My husband and I have been visiting Grand View Lodge every summer however, never have we experienced it in the winter months. We jumped at the chance knowing how fun and cozy Grand View is in the winter. Grand View Lodge is located in Nisswa, MN, and is known for its gorgeous lakes and tall pine trees which makes it the perfect up north location. Grand View opened its doors in 1916 where guests then stayed in the historic main lodge. Currently, one can stay in a variety of accommodations from gorgeous luxury cabins to a boutique hotel called the North. Normally we have experienced the cabins but this stay we had the pleasure of staying in the North. The North provides 60 high end rooms, a gorgeous lobby, its own coffee shop, and modern decor throughout. The North Hotel is a great way to experience Grand View at a fraction of the price. We also married this summer at Grand View and many of our wedding guests stayed in the hotel.
Grand View is known for its resort feel with luxury amenities and fine dining. They offer year round activities and events. In the winter months, activities include cross county ski rental, snow shoe rentals, ice skating (one must bring own skates), horse drawn wagon rides, sledding, ice fishing (fee based rental equipment available), downhill skiing at Ski Gull (transportation provided at specific times, ski pass not included), and Sherpa rides (reservations and fee.) If you are wondering, like we were, what a Sherpa ride is….. It is an all terrain ATV experience that is led by a professional driver where they take you on snowy terrain and can break the ice and take you floating on the frigid waters. We experienced a Sherpa ride and it was a blast. I was a tad nervous, but I am so glad we tried it. Grand View is also known for having Minnesotas largest outdoor hot tub, which is a must to visit! It is always hopping and a blast where you will witness many people jumping into the snow when they get too hot.
As much as outdoor activities are fun, Grand View also offers indoor activities for when the temperatures turn frigid. Grand View offers two water parks, pools, shops for finding your favorite sweatshirt or souvenir, room kits such a make your own cookie kit or beer tasting kits, etc (via a charge.) Grand View offers many dining experiences, pubs, live music, and a packed event schedule. Grand view has a gorgeous golf course, so if you are missing not being able to experience golfing get a reservation in early for the golf simulator. For those looking for a little more pampering Grand View has the Glacial Water Spa with many packages available to truly relax and unwind. For the fitness buffs at the North Pool location their is a top of the line gym, cycle and yoga studio.
No vacation experince its complete without savory meals cooked to perfection and delicious cocktails to live music. Grand View’s chef provides a variety of culinary options in the four dining experiences offered in the winter months. Below is a description of the dining:
Char-located in the main lodge is your classic steak house by night. I had the New York strip and it was fantastic. In the morning this area and the heritage room provide a breakfast buffet. This was by far one of the best breakfast buffets I have experienced. I highly recommend the hash browns (I don’t know what they do to them, but they are amazing), the make your waffle bar, and the fresh fruit were my top picks. Brady said the bacon was the best bacon he’s ever tasted (and he has plenty of experience).
Northwoods Pub-Located in the main lodge is a fun woodsy cabin vibe pub. This is a relaxing family friendly restaurant but after 8pm will turn more into a pub feel with live music (check event schedule) and drinks flowing. The food is your classic American made fare. Fish (Walleye I believe) and chips were a popular choice.
The Igloos-located on the patio outside the main lodge are by reservation only. There is a reservation fee for these and they fill fast so get a reservation in quick. The igloos are heated and can seat up to 6 people. They have their own menu so check out www.grandviewlodge.com for further details.
Brew-this is a modern coffee shop located in the North Hotel. It was open until 11am on the weekends. They offer all your coffee creations, pastries, bagels, etc. The gift shop by the main lodge also has a coffee bar too for those who like a little caffeine to start the day.
Winter in these parts can get to be very long and Grand View offered a perfect way to enjoy the winter months and embrace the best of what Winter has to offer. If you are looking for a romantic getaway, family friendly vacation, or to celebrate an occasion I highly recommend visiting Grand View Lodge.
See gallery below of our experience:
