Minnesota resort vacation: White Eagle resort
10 Reasons Why White Eagle Resort on Lake Vermilion is a Must-Visit for a Family Vacation
Planning a family vacation can be both exciting and overwhelming. Finding the perfect destination that caters to everyone's interests and needs can be a challenging task. For us, having outdoor activities, plenty of space and kid and parent friendly amenities are top of our lists, often we can only get a few of these items, but not at White Eagle Resort. Nestled in the picturesque beauty of Cook, Minnesota, lies the White Eagle Resort, a hidden gem that offers an unforgettable family vacation experience. Here are 10 compelling reasons why White Eagle Resort should be at the top of your list for your next family getaway.
Location: White Eagle Resort is located in Cook, MN on the west side of the Minnesota’s iconic Lake Vermilion. Lake Vermilion is less than three and a half hours from the Twin Cities making it a perfect week or weekend getaway up north.
Idyllic Natural Setting
One of the most captivating aspects of White Eagle Resort is its stunning natural setting. Situated on the shores of Lake Vermilion, the resort is surrounded by pristine forests and clear waters. The area boasts beautiful landscapes year-round, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy mornings on the desk or afternoons playing on the clean sandy beach.
Lake Activities Galore
Lake Vermilion is known for its abundant recreational opportunities, and White Eagle Resort takes full advantage of its prime location. Families can enjoy swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating right from the resort's dock. The crystal-clear waters of the lake make it perfect for water adventures for all ages.
We visited on the first week of September and unfortunately we had cloud cover most of the week but that didn’t stop us from getting into the water and enjoying the water trampoline and slide. One of our favorite memories from the week was Matt swimming Adayla out to the trampoline on a kayak so she could jump but not get wet.
Cozy Accommodations
The resort offers a variety of cozy accommodations, including cabins, cottages, and vacation homes. Each option is meticulously maintained, ensuring that your family feels at home while enjoying the wilderness. White Eagle Resort has 16 cabins of various sizes to fit any group from a solo retreat to a family reunion. Whether you're looking for a rustic experience or modern comfort, White Eagle Resort has it all.
We had the opporunity to stay at Timber Jay which is a four bedroom, three bathroom cabin located right on the beach with a private dock. Wake up to water views right outside your window and relax on the wraparound deck.
Kid-Friendly Amenities
White Eagle Resort goes above and beyond to cater to families with children. The on-site playground, sandy beach area, and organized activities are sure to keep kids entertained throughout the day. Family bonfires and movie nights add to the whole experience.
Fishing Paradise
If your family loves fishing, you're in for a treat. Lake Vermilion is renowned for its diverse fish population, including walleye, bass, northern pike, and more. The resort provides boat rentals and can connect you with fishing guides to ensure a memorable angling experience for both novice and experienced fishermen.
Don’t have a boat? No problem, White Eagle has fishing boat and pontoon rentals. Just rent one before your trip and the boat will be waiting for you at your cabins private dock when you arrive. Drop off your suitcases, grab your poles or swim suits and get right on the water!
Hiking and Exploring
The surrounding forests offer numerous hiking trails for families to explore. Immerse yourself in nature while spotting local wildlife and enjoying breathtaking views. The resort staff can help you plan a memorable hike tailored to your family's preferences.
Here are a few of our favorite local trails:
Ancient Cedars Trail:
Tower, MN
2 miles, and easy trail with lovely treed views
Private Wooded Hiking Trail:
White Eagle Resort
Start your morning with an easy stroll through the trail on White Eagle Resorts Property
Black Bay Peninsula Trail:
This 2 mile interpretive trail as well as six mile advanced trail takes hikers on a scenic tour of Black Bay peninsula
Year-Round Activities
White Eagle Resort is not just a summer destination. It offers a wide range of activities throughout the year. From snowmobiling and ice fishing in the winter to autumn leaf-peeping and springtime bird-watching, there's always something to do regardless of the season.
While summer is the most popular resort season and for good reason, the off season offers cozy vibes and fewer people to truly disconnect and enjoy the peace the up north lifestyle brings.
The primary bedroom in Timber Jay has amazing views of Lake Vermilion.
Relaxation and Rejuvenation
While there are plenty of activities to keep everyone busy, White Eagle Resort also provides ample opportunities for relaxation. Unwind in a lakeside hammock, soak up the sun on the beach, or simply enjoy a peaceful moment on your cabin's private deck.
They also offer two saunas and onsite massages that can be booked and enjoyed. There truly is something for everyone to enjoy. You could stay for a whole week and not be able to do everything that White Eagle offers it’s guests.
Wildlife Encounters
The Northwoods of Minnesota is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. At White Eagle Resort, you might spot bald eagles, deer, loons, and more. For a unique experience, check out the dock talks offered once a week to learn more about the lake and fish to be explored!
We absolutely loved seeing all the loons out swimming while we were boating. The two toddlers couldn’t stop looking and pointing them out to us. Such a fun opportunity for them to get up close with local wildlife that they don’t always see at home.
Family owned and operated
Last but not least, White Eagle Resort is a second generation family business owned and operated by Tom and Steph Lantry. White Eagle has been in the family since 1990 and was purchased by Tom and Steph in 2013. This season, Tom and Steph are celebrating a decade of resort ownership. Each year, the Lantry family invests time and resources back into the resort including new cabins and improvements. Since Tom and Steph took over, they have added five new cabins and will be building a new onsite cabin this Fall to replace an existing one bedroom cabin. This place is more than just a business to the Lantry's, it is a personal reflection of their life's work over collective generations. Each cabin has a story, each decision has been thoughtfully made and resort operations have been perfected from decades of experience. Their attentiveness and dedication to making your family vacation exceptional is evident by their availability to assist with questions to ensure that your stay is comfortable and memorable. The Lantry Family loves hosting other families' vacations at their historic 109 year old resort and will continue to welcome families for generations to come.
One thing that seems so little, but honestly just made our day. Each day Tom would walk around and light a bonfire on the beach outside of our cabin. It was so cool to hear and smell the fire going just pulling you out of the cabin and onto the beach for an evening of smores, lawn games and great conversation.
The living room has two oversized leather couches and a large dining room table so your whole group can be together for dinners, movies/game nights and quality time together!
White Eagle Resort in Cook, Minnesota, offers an exceptional family vacation experience amidst the stunning beauty of Lake Vermilion and the surrounding wilderness. With its plethora of outdoor activities, cozy accommodations, and welcoming atmosphere, it's no wonder families return year after year. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, this hidden gem has something to offer every member of your family, making it a must-visit destination for your next getaway. Don't miss the opportunity to create lasting memories in this Northwoods paradise!
Looking for more information on White Eagle Resort, check out this reel from my Instagram or this great viral summary from my friend Wildlynorth!
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This stay was hosted in conjunction with a social media content shoot, but all opinions and thoughts are my own.
