Top Detroit Lakes Family Vacations

Fair Hills embodies what a good family vacation is all about.Here you’ll feel like a kid again AND make memories that will last a lifetime.

Fair Hills Resort is located just outside Detroit Lakes on Pelican Lake and the staff here takes pride in providing families with a wonderful environment conducive to creating lifelong memories and even new family traditions. Your vacation here will be about sharing special moments with friends and family. It doesn’t matter how your crew likes spending their time– there’s something for everyone at Fair Hills. Soak up some Minnesota sunshine and hit the lake on a paddleboat, kayak, sailboat, or hydro bike. Kids will love the resort’s water trampoline, WaterMat, Jumping Tower, and floating raft. There are also plenty of sand toys for the little ones. If you don’t feel like venturing out on the lake, the resort also has an outdoor heated swimming pool, hot tub, and wading kiddie pool. Challenge your family members to a game of tennis, volleyball, or basketball. If the weather’s not cooperating, don’t worry! In the lobby you will find two billiard tables, two ping pong tables, and plenty of games, puzzles, and cards to keep everybody occupied. If all of the onsite activities don’t already have you convinced, wait till you hear that at Fair Hills Resort, three meals a day and use of all of the amenities are included in the price of your stay. So much for worrying about those pesky extra meal and activity costs! And what’s better than sitting down to enjoy a meal as a family? The resort has over 100 cabins, which range from one-four bedrooms. Every cabin has at least one bathroom, a closet and dresser, and a supply of towels and linens. Come enjoy the good life at Fair Hills Resort!

Address

24270 Co Hwy 20, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

Dates and Times

Fair Hills Resort is open from May through September.

Fun facts

Fair Hills has a long musical history. The highlight of the week for many vacationers is the famous Fair Hills Hootenanny.

Picture escaping to a private lake where no gasoline motors are allowed so you’ll be able to enjoy clean, crystal clear water. This is the reality at Five Lakes Resort, where families are offered a unique vacation in a wooded setting.

Five Lakes Resort is located in an unspoiled, natural setting away from the crowds. The resort only has 11 cabins, which are well spaced for privacy. It’s the wilderness vacation you are looking for with the modern accommodations you desire. You’ll be surrounded by miles of nature trails that are perfect for hiking and bird watching. The private lake provides a great place to fish for Largemouth Bass, Northern, and many other species. Fishing is even great in the winter months! And as the trails fill with snow, the property becomes the perfect place to snowshoe, go cross-country skiing, and sledding. Every cabin at Five Lakes Resort has a fully modern kitchen with a microwave, coffeemaker, cookware, and most cabins have a dishwasher. The cabins also come with linens, towels, and utensils so you don’t have to worry about packing those items. Outside each cabin, guests will have use of a charcoal grill, aluminum fishing boat, and a shared dock. Many other extras are included, but we’re going to let you discover them for yourself! It’s time to plan your next family vacation to Five Lakes Resort– a place where peace and quiet prevails leaving you to enjoy your natural surroundings!

Address

34677 Camp Cherith Rd, Frazee, MN 56544

Highlights

Guests of Five Lakes Resort also have access to the Fair Hills dining room and other facilities at the Fair Hills Resort, just 20 minutes away! (If you want to know more, Fair Hills is No. 1 on this list).

Related activities

If you want to explore what's beyond the resort, both Vergas and Detroit Lakes and their surrounding areas offer great shopping, dining and events all year long.

Our next family resort is open all year long so you can enjoy Minnesota’s great outdoor recreation in every season! Breezy Point Resort on Straight Lake invites you to enjoy the quiet beauty of the Northwoods.

Breezy Point Resort has eleven exceptional cabins that are well spaced, allowing your family to enjoy the privacy of the woods. Inside each cabin you’ll find quaint, up-north styled décor, a complete kitchen, and a deck with a gas grill. Best of all, each cabin has its own private dock meaning you’ll never have to wait to launch your boat. For your convenience, the resort has a laundry room, fishing bait, gas, and boat rentals onsite. Even though the cabins at Breezy Point are exceptionally comfortable, be sure to get out and enjoy all of the great activities you’ll find around the resort. Parents and kids will love the safe, sandy beach that has no drop-offs. Spend your day paddling around the lake in a canoe, raft, or power-paddler. There are also outdoor pool tables, horseshoes, and a basketball court for guests to enjoy. And the little tykes will love the playground, sandbox, and play fort! Don’t forget that Breezy Point Resort on Straight Lake is also a great winter destination. During the snowy months guests can go ice fishing, sledding, snowmobiling, and more! Come discover “a jewel in the woods!"

Address

Breezy Point Resort offers special Daily Rates for larger groups!

Highlights

All linens are provided in the cabins, but make sure to bring your own towels!

You’ll find our next family resort on a quiet country road in Otter Tail County’s “lake” area. Follow a long lane covered by a canopy of maple, oak, and birch trees to East Silent Resort.

Here at East Silent Resort you’ll find luxury vacation homes, lakeside cabins, and guest rooms and suites. With such a variety of vacation rental choices, your family is sure to find the perfect accommodations. The resort’s vacation homes are brand new and range from 1-3 bedrooms. Their lakeside cabins also range from 1-3 bedrooms and have kitchens, bathrooms, and a great location close to the lakeshore. If you don’t really need all of the amenities that come with a full cabin or home, the one and two bedroom suites are the way to go. Each room is graciously appointed and some rooms have bunk beds that your kids will love. East Silent Resort has more activities then you could possibly fit into one vacation. Making a splash in East Silent Lake’s clear, sparkling waters is a must! And as a guest, you’ll have access to the sandy beach, complimentary canoes, fun bugs, rowboats, and much more. Bring your cameras for a fun wilderness hike where you’re likely to see bald eagles, whitetail deer, and turkey. Plus Maplewood State Park is just minutes from the resort and is a great destination for biking, horseback riding, and bird watching. East Silent Resort also offers a variety of scheduled activities for all ages including educational children’s programs, teen-focused activities, and social events for the whole family. Experience a timeless family tradition at East Silent Resort!

Address

30424 410th Street, Dent, Minnesota

Highlights

The remodeled resort lodge has a snack bar and gift shop is available for guests. Board games, videos, clothing, books, outdoor game equipment and other amenities of home are also available.

Related Onsite Offerings

If you never want to miss out on spending time at East Silent Resort, consider owning one of their luxury vacation homes in order to preserve the timeless family tradition of an "up-north" vacation.

Coming in at No. 10 on our list of Top Detroit Lakes Family Vacations is a name you’re most likely familiar with. This would be the Holiday Inn Detroit Lakes, a hotel with over 100 staff members whose job revolves around ensuring your family has the best stay ever!

The Holiday Inn Detroit Lakes is located on Big Detroit Lake, so you’ll have access to all of the endless recreational opportunities the area offers. The hotel even has an onsite Marina and is only 700 feet from the beach! And guests have complimentary use of the hotel’s canoes, kayaks, and other watercraft. But sometimes an unexpected storm can pop up out of nowhere and ruin your outdoor plans. Don’t let this ruin your day because the hotel has a fun-filled indoor Recreation Center, swimming pool, whirlpool, and kiddie pool. There’s even an Arcade Room. Parents will love the fact that the Holiday Inn has not only one, but two great restaurants to choose from. As a result of the hotel’s $3 million transformation, they now feature 103 warm and inviting guest rooms. Every room has a flat panel TV, DVD player, microwave, and refrigerator. If you’re seeking more space, stay in one of the hotel’s whirlpool suites! If great views are what you desire, the Lakeview Rooms overlook Big Detroit Lake and have outdoor balconies or patios. Whatever accommodations you’re seeking, you’ll find them here at the Holiday Inn Detroit Lakes! Be inspired to create lifelong memories!

Address

1155 Highway 10 East, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

Highlights

Guests will receive free boat docking at the Marina!

Related Onsite Offerings

The hotel offers fun Party Packages if you're looking to plan your child's birthday!

Our next resort specializes in family relaxation with all-in-one pricing. Located on beautiful Lake Norway, Sunset Shores Resort is a fantastic family vacation destination.

Not only is this an amazing fishing destination, the resort has a ton of great amenities that make it the perfect place to bring the whole family. And when we say the whole family, we mean the WHOLE family. Sunset Shores Resort has accommodations that range from one-bedroom cottages all the way up to their massive 10-bedroom group reunion cabin, plus everything in between. You’ll be sure to find the perfect sleeping arrangements to fit your family’s needs. Every unit is air-conditioned and has a kitchen, full bathroom, and gas grill. All bed linens are provided, but make sure to bring your own towels! As far as activities goes, Sunset Shores Resort has just about everything your family could ever want to do during their vacation at the lake. Of course there’s fishing, swimming, and boating– but the resort also has a water bongo trampoline, hydrobikes, a children’s water slide, and tons of other water activities. And new to the resort is putt-putt golf! Inside the Lodge, you’ll find an Activity Center packed with fun games and billiards. And don’t forget that Sunset Shores Resort is also a fun-filled winter destination!

Address

The resort has a convenience store with food essentials and ice. There's also a gift shop where you can browse the clothing, caps and other souvenirs.

Fun facts

Lake Norway was named for the large number of Norwegian immigrants who first selected this rolling area of lakes.

It doesn’t matter if your family is seeking adventure, relaxation, or something in between. You’ll find what you’re looking for at our No. 8 destination, The Wilds Resort & Campground located on the edge of Shell Lake near Osage.

Sometimes life can get pretty hectic and quality time with your family is hard to come by. Why not head to The Wilds Resort, surrounded by 50 acres of tall pines and white birch. Not only will you reconnect with your family, but you’ll also reconnect with nature. One of the great things about this resort is their variety of accommodations. If you want a more “rugged” vacation, the resort has campsites and an RV park. They also offer recently remodeled two, three, and five-bedroom cabins. Each cabin is tastefully decorated and great care was taken to ensure that your family will feel at home. The cabins come equipped with a full kitchen, screened-in porch or deck, and a fishing boat. When it’s time to have some fun, you’ll have plenty of options. Maybe you’ll choose to kick off your shoes and stick your toes in the sand or cool off in the lake. Feel free to take a canoe, kayak, or paddleboat out on the water. And the fun doesn’t stop there! Launch your complimentary boat and go fishing then prep your catch for the grill at the resort’s fish cleaning house. If the sky is dark and the rain starts to fall, head to the Lodge and watch a movie in the viewing room or shoot some pool in the game room. Ran or shine, summer or winter, fun is waiting for you at The Wilds Resort & Campground!

Address

45120 Maple Drive, Osage, Minnesota 56570

Highlights

The Lodge at the resort offers a full short-order menu! They also have a supply of grocery items incase you forgot to pack something.

Fun facts

The Mississippi River is the world's third longest river and it begins just a few miles from the resort as a small stream in Itasca State Park. It was preserved as parkland in 1891, making it Minnesota's oldest state park.

Maybe your family is looking for a fun “up-north” vacation, but also wants to indulge in added luxury. Look no further than The Lodge at Lake Detroit, a Best Western Premier Hotel.

The Lodge at Lake Detroit is the area’s newest lake resort and offers the latest hotel style and amenities. Here, you and your family can enjoy the luxury you deserve at a price that won’t drain your wallet. Most rooms at the hotel have a private balcony with spectacular views of pristine Big Detroit Lake. Inside your room you’ll discover dramatic décor, glass enclosed showers, and upscale bedding. And every room comes with great amenities like a microwave, refrigerator, and wet bar. The Lodge at Lake Detroit has added bonuses that you won’t find at most other family resorts in the area. While your kids are enjoying the heated indoor pool, you can escape to The Spa Within where you can receive a luxurious massage or spa treatment. How’s that for a relaxing family vacation? And don’t worry about breakfast! The hotel offers a complimentary hot breakfast buffet so your family can start the day off right. You’ll find this, plus much more, at this comfortably luxurious Detroit Lakes hotel!

Address

1200 East Shore Drive, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

Highlights

Children 12 and under stay free with parent!

You won't find a better spot to plan your next Detroit Lakes vacation than Tamarac Bay Resort. This is truly the perfect vacation retreat for swimming, boating, fishing and hunting -- offering the quintessential Northwoods getaway for you and your family.

Tamarac Bay Resort offers you plenty of opportunities for fun on the water with a convenient location right on the shores of Island Lake. You'll find several islands, points, bays, and reefs perfect for exploration during your stay. The lake is also great for fishing, and you're likely to reel in your limit of large and smallmouth bass, as well as northern pike, crappie, perch, and sunfish. When you're not out having fun on the water, your family can take advantage of your comfortable cabin accommodations featuring satellite television, coffee makers, toasters, microwaves, along with an outdoor grill.

Address

40728 County Road 126 Rochert, MN 56578-9624

Highlights

If you're looking to give your family easy access to the shores of Island Lake, and the onsite swimming beach, make sure to book your getaway in cabins 4-7 (located just steps from the sandy shores).

Related activities

Take advantage of the great outdoors by enjoying activities such as wildlife watching, hiking trails and visiting the 45,000 acre Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge that is located just one (1) mile from the resort! The refuge also offers guests excellent duck hunting in the Fall.

Lakecrest is a classic Minnesota family resort on the north end of Long Lake near Detroit Lakes. Set on a private 16 acres of wooded area, this resort is private, yet expansive and offers families everything they need for a fun-filled vacation at the lake!

Lakecrest has 16 spacious stand-alone cabins that range in size from 1-4 bedrooms. If you’re in need of something even bigger, the resort has one duplex cabin that can be rented together giving you 8 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and 2 kitchens. Every cabin at Lakecrest is cedar sided with modern amenities. Inside you’ll find a fully equipped kitchen, fireplace, cable television, and full bathrooms. Each unit also comes with a BBQ grill, picnic table, and Adirondack chairs. For a complete lakeside stay, every cabin has a boat or dock space included. Summers in Minnesota can get hot and humid! Cool off in the lake, which has a fully enclosed swimming area equipped with a sunbathing raft, hydro-bikes, slide, and fun inflatables. Grab your tackle box and hit the water in a complimentary aluminum fishing boat. Maybe you’ll catch a trophy Bass, Walleye, or Northern! Lakecrest also has a newly resurfaced tennis court, a new sand volleyball court and a basketball court. Inside there’s a Game Room with ping pong, pool, and foosball. With so much to do and see, you’ll never hear the words, “I’m bored” on this family vacation. So pack up and head to Lakecrest Resort!

Address

24013 U.S. HWY 10 West, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota 56501

Highlights

Lakecrest Resort keeps several cabins open in the winter for just a couple people or for a large group.

Fun facts

The area is called Detroit LAKES for a reason. In addition to Long Lake, there are 412 lakes with in 25 miles!