A Minnesota Mom’s Complete Review of Grand View Lodge in Nisswa

This post, featuring my review of Grand View Lodge in Nisswa, Minnesota, may contain affiliate links. This article was written as part of a sponsored stay-all thoughts and opinions about the stay are my own. For more, please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy (linked below).

If you're looking for fun multi-generational getaways in Minnesota, then this Grand View Lodge review is for you. During our stay, four generations of my family-my daughter, my mom, my grandmother, and me-came together for an unforgettable lake vacation that (spoiler) truly blew us away. The staff was warm and welcoming, the resort grounds were gorgeous (even in early November!), and the epic sunsets over Gull Lake felt straight out of a postcard.

We stayed in one of the Garden Cottages (323), which comfortably slept 12 and featured two living spaces, a cozy kids' nook, and a game room with ping pong and a pool table. Outside, we gathered around the fire pit for s'mores. And, that was just our cottage! The rest of the resort has even more in store for families.

Honestly, we never even left the property. There was that much to do! From the beach to the pools, dining, and endless family-friendly activities, this Grand View Lodge review is easy to write. It's one of the best lake vacations in Minnesota for families-hands down. Keep reading to find out why.

About Grand View Lodge in Nisswa, Minnesota

Here's a snapshot of what you need to know and review before staying at Grand View Lodge with kids.

Location: Nissa, Minnesota

Accommodation Types: There are 6 accomodation areas across the resort. Grand View Lodge offers a range of accommodations and room configurations, including traditional boutique hotel rooms, lakeside cabins, and modern multi-bedroom homes (including 4- to 6-bedroom options). No matter what your crew looks like, you'll find a style that works for you!

We stayed in Garden Cottages 323, which accommodates up to 12 guests. It was perfect for our four-generation group to spread out comfortably, play games together, sleep soundly, and enjoy the weekend.

Season: All accommodation types are offered year-round.

Best for: Any type of group or traveler! From romantic getaways to multi-generational family gatherings, there are accommodations perfect for your next getaway at Grand View Lodge.

Snapshot of Amenities for Grand View Lodge 

• Two indoor pools (with options for zero-depth entry and two-story water slides), plus seasonal outdoor pools and hot tubs.
• Daily activities for all ages and interests (yoga, crafts, bonfires, bingo, etc.).
• Beach access on Gull Lake with seasonal swimming, boating, fishing, non-motorized watercrafts, and banana tubing.
• Summer activities include tennis courts, sand volleyball, lawn games, and hiking and biking trails. There is also a nearby zip-line.
• Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails, ice skating, ice fishing, sledding, and snowmobile trails.
• Unique seasonal activities include horse-drawn rides and outdoor bonfires.
• Arcade with classic and modern games.
• On-site spa offering a range of services and amenities. 
• 27-hole golf course, clubhouse, and simulators.
• Kids' club available with pre-reservation and an added rate (ages 4 – 12).
• Complimentary shuttle to help you get around the resort.
• There is a really handy wristband and app system. The wristband is your key across the resort. And, the app lets you see the activities schedule, resort map, and more.

My Review of Staying at Grand View Lodge

Honestly, we loved our stay at Grand View Lodge with kids this year (even in the off-season!)! The property and its family-friendly amenities are truly exceptional. With diverse accommodation types (including lakeside cabins), indoor and outdoor pools, and complimentary gear for seasonal adventures, Grand View Lodge makes it easy to play, explore, and connect with your family without ever having to leave the property. 

Would we recommend Grand View Lodge for other families? Without question, yes! 

After checking it out for ourselves, we can honestly say Grand View Lodge is one of our top recommendations for lakeside resorts in Minnesota with kids! This section shares my overall review and impression of Grand View Lodge for families. I'll also touch on why it's one of the best multi-generational getaways in Minnesota (our stay spanned four generations!).

More on What We Loved at Grand View Lodge 

From the moment we arrived at Grand View Lodge, my daughter ran through our cottage shouting, "I'm going to have so much fun here!". And, she was absolutely right. This resort is a dream for families. It has undoubtedly become a new favorite for us and is easily one of the best family resorts in Minnesota. Here is a breakdown of what we enjoyed during our recent family stay at Grand View Lodge.

Accommodations

We stayed in one of the Garden Cottages (323), which slept 12 and featured two spacious living spaces. Plenty of room for a night of take-away pizza and card games. Plus, a kids' nook and a game room (ping pong, pool, board games, etc.). The outdoor fire pit made evenings cozy. Of course, everyone had a s'more or two!

We each had our own room in the cottage, and most rooms had en-suite bathrooms. There was even a bunkbed room for kids (which my daughter loved!). If you're considering a multi-family stay at Grand View Lodge, I highly recommend the Garden Cottages. They are well-appointed and situated on the property for a comfortable multi-generational stay.

Activities

During our stay, the horse-drawn carriage rides through the golf course were a highlight for everyone, young and old. This was one of our first resort activities, and it really paved the way for the fantastic experiences to come.

NorthPark was another favorite for us. Throughout the weekend, we kept going back for the giant indoor pool (with a thrilling two-story slide!) and outdoor hot tub. They even had a big splash contest here during our stay! Grand View Lodge features two indoor pools. We tried both, and NorthPark was the winner in my daughter's eyes. 

On our second night, I was in the outdoor hot tub at NorthPark when it started snowing for the first time this season. Talk about a magical moment!

The lake area offers beach access, playgrounds, and shuffleboard, making it an ideal spot for relaxing afternoons. The sunset over the lake was SPECTACULAR. It honestly took my breath away. We even found ourselves regularly strolling here, even in the chilly November off-season. 

Dining

And the food at Grand View Lodge? Everything we tried was excellent and well-suited for all preferences or dietary needs. From buffet breakfasts at the Heritage Room to take-away pizza at Northwoods Pub and dinner at Char, every meal was delicious and family-approved. I even had one of the best Reubens of my life at Northwoods Pub! Kids' menus are widely available, and I saw several options for gluten-friendly and vegetarian dining.

The Resort App

Finally, we appreciated using the resort app to plan our days and check the weekend schedule. Many of the activities are free and do not require pre-reservation. Those that have an added cost or reservation requirement are outlined on the app and activities schedule (or online before you arrive). 

Things of Note

My Grand View Lodge review would be remiss without a few notes of consideration. 

Many stays start around $500 or $600/night in the high season (for a standard hotel room with 2 adults and 2 kids, expect more for larger accommodations). This could be a sticking point with some family budgets. Off-season pricing is much more budget-friendly. For families looking for an all-in-one resort experience in Central Minnesota (with plenty of kid-friendly amenities to keep everyone busy!), the cost is likely worth it.

While planning your family stay at Grand View Lodge, please note that certain activities and services require advance booking or reservations. This is important to keep in mind, as activities like golf and spa treatments can book up quickly. Some reservations (like Char and the seasonal winter igloos) also require reservations, while others do not. Reviewing your "must-do" activities in advance of your stay at Grand View Lodge will help you plan and ensure your reservations are made (and no one arrives disappointed!).

There is really nothing I can "complain" about with this resort! Everything met or exceeded our expectations. But, if I had to come up with something, the room towels are on the small side. If you or someone in your family has a larger body, you may want to pack your own. That said, showers are very spacious.

4 Reasons Why Families Should Book Their Next Multi-generational Getaway at Grand View Lodge

If you're wondering where to take a multi-generational getaway in Minnesota, you may be considering Grand View Lodge (as well you should!). In this Grand View Lodge review, I've also included four reasons why I think families of all sizes will love staying here with their kids. Hopefully, these will help you gain a better understanding of whether Grand View Lodge is a good fit for your family. 

Comfort & Fun from 1 to 100

When it comes to multi-generational getaways in Minnesota, Grand View Lodge is comfortable and fun for all ages. No one is left out, and everyone has what they need. Plus, there are plenty of spaces to rest and relax throughout the stay. Our four-generation stay (spanning from my young daughter to my grandmother) can attest to that!

My daughter loved the endless adventures, from swimming to carriage rides. Meanwhile, my grandmother appreciated how accessible everything was. The resort offers a convenient shuttle service, and most areas are easily navigable with minimal stairs. Our cottage had a no-step entry (stairs only to the basement). Everywhere we went, the staff was kind, patient, and eager to help.

Dining was equally family-friendly across generations. Each dining area features spacious tables, perfect for large groups, along with menus that cater to every taste. They also have kids' menus at each of the sit-down eateries.

All of which make Grand View Lodge a rare place where every generation feels right at home.

Lakeside Location in Central Minnesota

Set on the shores of Gull Lake, Grand View Lodge offers one of the most memorable lake vacations in Minnesota for families (in my experience). This classic lakeside resort combines the postcard-perfect scenery you dream of with all the water activities your kids could ever dream of.

The beach is so inviting! Here, you'll find playground equipment right on the sand, shuffleboard, and plenty of space to play together. Whether you're splashing or lounging, the lakefront setting is the heart of the resort's charm. And when the day winds down, everyone can gather to watch the sunset over Gull Lake. I caught one of the best sunsets of my life here!

Just steps away from the beach, the waterfront pool area is a family favorite, featuring a zero-depth entry area for little ones and a two-story waterslide for thrill-seekers. Not to mention, a nearby seasonal cantina and two hot tubs for parents to unwind. 

Eat, Play, Stay All in One Place

Very truly (from a mom who travels A LOT with her family), one of the best parts about staying at Grand View Lodge with your kids is that everything you need for an EPIC family lake vacation in Minnesota is right on-site. This makes it easy to focus on the fun of traveling with your kiddos (not the stress of planning it all!). From sunrise to sunset, there's something entertaining for every age and interest. All you have to do is review the schedule and let everyone choose their favorite activity for the day. From babies to grandmas, everyone is spoiled for choice, which is why Grand View Lodge is consistently named one of the best multi-generational getaways in Minnesota.

Spend the day splashing at NorthPark. Kids will love the slide, and parents can relax in the hot tubs. Or, head to the waterfront pool with its zero-depth entry and unbeatable views of Gull Lake. Adults can also mix in a bit of golf or a spa service. Of course, the beach offers playgrounds and plenty of space for lounging in the sun. The options are truly endless, and every day can be different-or, exactly the same! You get to choose.

Everything at Grand View Lodge is just steps away (or a quick shuttle ride), making it easy for families to navigate the property together. Teens can be let loose to freely explore. And, grandparents can easily find time to rest in the afternoons. No matter who you're traveling with, everyone can eat, play, and stay with ease and comfort.

Tons of Kid-Friendly + Family Activities for All Ages (Literally!)

I've touched on this before in my Grand View Lodge review, but it's worth mentioning again. The sheer number of kid-friendly and family activities offered year-round at Grand View Lodge is UNMATCHED! Whether you’re visiting in swimsuits or snow gear, there’s always something fun to do at Grand View Lodge with kids. Here is a quick look at some of our favorite activities at Grand View Lodge for families.

A Few Seasonal Outdoor Activities for Families

• Beach and lakeside fun
• Paddleboarding, kayaking, and boating 
• Multiple playgrounds
• Horse-drawn rides
• Ice Skating, sledding, and snowshoeing 
• Lawn games
• Fire pits 

A Few Indoor Activities for Families

• Two massive indoor pools with zero-depth entry, splashers, and waterslides
• Arts and crafts
• Bingo
• Yoga
• Dedicated kids' club

…and MORE! There are so many fantastic year-round activities for guests of all ages at Grand View Lodge-this is just a snapshot based on our experience!

Ready to Book or Explore More?

Has my Grand View Lodge review helped you make your decision? Check pricing, date availability, and book your stay at Grand View Lodge! Check their offers pages to learn more about their current packages. I promise Grand View Lodge will quickly become a favorite with your kids (it is with mine!).

Unless otherwise noted, all images in this article were taken by and belong to the blog's author, Antonia Grant. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.