Don’t just tour Northwoods , Experience Northwoods

Every Beatrice Bradley trip is crafted to maximize the experiences had during the trip.
The itineraries are specially made to allow time for engaging in conversation and having belly laughs with a new friend. We hope that the activities and experiences may allow you to come out of your comfort zone and to try new or unique things.
These trips are made to replicate a ‘friends get-away trip’. 

Past Trip Reviews

They were all just so very nice..very eager to make sure we were happy and well fed. This was my first solo trip and I am ready to go more. For someone that has not traveled in a very long time this was the perfect trip for me. Small number and wonderful like minded people. –Lisa

I’ve traveled with other tour places and this one is by far the best. Had so much fun. Met like minded woman that before the trip I did not know them and now I have 10 new friends. Can’t wait for my ne t two trips with you guys.. –Gretchen

Day One: Sunday, August 27, 2023 – Arrival Day

Please arrive at MSP by 2pm, if possible. We will pick you up at the terminal and depart MSP at 3:00pm. We will travel by group via van to the Northwoods. We will arrive around 5:30 pm at Historic Grand View Lodge on Gull Lake at the expansive cottage nestled in the woods. You will have a little down time prior to assembling as a group before dinner. We will start with a Welcome Happy Hour at the cottage and then we will have dinner at the Grand View Lodge.

Grandview Lodge:

Grand View Lodge has provided guests relaxing vacation experiences for more than 100 years. Its roots grow deep in the history of the Brainerd Lakes area. Selected in 1979 for the National Registry of Historic Places, Grand View Lodge’s Main Lodge offers one of the most well-preserved examples of early resort log construction in existence today. As part of the Historic designation, the Lodge cannot be altered by construction and only materials authentic to the early 1900s can be used throughout. It remains a testimony to the vision and taste of early area entrepreneurs who foresaw the charm of the lakes area. The story of Grand View Lodge is hallmarked by entrepreneurship, family legacy and dedication to Minnesota’s natural beauty. The vacation lodging experience started in 1916, when the first guests arrived at Grand View’s historic Main Lodge eager to unpack, hit the beach, and relax in the comfort of the great outdoors.  Today, our guests arrive with the same eagerness. It’s our belief that your accommodation should be comfortable and relaxing – where you can unwind after an exhilarating day on the lake or golf course in a space that feels good. Over the years, we’ve built a variety of select accommodations to reflect our guest’s tastes, interests and party size. Whatever you are looking for in a Minnesota resort vacation lodging, we have the lodging just right for you.  Grand View Lodge is spread across several hundred acres with lodging located in select areas to provide the maximum privacy, enjoyment, scenic views, and convenience to our guests.  Grand View’s log-sided cabins offer a homey, inviting setting with beautiful views of Gull Lake. Most cabins include an in-unit cozy stone fireplace or wood-burning stove.  Celebrate nature. Explore. Enjoy time together. Discover. Have fun. Create a lifetime of memories. At Grand View Lodge, generations of guests have enjoyed life-enriching activities that focus on spending time in nature, reconnecting to self, and having fun in an unforgettable vacation setting. After all, what would a vacation be without play?

Highlights

• Driving up the Northwoods and getting settled at the beautiful Historic Grand View Lodge on Gull Lake
• Welcome Happy Hour at the cottage at Grand View Lodge
• Welcome dinner at one of Grand View Lodge’s fabulous restaurants
• Having a bonfire after dinner and getting to know new friends

Day Two: Monday, August 28, 2023

We will gather for breakfast to enjoy our new friends with a fun breakfast at our cottage.  After breakfast, we will have an event, “The Amazing Race” where we will divide into teams to get to know each other!  Then, we will head to the fun town of Nisswa to have a tour of the Nisswa Pioneer Village and have lunch “on your own” in Nisswa.  After lunch, we will rent bikes and will ride some of the trails.  We will gather back at the cottage for a Happy Hour with beverages/snacks before we will head to dinner.

Historic Town of Nisswa, MN:  

Smiley Township was founded in 1900, but local resident Leon Lum convinced residents to rename it Nisswa, from the Ojibwe word “nessawae” (which means “in the middle” or “three”), when the town was incorporated as a village in 1908.  Nisswa became a municipality on December 4, 1946. Nisswa has become a popular tourist destination due to its many unique stores, including Stonehouse Coffee, a coffee shop and cafe that roasts beans in the store, Adirondack Coffee, the first gourmet coffee shop in central Minnesota, The Chocolate Ox, an ice cream parlor and candy shop, and Zaiser’s shoe store. The Paul Bunyan State Trail runs through Nisswa.

Highlights

• Breakfast with the group at the cottage
• “The Amazing Race” Team Building Event
• Tour of Nisswa Pioneer Village and learning the history of the historic town of Nisswa
• Shopping and lunch on your own in the town of Nisswa
• Riding Surrey Bikes and enjoying the trails in the Northwoods of MN
• Happy Hour at the cottage and dinner with the group at a fun restaurant

Day Three: Tuesday, August 29, 2023 

We will gather for breakfast at the cottage.  After breakfast, we will enjoy the activities that Grand View Lodge has to offer – paddle boarding, playing pickleball, relaxing, etc.  A special afternoon and evening with beach time, pontoon rides and dinner is planned at a private 100 year old cottage.  After dinner, we will sit around the fire and make S’mores.

North Woods Fun Water Activities:

BANANA TUBING – Hop on our 10-passenger banana boat and experience the thrill of a lifetime with all your friends and family!

KAYAKING – Both Gull Lake and Roy Lake beaches have a variety of kayaks available for you to use during your stay. Explore the lake and paddle along for fun under the sun. Enjoy a picturesque sunset in the evening and enjoy the calm waters, or cool off during the afternoon heat.

PADDLEBOARDING – Stand up paddleboarding, or in the Hawaiian language “hoe he’e nalu”, has been building in popularity all over the world. Grab a paddleboard from the boathouse and explore the waters of beautiful Gull Lake.

Highlights

• Breakfast with the group at the cottage
• Enjoying activities at Grand View Lodge – paddleboarding, playing pickleball, etc
• A special afternoon & evening at one of Beatrice Bradley’s founders, Debra’s 100-yr old cottage with a fabulous pontoon ride, lake time and dinner
• Sitting by the fire after dinner and making S’mores

Day Four: Wednesday, August 30, 2023 

We will gather for breakfast at at the cottage.  After breakfast, we will enjoy the activities that Grand View Lodge has to offer – paddleboarding, playing pickleball, relaxing, etc.  Lunch will be at the cottage.  In the afternoon, we will have a fun Beach Party at the Grand View Lodge Beach with Banana Boat rides and lots of fun.  After dinner, we will sit around the fire and make S’mores.

Highlights

• Breakfast with the group at the cottage
• Enjoying activities at Grand View Lodge – paddleboarding, playing pickleball, etc.
• Beach party at the Grand View Lodge Beach with Banana Boat Rides, paddleboarding, kayaking and lots of laughs!
• Goodbye Dinner at a fabulous restaurant in the area
• Sitting by the fire after dinner and making S’mores

Day Five: Thursday, August 31, 2023 – Departure Day

Breakfast will be at at the main dining room at The Historic Grand View Lodge.  You will also have time to take a last dip in the lake, etc. The van departs back for MSP airport at 11:00am, arriving at MSP at 1:30pm for afternoon departures.

Highlights

• Last morning breakfast with the group at the main dining room at Grand View Lodge
• Time for a last minute dip in the lake
• Heading back to MSP for afternoon departures

Pricing

Flexible pay-as-you-go payment plan

How it Works:

Activity Level

There will be walking and standing during the tour.  You will need to be able to get in and out of a van. Activities like biking, paddleboards, kayaks and more.

It is your responsibly to fully read and understand the physical abilities that correlate to this Beatrice Bradley Experience. Difficulty level of activity is subject to individual interpretation so it is extremely important that you read the itinerary and reach out if you have concerns or questions.

If you have questions about the specifics of the physical activity during this trip, please give us a call at 763-784-8291

Role of a Beatrice bradley hostess

Beatrice Bradley is an Experience Company not a Tour Company.  The role of a Beatrice Bradley Host is to be warm and welcoming. To relate and connect. To have attention to details. And to manage the behind-the-scenes magic so your experience is one-of-a-kind. They are not local experts nor are they tour guides. We hire local experts, guides, and historians as each location warrants. They are expert hosts and manage the camaraderie and logistics of the experience. Our goal is that your hostess will make you feel welcomed, comfortable, and that you will walk away with new & lasting friendships made during an unforgettable experience.

Flight Details

Airport Pick Up is included when arriving at the designated airport within the specified pick up window.

Departure Airport: Minneapolis International Airport (MSP)
Departure Date:  Aug 31, 2023
Drop off Times: Schedule flights to leave after 3 pm

Important information

As a solo-traveler, we need you to provide self-awareness and an understanding that you are fully responsible for yourself. This includes: your possessions, your physical abilities or fitness, your attitude, and all other aspects that relate to traveling solo in a group. 

• Connect with our Members on our Private Facebook Group – Beatrice Bradley Member’s Only
• You must be able to manage your own luggage and all of your personal belongings on this trip
• This is not a handicap accessible able trip – you must be able to get in and out of a Large Passenger Transit Vehicle
• All Ground transportation is included on this trip
• Group Airport transfers are included in this trip
• This trip will have have a maximum of 14 women
• This trip will have 2 Beatrice Bradley Hostesses
• If you need a roommate, we will happily pair you with another Beatrice Bradley traveler
• Travel insurance is not included. Beatrice Bradley is not a licensed travel insurance operator nor is our staff trained to in travel insurance. You can choose to purchase travel insurance through any licensed provider you choose. We will ask you upon booking if you would like us to send you some suggested licensed insurance companies.