Summer is upon us, and that means time for summer vacations. But vacation doesn’t have to mean lots of busyness and new activities every single day. It can also mean taking time to break away from the madness and enjoying quiet, peacefulness, and serenity. A place like this isn’t in the most touristy of destinations but it will offer you and your family the solitude that you need and crave to recharge and relax.
Ludlow’s Island Resort is located on Lake Vermillion in Cook, Minnesota. It is on a secluded, pine covered island in the middle of Lake Vermillion and can only be accessed by resort shuttle boat. The resort is only for guests, making it private and safe for families. There are plenty of activities for families like hiking, pontoon rides, fishing, and more. Families are attracted to Ludlow’s Island Resort because of its seclusion and relaxed activities for the entire family.
For generations Ludlow’s Resort family has been taking care of the families that come to visit their little island in the northern United States. They are committed to protecting the habitat of the island while providing an exceptional experience for their guests, making it the perfect place to find serenity and solitude. Once you visit Ludlow’s, you’ll be part of the family.
Why Ludlow’s Island Resort is the Perfect Summer Escape for Families
Many times summer vacation turn in to anything but an actual vacation. We often start off with plans thinking it will be a wonderful escape for the entire family. We dream of beach or lake days relaxing by the shore, a good book in our hands, and plenty of memories made. But before we know it we have made plans for different “must-see” activities for each and every day.
But at Ludlow’s Island Resort you will truly have a vacation that is a vacation. Not only do you have the opportunity to be truly secluded from the hustle and bustle that is daily life (and usually, vacation life) you also have amazing amenities and world-class service that will make you feel like you have nothing do but sit back, relax, and enjoy the luxury resort accommodations.
Whether you are just taking a small family vacation or you are looking to have a huge family reunion, there are plenty of low-key activities and cabins that accommodate small or large groups. Take a look below to see all the different things that you can expect to experience at Ludlow’s Island Resort.
Ludlow’s Island Resort Grounds
The front desk and all the activities of the resort are located on the main island, along with a few cabins. If you rent a cabin on the North Side, you will need a boat (or call for pick up) to get to the main island for activities and all the water fun. The island has all the water activities supplies, playground, movie room, sauna, the main lodge, store, pantry, game room, slide, zip line, boat docks, water sports and climbing iceberg located right there for centralized fun.
For those looking for more relaxation and less action, there are plenty of spaces to relax near and away from the fun. There are several deck levels with lounge chairs all over them, so if you’re looking to get lost, you can go all the way to the top deck that affords a beautiful view, or choose one of the numerous benches on the waterside for that perfect sunset. The beach area turns from a kiddy playground to family bonfire area in the evenings, where you can huddle up with your whole family to discuss the plan for tomorrow as the sun sets beautifully on this secluded island.
Accommodations at Ludlow’s Island Resort
Ludlow’s Island Resort has accommodations that can serve family sizes from 4 people up to 12 people in one cabin. Their luxury cabins allow families to enjoy their time together in comfortable accommodations so they can get the refreshing rest and relaxation that they need. You can choose from rooms that are 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 bedrooms.
Each of the cabins at Ludlow’s Island Resort were built by the Ludlow family over time, so no two cabins are alike. Each cabin has a view of Lake Vermillion, and some of the cabins are even more secluded on a secondary island that is only accessed by boat.
All cabins have kitchens with all basic appliances, dining utensils, and pots and pans for cooking. There is a gourmet pantry on site for you to purchase any foods you may need while on your vacation for healthy and home-cooked meals for the entire family. Ludlow’s Island Resort cabins also have a unique north woods theme and several baths.
Each cabin also includes:
- Daily newspaper delivered to your cabin
- Firewood at the cabin door
- Fresh towels daily
- Robes, shampoos, soaps
- Covered dockage for boats
Whether your family is big or small, you will have plenty of space and comfortable amenities during your stay at Ludlow’s Island Resort.
Things to Do at Ludlow’s Island Resort
Even though you are staying on a secluded island, it doesn’t mean you won’t have anything to do during your stay at Ludlow’s Island Resort. In fact, it is quite the opposite. There are several low-key activities for the entire family including world-class fishing, swimming in the lake, a luxury spa, boat rentals, and more.
World-Class Fishing at Ludlow’s Island Resort
Fishing is unparalleled at Ludlow’s Island Resort. Check out their newly renovated bait and tackle shop. Much of the island is considered catch-and-release while some of the catches like bass, crappies, perch, walleye, and muskies are a limited catch. Classes and guides are offered through the resort to help you up your fishing game, and guided fishing trips are also available during different times of the year. There are also fishing boats available for rent for one-day or one-week. Kids are also able to fish with adult supervision, and poles are available for use for your little ones during their stay. TIP: Ask for Mike to take you out to some walleye hot spots!
Woodlands Spa at Ludlow’s Island Resort
A relaxing vacation wouldn’t be the same without a day at the spa. The Woodlands Spa is located on one of the secondary islands of the resort. Here you will find a traditional Finnish sauna that is kept between 170 degrees and 210 degrees, with a relative humidity level of 10- to 15-percent. The sauna is free to use for guests during their stay.
In addition to the sauna guests can also book appointments for pedicures and manicures, and massages too.
Water Activities at Ludlow’s Island Resort
Ludlow’s Island Resort is located on Lake Vermillion giving guests plenty of opportunities to explore different water activities. The main area of the resort is a hot spot of water fun for old and young. Parents can relax on the decks or on the beach lounges while the kids are busy ziplining into the lake, jumping around the iceberg or having fun water wars.
Some of these activities/amenities include:
- Climbing Iceberg
- Zip Line
- Waterslides
- Paddle Boats
- Stand-Up Paddle Boards
- Kayaks
- Canoes
- Hydro-Bikes
- Life Jackets (all sizes)
- Sandcastle and Water Toys
- Kids’ Fishing Poles
You can also rent different style boats to enjoy the water at your leisure. Boat rentals include:
- Fishing boats
- Pontoon boats
- Deck boats
Other Activities at Ludlow’s Island Resort
There are a variety of land-based activities as well for the entire family:
- Movie Room w/DVD selection
- Book and Game Library
- Game Room with Wii
- Basketball Court
- Indoor Racquetball
- Tennis
- Ping Pong Table
- Tree House
- Kids Craft Playground
Kids Activities at Ludlow’s Island Resort
Many guests love going to Ludlow’s Island Resort because of how amazing it is for families with young kids. There are plenty of activities that kids are able to participate in at Ludlow’s Island Resort. All of these activities are planned by resort staff, which takes another thing off your plate when planning your vacation:
- hiking trips
- pontoon rides
- tree planting
- Native arts and crafts
- scavenger hunts
- “colorama” t-shirt painting
- marshmallow and hot dog roasts
- mini sailboat races
- sand castle building
- fishing derbys
Editor’s Note:
Going to Ludlow’s Island resort was like landing on a private island, except this one had built in friends, a ton of activities and everything you might need within reach. Ludlow’s is certainly a one of a kind vacation that you won’t get anywhere else. From the moment you step foot in the entrance of the resort and have to use an old time phone to call the front desk to pick you and your luggage up to bring to the main island, you know this won’t be an ordinary vacation.
Our kids enjoyed being able to play all day and never run out of activities. Favorites were the zip line with a jump into the lake, water gun fights, getting around the resort by boat, ice cream lake runs, pizza evenings and the most amazing starry nights.
For photography and astronomy buffs, there’s no better place to take photos of the amazing night sky than at Ludlow’s Island Resort. The night sky is breathtaking and is a great educational tool for the kids.
A word has to be said about the staff at the resort. Most of the staff has been there for a while and knows all the families that come to visit Ludlow’s Island every year. Whether it’s your first time or 21st, you’re treated like family. There’s even an island dog roaming around for everyone to play with and pet. Being able to have a resort lake vacation and yet feel like a local and a part of the family was very special to us and our children.
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