Red Door Resort
F.A.Q.
Red Door Resort FAQ F.A.Q.
A $1,000 deposit reserves your wedding weekend at The Red Door Resort, and every dollar of it is credited toward your $10,000 weekend minimum — it’s not an extra fee. The deposit is fully refundable until 180 days before your wedding weekend. Once you’ve toured the resort and picked your dates, we’ll send a wedding contract for review; your date is locked in when the signed contract and deposit are returned. Fall weekends on Lake Mille Lacs book 9 to 18 months out, so we recommend reserving early.
Wedding dates fill up early. Most of our couples book 9 to 18 months out. For current availability, the fastest path is to fill out the inquiry form on the Wedding page of our website or call us at (218) 678-3686. We’ll get back to you with open dates and walk you through next steps.
We don’t have a full on-site coordinator, but our team works closely with you or your chosen wedding planner, and we handle everything related to the property: lodging, setup spaces, and day-of logistics on our end. Either way, you won’t be figuring out logistics on your own.
We always recommend a rain plan, and we’ll work with you to set one up. Generally, wedding couples rent a large tent that can be used if weather doesn’t cooperate. The Event Center is also a backup option. It’s your weekend at the resort, so if needed, we can modify the ceremony time to best fit conditions. We’ve seen the weather on Mille Lacs surprise people in every direction, and we plan for it.
We have a full liquor license, which includes the ability to serve strong beer, wine, and liquor, and require that alcohol be purchased through the resort for your event.
One of the advantages of hosting your event at The Red Door Resort is the freedom to make it your own. We don’t have a preferred vendor list, so you’re welcome to bring in the caterer, decorator, and other vendors that fit your vision. We do require that your food vendor be commercially licensed in the state of Minnesota, and the commercial kitchen at the resort is available to lease if your caterer needs full access.
Absolutely. Many couples use the Event Center for the rehearsal dinner and welcome events. It’s one of the perks of having the whole party on-site.
Yes. We offer lodging blocks for wedding parties, which is one of the biggest reasons couples choose us. Your guests can stay on-site for the full weekend, walk to the ceremony, and not worry about hotel logistics. When your guests book and pay for a cabin or motel room, their reservation counts towards our Wedding Weekend $10,000 minimum, and assuming your party fills the resort for both nights, you’ll have covered the entire $10,000.
At The Red Door Resort, couples who meet the weekend minimum enjoy full access to our event spaces and amenities at no additional charge, which include our 96-person event center (perfect for the Groom’s Dinner and wedding-day appetizers, and even the reception if you don’t rent a tent), resort-owned tables and chairs, and as many harbor slips as you might need, included as part of your wedding weekend. The commercial kitchen is also available to lease if you’d like your caterers to have full access.
Yes. Our lakeside ceremony lawn is the most popular spot to get married, with the lake as your backdrop. You can also host 96 guests in our Event Center for your ceremony.
The resort minimum covers venue and amenity access for the weekend, but there are a few things we can’t provide on-site that you’ll want to budget for:
- Catering. We require a food vendor commercially licensed in Minnesota, and the commercial kitchen is available to lease if your caterer needs it.
- Alcohol. We have a full liquor license that covers strong beer, wine, and liquor, and all alcohol served at your event must be purchased through the resort.
- Large tent or tents
- DJ and dance floor, if you want one in the tent
- Port-a-potties. We require a minimum of two for the wedding weekend.
- Pontoon rentals. Harbor slips are free if your guests bring their own boats.
- Decorations and floral arrangements
- Ceremony officiant. Our team isn’t state-licensed for officiating, yet.
We don’t keep a formal preferred-vendor list, so you’re welcome to bring in any vendors that fit your vision. We’re happy to recommend folks we’ve worked with if you’d like a starting point.
When your wedding meets the $10,000 weekend minimum, you have full access to:
- The entire 12-acre resort property for the wedding weekend
- Our 96-person Event Center, perfect for the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, or welcome events
- The lakeside ceremony lawn with Lake Mille Lacs as your backdrop
- Resort-owned tables and chairs, no separate rental needed
- Unlimited harbor slips for guests who bring their own boats
- Setup and access for your vendors, decorators, and planner throughout the weekend
The commercial kitchen is available to lease separately if your caterer needs full access.
A wedding weekend at The Red Door Resort starts at a $10,000 minimum, or about $100 per guest if you’re hosting our full capacity of 103. That covers full property access from Friday through Sunday, our 96-person Event Center, the lakeside ceremony lawn, all of our resort-owned tables and chairs, and as many harbor slips as your guests need.
Here’s the part that surprises couples in a good way. When your guests book and pay for cabins or motel rooms during your weekend, those reservations count toward the $10,000. If your party fills the resort for both nights, the lodging revenue typically covers the entire minimum. Said another way, you’re paying for accommodations your guests would book anyway, not a separate venue fee on top of lodging.
A few costs sit outside the resort minimum, including catering, alcohol purchased through our bar, tent rental, and a few other items. The full list is in “What additional costs should we plan for?” below.
Our Event Center accommodates up to 96 guests for a wedding or reception. If you’re looking to keep your whole group on-site, the resort sleeps up to 103 guests across all accommodations.
Yes. We host weddings throughout our season, with our strongest demand in late summer and early fall. Our lakeside setting, 11 cabins, 10 motel rooms, and motel family suite let you bring everyone together in one place for the whole weekend, not just the wedding day.
Couples book the property for the weekend so the celebration can stretch. Rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, and a final brunch on the lake before everyone heads home.
Yes — community is one of the best parts of being a seasonal member at The Red Door. The resort offers a handful of events for members throughout the summer. Past events have included bean bag tournaments, fishing tournaments, and member appreciation dinners / picnics.
A number of our seasonal site owners have been with us for years, and their kids have grown up with the kids on the neighboring sites. That’s the whole point — it’s not just a place to park, it’s a community to belong to.
Most of our seasonal RV guests use their own rig facilities, but we do have two shared shower houses nearby in the resort’s fish house parks that can be used for backup and convenience.
Yes — seasonal site holders can leave their RV in place over the winter as part of the seasonal package, at no extra charge.
Our Lakeside RV sites have concrete pads that can easily accommodate RVs up to 35’ in length. The MLV RV sites range from 2,520 sqft to 3,350 sqft and feature gravel pads that are 12’ by 40’, easily accommodating large rigs with slide-outs. If you have an extra-large setup, give us a call and we’ll match you to the right site.
All of our seasonal sites have full hookups: water, sewer, and 50/30/20 amp electric service. Resort wide WiFi is also available at every site. Access to The Red Door Resort’s amenities including heated outdoor pool, lakeside sauna, beach, boat ramp, basketball hoop, playground, and gaga ball pit is also included.
Yes — we have a few short-term RV sites available for nightly and weekly rentals throughout the season. Nightly RV sites can be booked online or by calling the resort.
A seasonal site is yours for the full season — you set up once, leave your rig in place, and come and go as often as you like from spring through fall. It’s the closest thing to having a cabin at the lake without owning one.
A short-term site, if available, is a nightly or weekly stay — set up, stay a few nights, pack up and leave.
Seasonal site pricing for the 2026 season is $2,925 for Lakeside RV Lot and $2,500 for a MLV RV Lot. All RV lots are full hook-up with dedicated electric, sewer and water connections. RV rates include access to all The Red Door Resort amenities. Lots can be used from May 1st to September 30th and RVs can be stored on the lot during the off season for no additional cost. Contact us for more information and for a list of currently available lots.
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.
From our harbor you have direct access to some of the most productive water on the lake. Mille Lacs has vast, diverse waters and well-defined structures — from sandy breaks to mud flats right outside of our access — that offer prime fishing conditions year-round.
Yes. Our harbor on the north shore is naturally protected, which is a real advantage on a lake the size of Mille Lacs — storms can come up fast and the harbor gives your boat a safe place to ride them out.
Harbor passes are included with all overnight lodging, so there is no fee for overnight guests to launch their boat. We want to make it easy to get on and off the water — no friction between your truck and the lake.
Slips are not included with overnight lodging and all slips require reservations. The cost is $30.00 per night and slips can be booked online or by contacting the office.
Yes — guests can reserve a harbor slip for $30.00 per night. All slips are reserved and can be booked online or by calling the office. The harbor is protected, which gives most boats a safe spot regardless of wind direction.
The Resort does not sell bait on site. The closest bait shops are Garrison Sports in Garrison or Sue’s Bait in Malmo. Either bait shop is a 10-15 minute drive from the resort. Most of our angler guests stop in on the way up.
We rent pontoons for guests who want to get out on the water. The quickest way to book one is to click the ‘BOOK NOW’ button on our website.
Mille Lacs has specific walleye regulations that change year to year, including possession limits and slot sizes set by the Minnesota DNR. For the most current rules — including any in-season changes — check the Minnesota DNR website at mndnr.gov before your trip.
It depends on what you’re after. Walleye fishing kicks off with the Minnesota fishing opener in mid-May and stays strong through June. Smallmouth bass is excellent from late May through October, with peak action in June and again in the fall. Muskie season heats up in summer and fall.
Honestly, there isn’t a bad time to be on Mille Lacs between opener and ice-up. Different months just favor different species.
Mille Lacs is one of the best-known fisheries in the Midwest. The lake holds walleye (what most anglers come for), smallmouth bass (Mille Lacs is consistently ranked among the top smallmouth lakes in the country), northern pike, muskie, perch, tullibee, and some panfish.
Smallmouth fishing has gotten especially strong in recent years, and the lake regularly produces trophy-class fish for both species.
The fastest way is to click the ‘BOOK NOW’ button on our website. You’ll see live availability, photos, and pricing for every available cabin and room.
Booking direct means you get the best rate, the most flexibility, and a real conversation with our team if anything comes up. You can also call us at (218) 678-3686 if you’d rather book by phone — we’re happy to help you pick the right cabin for your group.
Your rate includes the cabin or room, all linens and kitchenware, full property amenity access — heated pool, beach, sauna, kayaks, paddleboards, playground, gaga ball court, bonfire areas — and WiFi. Lodging Taxes and Fees include 6.875% State Sales Tax and 3.0% Mille Lacs Tourism Tax.
Add-ons, like pontoon rentals, are charged separately.
Please visit the Open Water Fishing page on our website to learn more about the guides that we recommend. You will need to connect with them individually to book a guided fishing trip through them.
Yes. Motel rooms have a two night minimum (three nights for holiday weekends) stay requirement. The resort does allow last minute (i.e., inside of two weeks from the stay date) one-night motel stays subject to availability and at a slightly higher per night cost.
Cabins have a two night minimum (three nights for holiday weekends) stay requirement.
Check-in is at 3:30 PM and check-out is at 10:30 AM. If you’re arriving early or need a late check-out, give us a call and we’ll do what we can — we’re flexible when we have the room to be.
Yes — we have 3 lakefront cabins with views and direct walk-out access to the water. We have 5 lakeview cabins just a short walk from the shore. Every guest has full access to our private beach, dock, and harbor regardless of which cabin you book.
Yes — WiFi is available throughout the property and in every cabin and motel room, included with your stay. Our WiFi is strong enough for streaming and reliable for workcation email and browsing.
Yes. All of our cabins have A/C and heat, so you’ll be comfortable whether you’re staying in June heat or shoulder-season cool.
Yes. Every cabin comes with bed linens, bath towels, and a full set of kitchenware — pots, pans, dishes, utensils, coffee maker, and the basics you’d expect in a working kitchen.
Our largest lodging option is the motel family suite which sleeps up to 12 and is built for multi-generational trips and friend-group weekends.
Each cabin and motel listing on our website has photos, sleeping arrangements, and what’s included. If you’re not sure which fits your group, give us a call — we’ll match you to the right one.
We have 11 cabins in total, eight 2-bedroom cabins that sleep up to 5 and three 3-bedroom cabins that sleep up to 7. Our smaller cabins are great for couples and small families. Our mid-size cabins comfortably fit a family of 4-7.
We offer cabins, motel rooms, a motel family suite, and seasonal RV sites.
Our cabins range from cozy two-person stays to larger units that sleep up to 7, with full kitchens and lake-cabin character. Our motel rooms are clean and budget-friendly — perfect for anglers and shorter trips. Our seasonal RV sites are for guests who want a summer-long home base at Mille Lacs.
For bookings, the easiest way is directly through our website at https://thereddoorresort.com/. For additional inquiries, call us at (218) 678-3686, email Details@TheRedDoorResort.com, or send us a message right from our website.
Plenty — and that’s the point.
On the property: swim in our heated pool or the lake, lounge on the beach, kayak and paddleboard, fish from shore, rent a pontoon, play gaga ball, let the kids run on the playground, sauna, and gather around the bonfire after sundown.
Off the property: Lake Mille Lacs is one of the most famous walleye lakes in the country, and we’re a short drive to Father Hennepin State Park, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, and Grand Casino Mille Lacs. You won’t run out of things to do.
Yes — we host weddings, family reunions, and group gatherings on the lake. With our lakeside setting, 11 cabins, and 11 motel rooms, we can house your full guest list on-site. See our Weddings page for details on ceremony locations, reception space, and pricing.
Yes — we’re a pet-friendly resort, because we know your pet is part of the family. Pets are allowed in Motel Rooms not designated “Pet Free”; the Lakefront, Lakeview, and Family Cabins; the Motel Suite; and the Stone House. Pets are not allowed in the registration area, pool area, sauna or swimming beach area. A pet fee of $25.00/night is charged for all pets. We allow up to two (2) pets in any of our units.
Yes! We have a heated outdoor pool, a sandy swimming beach, a playground, a gaga ball court, kayaks and paddleboards, and bonfire areas where the day winds down. Cabins are spacious enough for multi-gen trips, and the property is small enough that parents can give kids a long leash without losing track of them.
Most of our family guests tell us the same thing: their kids come home sun-kissed, exhausted, and asking when they can come back.
We offer three kinds of stays:
Cabins — full kitchens, lake-cabin feel, sized for couples up through multi-generational family groups. Best for families and longer stays.
Motel Rooms — clean, simple, and budget-friendly. Popular with anglers who plan to spend most of the day on the water.
Seasonal RV Sites — for guests who want a home base at the lake all summer long without owning a cabin.
Two things set us apart. First, we’re the only resort on Lake Mille Lacs with a heated outdoor pool — which means you can swim even when the lake is too cold, and the kids stay happy on cooler mornings and shoulder-season trips.
Second, we’re small enough to feel personal. The Red Door is owner-operated with 11 cabins and a 11-room motel, which means our staff knows our regulars by name and our cabins are kept to a standard you can feel the moment you walk in. We’re not a big resort trying to act small — we’re a small resort that does it right.
Our main season is May 1st to September 30th with peak summer running Memorial Day through Labor Day. We host fall weddings in September and October, and have limited availability, or are closed, in the winter months. Refer to the “Book Now” button on our website for lodging availability!
Two hours. We’re a straight shot north from Minneapolis and St. Paul, which makes us one of the most accessible up-north lake getaways in Minnesota. Close enough for a long weekend, far enough to feel like a real escape.
The Red Door Resort sits on the north shore of Lake Mille Lacs in central Minnesota, at 38421 State Hwy 18, Aitkin, MN 56431. We’re located about two hours north of the Twin Cities on the north shore of Lake Mille Lacs.
