Son is coming home on leave, looking for a place to stay/fish/play

[LaZyDayZ]

Hello all...

My son will be home on leave in February, he is currently stationed in Kuwait not Iraq so is not going to be home for Christmas. We have the dates for a trip of February 10-12 but could leave as early as the evening of February 9th. We are looking for a resort/lodge that we can maybe take day trips out ice fishing, guided preferably for the best possible success and then back to a resort of some type to relax and indulge for the evening.

My wife and his girlfriend will be joining us but it is still undetermined if they will join us fishing in the day. Amenities will be everything in the place we choose. I really want to make this a relaxing get away for all and not just a fishing trip.

Any advice and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. We live in Owatonna and would consider LOW but would prefer closer as every hour on the road takes away for his down time.

[TravP]

If going to LOTW's, I'd recommend Zippel Bay Resort. As far as your son's leave dates, just remember they can change.

[LaZyDayZ]

Thank you for the suggestion. The weekend we choose for the trip is his second weekend home on leave so we are hoping that even if he is delayed a bit he will still be home for those days.

Zippel Bay is an awesome place, We have been there many times and will go again. For this trip we are looking for something a bit ritzier. Think pool/hot tub, maybe spa for ladies etc.

[Mark Gangl]

Grand ely is a very nice place and a lot of lakes to fish up there. There are guides on vermilion as well as 1 or 2 members that guide local lake up there

Also a lot of little shops and your trip would fall during their winter festival for some fun for the ladies while you fish

[LaZyDayZ]

Grand Ely looks very promising, that is exactly the kind of place I am looking for. Other suggestions similar to that would be appreciated.

Thank you!!!

[CAMAN]

Craguns on Gull will give you the spa and everything you're looking for.

[LaZyDayZ]

Craguns looks perfect too..

Really like having options..

Keep em coming...

Thank you!!!

[pushbutton]

Might want to check out Izatys on Mille Lacs. Indoor pool, hot tub, on site non bar food, the casino is not far away, and Lybacs is really close. That time of year the perch are usually going good, and honestly think Paul at Appledorns could put you on some in one of their day houses.

[LaZyDayZ]

I like that Izatys is close, 2.5 hours vs 7 is huge, I don't think its quite as nice as some of the others listed, at least not by looking at the pics on its www. The distance puts it into contention tho..

Thank you.

What about leach Lake, seems to me I remember a pretty nice place on the lake but honestly have never fished it.

[basssmasher*]

Possibly check out Arrowwood resort in Alexandria also, as it is a great place as well!

[Get'n Jiggy]

I like that Izatys is close, 2.5 hours vs 7 is huge, I don't think its quite as nice as some of the others listed, at least not by looking at the pics on its www. The distance puts it into contention tho..

Thank you.

What about leach Lake, seems to me I remember a pretty nice place on the lake but honestly have never fished it.

Chase on the Lake is one of the classiest places you'll find anywhere.

Walker rentals have fish houses to rent, there are guide services too.

[LaZyDayZ]

WOW!!!! Chase on the Lake looks great and only 4.5 hours away.

Thanks so much to all for the advice.

[jwmiller33]

try Grandview resort on Gull Lake in Nisswa. It has everything you are looking for

[pegleg]

+1 for Grandview on Gull Lake. Maybe stay at one of their offsite townhouse locations (Roy Lake, Interlachen, or Gull Haven)so all of you have more room to spread out. Also contact Walleyedan up there to set you up with a fish house or guided portable trip for the day.

[The_Diesel]

Thank your son for his service for me, and a big thank you to you as well for your support of him. Kuwait sucks - I know. Two weeks every now and then was far too long for me to be there. I can't imagine an entire deployment there...

I can't really help you out on places to stay up North, but it looks like I'll be watching the family cabin all winter in WI as my folks appear to be snowbirds flying South for the Winter. If you wanted to save a few bucks, send me a PM and I can get you more details about it. Not guaranteeing I can make it happen, but I'll for sure pursue it if it's something you may be interested in.