Seasonal/Summer

You won’t want to miss a minute of Sugar Lake summer days, whether it’s a full agenda of activities or a full day of soaking in the sun and breezes. Our friendly staff will be glad to help you plan your day.

Complimentary Activities

Tennis – Two, ivy covered, regulation sized tennis courts are located near Sugar Lake. Forgot your racket? No problem! Just stop in the Golf Shop for a free loaner. Tennis balls are available for sale at the Golf Shop and a cold water jug is always full courtside.

Volleyball – Located poolside overlooking Sugar Lake. Volleyballs are available for use from the Golf Shop.

Horseshoes – Regulation sized play is located lakeside of Jack’s Grill. Close really counts!

Croquet – A gentle sport for those who love to enjoy the lake breezes and a cool beverage. Located near the outdoor pool.

Bicycles – Available to check out from the Front Desk on an hourly basis. Pick up a map for local loops and scenic rides from 1-13 miles.

Rainy Day? – A variety of board games, puzzles, and movie rentals are available at the Front Desk.

Walking and Jogging – There is approximately 28k of trails adjacent to the resort through beautiful wooded areas and old growth forests. Stop by the Front Desk for a map.

Bocce Ball – Accuracy is a challenge, but hey, you’re on vacation! Take on your friends and hunt the little guy!

Beach – White sand, reclining chairs, aquamarine crystal clear water, gentle breezes and shallow swimming. No, you’re not in the Caribbean, but you might think you are!

Bonfires – Bonfire pits are located at all Golf Course Townhome
buildings, the Beach, the Marina and the Lodge, just give us a call
and we’ll get a roaring one going for you. S’more baskets are
available for purchase at the Front Desk.

Outdoor Pool – Located near the beach and Jack’s Grill, our fenced
pool is 4-9ft with plenty of deck space to gather. Note: No Life
Guard so please watch your little ones.

Fitness Room – Located in the Main Lodge for those guests 18 years of age or older. Inquire at the front desk.

Wireless Internet - Wireless Lap Top Computers are available from the Front Desk free of charge.  Check your email or the Leader Boards from the deck with your coffee or a cool beverage. Wireless internet connection available throughout the property.

Ruttger’s Kids’ Kamp – For our youngest guests ages 4-12, Kids’ Kamp operates July through mid-August and offers daily activities Monday through Saturday including field trips to local attractions. Free of charge to our guests.

Available For Rent and/or Purchase

Marina – Located lakeside of the Main Lodge, our Marina offers all water sports activities. Arrange to go water skiing, tubing or just a relaxing cruise. Two pontoons await your appetizers and cold beverages for an evening cruise with ‘Captain Joe’. All non-motorized water equipment is free of charge for our guests so take a row-boat, paddle-boat, canoe, or kayak out at your leisure. Life jackets required! Want to try your hand at sailing? Our 14 ft. Hobie is a cinch for beginners or instruction can be provided. If you’d like to try for that elusive Sugar Lake Walleye, you can reserve a fishing boat complete with bait, poles and a lake map.

VCR’s and a large movie rental list are available at the Front Desk.

18 holes of championship golf at Ruttger’s Sugarbrooke Golf Course (view daily rates).

Childcare is available by local students.

Spouse programs are available by advanced reservation.

Available by Request from Local Merchants

Message Therapist – Local miracle workers can provide you with a private session for those tired muscles after golf, tennis or just a gift to yourself.

Guided Kayak Trips – Take a leisurely trip down the Mississippi and enjoy the local wildlife show or explore a hidden lake. Packed lunches are available by request if you want to make a day of it.

Guided Fishing Trips – Professionals guides will show you how to catch the big ones while showing you a little of Itasca County…behind the scenes.

Guided Upland Game Hunting – There’s nothing more invigorating than a walk through a fall forest and hearing the drum of a Ruffed Grouse. Advance reservations required.

Sea Plane Rides – Imagine getting to see the beauty of Itasca County & it’s many lakes….from the air! Dan McConkey, a local pilot, will pick you up from our dock on Sugar Lake & take you for a ride you’ll not soon forget!

Winter Activities

Looking for a fun, relaxing winter vacation for you and your family? Ruttger's Sugar Lake Lodge offers many fun unique winter activities that all members of your family will enjoy.

Current Rates

View trail conditions

Snowmobiling

Trails start right here! Maps are available at the front desk. Gas is available at the Pokegama Lake Store (Hwy 169, 2 miles north of Co Rd 17). Many area trails now require a trail pass (available on line at www.wildlifelicense.com or at the Front Desk).

Rapids Rental – 218-326-0397 or 800-542-0036
115 SE 11th Street
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Call for details.

Guided Snowmobile Trips – Take a guided snowmobile tour through scenic northern Minnesota backcountry. Half-day and full-day trips are available. One of our expert guides will help you explore the untamed wilderness! Trail dinners and bon fires available.

Skiing

Cross Country Skiing – Trails at Sugar Hills (2.5 miles away). We also have a trail map of the different area trails (214 kilometers in the surrounding area). Some trails, including Sugar Hills, require a ski pass (available on line at www.wildlifelicense.com or at the Front Desk).

Itasca Trail Sports – 218-326-1716
316 NE 4th Street
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Following rates are approximate- please contact them for more specific rates
$20.00 / day / ski rental (includes boots, waxless skis, poles)

Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding

Mount Itasca (17 MILES) –218-256-1053
Equipment Rental available call for details

Giant's Ridge (65 MILES) – 218-865-4143 or 800-688-SNOW

Other Winter Activities

Skating & Broomball – The lighted rinks are located in front of the Main Lodge on the lake. A heated, lakeside warming shack is provided. Broomball equipment is available.

Sliding Areas – Located by #8 Green (across from the Main Lodge) and by #9 Green (by Jack’s Grill). Sleds are available at the front desk.

Ice Fishing – Heated icehouses are located in front of the Main Lodge on Sugar Lake. Each handles up to six people with bait & equipment provided. Contact the front desk for details. Fishing licenses are available on line at www.wildlifelicense.com or at the Front Desk.

Bonfires – Our bonfire pit is located in front of the Main Lodge near the lake. Fires can be started upon request. Bonfire pits are also located behind the townhouses (one per complex).

Guided Sled Dog Races – Experience northern Minnesota’s winter wonderland in a way most people never have – by dog sled! While mushing through the woods, there is no noise except the occasional creaking pine, crunching snow, a command from the musher or the breathing of the dogs. We can help you to plan a tour for your family or a group event. It will be the highlight of your winter vacation. Please call ahead to book your trip.

Suomi Hills Kennel – 218-244-1265 or 800-620-1265
Joel Kersting, Professional Musher
37515 Orange Lake Road
Deer River, MN 56636
or
Great Outdoors Equipment – 218-326-9775
Dan Bergerson, Professional Musher
31331 Henselin Road
Grand Rapids, MN 55744

Babysitting Services – Vacationing with the family, but want an evening alone? Or, perhaps you would like to go on a snowmobile ride without the kids. We can help you arrange for a babysitter.

Board games, Puzzles, VCR, DVD & Movie Rentals – Available at the front desk.