Resort Amenities and Activities
At the Red Door
On LAKE MILLE LACS
Experience the Best of
Lake Mille Lacs
The Red Door Resort is a family and angler-oriented resort on the north shore of Lake Mille Lacs in central Minnesota. Just two hours from Minneapolis–St. Paul, you’ll find lakeside cabins, comfortable motel rooms, and seasonal RV sites — all steps away from a sandy beach, heated pool, lakeside sauna, protected harbor, and more.
For generations, this family-run resort has been known for its genuine hospitality, modern comforts, and classic Minnesota lake life.
Relax and Recharge
by the Water
Nothing says “Minnesota lake getaway” like time spent by the water. At The Red Door Resort, guests enjoy a heated outdoor pool, lakeside sauna, sandy beach, and lakeside lounging areas that make it easy to unwind between fishing trips and family adventures.
Our brand-new heated outdoor pool is the perfect place to cool off, splash around, or lounge under the summer sun. Designed for families and relaxation seekers alike, the pool offers a refreshing break after a day of fishing or exploring Lake Mille Lacs. Whether you’re floating peacefully or watching the kids play, it’s a new favorite spot for Red Door guests.
Pool details:
- Open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day
- Heated for comfortable swimming
- Great for families, groups and casual lounging
- Just a short walk from cabins and motel rooms
Step into our lakeside sauna and let the warmth melt the day away. Whether you’re easing sore muscles after a long day of fishing, warming up after a fun day or simply craving a quiet moment to yourself, the sauna delivers a true Minnesota relaxation experience. Step outside to cool off in the fresh Mille Lacs air and enjoy peaceful views of the lake.
Sauna use is complimentary for overnight guests. Please check with the office for daily hours.
Our sandy swimming beach offers a shallow, family-friendly shoreline that’s ideal for wading, swimming, and building sandcastles with the kids. Enjoy sunny afternoons by the water, relax on the shore with a good book, or cool off with a refreshing dip in Lake Mille Lacs—it’s one of the most beloved summertime amenities at the resort.
At the beach, you’ll find:
- Shallow, kid-friendly swimming area
- Soft sand for playing and lounging
- Easy access to nearby picnic tables and fire pits
Please note: the beach is unsupervised and there is no lifeguard on duty.
Family Fun, Fishing and Outdoor Adventures
From playground time and yard games to harbor access and pontoon rentals, The Red Door Resort makes it easy for families, anglers, and groups to enjoy the best of Lake Mille Lacs together.
At our Mille Lacs family resort, you’ll enjoy:
- Kid-approved spaces to play and explore
- Easy access to Lake Mille Lacs fishing and boating
- On-site amenities that keep everyone active and outdoors
Lake Mille Lacs offers world-class fishing, making it the ideal destination for family outings, group trips, and unforgettable fishing vacations. Cast from shore, bring your own boat, or book a guided excursion for a personalized experience on the water. From walleye and northern pike to smallmouth bass and perch, fishing brings families and friends together at The Red Door Resort.
Ways to enjoy fishing at our Mille Lacs family resort:
- Cast from shore or off the harbor area
- Launch your own boat using our convenient boat ramp and slips
- Book a guided fishing trip for expert tips and local knowledge
Learn more about Lake Mille Lacs fishing and guided trips on our Fishing page.
Our protected harbor provides safe, convenient docking with 26 boat slips available for guests, plus a public boat ramp for easy access to Lake Mille Lacs. Whether you’re heading out for an early-morning walleye run or cruising Mille Lacs at sunset, the harbor keeps your boat just steps from your cabin, motel room, or RV site.
Harbor and boat slip details:
- 26 guest slips
- Public boat ramp for easy launching
- Harbor passes included with all overnight stays
- Boat slips available by reservation—contact the office to reserve
This north shore harbor access is one of the most appreciated Lake Mille Lacs resort amenities for boaters and anglers.
No boat? No problem. Our new pontoon rentals make it easy to enjoy a full day on Lake Mille Lacs—whether you’re fishing, cruising, or simply relaxing with family and friends. With comfortable seating and easy handling, our pontoons are the perfect way to explore the lake at your own pace.
Pontoon rentals on Lake Mille Lacs:
- Ideal for family outings, fishing trips, and sunset cruises
- Comfortable seating and easy-to-drive operation
- Convenient pickup right from The Red Door Resort harbor
Give us a call for current rates, availability, and rental requirements.
Kids—and kids at heart—love our upgraded playground, gaga ball pit, and basketball hoop. These outdoor spaces offer endless hands-on fun and are perfect for burning off energy between lake adventures. From friendly competitions to imaginative play, the resort makes it easy for families to stay active and entertained just steps from their cabin, motel room, or RV site.
Playground area features:
- Modern playground equipment
- Gaga ball pit for fast-paced group games
- Basketball hoop for quick pick-up games
Explore Things to Do Around
the Red Door Resort
Beyond the resort, the Mille Lacs area offers plenty of ways to explore, play, and discover something new. From state parks and hiking trails to local attractions, golf, and casinos, you’ll find day trips and activities for every type of traveler.
Nearby activities and attractions include:
- Excellent hunting land, scenic trails, and golf courses just minutes away
- Mille Lacs Kathio and Father Hennepin State Parks for hiking, views, and history
- Soo Line Trail access for ATV, biking, and snowmobile adventures
- Grand Casino Mille Lacs, Brainerd International Raceway & Paul Bunyan Land
- Wealthwood Rod and Gun Club and the Mille Lacs Indian Museum
Interested in more ideas for your Lake Mille Lacs vacation?
Why Guests Love
The Red Door Resort
Guests love vacationing at The Red Door Resort because we offer the perfect blend of comfort, adventure, and lakeside relaxation. With family-friendly resort amenities like a sandy beach, heated outdoor pool, lakeside sauna, playground, gaga ball pit, harbor access, and new pontoon rentals, there’s truly something for everyone.
Whether you’re here to fish, unwind, explore, or make memories with the people you love, The Red Door Resort delivers the classic Minnesota lake getaway families return to year after year.
Why families and anglers keep coming back:
- A relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere with genuine hospitality
- Easy access to Lake Mille Lacs fishing, boating, and lakeside fun
- Modern comforts paired with classic “up north” Minnesota charm
Things to Do Near Lake Mille Lacs
Blog
Make yourself at home at The Red Door Resort. Whether you’re relaxing in a lakeside cabin, unwinding in a family suite, or settling into one of our Mille Lacs motel rooms, every stay offers the perfect blend of comfort, charm, and unforgettable Minnesota memories.
Amenities F.A.Q.
Rainy days are actually some of our favorite days at the lake. On the property: sauna, board games and cards in the cabin, naps with the lake outside the window, a long evening bonfire once it clears.
Off the property: Mille Lacs Kathio State Park has indoor exhibits, Grand Casino Mille Lacs is an easy drive, and there are a handful of cozy restaurants and shops within a short drive of the resort. We can give you the full rainy-day rundown when you check in.
Plenty within a short drive. A few favorites:
Father Hennepin State Park — beaches, hiking, and one of the best swimming spots on the lake, just minutes from the resort. Mille Lacs Kathio State Park — hiking trails, an observation tower, and a great rainy-day option for families. Grand Casino Mille Lacs — gaming, dining, and entertainment, an easy drive from the resort. Local restaurants, bait shops, and small-town stops are scattered around the lake and worth exploring.
Ask at check-in — we’ll point you to whatever fits your group.
We don’t have on-site laundry and the nearest laundromat is attached to the liquor store in Malmo. For longer stays, this matters more than you’d think.
Yes — WiFi is available throughout the property, in every cabin and motel room, and included with your stay.
We have 13 bonfire areas on the property, including a common lakeside fire ring near the harbor entrance, and each cabin and the motel suite has a private bonfire area. We sell DNR certified firewood at the office. Bonfires are one of the best parts of a Red Door evening, so plan for at least one.
Yes — both. The playground gives the younger kids a spot of their own, and the gaga ball court is a hit with kids of all ages (and a lot of adults too, once they figure out the rules). Both are right on the property and free for guests to use whenever.
Yes — pontoon rentals are one of our most popular add-ons, especially for family trips and group stays. You can book a pontoon for a 4-hour half day or 8-hour full day rental.
Pontoons fill up fast in peak summer, so we recommend reserving when you book your stay. You can book one through our website or by calling the resort at (218) 678-3686.
Yes. Kayaks and paddleboards are included with your stay on a first-come-first-served basis — grab one whenever you want and head out from our beach.
Yes — our sauna is included with every stay. It’s a favorite end-of-day spot, especially in cooler shoulder-season weather and after a long day on the water.
Yes. The Red Door is the only resort with a heated outdoor pool on Lake Mille Lacs, and it’s one of the things our guests remember most.
It changes the math on a Minnesota lake trip — you can swim on a cool morning, the kids stay happy when the lake is too cold, and shoulder-season stays in May and September feel a lot more comfortable. Most other resorts make you wait for the lake to warm up. We don’t.
Every stay at The Red Door includes full access to the property’s amenities — at no extra charge:
Heated outdoor pool, sandy swimming beach, dock and protected harbor, sauna, kayaks and paddleboards, playground, gaga ball court, multiple bonfire areas, and WiFi throughout the property.
Pontoon rentals and a few seasonal extras are priced separately. Guided fishing trips are arranged directly by you through independent guides.
