Peaceful Cozy Cottage with Gorgeous Pond Views in Minnesota's Lakes Region

The 27 acres of pond and wetlands around the lodge are home to many species of waterfowl like trumpeter swans, ducks, and pelicans, as well as songbirds like warblers. This makes the lodge an excellent place for birdwatching.

While fishing and swimming in the pond is prohibited, guests at the lodge will be near several large and pristine lakes in the area, like the Niemackl Lakes. Guests can visit the beaches at Niemackl Lake Park for swimming, boating, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The park has several nature trails snaking around the lake and through acres of grassland for hiking, biking, and viewing wildlife like deer, beavers, and bison. Art lovers can view unique iron sculptures at the park, and families can take their children to the playground for a few hours of fun.

Additionally, guests can visit other nearby lakes like Burr and Cottonwood for more opportunities for boating, canoeing, and kayaking. Couples can tour and attend a wine tasting event at Burr Vineyards around Burr Lake.

Guests can head into the nearby town of Alexandria for shops, restaurants, golf courses, and movie theaters. Alexandria also has a bowling alley, a few antique stores, and some day spas. History buffs can see the famous Kensington Runestone or visit the Runestone Museum Foundation for exhibits on Viking and Native American history.

In addition, guests can take day trips to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul for more shops, restaurants, museums, and art galleries. They can visit the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area for hiking and biking, or boating and kayaking on the Mississippi River.