Much like life, every vacation isn’t always full of warm days and endless blue skies; some days, as with anything real and worthwhile, are a little cool and cloudy. When you escape to The Red Door Resort for your summer getaway, we don’t want you singing “Rain, Rain, Go Away”, with a frown on your face; we want you singing “Best Day of My Life” (by American Authors, check it out, it’s a total earworm!). To flip the script when the clouds let go and the weather clearly wasn’t taking notes when you made your beachy plans, we have some fun, memory-making rainy day activities at The Red Door Resort lined up for you. From cozy cabin activities that everyone in the family will love, to time spent in one of our newest amenities–a lakeside sauna–you might actually find yourself wishing for rain! Okay, maybe not that dramatic, but if you haven’t tried our sauna yet, you just might change your mind.
Keep this Lake Mille Lacs rainy day guide in your back pocket (read: bookmark it on your phone), so you can be the hero when the thunder starts to roll.
Let’s start with the aforementioned good times in your cozy cabin. You can’t enjoy a good old-fashioned storm by the lake without pulling out the tried and trues. From the classics to new favorites, board games and puzzles at resorts bring even the biggest weather whiner to fits of laughter. Once the game has been won or the final puzzle piece has been clicked into place, it’s time to get crafty–and rest assured, you don’t need glitter to have a good time. If you haven’t eaten all the marshmallows (yet) and you have some Fruit Loops handy, let the kids make these cute marshmallow rainbows. We know the kids will agree that there’s nothing better than an edible craft. Or how about this fun, interactive construction toy, or a sweet toilet roll mermaid–just add a few other supplies we know you have lying around? Now it’s time to make a snack and play the “What If” storytelling game. It starts with someone asking a “What If” question, then the next person adds to it with another “What If” question, and so on down the line. Person #1: What if it starts to rain while we’re on vacation? Person #2: What if we make a list of fun things to do indoors? Person #3: What if it’s still the best vacation ever? You get the idea.
For the bigger kids, clouds and puddles could mean a movie marathon to remember. Everyone writes their favorite streamable movie on a piece of paper, places it into a bowl. Then Mom or Dad can close their eyes and pick one–or go wild with a themed movie marathon; think musicals, Disney classics, adventures, or book-to-screen hits. Once you’re all set with your flicks, make a mountain of popcorn and snuggle in. Indoor fun at The Red Door Resort could also look like Top Chef meets playtime. Set up the kitchen so that everyone has a spot to make a favorite dish or dessert. The good news is, cabins at The Red Door Resort come pretty well stocked with all you need. These Cheeseburger Cups will be a crowd pleaser and could be lunch, dinner, or even perfect for snacktime! You’ll need a sweet treat to go along with your popcorn, so prepare the kids to make Dirt Cake With Worms. This no-bake delight is delish and pretty on theme, don’t you think?
If everyone starts to go a little stir crazy, The Red Door Resort has a full lineup of Minnesota resort amenities to help answer the question, What to do on a rainy day at the lake? If your rainy day vacation ideas include time in a lakefront 14-person LÜTSAUNA sauna, then we say, let the rain fall! This relaxing escape will put you in the zen zone with a little skin cleansing, mood boosting, and a whole lot of snapshot-worthy moments. What’s that you hear? Nothing? No pitter-patter of raindrops on the windows? In between rain bursts, you can also always head out to burn off some energy at our kid-approved playground and basketball hoops.
If you’re looking for off-site activities near Lake Mille Lacs, something special is headed your way! A scenic drive is sometimes all you need to battle the wet weather blues. We suggest gassing up and heading out on the Lake Mille Lacs Scenic Byway for wildlife viewing and photo opportunities. Pick a stopping point for lunch in the car with a view (we suggest Mille Lacs Kathio State Park) and be sure to check out some of the quaint shops in the charming towns along the way. Small-town day trips in Minnesota always turn up unique finds and memorable souvenirs!
If you take anything away from this Guide to Weather-Proof Vacation Plans, we hope it’s that a little bad weather doesn’t have to turn a vacation win into a washout–quite the contrary. Sometimes it’s the best moments that are the unplanned ones–those unexpected gems of time that turn your family summer getaway into a trip to remember, rain or shine.
Even rainy days are better at The Red Door Resort—check availability and start planning your trip today.
