Quarterdeck Resort on Gull Lake, Minnesota
Quarterdeck Resort on Gull Lake in Minnesota feels like home. It’s laid back, easy, and comfortable. And IMO, winter is the best time to go! This year instead of road-tripping to the Southwest in January and February, we stayed in Minnesota. We are in the honeymoon phase of our new house. ❤️ Instead, I got away to Quarterdeck Resort and have been enjoying winter in my backyard. As I drove around to the west shore of Gull Lake, I got that quintessential Minnesota up north feeling. It’s nostalgic and reminds me of road trips to see my Grams and Gramps. The tree-lined two-lane road, the random spotting of wildlife, the frozen lake, and the anticipation of fun to come.
Getting away to the Quarterdeck cured my winter blues. It doesn’t always have to be going someplace warm, it’s about the change of scenery and embracing the beauty around you. There is something special about the winter season that we can take for granted and that some don’t ever experience. From the soft blankets of fresh snow to the cold crisp air cleaning out your lungs. It’s invigorating! Plus the crunch sound of the snow beneath your feet, slowing down, warming up by the fireplace, a good book, yummy food, and hot drinks.
The winter sunrises at Quarterdeck Resort are out of this world. I stayed in one of the Lakeside Lodge Rooms and took these photos from my deck. The Main Lodge is literally steps from the water’s edge.
Things to Do in the Brainerd Lakes Area
The Brainerd Lakes Area is not only a water recreation playground but a winter one too! Mount Ski Gull is right next door to Quarterdeck Resort for downhill skiing and snow tubing. There are many nearby trails and parks for Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing. Including full moon snowshoe hikes at the Northland Arboretum encompassing 400 acres to explore. Also, Quarterdeck now rents snowmobiles and you can go ice-fishing right out your door!
The winter events are one-of-a-kind including Gull Lake’s Frozen Fore and the Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza which is the world’s largest ice fishing contest.
The Quarterdeck Resort is going through a transformation while staying true to their laid back roots. It’s going to be insane with brand new lake lodging that is unrivaled in Minnesota plus a new YEAR-ROUND pool, hot tub, and sauna (see more details below). The lofts are going to have floor to ceiling glass AND a private ROOFTOP BAR 35 feet up from Gull Lake with a gas fire pit, refrigerator, table with seating for ten, and grilling station. I can’t wait to go back and see the progress! You can be the first to stay in one of their Lakefront Lofts this summer– see more HERE.
They also are adding Club Quarterdeck! Club Quarterdeck includes a YEAR-ROUND outdoor pool, sauna, and hot tub, plus an indoor fitness center, comfy lounge with big screen TVs, Cafe, and Retrocade with pinball games, vintage video games, shuffleboard, billiards, ping-pong, and more.
Speaking of wild winter fun, if you’re road tripping west for snowmobiling, check out Sportsman’s Lodge in Ennis, Montana.
Life is short, never stop searching for what stirs your soul. ❤️
©Tracy Blowers