Creating the Best Minnesota Family Vacations

As Minnesota’s original family resort, we know how to create those special family moments and memories that last a lifetime.

Book Your Vacation

Lodging for Your Family

Ruttger’s has the perfect lodging accommodations and comforts to meet all of your family’s vacation needs!

Surrounded by nature, enjoy a classic Northwoods lodge experience or stay in our premium villas with stunning views of Bay Lake. Our newest Luxury Lakeside Cottages complete with cozy fireplaces and a bunk room for all the kids will undoubtedly become a family favorite.

Luxury Lakeside Cottages

Bay Lake Villas

Elsie's Cottage

Five Pines Lodge Rooms

Lakefront Cabins

Main Lodge Rooms

All Lodging Options

Make Lifelong Memories

Kids grow up fast and that’s why at Ruttger’s, we make sure every moment is filled with fun, excitement, new thrills and experiences your whole family will have for a lifetime

The Diffleys

Our Ruttger's "Cabin"

Meet the Diffley family. A few years back when they were shopping for a cabin in the area, they discovered Ruttger’s. After falling in love with the comfortable, family friendly vibe of the resort, they decided life would be a whole lot less work if Ruttger’s became their cabin. The result is a lot of stress-free family time at Bay Lake.

Endless Family Fun & Activities

Against the beautiful backdrop of Bay Lake, your family will experience everything northern Minnesota has to offer! With endless activities for both rain and shine, fun on the water, and weekly events, families and kids of all ages will enjoy a vacation to remember for years to come.

From exhilarating outdoor recreation on the water, jet-skiing, boating, fishing, paddleboarding, and tubing to the pickleball and tennis courts, lawn games, live music, and bonfire and s’mores nights, Ruttger’s has something every family member will love!

Note that some of the activities at the resort are seasonal. Please contact us to confirm that certain activities or amenities will be available during your stay.

Entertainment for the Little Ones

With a packed activities schedule the kids will love, you can leave the iPad in your room for the day! You and the kids can unplug at Minnesota’s best family resort, enjoying the beautiful scenery over Bay Lake and our sandy beach.

Kids' Playground

If you need to expend some energy, you can head over to our playground for a turn down the slide or on the swings.

Creative Creations

For kids who love arts and crafts, you’ll want to sign up for our Creative Creations, where they can create a critter or make their own tie-dye item to take home as a great vacation memento they created themselves! Creative Creations is also great for those rainy vacation days; you’ll never be stuck in your room.

Aqua Adventures

A favorite for our younger guests is our Aqua Adventures. Head down to the lake, and our staff will greet you for unforgettable fun in the water. The adventure is constantly changing, and you never know exactly what the aqua adventure might be for that day, so get signed up and be ready to get wet!

Outdoor & Indoor Pools

And, of course, your family vacation wouldn’t be complete unless the kids can jump in the pool. Bring those floaties and water wings; the kids will be content for hours in our indoor and outdoor pools.

Adventures for the Older Kids

We made sure our family resort has something for everyone so you and your kids never have trouble finding fun activities to do together at Ruttger’s.

Pickleball, Tennis, and Basketball

Learn with the kids how to play pickleball from our racket pro, Tracy Kennedy, or challenge them to a friendly game of tennis or basketball on our courts.

Gaga and 9 Square & Other Lawn Games

We also have the games Gaga and 9 Square. If you’re unfamiliar, Gaga is a fast-paced, high-energy sport played in an octagonal pit that is often compared to a kinder, gentler version of dodgeball, and 9 Square is a fun game that combines volleyball and four square. Once we teach you the ins and outs of each game, you and the kids will be hooked!

Or, if shuffleboard or bocce ball is more your family’s style, we have plenty of great lawn games available.

Kayaking, Canoeing, and Paddleboarding

We have many watercraft options for the older kids who may want to strike out on their own. The kids can take out a kayak, canoe, paddle boards, and more for a relaxing outing with their friends or siblings on Bay Lake and around Malkerson Island.

Inflatables on the Lake

They can also stay closer to shore with five fun inflatables in our swim area that all ages will enjoy. Parents can join the fun in the water, lounge on the beach, or keep an eye on the kids while sipping a tasty drink on the deck.

Fun for the Whole Family

Whether you’re 8 or 80, Ruttger’s is the best family resort in Minnesota for fun at any age. While we’re continually adding new activities, the Ruttger’s classics will always be here for your family to enjoy.

Bonfire & S'mores

For instance, nothing quite captures a Minnesota summer better than our bonfire and s’mores by Bay Lake.

Pontoon Cruises & Guided Fishing Trips

You’ll leave lasting impressions when you take the whole family out on one of our Pontoon Cruises or book a guided fishing trip and see your little one catch their first fish.

Family Games

You won’t want to miss Family Game Night and Bingo, which can get pretty lively!

Golf

Play Ruttger's scenic Jack's 18 Golf Course that's enjoyable for all skills levels.

Golf COurses

Racquet Sports

Multiple courts for your family to play tennis, pickleball, and other racquet sports.

Racquet Sports

Marina Rentals

Pontoons, Jet Skis, sailboats, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and fishing boats are available for your family to rent.

See Rentals

Dine Together at Ruttger's

We have three incredible onsite dining options as well as the beloved Auntie M’s brimming with giant, gooey cinnamon rolls and delicious ice cream.

only a Two-hour drive from the Twin Cities

We welcome you and your family here to share in the warmth of our hearth and hearts because that’s the Ruttger’s way.

Ruttger's Bay Lake Resort is located on Bay Lake in Deerwood, MN.

About Ruttger's