A family enjoys icees on a sandy beach at The Red Door Resort of Mille Lacs Lake in Minnesota.

A Weekend Itinerary for the Perfect Family Stay at The Red Door Resort

You’ve done it!. You’ve booked a long weekend at The Red Door Resort. First, congratulations, you’ve chosen wisely. Now the fun really begins; the planning of these special days and nights of quality memory-making with the family. Feeling a little stressed? Think you could use a Minnesota resort vacation guide? Oh, where, oh, where could you find such a thing? *looks around curiously* It’s us! Pick us! We’re the guide! There are so many things to do at The Red Door Resort–honestly, you could fill an entire summer of exciting adventures and well-deserved relaxation. Let us break it down for you–your 3-day vacation guide to getting it all in. The fishing and boating on Lake Mille Lacs. The campfires and s’mores at the lake. The quiet mornings and the sun-filled days of swimming… all so you can make the most of your stay.

Introducing your Lake Mille Lacs Vacation Itinerary!

DAY 1:

What to do: Welcome! We hope the drive was kind to you. It’s time to choose bedrooms, unpack, and get settled in. But don’t spend too much time indoors–the sun and sand are waiting for you. There’s an outdoor pool (opening in July!) and a sauna at The Red Door Resort, but we’ll get to that later. Today is all about dipping your toes in the crisp, clear water of Lake Mille Lacs and basking in the breathtaking views. After a little sandcastle making and tan line earning, fill your cooler and take off on a boat cruise. Pontoon rentals in Minnesota are a must, and The Red Door Resort just introduced two new NorthStar pontoons, which will have you skimming the water in luxury, comfort, and style.  

Where to eat: Right outside your front door! We know you packed the car full of the essential fixin’s for a night of grilling magic, so sizzle those dogs, cut into the watermelon, and dig into the potato salad for a quintessential, picturesque summer vacation feast. 

How to make the most of your day: Soak it all in and be present. Take some photos, but also let the beauty of this time together, and your surroundings, really sink in. 

Adventure-seekers: Get your thrill on by tubing behind the pontoon, or how about a corn on the cob crunch-off? How many can you eat in 5 minutes? 

Relaxation lovers: Be honest, you just started and you’re already on book 4 of The Court of Thorns and Roses series, right? Sun hat, cool drink, and book in hand on a pontoon? Heaven! And shhh… a nap on the sand while your partner throws the kids around in the lake is what dreamy, relaxing lake getaways are made of.    

DAY 2:

What to do: Start the day by sipping your coffee outside, experiencing what paradise feels like when it’s wrapped around the shores of Lake Mille Lacs. At The Red Door Resort, sunrises are a gorgeous mix of unbelievable and unforgettable. Once you’ve “oohed” and “aahed” a bunch, get ready for a good time. Because you’re at one of the best Minnesota fishing resorts, a guided fishing trip is a must! Captain John Wersal works with anglers of all experience levels. He LOVES catching fish, and he LOVES sharing his passion with others. Don’t worry about any family fishing trip planning because with Captain John at the helm, you won’t have to worry about a thing. Then, if you visit in July or after, you’ll get to enjoy The Red Door Resorts’ new heated pool! We hope you brought your floaties and your best cannonball form. 

Where to eat: After taking in all of that clean lakeside air and fun poolside fun, you’ll be ready for a good old-fashioned fish fry. Salt, pepper, you, and your catch are all you need to fill bellies to satisfaction. But save room for the best part of that big bonfire – s’mores! 

How to make the most of your day: Wake up early to get in a little nature (and above-mentioned coffee) before the busyness of the day ensues. Be open to spontaneous fun! Sometimes the most memorable moments happen when plans change. 

Adventure-seekers: If you like to play, The Red Door Resort will make you feel like a kid again. There’s a basketball court, gaga ball pit, cornhole boards, and an exciting playground to bring out all that child-like wonder.  

Relaxation lovers: 5 letters, S-A-U-N-A. The lakefront 14-person LÜTSAUNA sauna is new this year, and it’s ready for you to sweat the evening away. Bring a book, bring your partner, or even bring the kids… if they promise to be quiet. 

DAY 3:

What to do: Summer activities in Minnesota abound, and they don’t all have to be at the resort. Lace up your tennies and warm up your credit card, because just 30 minutes northwest, you’ll find the cutest town that has the best vibe. You’ll instantly feel welcomed in Crosby, and you’ll also feel pretty stoked because there’s so much to see and do. The shopping is amazing, and so is the…scene(ery). Crosby is known for its small-town charm and breathtaking natural beauty. After you’ve taken in the views–and logged at least 10,000 steps–it’s time for treats! Finish up the day with some ‘Super Premium Ice Cream’ at Rave Creamworks or a locally crafted beer at Cuyuna Brewing–because hey, shopping is hard work. 

Where to eat: Where not to eat is the question! A quick search for the best places to eat near Lake Mille Lacs is going to return A LOT of options. We suggest trying The Drunken Noodle for a kickback style indulgent lunch, or for dinner, head to Ruby’s on the Lake, where you’ll get lakeside dining excellence (in a historic lakeside log dining room, no less!) and fabulous food. 

How to make the most of your day: Create a new tradition! Maybe a photo in the same spot each year, or letting the kids order the biggest, whip-creamiest dessert on the menu.

Adventure-seekers: If you can talk everyone into it, there’s no shortage of trails all around you. Walk or bike yourself through a wildlife spotting adventure.

Relaxation lovers: A Lake Life Looks Good on Me sweatshirt in your shopping bag and an extra-large latte in hand, while the kids decide whether they want a keychain with their name on it or a bag of agates for their souvenir–is just what the dockside doctor ordered. 

Thanks for coming! We had a blast guiding you through this long weekend of fun, family, and core memory-making. Next year, stay a little longer, and when you do, we’ll be here to steer you along another perfect family stay at The Red Door Resort.  

Kick off summer right—reserve your spot today! https://thereddoorresort.com/

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Summer Activities at the Red Door Resort
two kids tubing behind boat on Lake Mille Lacs while staying at Red Door Resort
group of people playing basketball at summer family resort on Lake Mille Lacs
Lake Mille Lacs | The Red Door Resort

Activities at Red Door

The Red Door Resort offers a number of activities at or near the resort. Our swimming beach has a sandy lake bottom that stretches out from shore. Activities available at the main resort include a playground, basketball, and gaga ball pit.

Mille Lacs Lake features a world renowned fishery and is also great for recreational use, including swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, wind surfing, kayaking and canoeing. Off the lake there are walking, hiking and snowmobiling opportunities; many of the trails wind through hundreds of acres of beautiful state land and are accessible year round. The area around the resort has a high concentration of sugar maples, which means that, in the fall, the area has some of the most vibrant colors in the state.

The resort is only minutes away from excellent hunting land, state parks, and golf courses. Further afield, you can access the Grand Casino Mille Lacs, Brainerd International Raceway, Paul Bunyan Land, Wealthwood Rod and Gun Club, and the Mille Lacs Indian Museum.

Girl holding a large fish in The Red Door Resort
Ice Fish House | The Red Door Resort
Women standing in a boat holding a large fish on Lake Mille Lacs
Family Resort at North Shore of Minnesota