Looking for a family vacation spot.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

i have a wife and three kids (boys), a brother (30), sister & brother in law with two girls and a mother and father all looking to go on a vacation. last hear we went to LOTW on Zipple bay and it was good. looking for something similar with maybe some water parks and shopping stuff closer for the women and kids....

I'd like to keep it a little shorter then the 9-10hr trip LOTW was from NorthWest Iowa. Is there something about mid way up Minn. that would meet our needs? One main priority is the lake must be a decent or better walleye fishery.

[Brad B]

if it wouldn't be for the drive time I would say check out Devils lake ND. I was there this past Monday and had a 40 plus fish day in six hours of fishing. it is a amazing walleye fishery. I plan to make it a yearly trip from now on. smallest eyes were 15 inches and we were throwing them back like they were just blue gills.

[jjz]

Brainerd lakes area lots more for family too do. Fishing takes more skill but good fishing can be had if your capable.

Good luck

[PurpleFloyd]

Hayward Wi.

[pushbutton]

Alexandria or Brainerd lakes areas. Like mentioned above, not walleye factories, but plenty available, along with a lot of other species, as well as more to do for the non fisher person.

[Igor Drackenwolf]

Check out Gull Lake just North of Brainerd. It has great recreational boating, decent fishing for a variety of game species, beautiful scenery, several restaurants with dock access, a few dockside fuel stations, channels into other lakes, beaches, and many nice resorts at a variety of price-points to fit almost any budget.

The towns of Brainerd and Nisswa are right nearby, with just about every family-fun touristy thing you could imagine: water parks, dear parks, go-carts, mini-golf, shopping, etc.

Our kids had a great time at Cragun's on Gull last summer.

[JBMasterAngler]

Brainerd is probably the best bet. However, what about WI dells? Wisconsin River, Petanwell and Castle Rock Flowages are all top notch walleye waters.

[Down Deep]

Hayward is a great area for families. Over the years we have spent a few weeks there for family vacations. Fishing can be OK, but you need to know its not going to be LOW. The fishing museum is a fun stop and provides opportunity for family photos with the Americana sized fish. If you can time it for the lumber jack competition to to that. I was surprised that my kids and now my grand kids really got it to it. Kids were about 8 to 12 at the time. Lots of other touristy things to do. Great cabins and resorts on some beautiful lakes. Pan fish everywhere for the kids and provides lots of fun for the adults as well. Water and temps warm enough for lots of tubing, wake boarding, etc. I had some decent bass fishing early in the mornings when I could break away.

[gophergunner]

Brainerd works out well for a family trip with stuff for the kids. You do concede a bit on the level of fishing-it's not the same as LOTW. That being said, there's plenty of fish to be had, you'll just have to work a little harder for them, and you may end up having to put some panfish or bass in the boat for a good fish fry for a group that size. Lots of kid friendly attractions in that area. Go-karts, bumper boats, put-put, water slides and the like. Brainerd International Raceway is a draw for the adults. Breezy Point Resort is a good spot to try. Lots of stuff for the kids right on sight-family friendly activities scheduled on most days, golf courses if that's your interest. Be prepared to fend off a time share pitch though. They'll offer you a free meal if you sit through a pitch. Been to a couple of these, and theirs was about the least intense, so if you don't mind getting pestered for a half hour, you could feed the whole gang for free one time. There's lots of gift shops and attractions in Nisswa to check out, and Brainerd is a short ride away. If you want to hire a fishing guide, check out the Nisswa Guide Service. Men who've guided for them in the past included the Lindner boys and Babe Winkleman.

[Rexx]

Alexandria, Detroit Lakes, Park Rapids are all great vacation spots.

[jerkbait]

Leech lake is a nice vacation spot too. Walker has nice little shops and some good places to eat too. and don't forget walleyes and muskies

[Northlander]

I would also recomend Leech lake

[deerminator]

I also recommend the Brainerd area - more specifically the Whitefish Lake area. Been going up there almost every year since I was a young boy with my family when we lived in Dubuque, Iowa. Very nice up north vacation experience and as others have said, it won't match LOTW in walleye fishing but there are walleye and many other fish to be had if you're capable. Lots and lots of restaurants, shopping and attractions of all sorts. Heard Leech Lake is great too but never been.

[smallieobsession]

Another vote for Leech Lake/Walker. Not sure of your budget but we have stayed a few time right in Walker at Chase on the Lake and loved it. Right in town w plenty of shops for the whole family plus the resort has a decent beach, little bowling alley, pool, Spa for the ladies and a marina to put the boat when you are not out running around catching walleyes on Leech.

If you want more up north resort type, there are plenty of resorts near walker on Leech or other lakes so you can still take advantage of all that Walker has yet be out of the masses at the resort. Lots of options.

[mr_jman]

I would suggest the Bemidji area as well, but just like the Walker/Leech Lake suggestions, if you drive that far and really want walleyes than Lake of the Woods is a better bet.

The Brainerd area is probably the best all around family location but Alexandria and Detroit Lakes are good options as well. With the hot bite in the Webster South Dakota area I'd be going there myself.