The Ultimate Guys’ Weekend Getaway at Ludlow’s
Ludlow's Island Resort
Guys, this one’s for you. We’re here to help get that guy’s trip out of the group chat and make it actually happen!
Welcome to a weekend of fresh air, good company, and unplugging with morning tee times, fishing, bonfires, and laid-back lake time. And whether you’re a group that loves to get up and go or a group that prefers more relaxed vibes on the beach, Ludlow’s makes it easy to plan the perfect guys’ getaway.
Boating with the Boys
Paddle boards? Kayaks? Canoes? Yes, yes, and yes. Hydrobikes and paddleboats are also included with your stay, giving you and the guys plenty of fun ways to get out on the water.
Ludlow’s also offers boat rentals, including fishing boats, pontoons for those lazy afternoons on the water, and Hurricane Deck Boats.
Nothing quite beats just cruising with the boys, a packed cooler, and no schedule to stick to. Heading out from the dock onto Lake Vermilion is definitely a treat, as Vermilion has hundreds of small islands and hidden bays for you and your crew to explore and discover. There are even a number of Shore Lunch Sites created by the Vermilion Lake Association, where you can easily pull up on these designated islands and enjoy a bite to eat or take a dip in the water.
Camping & Picnic Islands
Closer to the island are Ludlow’s Camping and Picnic Islands. Both private islands are only accessible by boat and reserved just for Ludlow’s guests. Picnic Island is perfect for an afternoon outing with the boys. Bring lunch and relax around the fire pit before heading back to the mainland.
Camping Island, on the other hand, be sure to pack an overnight bag. Equipped with a small bunkhouse and fire pit, you and the guys can strike out into the woods for the night and enjoy a truly unique experience.
Fishing
Lake Vermilion is also known for its fantastic fishing. So, if your group is into fishing, this lake will soon become your new favorite fishing haven. You’ll find everything from walleye, crappies, northern pike, muskie, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass to panfish like sunfish, perch, and bluegills.
Ludlow’s can also book a guided fishing trip for you that’s fun for both newbies and pros alike. Your guide will get you set up with all the gear you need and take you out to the best spots on the lake.
Hitting the Links
If golfing is more your style, Ludlow’s is just a short drive from beautiful and challenging courses.
The Wilderness at Fortune Bay is a favorite and top-ranked course in the state. An easy 35-minute drive from Ludlow's, The Wilderness is an 18-hole course with stunning panoramic views of Lake Vermilion and has been ranked several times among the best golf courses in the country.
Drive a little further and you’ll run into two more top-ranked golf courses in Minnesota: The Legend at Giants Ridge and The Quarry at Giants Ridge. The Legend at Giants Ridge features a gorgeous par 72 course with bent-grass fairways and white sand bunkers along with an on-site pro-shop and full-service restaurant and lounge, guaranteeing a great day of golf.
The Quarry at Giants Ridge is just as beautiful and challenging but unique in that it honors the area’s industrial past with each hole named for current and historic mines in the region. Or, why choose? The best way to experience Northern Minnesota Golf is with the 36-hole special. Play both courses at Giants Ridge, with lunch in between!
Closer to Ludlow’s, is Vermilion Fairways Golf Course, only a 5-minute drive from the island, offering a par-36, 9-hole course. This course is especially great for beginners or just casual players. If your crew is looking for a higher-difficulty course, Wolfridge Golf Course is only a 30-minute drive and is known for its rugged terrain, challenging play, and reversible layout.
Betting Big
While it is guys’ weekend, you might want to bring a little lady luck as Fortune Bay Casino is always a favorite destination for the boys to enjoy an afternoon or evening of games and gambling.
Along with great entertainment and delicious bar and dining options, Fortune Bay has more than 500 slot machines, including video poker and video keno, blackjack with five new no-rake games and high limit tables on Fridays and Saturdays, and a poker room with Texas Hold’em and buy-in tournaments.
Hiking
For the guys who love getting out in nature, the Lake Vermilion area offers countless areas to hike. Just 20 minutes from Ludlow’s is the Arrowhead State Trail, with nearly 70 miles of hiking trails.
You can also make a day of it and head to Vermilion Falls, Vermilion Gorge, or Kawishiwi Falls for stunning scenery and gorgeous waterfalls. You can also stick closer to the resort and enjoy a leisurely hike on Ludlow’s one-mile hiking trail.
Relaxing on the Island
The best part of a guy’s getaway at Ludlow’s?
You don’t have to leave the island at all to have a memorable weekend. No additional planning necessary. Relax on the beach, go for a swim, enjoy evening bonfires, and play a game of basketball, ping pong, racquetball, tennis, or pickleball.
Lodging Options
With 22 unique handcrafted cabins, you can easily find one with the right amount of space for your group.
Each cabin also has poker chips, playing cards, and a cribbage board so you and the guys can just unwind and relax with a casual (or very competitive!) game late into the night.
At the end of the day, a great guys’ getaway isn’t about packing every minute with activities; it’s about reconnecting with your favorite people and heading home with stories you’ll be telling for years to come.
Plan Your Getaway
At Ludlow’s, everything you need for that unforgettable guys’ trip is right at your fingertips with the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. So stop talking about “someday” in the group chat and start planning something real.
Your next legendary weekend is waiting at Ludlow’s.
How Lake Vermilion Became a Fishing Haven
