Minnesota Winters Offer a Wonderland of Fun Both Indoors and Out
In the Midwest, winter of course means plenty of the white stuff. Knowing your next event is likely to get dumped on, you can use the winter wonderland to your advantage – or heat things up in a way that snow will never even cross your guests’ minds!
Throughout greater Minnesota there are numerous excellent options for meetings, retreats and conventions for groups large or small – all easily accessible from the Twin Cities.
Frozen Lakes are Hot in North Central Minnesota
Grand View Lodge in Nisswa is always a smart option for great facilities, all the amenities and access to the beautiful lakeside setting where your guests can enjoy a host of winter activities before relaxing at the spa. Grand View will soon open a new conference center, making it the perfect full-service venue for even your largest and pickiest groups.
Similarly, Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake offers numerous outdoor activities to let your guests explore winter at its finest, as well as a newly expanded spa. You will appreciate the large conference space and well-trained staff.
Further North, Breezy Point Resort in Pequot Lakes features a beautiful setting on Big Pelican Lake, first-rate lodging, a newly remodeled restaurant and all of the spaces and service you need for a successful event.
In Walker, Chase on the Lake is the area’s newest resort, just opened in 2008. This historic renovation offers the finest of amenities, dining, spa and access to Leech Lake for snowmobiling or ice fishing.
Also in Walker, the Northern Lights Casino Hotel is a fabulous place to escape the elements. At Northern Lights your guests can easily move from the huge event center to gaming, dining and entertainment.
Grand Casino Mille Lacs is an ever popular winter destination with gaming, live entertainment and winter sports – plus room to accommodate even your largest event.
In Ottertail, Thumper Pond Resort is great new resort in “lake country.” With a spa, indoor waterpark and access to acres of trails, your guests will have plenty of fun in any kind of weather.
The Lodge on Lake Detroit in Detroit Lakes is another new resort worth checking out. You’ll find a number of meeting and event spaces, a beautiful natural setting and all the latest amenities.
In Alexandria, Arrowwood Resort won’t disappoint, also featuring great meeting space and a full range of recreational activities – from waterpark to spa to ice fishing.
The North Shore Pleases In Every Season
In Northeast Minnesota, you won’t want to miss the Odyssey Resorts, including Grand Superior Lodge, Larsmont Cottages and Caribou Highlands. Each of the Odyssey’s distinct resorts are known for their well-appointed facilities and amenities, with a rustic feel. And, of course, the area provides no shortage of seasonal activities.
The Tofte Management Company offers three other wonderful options off of Superior: the well-known Bluefin Bay, and the newer Surfside and Temperance Landing resorts. All provide the service, distinct spaces and welcoming amenities you desire on the beautiful North Shore.
Also on the lake, the Superior Shores resort is known for its expansive, full-service facilities and convenient location just outside of Duluth – and, of course, its beautiful sixty-wooded acres.
The Northwoods are known for great Minnesota skiing, so Giants Ridge is the perfect option for a true winter event. And even if your guests don’t want to hit the slopes, there are countless other activities, from snowmobiling to sliding.
Or, for a different approach at fun, Black Bear Casino Resort in Carlton features a new event center and hotel to accompany the ever-popular casino.
Southern Minnesota is the Place to Escape
In Southern Minnesota you will find two more destinations guaranteed to please in any type of weather.
Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel in Morton offers a whole lot of fun for your guests – from gaming to live entertainment – plus a new event center and hotel will open this winter to ensure your utmost satisfaction.
In Red Wing, Treasure Island Resort and Casino has recently expanded to include a new hotel, bowling and a spa. Coupled with the innovative and impressive event center, TIRC is sure to answer your desires.
Winter Adventures Right Around the Corner
You don’t have to go far for a winter adventure. In Prior Lake, treat your guests to something a little different at the Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club. Enjoy the fun and challenge of shooting or riding by day, then relax into fine dining, gracious service and camp style seclusion by night.
Also in Prior Lake, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel offers great meeting facilities, a luxury hotel and everything you would expect from a Vegas-style casino – including fabulous buffet dining.
In Lakeville, Brunswick Bowl is the perfect location for your casual events and team-building sessions. Your guests cannot help but have a great time bowling and playing laser tag.
For a true winter feel to your event, consider ice skating as an activity. The Roseville Skating Center is a unique community center that features North America's largest continuous sheet of refrigerated ice, a Tier Two Aggressive Park and multi-purpose meeting facilities.
In downtown Minneapolis, skating is always popular at The Depot, along with complete meeting and hotel accommodations and an indoor waterpark.
Another great choice for enjoying the beauty of winter is the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, where you will find both indoor and outdoor exhibits, along with warm event spaces that overlook the gorgeous grounds.
With so many choices for Midwest winter activities and events, your best bet may be a combination of options. But whatever you decide, you know you can relax and say, “Let it snow!”
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