Dream Spring Break in Minnesota: Where I’d Go if Money Was No Object

Where would I go for spring break in Minnesota if money were no object? It's not the easiest question for me, because there are so many options. In the summer, I'd take a week at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa, which is often counted among the best resorts in the U.S. In spring, however, the water is probably still frozen - but not enough for ice fishing - and the golf courses are blanketed with snow. If it were the dead of winter and money were no object, I might choose a staycation at the Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis. But the hotel's winter festivities are winding down, and the changing seasons have me hankering for outdoor adventures. No, if I'm splurging for spring break in Minnesota, I'm heading to the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Early spring is a wonderful time along the North Shore. Winter hasn't fully surrendered, but the ice has given way on Lake Superior, and the waterfalls are starting to come alive with the increasingly warmer temperatures. To maximize my experience, I'd book a lakefront room with a hot tub at Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior in Tofte. This resort has set the standard for North Shore visitors for decades, and if I could spend a week anywhere on the shore, it would be here. You can't get much closer to the water, and the resort offers plenty of amenities, including a spa and a gym, as well as indoor and outdoor pools. That's right, you can swim year-round in the resort's heated outdoor pool, which is shielded from the wind with a plexiglass screen, and enjoy gorgeous lake views as you soak.

Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort is just minutes away from Bluefin Bay, and thanks to the region's considerable annual snowfall, many of its 95 runs are open deep into the spring. With more than 1,000 skiable acres and the longest runs in the Midwest, I'd plan to spend a good portion of my spring break on the slopes with their incredible Lake Superior views. But I would also set aside plenty of time for snowshoeing at nearby Temperance River State Park, as well as Tettegouche State Park, which is amazing all year long.

The on-site dining options at Bluefin Bay are nothing short of stellar. The main restaurant, Bluefin Grille, is easily one of my favorites on the North Shore - even when I'm not staying on the resort. Its offerings combine local and seasonal favorites, like whitefish or walleye, with upscale takes on other American fare. Coho Cafe, also located on the property, offers breakfast, lunch, coffee, and casual dining, as well. Fika, which is just a few minutes away in the village of Lutsen, is also a wonderful option for coffee.

Personally, I can't imagine a better spring break in Minnesota if my budget were unlimited. How about you? We'd love to hear your suggestions for spring break destinations in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.