or ambitious, but because it was true — true to the land, true to the lake, true to the simple proposition that the best vacations are those that bring people together in a place of natural beauty and genuine warmth. In a world that is increasingly complex and increasingly fast, Grand View Lodge remains a place where the values that matter most — family, community, and the simple pleasures of the natural world — are not merely preserved but celebrated, year after year, generation after generation.

This is the essence of "Minnesota Nice": not a slogan but a way of being, a commitment to warmth and generosity and authenticity that is as rare as it is valuable. And it is alive and well at Grand View Lodge.