5 Reasons to Stay at Madden’s Resort on Gull Lake, Minnesota
The Inn at Madden’s
Summer is finally here in Minnesota and it’s time to get a vacation on the books before it slips away. Located on Gull Lake, in the heart of lakes country, Madden’s Resort is a great option for a family-friendly getaway, couples vacation or girls trip! We spent three days here in June and I could easily see this becoming a family tradition, and by the conversations we had with other families at the pool and beach, many of these vacationers do exactly that: making this three-generation family-owned resort part of their family each summer. Read more about our stay and find an exclusive discount code and link to book at the end!
This is my paddle board, but Madden’s also rents them!
80% of the Rooms Have Views of the Water
When you live or visit the land of 10,000 lakes in the summer, the #1 thing you’re looking for is being close to or on the water. From sunrises to sunsets and the sounds of loons singing, it doesn’t get any more Minnesotan than that. Located on a peninsula there is water on three sides of the resort. This means stays that get you both sunrise or sunset views, three sand beaches across the property and plenty of space to take out water toys or boats!
More Amenities Than You’ll Have Time For:
One of the hardest parts of family vacations is finding something that everyone will enjoy. When you stay at Madden’s be sure to get the recreation pass. This will give you unlimited access to amenities across the resort. While we were there we checked out pickle ball paddles, took a guided pontoon tour, and paddle boarded, but this recreation pass also gives you access to golf on the Social Nine, weekend yoga classes, lawn games and banana taxi rides! Outside of the recreation pass, they also offer glow golf, archery, trap shooting, three additional golf courses, four pools, a lake inflatable course, and events like bingo and trivia. Some of these are added costs and others are included, but you’re sure to find something that will keep the whole family engaged, smiling and busy!You Never Have to Leave
Madden’s Resort has six restaurants on site, The Classic Grill, Fairways, Mission Point, 19th Hole & Pool Deck, Parfecto Pizza, and the Lobby Cafe. In addition, they also have O’Madden Pub which is open from 9pm-Midnight, Tuesday through Saturday and Madden Bros, Market which fuled my morning coffee need each day.
Apple Crisp Ice Cream
A guide to each restaurant:
The Classic Grill, this restaurant was named #3 in the Most Beautiful Restaurants in All of Minnesota, The Classic Grill is located on The Classic golf course, which is off site from the main part of the resort but worth the 5 minute drive during your stay for at least one of the meals.
Fairways: This is where we had breakfast each day, at their breakfast buffet. We loved their scrambled egg “bar” where you could add your own toppings and all the fresh fruit options. The servers also were so lively and made it a great way to start the morning, singing and making jokes with our little.
Mission Point: This is going to be your fancy/upscale (along with The Classic Grill) dinner option, place to check out if you’re celebrating a milestone. While there is no dress code they do reccomend at least resort casual and a reservation for dinner. We also checked out happy hour here, don’t sleep on Paul’s $8 cocktail of the day!
19th Hole & Pool Deck: If I had my way I would have ate all my meals here. Amazing food, good vibes, people watching and views of the golf course. When it’s nice you can sit outside at the Saltwater Pool Deck patio and try a specialty drink from the outdoor bar!
Parfecto Pizza: We didn’t have a chance to try the pizza but we heard great things. They are also open until 11 on weekdays and midnight on weekends and available for in room delivery for late night snacks!
Lobby Cafe: Located inside Madden Inn, this is a great option if you’re looking for take out breakfast to take back to your room. On the morning of check out we got breakfast burritos to eat in the room while we were packing up and getting a little bit of work done sitting on our deck.
Bonus:Madden Bros Market: is your stop for coffee, pastries, and gifts and there’s ice cream shop located next door!
The O’Madden Pub: This is your last night stop for drinks, dance and events! We did trivia on Tuesday but they also have karaoke Wednesday and Thursday and entertainment Friday and Saturday!
I wasn’t kidding you really never need to leave!
FORE. Golf Courses
Patio outside Madden’s Inn
Named “The #1 Best Buddies Getaway Trip destination in Minnesota” and Golf Channel has Madden’s #3 in the USA on their list. With four courses and 63 holes there are great opportunities for golfers of all skill sets to get out on the greens. While you probably won’t find me out there, (maybe on the Social Nine, my softball skills pretty much tanked my golf game), I know many people that have Madden’s courses on their state golf bucket list- my dad and brother included! They offer many different golf packages, if you’re looking to stay and play. You can find them all here.
5. Location Location Location
Madden’s Resort is located two and a half hours from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul airport, 15 minutes from Brainerd and in the heart of lakes country on one of the most popular lakes in the state. While with all the amenities and things to do at Madden’s you never have to leave, if you want to explore the area you’re minutes away from towns like Nisswa for shopping, Pequot Lakes to hit up MN Traders Co. or Crosby for amazing mountain biking. Come for a weekend or a whole week, it’s an easy drive that can’t be beat!
Salt Water Pool
Ready to book your getaway? Use code ‘taylor10” for 10% off any lodging stay. You can book here! Want to see my full reel from our stay and many other great Midwest coffee, brews, stays and views? Be sure to give my Instagram page a follow!
This blog is part of sponsored Madden’s Resort content, but my opinions and recommendations are always my own! Discount applicable on 2024 reservations. Blackout dates apply. Cannot be combined with any other promotion. Valid on NEW reservations only. Discount applies to lodging only (Best Available Rate).
