Minnesota resort for families: Grand View Lodge

Don't let the Adirondack chairs lining the shores of Gull Lake lure you into a stupor. Sure, you'll want to relax, but leave time for other pursuits: golfing, fishing, water skiing, hiking, horseback riding and barreling down the water slide at the indoor pool. A peak activity: being pampered at the world-class Glacial Waters Spa while the children are entertained at the kids' club. Grand View Lodge is better than the usual getaway, with rows of cabins facing the lake, plus three "villages" catering to escapists (and those who want proximity to the golf course). Its variety of accommodations are spread over nearly 1,600 acres. Best of all, it's open year-round.