Why Families Choose Birch Forest Lodge
Space to Unplug (Without Sacrificing Comfort)
- Private cabins with full kitchens and multiple bedrooms
- Plenty of room for kids to play safely
- No noisy crowds or packed beaches
A Lake Built for Family Fun
- Sandy swimming area with gradual depth (great for younger kids)
- Free use of kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats
- Pontoon rentals for easy exploring
- Calm water perfect for tubing and cruising
Fishing Made Simple (Even for Beginners)
You don’t have to be a serious angler to enjoy fishing here.
- Easy access to walleye, bass, and panfish
- Dock fishing for kids
- Boat rentals available
- Guidance available if you want help getting started
Activities That Keep Kids Busy (So You Can Relax)
- Game room with air hockey, ping pong, and free arcade games
- Board games available to enjoy in your cabin
- Large lakeside playground right on the beach
- Yard games across the property: giant chess, disc golf, jumbo Jenga, and Connect 4
- Weekly traditions like Monday night burgers and Thursday night trivia
A Safe, Family-Focused Waterfront
- One of the safest, most family-friendly swim beaches in Minnesota
- Separate marina bay—no boat traffic near swimmers
- Calm, clear water ideal for kids
Fishing That’s Fun for Everyone
- Catch-and-release dock fishing so kids can actually catch fish
- No experience needed—just show up and enjoy
Classic Northwoods Evenings
- Multiple fire pits for campfires and s’mores
- Relaxed, social atmosphere for families
Simple Outdoor Adventures (No Driving Required)
- Wild blueberries and raspberries throughout the property in July and August
- Wildlife sightings right at the resort
Optional Nearby Experience
- Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary (8 miles away) to safely see and learn about black bears
Cabins Designed for Families
Our cabins are clean, comfortable, and spaced out for privacy—no cramped resort feel.
- 2–4 bedroom options
- Full kitchens (save money by cooking meals)
- Lakeside views
- Outdoor seating and fire pits
Whether you’re a family of four or bringing grandparents along, we have space that works.
What a Week Looks Like Here
Morning: Coffee on the deck while the kids fish off the dock
Midday: Swim, paddle, or explore the lake
Afternoon: Relax, read, or take a nap while the kids play
Evening: Grill dinner, watch the sunset, and sit around the fire
It’s simple—and that’s the point.
Everything You Need Is Right Here on Pelican Lake
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Birch Forest Lodge is that you don’t need to leave to have a full, memorable vacation.
- Swim, paddle, and relax right from your cabin
- Spend full days on the lake without crowds or long drives
- Fish, explore, and unwind all in one place
This is a stay-put kind of vacation—no packing up the car every day or chasing activities. Just settle in and enjoy the lake.
Plan Your Family Vacation
Summer weeks fill quickly—especially July and early August.
Our peak family season is July and August, when the weather is warm, the water is perfect for swimming, and conditions are the most consistent.
June tends to be busier with more variable weather and bugs, so most families prefer mid-summer for the best overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a good place for young kids?
Yes. The gradual shoreline, calm lake, and open space make it ideal.
Do we need a boat?
No, but it helps. Many families rent pontoons for a day or two.
Is WiFi available?
Yes—but most families end up not using it much.
