Taking time out of a busy schedule to enjoy a great getaway is always a delight, particularly for those families that are lucky enough to spend time in Gull Lake, Minnesota! The following are a few of the many exciting family-friendly summer activities in Minnesota to add to the itinerary when summer travel plans bring you this way.

Get Out on the Water and Cast a Line

Spending time with the family this summer in Gull Lake, Minnesota promises to be an exciting experience—especially for those who set aside time to get out on the water and cast a line! You don’t even have to be experts to make the most of the fishing fun when a summer trip to Gull Lake is in your sights. The water is here is brimming over with exciting species to reel in year-round and if you’re not up for an independent adventure, take time to book a fishing charter instead. Many of these local charters have options to customize your experience on the waves to either a half- or full-day tour. The gear you need to make the most of the fun is often included in the charter price and knowledgeable and friendly guides can offer up insight into where to go to be most productive as well as point out interesting sights along the way! Gull Lake is known for its Northern Pike, panfish, and walleye just to name a few. When you’re looking to book your summer charter, Nisswa Guides League, Walleyedan’s Guide Service, and Brainerd Guide Service are all great fishing charter companies to consider.

Cruise the Lake in Style

Time on the water is certainly a highlight of many family visits to Gull Lake, Minnesota year over year. If you’re the type of family that can’t wait to embrace the cruising style, there are options here just waiting for you! Gull Lake Cruises offers a great yacht experience that guests of all ages can appreciate and enjoy during a Gull Lake getaway. This yacht is fondly referred to as the North Star and can easily accommodate up to 70 guests at a time with options to book private cruise experiences available upon request. Cruises through this company run May through October, giving summer travelers every opportunity to reserve their place in advance. Cruise options range from evening dining to full sightseeing excursions that will be both educational and engaging for everyone! The North Star hosts a sprawling outdoor observation deck so guests can make the most of the Gull Lake view whether they’re sailing during the day or evening hours. There’s also an indoor salon to make for a cozy sail with a focus on a fantastic view even if the winds pick up.

Enjoy Some Friendly Competition on the Mini-Golf Course

While the options for on-the-water fun abound in Gull Lake, Minnesota, those traveling with family looking forward to a little land-based friendly competition will want to make sure they head over to Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf at least once during their visit. This whimsical destination is found at 17992 MN-371 in Brainerd and offers up a full pirate-themed experience on the charming greens! It’s great for all ages, complete with plunging waterfalls and skull-shaped caves as well as fun obstacles to overcome and colorful elements that make for an eye-catching experience from start to finish. During your round, you’ll want to be sure to keep your eyes open for the many bridges to traverse, as well as the dungeons and pirate ship too! The surrounding foliage is lush giving mini-golfers a real sense of stepping into another world. Kids under three play for free, and the course is open Fridays from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm, Saturdays between 10:00 am and 8:00 pm, and Sundays from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm.

Visit the Crosslake Area Historical Society

Those families that value a stop that’s as educational as it is fun will love every minute spent at the Crosslake Area Historical Society. Situated at 35404 CO Rd 3 in Crosslake, this historical stop is one for the books. Guests are invited to stop by on Saturdays and Sundays between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm to explore the center and grounds.  When you’re here, it’s easy to step back in time and get a sense of what life has been like in the Gull Lake region through the centuries. The center hosts a historic log village to explore that includes everything from a replica town hall to a general store and saloon too. The kids in your family will likely love the chance to step through the old schoolroom that’s completely furnished with the chalkboard and desks little ones would have used in years past.

Book Your Getaway Today

Summer in Gull Lake, Minnesota is always an exceptional experience and when you’re looking for luxurious accommodations to keep you close to the fun, Gull Lake Beach Resorts can help. Reach out today to learn more about our incredible lineup of options and to start planning your next trip!

Minnesota is an amazing vacation destination when you’re looking forward to spending time with the entire family, and Gull Lake in particular has much to offer! Whether you love outdoor adventure or can’t wait to relax, you’ll find this to be a destination that delivers. Make sure you have accommodations that match your expectations by booking into a one of our Gull Lake home rentals that highlights the best of family-friendly features during your stay through Gull Lake Beach Resorts.

Wonderfully Spacious Floorplans

A trip to Gull Lake with the entire family is inevitably going to be an inspiring and meaningful moment. That said, booking a stay that provides plenty of space for everyone to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive can truly elevate the experience. Whether you’re a small family or arriving in vast numbers, our Gull Lake home rentals come with open-concept floorplans to accommodate. Family members can move easily between living, dining, and sleep areas as well as make seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor lounge spaces. This means that everyone can customize their downtime without stress or worry.

Area-Inspired Furnishings

Many families head to Gull Lake to make the most of the great outdoors, but even when you’re not out in the fresh air, our properties provide families with interior décor schemes and furnishings that speak to Gull Lake style. From cozy sofas and loveseats to decorative end tables and area rugs, our properties set an aesthetic tone that sets the scene for an amazing vacation for everyone in your traveling crew.

Wi-Fi Access

When you’re not on the water or the hiking trails, our properties provide guests with plenty of options for reaching out to the world. Wi-Fi access is a gift for families traveling with kids of all ages who might be simultaneously interested in playing online games, sending photos, sharing on social media, or keeping up with the headlines when there’s downtime. When you’d rather look forward to family fun, Wi-Fi provides an access point to stream your favorite family movies and shows during your stay. Settle in on the sofa in front of a large flat-screen television and enjoy watching those films that everyone in your family loves and can agree on.

Full Kitchens

Gull Lake and the surrounding communities are great destinations for food enthusiasts. All of these areas are brimming over with savory options to enjoy while you’re here. That said, it’s not likely that every day of your stay, every person in your family is going to want to dine out. Sometimes, a home-cooked meal is all that hits the spot, even on vacation! Fortunately, our rentals are designed to cater to this need. Guests who book with us enjoy access to full kitchens that are both spacious and inviting. Traveling chefs can make the most of modern appliances, spacious counters, and cabinetry that’s often already stocked with the cookware and bakeware you’ll need. When it’s time to dine, our properties often feature traditional dining rooms and tables, but if you’re in the area during warmer times of the year, heading outside for an alfresco moment can be a nice way to spend time with the family.

Exterior Lounge Areas

While some families spend every possible moment out exploring the greater Gull Lake area, others are more inclined to settle in and enjoy the view from their own private oasis. When this is the case, the patios that are often featured on our properties are just the right choice. Here, guests can wake up each day and enjoy time with the sunrise and a hot coffee or wind down in the evenings with a hot chocolate under the stars.

Proximity to Fun

Gull Lake is a great place to enjoy time as a family swimming, boating, paddleboarding, or fishing depending on how you enjoy spending time! It’s also a wonderful destination for those who love to hike and bike their way through a vacation. With a plethora of restaurants and shopping stops to explore, no matter what your travel preferences may be it’s likely you’ll find something that inspires everyone you’re here with. At Gull Lake Beach Resorts, we’re proud to be able to offer families rentals that keep you close to it all and provide for an amazing view too. Let us know what stops you would like to be closest to so we can get you settled in just the right rental!

Cozy Sleep Arrangements

When the exploring is done, guests of all ages value a great night’s sleep. Luckily, that’s just what you’ll get when you book with us. Our properties are equipped with spacious bedrooms that frequently feature the best of plush mattresses topped with inviting and high-quality linens and comforters. Those that could use even more will want to ask about our properties where bedrooms include ensuite baths and large closets for added convenience—perfect for the over-packer in your family.

Contact Us

When you’re ready to enjoy Gull Lake with the family, be sure to let us know! Contact us today to learn more about our rentals and how we can help you start turning long-term or short-term travel plans into a reality.