Many Minnesota resorts stay open well into the fall to welcome deer hunters. The Minnesota rifle season usually opens sometime during the first week of November just as the deer are approaching the peak of the rut. Minnesota has a long and rich tradition of deer hunting, this annual event brings out close to 500,000 hunters who bag anywhere from 150,000 to 250,000 deer each fall. Learn more about hunting deer in Minnesota from the DNR Deer Hunting page.
Public Lands
Minnesota is well known for having plenty of public land open to hunters each fall with more than 12 million acres open for public hunting and other outdoor activities. Much of the land is owned by the State of Minnesota, some Federal land and county managed or tax-forfeited land. Much of this public land rests in the central and northern forest regions of the state there is plenty to go around in all corners of Minnesota if you do your homework. Check out the MN DNR Maps website to search for public lands, other great resources include county GIS mapping systems.
Advantages of Staying at a Resort Deer Season in MN
Save money not having to purchase land, building a deer camp & pay taxes on your deer camp that only gets used during Minnesota’s short fall season. Stay in a warm cabin vs camping camping out in the elements, deer season weather can sometimes be mild but many times brutal cold and snow is the norm. Resort cabins & accommodations can usually support both large and small groups. Resort owners should be able to help you locate some local public lands in the area. Many resorts owners are also deer hunters and will be able to help provide a deer pole and other tips to help you bag a deer. Resorts usually offer more lodging space for you, your gear, an atv and parking than a traditional hotel.
Find A Resort
Browse below to find some great Minnesota Resorts open to deer hunters. Don’t see your resort listed? Shoot us an email and we will get you added as soon as possible!
Wigwam Resort
218-634-2168 | Visit Website | Email
Situated on the banks of both the Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River in the heart of the “Walleye Capital of the World”, the Wigwam Resort offers access to year round hunting and fishing opportunities unlike anywhere else in the country. Whether you are a fisherman pursuing world class Walleye, Sauger, and Sturgeon or a hunter after deer, bear or geese, you can find these and more in abundance in Northern Minnesota.
Loon Point Resort
218-245-1470 | Visit Website | Email
Loon Point Resort is a top-notch resort located north of Grand Rapids, MN on a private lake. Offering 4 newly built FULL LOG cabins, a private lake home, remodeled lake cabins. AMENITIES: water trampoline, stand up boards, kayaks, water mat, water, slide, boat & pontoon rentals, KING beds, A/C, satellite TV, softened water, drinking systems, fire pits. Open year round with access to ATV & snowmobile trails. AMENITIES: high speed fiber optic internet in all cabins.
Evergreen Lodge
218-732-4766 | Visit Website | Email
Evergreen Lodge is celebrating sixty-one years of providing families with housekeeping cottages, fun and activities for all. Big Sand Lake is clean, sky-blue and unpolluted. Our beach is drop-off free and a sunbather’s delight. Evergreen Lodge offers a great family resort vacation. Join the experience!
Hungry Jack Lodge
218-388-2265 | Visit Website | Email
Located 2.5 miles off the Gunflint Trail, 32 miles northwest of Grand Marais, just two miles from the Canadian border, and less than one mile from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Hungry Jack Lodge is the only resort on Hungry Jack Lake. Hungry Jack Lodge and Campground an ideal “base” for day trips into the BWCA for those who want to experience the the Boundary Waters without giving up the convenience and comfort of a lakeside northwoods resort.
Ash Ka Nam Lodge & Resort
218-374-3181 | Visit Website | Email
We are a full service resort open year ’round. Everything you need for a great vacation in northern Minnesota is here! We have hotel rooms, beautiful condos and log housekeeping cabins to accommodate groups large and small. Ash·Ka·Nam has a full-service restaurant and bar, boat & motor rental for your enjoyment. Come share in the beauty and inspiration of one of the finest vacation experiences found in North America.
Zipple Bay Resort
800-222-2537 | Visit Website
Nick and Deanna welcome you to Minnesota’s legendary Lake of the Woods, on the Canadian border where world-class fishing & wildlife complement each other in the secluded setting of the only resort on Zippel Bay. Lake of the Woods is a large, pristine body of water with many bays, 65,000 miles of shoreline, 14,000 islands. Rated “world-class” walleye and sauger fishing, trophy northern pike in Zippel Bay, excellent smallmouth bass and perch abound.
Vermilion Dam Lodge
800-325-5780 | Visit Website | Email
We’re located on Lake Vermilion, one of Minnesota’s most pristine bodies of water. Vermilion is known for its great fishing, including muskies, walleyes, smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegills, crappies and perch. The scenery is breathtaking, a rocky, hilly landscape that was sculpted by glaciers. Our 19 cabins accommodate from two to 15 people, with many featuring fireplaces and Jacuzzis. Guests have the option of having their meals cooked by the resort’s chef on our American plan.
Lodge of Whispering Pines
218-343-7714 | Visit Website | Email
Just twenty miles north of Ely a secluded private drive leads you further into the Superior National Forest to Lodge of Whispering Pines on Big Lake. Poised among tall pine, picturesque birch, spruce, balsam, and aspen, you realize you are encircled by the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and are now guests of the deer, moose, black bear, timber wolves, loons, and all the other wild creatures that inhabit northern Minnesota’s truly natural park.
Nodak Lodge
218-665-2226 | Visit Website | Email
Amid wetlands, gently rolling hills and 1.6 million acres of national forest, Nodak Lodge is the premier family, fishing and hunting destination for families looking to enjoy the wilderness of northern Minnesota. The undeveloped shores of Lake Winnibigoshish offer a pristine, peaceful experience in one of the area’s best walleye fisheries. Our private, sandy beach is a perfect place to enjoy the summer sun without big crowds, and kids love our playground, heated swimming pool and game room.
Heston’s Lodge
218-388-2243 | Visit Website | Email
When you are ready to get away, Heston’s Lodge is waiting for you. Secluded log cabins dot the shoreline of Gunflint Lake on Minnesota’s historical Gunflint Trail. Nestled amid tall pines and old cedars, you will find plenty of peace and quiet. Advance planning not only ensures a successful trip, but it also helps to build anticipation and excitement! Visit our link to obtain lots of information on getting ready for your trip.
Gus’s Place Resort
218-246-8520 | Visit Website | Email
We are located on the shores of Ball Club Lake, surrounded by the Chippewa National Forest and just 10 minutes from fishing on Lake Winnibigoshish (Lake Winnie). Since the land surrounding Ball Club Lake is mostly state or federally owned; there is very little development around the lake, and that makes for a very relaxing and stress-free stay. The resort is open year round with eight lake-level cabins, 13 Seasonal full hook-up RV camping sites, 2 Daily full hook-up RV camping sites and 4 primitive camping sites which include electric and water.
Ken-Mar-Ke Resort
800-535-8155 | Visit Website | Email
Ken-Mar-Ke Resort is located on Bostic Bay on the southern shore of Lake of the Woods. We are close to the mouth of the Rainy River and Morris Point Gap. Some of the best walleye and northern pike fishing areas on the lake are within two miles of our resort.
Voyageurs Landing & Cabins on Crane
218-993-2401 | Visit Website | Email
We are an All Seasons Resort! Cabins on Crane and Voyageurs Landing of Crane Lake, Minnesota. Relax and enjoy your time here.
Family friendly cabins for groups large and small. It’s the perfect place to be! Fishing and sport boat rentals. Bicycles, kayaks, paddleboats, and canoe no charge for guest use. Near ATV and snowmobile trails. Near Hiking and walking trails.
Gold Mine Camp
218-290-1590 | Visit Website | Email
Gold Mine Camp is located on the 49-mile-long Vermilion River, nestled between two portage “waterfalls,” in the wilderness between Lake Vermilion and Crane Lake. The Vermilion River flows north of the Trout Lake Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and eventually empties into Hudson Bay in Canada. Gold Mine has access to approximately 17 miles of navigable river system. Gold Mine Camp is a privacy-plus location. People, other than Gold Mine guests, are rarely seen. Private property in this area is limited and public access is difficult.
Arnesen’s Rocky Point Resort
800-535-7585 | Visit Website | Email
For more than a century, Arnesen’s has been a top Minnesota family-friendly resort. Great fishing and a relaxing vacation on Lake of the Woods await! Relax in one of our comfortable lodging options. Our housekeeping cabins have complete kitchens with utensils, satellite television, BBQ grills, picnic tables, linens, and other conveniences. The cabins range in size from one to four bedrooms. We also have seasonal lots and a large campground.
Blackduck Lodge & Resort
218-835-4399 | Visit Website | Email
Blackduck Lodge and Resort provides authentic log cabins that were used by loggers in the early 1900’s. Blackduck Lodge and Resort offers genuine log cabins that have been updated for a comfortable vacation.
Mantrap Lodge
800-424-0901 | Visit Website | Email
We offer the finest in Minnesota Cabin Rentals and Lake Resort Rentals. We strive to offer you the best in Minnesota Vacation Rentals for your friends and family. All cabins have full kitchens with microwaves, coffee makers, and more. They all have park style grills, all but 8 and 12 have screen porches. All 3 bedroom and larger have dishwashers. We also have a supply of high chairs and cribs available at no charge.
Rainbow Resort
218-734-2241 | Visit Website | Email
We are located in northwestern Minnesota–20 miles from Itasca State Park, where the mighty Mississippi River begins its 2,340 mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico, and on the northern boundary of the 40,000 acre Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge. Year Round Family Vacation Resort, the Signature Resort of Subaru Factory Team in Minnesota, the home of Dick Beardsley Marathon Running camp, and the venue of the historical Pole Pedal Pant Winter Triathlon.
Krueger’s Harmony Beach Resort
218-875-2811 | Visit Website
We invite you to discover a vacation paradise at Harmony Beach Resort on Lake Kabetogama! We are located on the edge of Voyageurs National Park, a vast expanse of interconnecting waterways and unspoiled wilderness forests encompassing 219,000 acres on the Minnesota-Canadian border. Voyageurs is the only water-based park in the National Park System.
Thunder Lake Lodge
218-566-2378 | Visit Website | Email
Open year round, and located halfway between Longville and Remer next to the Chippewa National Forest, we offer a Minnesota family resort environment in a quiet, peaceful setting on a crystal clear lake. Surrounded by the tall pines of the Northwoods you can fish, swim, golf, play, or just relax and get away from your daily routine. Weekly activites for the kids include the very popular Kids Fishing Contest, the marshmallow social at the community firepit and the Longville Turtle Races. We specialize in creating memorable vacations for family and friends.
Eagle Nest Lodge
218-246-8701 | Visit Website | Email
A Minnesota Family Resort Vacation — the tradition of going “Up North” to a cozy cabin on a scenic lake in the Northwoods, relaxing and enjoying time with family and new friends, and making memories that will last a lifetime — this is what a resort vacation at Eagle Nest Lodge is all about. Come visit us in Northern Minnesota! Choosing the perfect Minnesota family resort for your family’s next vacation can be a daunting task, but we believe we make it easy to choose Eagle Nest Lodge because of our perfect mix of resort amenities, unmatched natural beauty and personalized customer service.
White Iron Beach Resort
218-365-4885 Visit Website | Email
One-of-a-kind family vacations await at White Iron Beach Resort, where our cabins overlook beautiful White Iron Lake near Ely, Minnesota, making ours one of the finest northern Minnesota fishing resorts! Surrounded by the Superior National Forest and offering easy access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and outstanding fishing, White Iron Beach Resort is the ideal setting for an unforgettable Minnesota getaway!
Appeldoorn’s Sunset Bay Resort
320-676-8834 | Visit Website | Email
At Appeldoorn’s Sunset Bay Resort, we offer year round accommodations for any size group with all the luxuries of your own home. Relax on Mille Lacs and escape to fresh northern air, the cries of loons, and the wonder of a sunset. Mille Lacs is known the world over as a premier walleye and muskie fishing lake. With over 132,000 acres it is the second largest lake in Minnesota. No matter the season you will find plenty to do here.
Anchor Inn Resort
218-659-2718 | Visit Website | Email
A Minnesota family vacation at Anchor Inn Resort, located on the shores of the Bowstring River near Spring Lake, Minnesota is like a breath of fresh air…literally! Located in the heart of the Chippewa National Forest Anchor Inn is a Minnesota fishing resort that offers guests the opportunity to take a break from the pressures of everyday living and fish, hunt or just relax in the beauty of Minnesota’s northwoods.
Glenmore Resort
877-753-1200 | Visit Website | Email
A scenic and secluded Lake Vermilion retreat featuring year round cabins at the water’s edge. Glenmore’s location is ideal. We’re located only two miles from Tower for convenient shopping, restaurants, and services. Escape to the Great Northwoods during Minnesota’s famous summer. Leave the routines of daily life behind. Explore the 1,200 miles of spectacular Lake Vermilion shoreline and its more than 365 rocky, pine-studded islands. Fish for walleye, perch, northern, muskie, smallmouth bass and pan fish. Relax on our safe, sandy beaches.
Angle Outpost & Resort
800-441-5014 | Visit Website | Email
An outpost is defined as a remote settlement on the frontier of civilization. At Angle Outpost Resort, we invite you to experience for yourself what our secluded settlement has to offer. Beautifully situated on the shores of Lake of the Woods, Angle Outpost Resort boasts striking lakefront views from every cabin and provides everything necessary for a fun, relaxing vacation, whether you plan to fish, hunt, or just get away with family and friends.
Border View Lodge
800-776-3474 | Visit Website | Email
Border View Lodge is located 12 miles north of Baudette, MN at the mouth of the scenic Rainy River as it feeds into Lake of the Woods on the Minnesota/Canadian border. Lake of the Woods, a world class fishing experience, is currently the Walleye Capital of the World, although many other species of fish are plentiful. Lake of the Woods is also known for great numbers of Sauger, trophy Northern Pike, and jumbo Perch.
Pike Bay Lodge
800-474-5322 | Visit Website | Email
Pike Bay Lodge is a Lake Vermilion resort open year round on beautiful Lake Vermilion. Located on the southeast corner of the lake in Pike Bay this is the first resort on the lake when traveling north. Pike Bay is the river inlet to the lake and is the spawning area for many species in spring. The lake is teeming with Walleye, Northern pike, Musky, Smallmouth Bass, Perch and has good populations of Crappie, Blugill, Largemouth bass and Tulibee.