Why Minnesota Families Keep Coming Back to Fair Hills Resort After 100 Years

Lakefront Relaxation in Northern Minnesota

Spending time at the lake is a classic Minnesota tradition, and for many families, that tradition begins at Fair Hills Resort. Located on Pelican Lake in Otter Tail County, this family-owned resort has been welcoming guests since 1906. It’s not flashy or overly polished, and that’s exactly why people love it. At Fair Hills, the days move a little slower, the activities are simple and fun, and the experience feels familiar in the best way.

I recently stayed at Fair Hills Resort, along with my husband, for a restful summer weekend escape and it immediately became clear to us why this resort has been around for so many decades. Whether you’re looking for a place to bring the kids for summer vacation, planning a multi-generational family trip, or just want a few quiet days on the water with your partner, Fair Hills delivers the kind of laid-back, lakeside escape that keeps people coming back year after year. 

1. An All-Inclusive Stay Without the Fuss

One of the biggest draws of Fair Hills is the all-inclusive setup. Three meals a day are included with your stay, served in the resort’s dining hall. The food is hearty, kid-friendly, and shared in a communal space that encourages guests to slow down and connect. There’s no planning, cooking, or driving to restaurants; you just show up and enjoy.

2. Lake Access and Water Activities

Being right on Pelican Lake means easy access to the water all day. Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and swimming areas are available for guests to use, and the beach is well-maintained with plenty of space for families to spread out. It’s the kind of place where you can spend most of your day barefoot, moving between the lake, the pool, the lawn, and the dock.

3. Daily Activities for All Ages

Fair Hills offers a full schedule of low-key activities that make it easy to stay busy without feeling overscheduled. From lawn games and live music on the deck, to kickball, treasure hunts, campfires with s’mores, and karaoke, there’s always something happening. There’s also a family game room with foosball and pool tables, perfect for rainy days or evenings.

4. Outdoor Recreation and Sports

The resort has everything you need if you’re looking to stay active, including sailing lessons, a pickleball court, tennis, basketball, and two golf courses, The Executive, a 9-hole and Wildflower, an 18-hole course. The Executive is free with unlimited uses for Fair Hills guests, and both courses are open to the public.

5. Specialty Coffee and Refreshing Cocktails

Fair Hills has a small on-site coffee shop and bar, a nice addition for guests who want to start the morning with a latte or wind down with a cocktail in the evening. It’s a casual, welcoming space called The Perch that fits with the overall feel of the resort, relaxed, friendly, and never overdone.

6. A Central Location in Otter Tail County

If you want to explore the area, Fair Hills is within a short drive of Detroit Lakes, Pelican Rapids, and other nearby towns. There are hiking trails, state parks, local shops, and farmers’ markets worth checking out. But many guests find that once they’re at the resort, they don’t need much else.

7. A Resort That Feels Like a Tradition

Many guests first came to Fair Hills as kids and now return with families of their own. The cabins are simple, the meals are served buffet-style, and the activities are low-key, and that’s all part of the charm. It’s a place where you can unplug, reconnect, and enjoy a slower pace without needing to plan every detail.

The Magic Is in the Simplicity

Fair Hills isn’t flashy, yet it delivers a deeply meaningful, lasting experience. It’s comfortable, familiar, and easy. If you’re looking for a lake vacation that’s about spending time together and enjoying the basics of summer in Minnesota, this resort has been doing it right for over 100 years. And it keeps people coming back because it stays true to what matters: simple experiences, beautiful surroundings, and time well spent. Looking for more Minnesota and Wisconsin inspiration? Check out my blog posts on 20 must-do attractions in Madison, Wisconsin, Wild Rice Retreat in Bayfield, Wisconsin, and 10 bucket list Minnesota cideries to check out this fall.