Pet friendly resorts MN

Many pet-friendly resorts in Minnesota are located next to lakes. Many dog-friendly resorts in Minnesota are located next to lakes. (Photo: pet dog image by NorthShoreSurfPhotos from Fotolia.com )

Leaving your four-legged friend at home while you travel can be expensive and lonesome. Many resorts in Minnesota provide pet-friendly guestrooms for a daily fee, as well as dog walking trails, areas for pets to run in and get some exercise and on-site stores that supply pet food and treats. Some resorts have designated rooms that are pet friendly and require that pets do not climb on furniture and are never left alone in the room.

Island View Resort

Located along the shores of Lake Superior, Island View is a pet-friendly resort that allows pets to stay in designated cabins for a nightly fee. The resort provides 11 smoke-free cabin-style accommodations with barbecue grill, kitchen with refrigerator and stove, heated porch and DVD player. Some cabins offer two porches, multiple bedrooms and a separate living room. If you're traveling for a romantic getaway or your honeymoon, the honeymoon cabin includes one bedroom with a small kitchen, a seating area and a fire pit. Cabins can accommodate from one to six guests. Five cabins are open year round. Amenities range from barbecue grills to picnic areas and campfires. The peak season is May to the end of October. The resort is a 20-minute drive from scenic Gooseberry Falls and a two-minute-drive from the Knife River Marina on Marina Road. Island View Resort 249 Scenic Drive Knife River, MN 55609 218-834-5886 islandviewresort.com

McArdle's Resort

Situated on the shores of Lake Winnibigoshish, McArdle's Resort provides a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing off the pier, swimming in the heated outdoor swimming pool and boating on the lake. Accommodations range from guestrooms to deluxe cabins. Guestrooms accommodate one to two guests and offer one bedroom and a small porch; they do not include a private bathroom. Cabins can accommodate up to eight guests and include a full kitchen, private porch, dining area and barbecue grill. For a daily fee, pets are allowed in designated cabins. Pets are not allowed in any cabins during the winter season. Amenities at McCardle's include water equipment rentals such as pontoon boats; a fishing house; children's playground; outdoor basketball and volleyball courts; a dining room; and Internet access and a game area in the lodge. The resort offers privately guided fishing tours that include bait and fish cleaning after the tour. McArdle's Resort 1014 W. Winnie Road NW Bena, MN 56626 218-665-2212 mcardleresort.com

Gull Lake Resort

Sitting on 53 private acres, Gull Lake Resort overlooks Gull Lake and offers cabin-style accommodations. Pets of any size are allowed to stay in all accommodations for a daily fee. Cabins have one to three bedrooms, private patio or deck, full kitchens with a small dining area, fireplace and barbecue grill. Outdoor amenities include a private beach, biking and walking paths and boat rentals. Picnic areas, laundry services, boat docking and a convenience store are available at the resort. For visitors interested in golf, the resort is located near 20 golf courses, including Birch Bay Golf Course and Madden's Pine Beach Golf Course, both less than 15 miles away. Gull Lake Resort 1304 Gull Lake Lane East Gull Lake, MN 56401 218-829-1344 gulllake.com