Grand View Lodge Review: The Ultimate Guide to Minnesota’s Iconic Gull Lake Resort

100+ Years Creating Lakefront Memories

Since it was established in 1916, Grand View Lodge has hosted many generations of Minnesotans on the pristine shores of Gull Lake. It’s the perfect spot to spend summer days swimming, hiking, biking, or just relaxing among the resort’s many upscale amenities. Most people probably think of Grand View Lodge as the place to go for family trips or reunions during the summer months, but it also deserves consideration as a destination to spend a romantic weekend with your significant other. Whether it’s the middle of June or January, Grand View Lodge can deliver a charming and luxurious couples experience that other resorts can’t match. We didn’t have time to experience all the restaurants and activities the resort has to offer, but here are some excellent options to get you started on your couple’s retreat. Use code “EXPEDITION” for a discount on your stay.

1. Grand View Lodge Restaurants and Coffee Shops

Tanque Verde Cantina

Tanque Verde Cantina delivers a solid menu of southwestern favorites to sustain your summer fun. Southwestern cuisine hits differently when the restaurant sits right on the beach. Tacos, nachos, quesadillas – they all taste a little better when you can watch the calming waves lap the shore. Sip a delicious margarita with your meal or grab a glass of wine while watching the sun set with your date. We shared a carne asada bowl, al pastor quesadilla, and jalapeno poppers so we could try a little bit of everything. It didn’t disappoint! This is a perfectly laid-back spot to enjoy a meal and start your getaway on the right foot. 

Italian Gardens

If at first you mistake Italian Gardens for a charming little cottage, nobody will blame you. This adorable, seasonal spot is only open in the summertime and is adorned by colorful flowers and ferns. Because it’s seasonal (and very popular), be sure to make a reservation to enjoy one of the tables in this historic yellow lodge home. The menu full of Italian classics is served family style, so be ready to share! The portions are healthy and the wine list boasts many wines produced in Italy. We enjoyed the garden greens salad and lasagna while sipping cocktails and wine. If we weren’t determined to experience all the restaurants we could on the resort, we probably would’ve eaten here every night. Every single plate that was walked by our table seemed worthy of ordering, and we definitely wanted to try more of the appetizers too. Come hungry and enjoy this little taste of Italy! 

Freddy’s

If you enjoy hitting the links as a couple, you’ll probably find yourself at The Pines course for a round during your stay. If you do, eat at Freddy’s. It’s a small menu of clubhouse classics that’s executed perfectly. Burgers, sandwiches, appetizers – exactly the kind of grub you want after trying to break 100 (if you’re me, anyway). We sampled the chicken pesto sandwich and the smokehouse burger, each of which hit the spot. I’ll also give their cocktails two thumbs up. They’re exactly the kind of light and refreshing drink you want to sip in the summer heat. Freddy’s is a cozy atmosphere with elevated sports bar food that you wish your own local course could replicate.  

Char

Char should be the bar that all resort steakhouses are measured against. A superb selection of premium cuts, oysters on the half shell,  locally sourced produce – Char has everything you want, and they do it all with precision. Our steaks were a perfectly cooked medium rare, and the crust they developed on the exterior was addicting. I ordered the steak oscar so I could experience a little mountain of crab on my filet. My asparagus was tender and well-seasoned, and we even shared the truffle mac-n-cheese. It was everything I hoped it would be, with a crunchy top and gooey, flavorful cheese sauce. You can tell somebody put a lot of time into curating the wine list too. There are several unique bottles that you won’t find at most other resort restaurants. Just like Italian Gardens, we could’ve dined here every night. Make a reservation so you don’t miss the chance to enjoy a romantic dinner here!

Brew

I’m an early riser, which typically means I’m making the morning coffee run when we go on vacation. Thankfully I found Brew on our first morning, and it satiated our caffeine fix with a couple cappuccinos and lattes throughout our stay. I also tried a lemonade one morning which was definitely a hit. If you want a small bite, they also offer a small selection of pastries and breakfast sandwiches to break your fast. If coffee isn’t your thing, try their selection of smoothies and refreshers. I appreciate that Brew serves Peace Coffee, which is both fair trade and sourced organically. If you’re staying anywhere near the North Hotel, which is where Brew lives, stop in here to make the most of your morning.  

Chocolate Ox

I definitely play the role of “kid in a candy store” when I step into a place like Chocolate Ox. It’s hard not to with the amazing array of candy and ice cream they offer. This place is like my personal happy place. The real challenge is composing myself and only ordering an amount of sweets that won’t make me sick. Thankfully I managed to keep it to a scoop of their espresso-fudge ice cream, and it did not disappoint. I would challenge you to get a new treat or scoop every day that you stay here. Treat yourself!  

Breakfast Buffet

If you’re a fan of breakfast buffets, stop by the Heritage Room for a chef-prepared spread of fresh and seasonal favorites. Over the course of several days we were able to try waffles, pancakes, donuts, eggs, bacon, sausage, fresh fruit, and oatmeal. They also offer a great selection of beverages including coffee, sodas and your favorite morning cocktails like mimosas and Bloody Mary’s. This is the spot to go if you have a big appetite!

2. Grand View Lodge Activities

Bike rides

One of the nice things about Grand View Lodge is the multitude of paved paths around the resort. You can hop over to the North Park area (which is expansive) and rent a couple of free bikes to explore the resort. A paved path starts just by The Pine golf course which is ideal for riding. We spent a couple hours exploring the area and enjoying the Northwoods surroundings. There are several different types of bikes to rent, even electric bikes if you need a boost. The rental process is quick and easy, so you’ll be on the trails in no time. If you’re looking for a longer ride, the Paul Bunyan State Trail is nearby and can offer more than 100 miles of biking fun. I can only imagine how beautiful the foliage is when the leaves turn color in the fall. 

Pontoon rides

Gull Lake is perfect for pontoon rides. We rented a pontoon and spent some time enjoying the sun and spray while admiring the natural beauty of the lake. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail and appreciate the Northwoods atmosphere that Gull Lake brings. Renting a pontoon is hassle free and the staff are very helpful and friendly.  

Kayaking

There are several kayaks and paddle boards available to rent for free at the Boathouse Office. This is included in your stay, so be sure to enjoy a sunset paddle or just escape the afternoon heat. The rental process is first-come first-serve, so if everything is already on the water, you’ll have to wait your turn. I enjoyed exploring the Northwoods shoreline of Gull Lake on my journey. 

Golf

I’m still a beginner when it comes to golf, but I always appreciate the beauty of courses that work in tandem with nature. At Grand View Lodge you can experience award winning golf at The Pines and The Preserve. The Pines boasts 27 holes spread across three nines: Lakes, Wood, and Marsh. The variety of the holes offered by such different landscapes is truly challenging. At The Preserve, there are several elevated tee boxes that provide scenic views of the course. It takes years to improve to the point where you can play the game comfortably, but you can be at my skill level and still enjoy the design of unique layouts. My goal is to be able to play a full round with my husband without any mulligans, and I’m making progress! If the weather turns on you, there is always an opportunity to use the golf simulator in Freddy’s to get a round in. 

Spa

After golf, head to the Glacial Waters Spa for an afternoon of true relaxation. This place feels like a sanctuary of wellbeing every time I walk in. Massages, skincare, soaks, nail services, an outdoor hot tub, sauna, steamroom and even a Halotherapy salt room – Glacial Waters offers something for everyone. I opted for the calming waters treatment, which was a 40 minute traditional massage followed by a 20 minute high-pressure Scots hose hydrotherapy massage. The experience concluded beneath a cascading Vichy shower—a seven-headed waterfall intending to promote deep relaxation.

3. Grand View Lodge Lodging Options

One of the things that makes Grand View Lodge such a great destination is the incredible variety of lodging options. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend for two, a multi generational family reunion, or a girls’ getaway, there’s a space that fits your group. Choose from traditional lodge rooms, hotel-style accommodations, charming cottages, lakeside cabins, spacious villas, townhomes, and even large homes that can accommodate extended families or groups traveling together. No matter your travel style, you’ll find an option that feels comfortable and convenient.

We stayed in one of the cozy lakefront cabins, and it was easily one of our favorite parts of the trip. Our cabin featured a king bedroom, two built-in bunk beds, a full kitchen, and a dining area—perfect for a long weekend. Just steps from our door was a quiet stretch of shoreline where we could take a refreshing swim without the crowds at the main beach. In the evenings, we’d pour a glass of wine and watch the sun dip below Gull Lake, ending each day with a peaceful sunset. It felt private and relaxing while still being just a short walk from all of the resort’s amenities.

Book your fall escape to Grand View Lodge

If you’re looking for an upscale, year-round resort that blends modern luxury and historic charm, Grand View Lodge is the perfect fit. The mix of outdoor adventure and rejuvenating food and relaxation helped us to disconnect from the noise of the Twin Cities and reconnect with each other. Whether you choose a lodge room, secluded cabin, or modern cottage, Grand View is sure to deliver a romantic experience whatever season you visit. Use code “EXPEDITION” for a discount on your stay.