Hidden Minnesota Gems — Out-of-the-Ordinary Places Worth Checking Out

There’s no doubt that Minnesota is home to some of the most popular and notable venues, attractions, and activities in the country. However, it’s also a place that’s brimming with hidden gems — out-of-the-way places, extraordinary finds, and unexpected treasures — just waiting to be discovered.

With its sparkling, deep blue lakes, wooded landscapes, and small town charm, Northern and Central Minnesota are dazzling places to host a meeting or event. Some of the most amazing venues reside here:

• Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center. Set on the shores of Lake Darling, Arrowwood Resort + Conference Center offers a wealth of activities and amenities, featuring three restaurants, two bars, an 18-hole golf course, indoor water park, tennis courts, fitness center and spa.

• Breezy Point Resort & Conference Center. Overlooking the glittering waters of Pelican Lake, Breezy Point is a valuable find with rustic log cabins, seafood restaurant, golf course, marina, tennis court, indoor pool and private island beach.

• Superior Shores Resort + Conference Center. Flawless surroundings include dense, lush forest and a brilliant view of the jewel of the great lakes, Lake Superior. Country-style rooms, private lodge-like condos, restaurant, indoor/outdoor pools, sauna, hot tub and boat landing make a stay at this resort a priceless experience.

• Grand View Lodge. With exquisite views of Gull Lake, this posh, year-round golf resort offers rustic-chic cabins and golf villas, a sandy beach, indoor pool, horseback riding, yoga, two championship golf courses, pub, and family-friendly Italian restaurant.

• Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge. Family-owned and operated since 1898, Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge pampers guests with luxurious spa, salon, fine dining and a championship golf course. Lovely cottages, lodge rooms, condos and villas boast fireplaces, patios and Jacuzzis, while two golf courses, marina, café, restaurants, and beach bar make this place shine.

Though there are an abundance of riches in the way of golf courses in this state, some of them stand out as crown jewels whether you’re in the clubhouse, on the fairway, on the green, or in the rough:

• Green Haven Golf Course. Located in historic Anoka, Greenhaven is a real prize with 18 championship holes, a park-like setting, first-class banquet facility, grill and bar. Best of all, the club can accommodate tournaments of up to 164 players.

• Majestic Oaks Golf Club. A magnificent setting with unsurpassed beauty that can accommodate up to 450 guests. Three unique banquet rooms overlook the two lush 18-hole golf courses, ponds, and fountains.

• Rush Creek Golf Club. Indulge in the spectacular views, 18-hole golf course, family-friendly par 3 course, plus exceptional restaurant and breathtaking banquet facilities.

• TPC of the Twin Cities. The 18-hole championship course was designed by Arnold Palmer and has hosted many PGA tournaments. Full-service banquet facilities and mouthwatering cuisine make this private club the crowning glory of the north metro.

These venues offer not only excitement, but entertainment, team-building opportunities, gilded gathering places, and tempting cuisine, making them worth their weight in gold:

• Mystic Lake Casino Hotel. An upscale casino resort that pampers you and your guests with comfortable rooms, table games, slots, live entertainment, indoor pool, championship golf course, and ten bars and restaurants.

• Canterbury Park. And they’re off! Coming around the bend at your event are on-site racing, 24/7 card casino, events and festivals, plus gourmet eats that make any gathering a winner every time.

Any venue that leaves your guests smiling is invaluable. With multi-faceted amenities, attractions or activities, any of these spots will reward you with a room full of dazzling pearly whites:

• Mermaid Entertainment and Event Center. Shower guests with fun bowling, arcade games, billiards, an on-site hotel with 69 relaxing guest rooms, plus an abundant 100,000 square feet of meeting space.

• Bunker Hills Event Center. Elegance and opulence reside here along with stunning surroundings, banquet room for up to 360, golf course, dinner theater, and superb cuisine.

• Minnesota Horse + Hunt Club. Adventure awaits your guests with clay target shooting, gamebird hunting, pistol and rifle ranges, stables and a vast menu of delicious food and beverages at the end of it all.

• Watson Hunting Camp + Bar. Beautiful surroundings in the heart of the Lac qui Parle Wildlife refuge. Goose, duck and dove hunts, plus a pheasant reserve makes this a place to make treasured memories.

• St. Paul Saints at CHS Field. Hit one out of the park when you gather your gang here. From tailgating to rooting for the home team, you’re guaranteed big belly laughs and entertainment like nothing else you’ve ever before experienced at a ball game.

• Roseville Skating Center + City Hall. Skate the Oval, one of the area’s most cherished gathering spots. Figure skating, hockey, and speed skating make this place the coolest.

• St. James Hotel. Ritzy and resplendent, this historical, 19th-century hotel resides in the scenic river town of Red Wing. Traditional rooms feature handmade Amish quilts and classic architecture, plus modern amenities like flat screen TVs, iPod docks, and WiFi.