# Ludlow's Island Resort llms.txt

## Overview

Ludlow’s Island Resort is a **privately‑owned island resort** on scenic **Lake Vermilion** near Cook, Minnesota.  The resort sits on a **five‑acre private island** and offers **northwoods cabins at the water’s edge** amid pine and birch treeshttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/about#:~:text=About%20Ludlow%27s.  Lake Vermilion is one of Minnesota’s largest lakes, stretching **40 miles** across the state’s Arrowhead region and featuring **40 000 acres** of water, **365 islands** and more than **340 miles of shoreline**https://www.ludlowsresort.com/about#:~:text=Lake%20Vermilion.  The property has been family‑run since 1933: Joseph Burr Ludlow fell in love with the lake in 1907 and purchased an island for $300https://www.ludlowsresort.com/about#:~:text=Ludlow%27s%20was%20first%20coined%20when,it%20to%20friends%20in%201939; his son Hod built the first cabin in 1933 and began renting it to friends in 1939https://www.ludlowsresort.com/about#:~:text=Ludlow%27s%20was%20first%20coined%20when,it%20to%20friends%20in%201939.  Four generations later, the Jermusek and Egan families joined the Ludlows as partners in 2022https://www.ludlowsresort.com/about#:~:text=In%202022%2C%20the%20Jermusek%20and,Island%20for%20years%20to%20come.

## Lodging

- **Cabins:**  The resort offers **23 handcrafted pine cabins** ranging from one to five bedroomshttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-perfect-cabin#:~:text=Northstar%20cabin%20is%20especially%20great,the%20Ludlow%20family%E2%80%99s%20former%20home.  Cabins are built with local wood and located directly on the shoreline or tucked into the forest.  Each cabin includes **full kitchens, fireplaces, screened porches or decks, Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, and washer/dryers**https://www.ludlowsresort.com/cabins/stardust#:~:text=Check%20Availability.  Many cabins are **pet‑friendly**.  
  - **Family‑sized cabins** (Coffeetime, Stardust, Twilight, Northstar) accommodate up to **10 guests** with up to **five bedrooms and four baths**https://www.ludlowsresort.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-perfect-cabin#:~:text=Fun%20with%20the%20Family.  Northstar has a **suspended bedroom** overlooking the living area and was once the Ludlow family homehttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-perfect-cabin#:~:text=Northstar%20cabin%20is%20especially%20great,the%20Ludlow%20family%E2%80%99s%20former%20home.  
  - **Romantic cabins** (Sundown, Northshore) provide privacy for couples—Sundown faces west for sunset viewshttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-perfect-cabin#:~:text=If%20you%E2%80%99re%20planning%20a%20getaway,view%20with%20your%20favorite%20person, while Northshore sits among white pines and includes a **two‑person whirlpool tub** with lake viewshttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-perfect-cabin#:~:text=Northshore%20is%20one%20of%20the,tub%20with%20fantastic%20lake%20views.  
  - **Nature‑lover cabins** (Dawn, Birches, Bayside) offer direct access to hiking trails, private docks or beaches, and wildlife viewinghttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-perfect-cabin#:~:text=For%20those%20looking%20to%20escape,5%2C%20or%20Bayside%20cabins.  Birches has an in‑cabin saunahttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-perfect-cabin#:~:text=Birches.  
  - **Group cabins** (Northside, Dreamcatcher) are ideal for friends.  Northside features vaulted ceilings and a private saunahttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-perfect-cabin#:~:text=Bringing%20the%20whole%20crew%3F%20Northside,dryer; Dreamcatcher is a four‑floor treehouse‑style cabin with decks, a whirlpool bath, and floor‑to‑ceiling glasshttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-perfect-cabin#:~:text=Dreamcatcher.  
  - **Weekend cabins** like **Sun Up** are smaller (two bedrooms) but sit close to the water, with stone fireplaces and sunrise viewshttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-perfect-cabin#:~:text=For%20those%20slipping%20away%20just,when%20the%20sun%20goes%20down.  
- **Amenities included with lodging:** Valet luggage service; 24‑hour coffee in the lodge; covered boat dockage with electricity; cane poles for dock fishing; courts for **pickleball, tennis, racquetball and basketball**; Finnish sauna and **Woodland Spa**; **swimming beach with climbing iceberg and waterslide**; watercraft (paddleboats, canoes, kayaks, sailboat, hydrobikes); treehouse playground; ping pong; adult and kid libraries; game room with Nintendo Wii; island grocery and snack pantry; **free movie checkout**; **evening beach bonfires**; and **croissant delivery on Sundays**https://www.ludlowsresort.com/cabins/stardust#:~:text=Resort%20Amenities.
- **Check‑in/out:** Summer check‑in is **5 PM** and check‑out is **9 AM**; spring/fall times are flexiblehttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/policies#:~:text=Check,in.  A **30 % deposit** is due at booking; cancellations require **more than 90 days’ notice** for refundhttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/policies#:~:text=Check,in.  Weekly stays are preferred in summer; three‑night minimums are accepted in spring/fallhttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/policies#:~:text=Is%20there%20a%20minimum%20stay,at%20Ludlow%E2%80%99s%20Island.
- **Season:** The resort operates from **mid‑May** (opening of fishing season) through **mid‑October**https://www.ludlowsresort.com/policies#:~:text=When%20is%20Ludlow%E2%80%99s%20Island%20open%3F.
- **Pet policy:** Pets are welcome in shore cabins but not on the island; a housekeeping fee of **$30/day or $150/week** applieshttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/policies#:~:text=Pets%3A%20We%20welcome%20pets%20in,added%20to%20the%20final%20bill.

## Activities

### On‑site Recreation

- **Beach & Water Toys:** Free use of **hydrobikes, paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, paddleboats**, a waterslide and climbing iceberghttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/activities#:~:text=Resort%20Activities.  
- **Recreation & Games:** Courts for **racquetball, tennis, pickleball and basketball** plus a treehouse playground, ping pong and a game roomhttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/activities#:~:text=Recreation%20%26%20Games.  
- **Kids’ Activities:** Summer kids’ program, craft playground and kids’ fishing sessionshttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/activities#:~:text=Kids%E2%80%99%20Activities.  Weekly **Fishing Derby** for children encourages them to catch as many fish as possible in 20 minuteshttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/blog/the-ultimate-family-vacation-activities-for-every-age#:~:text=Weekly%20Fishing%20Derby.  
- **Nature Trail:** A one‑mile loop on the north shore is suitable for toddlers and features benches for breakshttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/blog/the-ultimate-family-vacation-activities-for-every-age#:~:text=Toddlers%20and%20tykes%20love%20exploring,just%20where%20the%20fun%20begins.  Wildlife commonly seen includes **otters, raccoons, deer, loons, swans, bald eagles and songbirds**https://www.ludlowsresort.com/blog/the-ultimate-family-vacation-activities-for-every-age#:~:text=Be%20sure%20to%20bring%20your,spot%20all%20the%20wildlife%2C%20including.
- **Camping & Picnic Islands:** Guests can paddle to **Camping Island**, a private island with bunkhouse, fire pit and dockhttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/blog/the-ultimate-family-vacation-activities-for-every-age#:~:text=Camping%20Island%20%26%20Picnic%20Island, or **Picnic Island**, which offers docks and a fire pit for afternoon outingshttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/blog/the-ultimate-family-vacation-activities-for-every-age#:~:text=Picnic%20Island%2C%20also%20just%20a,evening%20s%E2%80%99mores%20on%20the%20fire.

### Fishing

- **World‑class fishing:** Lake Vermilion’s **40 000 acres**, **365 islands** and **1 200 miles of shoreline** make it one of Minnesota’s top fishing lakeshttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/fishing#:~:text=Catch%20Your%20Trophy%20Fish.  Anglers can target **walleye, crappie, northern pike, muskie, smallmouth and largemouth bass**, plus panfish such as **sunfish, perch and bluegills**https://www.ludlowsresort.com/fishing#:~:text=Stretching%2040%20miles%20across%20the,a%20haven%20for%20fishing%20enthusiasts.  
- **Guided trips:** Expert guides offer **2‑, 4‑, 6‑ or 8‑hour trips** and teach newcomers how to reel in trophy fishhttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/fishing#:~:text=Guided%20Fishing%20Trips%20on%20Lake,Vermilion.  Michael, the head of guest services, provides fishing clinics and tips throughout the summerhttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/fishing#:~:text=Ludlow%E2%80%99s%20Island%20Bait%20and%20Tackle,demo%20options%20for%20our%20guests.  
- **Bait & Tackle Shop:** An on‑site shop sells fishing gear and offers equipment demoshttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/fishing#:~:text=Bait%20%26%20Tackle%20Shop.
- **Fishing tips:** Walleye, crappie and pike are best in spring and fall; bass fishing peaks in July–August; panfish enter shallows as water warmshttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/fishing#:~:text=,really%20good%20in%20the%20fall.  
- **Kids’ fishing:** Cane poles are free for children to fish from the dock; kids under 16 do not need a licensehttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/fishing#:~:text=Fishing%20for%20Kids.

### Boat Rentals

- Ludlow’s offers **daily and weekly boat rentals reserved exclusively for guests**https://www.ludlowsresort.com/boat-rentals#:~:text=Lake%20Vermilion%20Boat%20Rentals.  
- **Large fishing boats:** 17–18 ft Ranger or Lund boats with 90‑150 hp motors, trolling motors, GPS and livewells ($1 400/week or $300/day)https://www.ludlowsresort.com/boat-rentals#:~:text=Large%20Fishing%20Boats.  
- **Small fishing boats:** 16 ft boats with 20 hp motors and depth finders ($600/week or $150/day)https://www.ludlowsresort.com/boat-rentals#:~:text=Small%20Fishing%20Boats.  
- **Pontoons:** 20–24 ft pontoons (recreational or fishing) with 90‑150 hp motors ($1 000–$1 500/week or $200–$350/day)https://www.ludlowsresort.com/boat-rentals#:~:text=Pontoons.  
- **Premier 300 hp pontoon:** 27.5 ft triple‑toon with seating for 12–15, GPS, tow post, canopy and swim ladder ($2 250/week or $465/day)https://www.ludlowsresort.com/boat-rentals#:~:text=Premier%20Pontoon%20.  
- **Deck boats:** 20 ft boats with 150 hp motors for skiing or fishing ($1 400/week or $300/day)https://www.ludlowsresort.com/boat-rentals#:~:text=Hurricane%20Deck%20Boats.

### Spa & Sauna

- **Woodland Spa:** Guests can book relaxation or deep tissue massages (30 min – $75–85; 50 min – $100–120)https://www.ludlowsresort.com/spa#:~:text=Woodland%20Spa; spa services are billed to the cabin and should be scheduled a week in advancehttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/spa#:~:text=Woodland%20Spa.  
- **Finnish sauna:** Free for guests; maintains **175–210 °F** with 10–15 % humidityhttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/spa#:~:text=Finnish%20Sauna.

### Romantic Experiences

Ludlow’s is a premier destination for **romantic island getaways**.  Couples receive valet transport of luggage to their cabins and may choose from adventure activities or secluded relaxationhttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/romantic-getaways#:~:text=Nothing%20says%20romance%20like%20sweeping,that%20perfect%20romantic%20island%20escape.  Complimentary watercraft (canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, paddle boards, hydrobikes) are included in every stayhttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/romantic-getaways#:~:text=Romance%20on%20the%20Water, and staff can arrange boat rentals for sunset cruiseshttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/romantic-getaways#:~:text=Romance%20on%20the%20Water.  Couples can stroll around the island, relax on lakeside benches and swings, join nightly beach bonfireshttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/romantic-getaways#:~:text=Lakeside%20Strolls, schedule spa treatments with massages and sauna sessionshttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/romantic-getaways#:~:text=Spa%20%26%20Sauna, or enjoy date nights with groceries from the on‑site store or dinners at nearby restaurantshttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/romantic-getaways#:~:text=Date%20Night%20Done%20Right.  Recommended cabins for romance include **Northshore** (two‑person whirlpool tub), **Sundown** (sunset views), **Bayside** (private dock & wildlife) and **Northside** (private sauna)https://www.ludlowsresort.com/romantic-getaways#:~:text=Northshore.  All cabins have fully stocked kitchens and guests receive **Sunday croissant delivery**https://www.ludlowsresort.com/romantic-getaways#:~:text=Each%20cabin%20has%20a%20fully,a%20romantic%20breakfast%20in%20bed.

## Nearby Dining

Guests often explore local restaurants around Cook and Tower, MN.  Examples include:

| Restaurant | Highlights | Distance & Contact |
|---|---|---|
| **Moosebirds General Store**https://www.ludlowsresort.com/dining#:~:text=Moosebirds%20General%20Store | Famous ice cream shop | 15 min by boat/car; 3068 Vermilion Dr., Cook, MN; 218‑666‑2627 |
| **The Landing on Lake Vermilion**https://www.ludlowsresort.com/dining#:~:text=The%20Landing%20on%20Lake%20Vermilion | Indoor/outdoor seating; nightly specials, fish fry, sandwiches & pizza | 15 min by boat/car; 3096 Vermilion Dr., Cook, MN; 218‑666‑0221 |
| **Wolf Bay Lodge**https://www.ludlowsresort.com/dining#:~:text=Wolf%20Bay%20Lodge | Bar menu; BBQ ribs on Tuesdays; live music | 20 min by boat or 40 min by car; 3262 Randa Rd., Cook, MN; 218‑666‑6106 |
| **The South Switch**https://www.ludlowsresort.com/dining#:~:text=The%20South%20Switch | Ribs served Thu/Fri evenings | 20 min by car; 8989 MN 1, Angora, MN; 218‑666‑5411 |
| **Tavern in The Bay**https://www.ludlowsresort.com/dining#:~:text=Tavern%20in%20The%20Bay | Full bar & grill in Big Bay | 20 min by car; 2007 Co Rd 77, Tower, MN; 218‑753‑8888 |
| **Sunset Steakhouse at Fortune Bay**https://www.ludlowsresort.com/dining#:~:text=Sunset%20Steakhouse%20at%20Fortune%20Bay | 21‑day aged steaks, seafood, wine & cocktails | 30 min by car; 1450 Bois Forte Rd., Tower, MN; 218‑753‑7804 |
| **Tamarack Buffet & Goldmine Grill at Fortune Bay**https://www.ludlowsresort.com/dining#:~:text=Tamarack%20Buffet%20at%20Fortune%20Bay | Buffet meals and sandwiches, burgers, salads & pizza | 30 min by car; 1450 Bois Forte Rd., Tower, MN; 218‑753‑7804 |
| **Vermilion Club**https://www.ludlowsresort.com/dining#:~:text=Vermilion%20Club | Full menu & bar; known for pizzas | 30 min by car; 3191 Old Hwy 77, Tower, MN; 218‑753‑6277 |
| **The Dam Supper Club**https://www.ludlowsresort.com/dining#:~:text=The%20Dam%20Supper%20Club | Classic supper‑club menu, burgers & sandwiches; near Vince Shute Bear Sanctuary | 30 min by car; 4247 Highway 53, Orr, MN; 218‑757‑3985 |

## Local Activities & Attractions

- **Lake Vermilion:** Known for its scenic beauty, offering boating, fishing and wildlife viewinghttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/local-activities#:~:text=Local%20Activities.  
- **Hiking & wildlife:** Numerous trails and wildlife areas near the resorthttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/local-activities#:~:text=.  
- **Golf courses:** Several courses within driving distance, including:
  - **The Wilderness at Fortune Bay** – panoramic lake views, fine dining, practice facilities and GPS‑equipped cartshttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/golf#:~:text=The%20Wilderness%20at%20Fortune%20Bay (35 min drive).  
  - **The Legend at Giants Ridge** – par‑72 course with bent‑grass fairways, white‑sand bunkers, lakes and boulders; pro‑shop, instruction and practice areashttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/golf#:~:text=The%20Legend%20at%20Giants%20Ridge (70 min).  
  - **The Quarry at Giants Ridge** – honors the area’s mining history and offers pro‑shop, restaurant and golf instructionhttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/golf#:~:text=The%20Quarry%20at%20Giants%20Ridge (70 min).  
  - **Wolfridge Golf Course** – rugged terrain and reversible layout; rentals availablehttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/golf#:~:text=Wolfridge%20Golf%20Course (30 min).  
  - **Vermilion Fairways Golf Course** – par‑36 nine‑hole course ideal for beginnershttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/golf#:~:text=Vermilion%20Fairways%20Golf%20Course (5 min).  
  - **Virginia Golf Course** – municipal course with mature pines and a log clubhouse featuring a pro shop and restauranthttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/golf#:~:text=The%20Virginia%20Municipal%20Golf%20Course%2C,New%20driving%20range%20open (45 min).  
  - **Eveleth Municipal Golf Course** – nine‑hole course along St. Mary’s Lakehttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/golf#:~:text=This%209,clubs%2C%20and%20practice%20green%20available (55 min).  
- **Museums & culture:** Nearby attractions include museums such as the Soudan Underground Mine tour and local cultural siteshttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/romantic-getaways#:~:text=You%20can%20take%20your%20date,hikes%2C%20and%20romantic%20restaurants%2C%20it%E2%80%99s.  
- **Off‑island excursions:** Guests can enjoy mini golf at Pier 77, romantic North Shore and Lake Vermilion hikes, music in the park in Cook, and other regional experienceshttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/romantic-getaways#:~:text=easy%20to%20make%20it%20a,memorable%20evening.

## Policies & Guest FAQs

- **Deposits & cancellations:** 30 % deposit at booking; refunds require more than **90 days’ notice**https://www.ludlowsresort.com/policies#:~:text=Check,in.  
- **Payments:** Personal checks preferred; Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted with 3 % convenience feehttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/policies#:~:text=Payment%3A%20We%20prefer%20personal%20checks,convenience%20fee.  
- **Pets:** Welcome in shore cabins; $30/day or $150/week fee; pets not allowed on the islandhttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/policies#:~:text=Pets%3A%20We%20welcome%20pets%20in,added%20to%20the%20final%20bill.  
- **Season & minimum stay:** Open from **mid‑May to mid‑October**https://www.ludlowsresort.com/policies#:~:text=When%20is%20Ludlow%E2%80%99s%20Island%20open%3F.  Weekly stays expected in summer; three‑night minimum in spring/fallhttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/policies#:~:text=Is%20there%20a%20minimum%20stay,at%20Ludlow%E2%80%99s%20Island.  
- **Check‑in/out:** 5 PM check‑in and 9 AM check‑out in summer; flexible times in spring/fallhttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/policies#:~:text=Check,in.  
- **Rates:** Weekly rates (summer) and nightly rates (spring/fall) are based on two adults; additional guests incur a feehttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/policies#:~:text=How%20do%20weekly%20and%20nightly,rates%20work.  
- **Grocery delivery:** Guests can bring groceries or shop at Zup’s (8 miles away); staff deliver groceries to cabins and can pre‑order for arrivalhttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/policies#:~:text=Where%20can%20I%20buy%20groceries%3F.  A small island grocery store stocks essentialshttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/policies#:~:text=Where%20can%20I%20buy%20groceries%3F.  
- **Boat usage:** Guests may bring personal boats; the resort provides launch service, covered dockage with electricity and trailer storagehttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/policies#:~:text=Can%20I%20bring%20my%20boat,to%20Ludlow%E2%80%99s.  
- **Included equipment:** Complimentary life jackets and free use of non‑motorized watercraft; motorized rental boats, spa services and groceries/bait/gas purchases are extrahttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/policies#:~:text=What%20is%20included%20in%20my,stay.  
- **Laundry:** Shore cabins have private washer/dryer; coin‑op laundry is available for island cabinshttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/policies#:~:text=Can%20I%20do%20laundry%20at,Ludlow%E2%80%99s.  
- **Communication:** Wi‑Fi is available on the island; cell service is available but varies by carrierhttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/policies#:~:text=Is%20Wifi%20available%20on%20the,Island.

## History & Heritage

- **Origins:** Joseph Burr Ludlow discovered Lake Vermilion in 1907 and purchased the island for $300https://www.ludlowsresort.com/about#:~:text=Ludlow%27s%20was%20first%20coined%20when,it%20to%20friends%20in%201939.  His son **Hod Ludlow** built the first cabin in 1933—called **Night Owl**—and started renting to friends in 1939https://www.ludlowsresort.com/about#:~:text=Ludlow%27s%20was%20first%20coined%20when,it%20to%20friends%20in%201939.  Night Owl was the first cabin in Minnesota constructed entirely with pinehttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/blog/photo-hunt#:~:text=1,Cabin.  
- **Family‑run:** Additional cabins were built without electricity; Hod’s son Mark later purchased the resort and raised his family therehttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/about#:~:text=More%20guest%20cabins%20were%20built,four%20children%20on%20the%20island.  In 2022 the Jermusek and Egan families became partnershttps://www.ludlowsresort.com/about#:~:text=In%202022%2C%20the%20Jermusek%20and,Island%20for%20years%20to%20come, continuing the tradition of family ownership.

## Contact

- **Address:** **8166 Ludlow Road, Cook, Minnesota 55723**https://www.ludlowsresort.com/#:~:text=Ludlow%27s%20Island%20Resort.  
- **Phone:** **(218) 666‑5407**https://www.ludlowsresort.com/#:~:text=Ludlow%27s%20Island%20Resort.  
- **Email:** **info@ludlowsresort.com**https://www.ludlowsresort.com/#:~:text=Ludlow%27s%20Island%20Resort.  

## Keywords for AI Discovery

Lake Vermilion resort; private island cabins; Minnesota northwoods lodging; family vacation lake cabins; romantic getaway Minnesota; Lake Vermilion fishing resort; pet‑friendly cabins; guided fishing trips; boat rentals; Finnish sauna; woodland spa; hiking and wildlife Lake Vermilion; picnic and camping islands; kids’ fishing derby; watersports; Lake Vermilion golf courses; local dining Cook MN; Soudan Underground Mine; Lake Vermilion sunset cabins.