Policies & FAQs

Resort Policies

If you have any questions, please contact us.

Check-In / Check-Out:
During the summer, check-in is 5 PM and check-out is 9 AM. During the spring and fall, check-in and check-out times are flexible. It’s best to call or email us a week or so before you stay to discuss an early check-in.

Deposits: 30% of lodging total, due at time of reservation. Remainder of balance is due upon departure.

Cancellations: Because of our small size, cancellations affect us significantly. Most of our reservations are made well in advance of the stay. If you should need to cancel, your deposit will be refunded only if you notify us more than 60 days prior to your arrival date. We will happily return your deposit if we can re-book your original space, or your deposit can be applied to a future stay.

Payment: We prefer personal checks but will honor Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express (3% convenience fee).

Pets: We welcome pets in any of our shore cabins. We ask that pets not accompany you to the island. A per-pet housekeeping fee of $30/day or $150/week is added to the final bill.

Reservations

When is Ludlow’s Island open?

Ludlow’s opens in mid-May, with the opening of fishing season, and closes in mid- October.

See our availability or call for this year’s specific dates.

Is there a minimum stay at Ludlow’s Island?

During our summer season, we prefer weekly stays. In the spring and fall, we welcome stays of three nights and longer. Contact us about this year’s season dates.

How do weekly and nightly rates work?

During the summer season, our rates are weekly and vary by cabin. A cabin’s base rate is for two adults, and there is a fee for each additional guest. During the spring and fall, rates are nightly. The nightly rate is based on two adults, and there is a fee for each additional guest. View our Rates page for more information.

Can I rebook the same cabin for next year?

At the end of a stay, guests are given priority to place a deposit on their cabin for the following year.

Can I have a company retreat at Ludlow’s?

Whether you’re planning an intimate retreat or a larger conference, we give you the resources for a successful event. We customize meals, accommodations, and leisure activities, leaving you to focus on your objectives and spend time with your employees or clients. Call or email us for help planning your company’s northwoods retreat.

Pre-Arrival

What will I find in my cabin?

We want your vacation to be as relaxing as possible, so we’ve stocked it with everything you need to make it feel like home. You can find a full list of items you’ll find in your cabin here.

Where can I buy groceries?

Some guests prefer to bring their groceries with them from home. Others do their shopping at our small but well stocked local grocery store, located 8 miles from the resort. Either way, our staff will be there to deliver your groceries to your cabin. You may also opt to pre-order your groceries from our local store and let our staff deliver them to your cabin prior to your arrival. To pre-order your groceries for delivery, contact Matt at 218-666-0205. We have a small grocery store on the island, as well; if you should need something during your stay, we’ll be happy to pick it up in town for you.

Can I bring my boat to Ludlow’s?

Yes, we’ll launch your boat, provide covered dockage with electricity, and storage for your trailer for a one-time fee of $60. Learn more about personal boats here.

Can I rent a boat for my stay?

Ludlow’s offers a full fleet of rental boats, from small fishing boats to ski boats and pontoons. Rentals are available for full or partial weeks, and even single and half days.

Can I hire a fishing guide during my stay?

Lake Vermilion is one of the largest lakes in Minnesota and offers some of the state’s best fishing. If you’d like to go out with a fishing guide, for either a full or half day, we’re happy to make those arrangements for you. We recommend booking early, as guides’ schedules fill quickly. Guides can accommodate 3-4 people and can provide a shore lunch for $20 per person.

What do I do when I arrive at Ludlow’s?

About a week before your arrival, we’ll email you information on where to park your car (and boat trailer). You’ll take our antique wooden water taxi a short distance to the island while our guest service staff delivers your luggage to your cabin.

At The Resort

Is there cell service and wifi at the resort?

Despite our remote location, we’re able to offer satellite wifi throughout the resort. While you won’t be able to stream, our wi-fi will allow you to check and send emails, etc. A computer for guest use can be found in the Lodge and has a hard wire internet connection. Printing services are also available at the Lodge desk. Cell phone service varies throughout the resort and the lake. You’ll find a cellphone booster outside our movie room.

What is included in my stay?

The full resort is open to you with your stay, including stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, hydro-bikes, and paddleboats, climbing iceberg and zipline, movie and game rooms, sauna, fitness complex, and camping and picnic islands. Not included are motorized rental boats, spa services and grocery/bait/gas purchases. There is a small fee for some children’s activities, like hot dog roast and t-shirt coloring.

Can I do laundry at Ludlow’s?

Yes, each of our off-island cabins has its own washer and dryer. Coin-op laundry is available for island guests. Off-island cabins and island public laundry are stocked with laundry detergent and fabric softener. Irons and ironing boards are also available for guest use.

Do I need to bring life jackets?

Life jackets are required by law when using a variety of water equipment. Ludlow’s provides life jackets for guests of all ages to use at any time, and our rental boats are equipped with proper floatation devices.

I’m going to be fishing. Where can I buy my license, bait, and boat gas?

Everything you need is available at Ludlow’s. Gas, bait, and license can be purchased at Ludlow’s and added to your final bill. To help you avoid the rush of license purchases that often happens with arrivals, we encourage you to purchase your license online here prior to your stay.

Is there somewhere to clean fish?

Our staff is happy to clean and package your fish for you, leaving you to relax and enjoy your vacation.

What spa services are available?

At our Woodlands Spa, just a minute’s walk from your cabin, you can get a massage, manicure, or pedicure. We also offer yoga on the beach during the summer season. Spa services are by-appointment.

Is there daily housekeeping for my cabin?

For weekly guests, we offer daily towel exchange for any towels or linens that you should need replaced throughout your stay. Housekeeping service throughout your stay is available, for a small fee. We are happy to provide any extra linens you may need, as well as pack & plays, high chairs, booster seats, extra blankets, or anything else that might make your stay more comfortable.

What is the smoking policy at Ludlow’s?

We offer smoke-free cottages and ask that guests smoke only on cabin decks. As a courtesy to other guests, smoking is not permitted in common areas, such as the beach or docks.

Where do I find firewood for my cabin’s fireplace?

Your cabin will be stocked with firewood, fire starters, and matches. We’ll stop by daily to restock firewood outside your cabin door.

Are there any food or beverage items sold on the Island?

Yes, we have a grocery/pantry with a limited selection of food and beverage items, plus sundries. We do not sell alcohol, THC/CBD or tobacco products.

Can I buy ice on the Island?

Yes, we have freezers with bags of ice for sale on the Island, and ice making is available in all of our cabins.

Is there a gift shop?

Yes, we have a fully-stocked gift shop on the Island selling an assortment of Ludlow's merchandise.

Local Area

Where can I learn about Lake Vermilion?

https://www.lakevermilionresorts.com/about

Where can I learn about fishing on Lake Vermilion?

https://www.lakevermilionresorts.com/fishing

Are there restaurants near the resort?

There are several restaurants within driving and boating distance of Ludlow’s, from casual to upscale. Descriptions of nearby restaurants can be found here and will also be listed in your cabin’s information book. We’re happy to offer recommendations and make reservations.

What kind of activities are there in the surrounding area?

From nature and wildlife to mining and history, the Iron Range and Lake Vermilion have a lot of activities to offer visitors. A complete list can be found here and will also be listed in your cabin’s information book.

What if I have a medical emergency while at Ludlow’s?

The resort is located 8 miles from the Cook Hospital, which has a fully staffed, 24-hour emergency room. Its staff are certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Trauma Life Support. Ludlow’s is served by Cook Ambulance Service and a water-based emergency response team just two minutes from the resort.