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Resort hotel

Idlewilde Resort

Idlewilde Resort offers spacious, clean cabins by Lake Osakis in Minnesota. Enjoy fishing, playgrounds, indoor pool, and a laid-back atmosphere ideal for families and nature lovers. Friendly hosts and rustic charm await just minutes from downtown Osakis.

811 Lake St E, Osakis, MN 56360, United States View on map
7/10
Good Based on 36 recent guest reviews
Kid-friendly
What recent guests emphasize

Relaxed Lakeside Stay with Family-Friendly Amenities

This rustic fishing resort offers spacious cabins, a welcoming atmosphere, and convenient access to Lake Osakis and nearby attractions.

Guests often praise

  • Spacious and clean cabins with private decks, grills, and fire pits
  • Friendly and attentive hosts who provide good customer service
  • Family-friendly features including a playground and indoor pool
  • Beautiful lake views and well-maintained fishing dock
  • Relaxed, laid-back atmosphere appreciated by guests

Worth knowing

  • Some cabins differ from photos and may lack lake views
  • Facilities are rustic and basic, reflecting the resort’s simple style
  • Only a few cabins remain available for rent as it transitions away from a full resort
  • Nearby attractions include Lake Osakis, Runestone Museum Foundation, and other lakes

Best for

  • Families looking for kid-friendly accommodations and activities
  • Fishing enthusiasts seeking convenient lake access and quiet surroundings
  • Visitors wanting a relaxed, no-frills lakeside getaway near downtown Osakis
  • Travelers who appreciate rustic charm over modern luxury
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About this property

Welcome to Idlewilde Resort

Idlewilde Resort, nestled on the serene shores of Lake Osakis in Minnesota, offers an authentic rustic escape that harmonizes nature, comfort, and community spirit. This resort, rated at 3.5 stars, draws visitors seeking a laidback retreat perfect for families and anglers alike. With a cluster of spacious cabins, many featuring private decks, grills, and fire pits, guests experience a charming blend of basic modern conveniences and lakeside tranquility.

Visitors repeatedly praise the resort’s clean and well-maintained accommodations, highlighting the welcoming atmosphere created by owners Jim and Susie, whose commitment to hospitality shines through every interaction. Whether it is the shared excitement of sunfish fishing or the simple joy of evenings by the fire, Idlewilde fosters moments that linger well after check-out.

For families, the resort’s kid-friendly amenities—including a playground and an indoor pool—balance outdoor adventure with comfort on cooler days. While some cabins may not offer direct lake views, the proximity to the water and the peaceful environment compensate fully. The rustic charm, paired with genuine warmth from neighbors and staff, evokes a sense of timeless community and relaxation.

Idlewilde Resort’s location is another compelling draw: just minutes from downtown Osakis and accessible via I-94, it invites visitors to explore local culture and return to lakeside calm. As a dedicated fishing destination, it satisfies anglers with promising catches of sunfish, northern pike, and walleye, ensuring the essence of Minnesota’s lake life is deeply felt.

Ultimately, Idlewilde is more than a place to stay — it is a reminder of the simple pleasures found in nature, shared stories, and unhurried days. For those yearning to reconnect with the outdoors in a welcoming, modest setting, Idlewilde Resort stands as a genuine haven.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Kid-friendly
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

AW
Ann Wardarski Jan 02, 2026
8.0

I stayed in 1 of the 5 cabins on the right side of the resort. They were all connected. Very nice spacious cabins. All amenities inside. Very clean cabins. Each one had its own little deck, grill and fire pit. PLAYGROUND for kids. And the lake was gorgeous.

RV
Ryan Vaughn Nov 01, 2025
8.0

Cozy cabin wasn't the one pictured when booking (amenities listed were accurate but did not have lake view - there are cabins which have a lake view, but ours did not). Family had a good time in spite of slightly rustic condition of cabins - neighbors and staff were all friendly. Indoor pool is a nice touch for small children or colder/windy days when the lake may not be as comfortable. Laid-back attitude all around was relaxing. One complaint - resort rented their only pontoon out to one family for the entire holiday week. This family of 4 also brought their own boat to the resort. Seems excessive to rent out the pontoon for the week when you own a boat as well. I understand times are tough and the resort needs to get dollars where they can, but during a holiday week I'd think it might reasonable to only rent the boat out for 1 or 2 days at a time to a single person/family. If we'd had access to a boat I'd likely give 5 stars.

VR
Virgil Rose Oct 27, 2025
8.0

Diane and I have stayed at Idlewilde for the past 4 years. Jim and Susie are very friendly. They are hardworking folks who understand customer service. We have had good fishing for sunfish-very nice sunfish, as well as northern and occasional walleye. I readily recommend Idlewilde. Virgil E. Rose

JK
Julian Kessler Sep 25, 2025
10

No longer a resort, and only a couple are still rentals. Cabin 7 is a fantastic stay that we found on VRBO! We are definitely coming back next year!

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Idlewilde Resort

Osakis, Minnesota, USA

Overlooking Lake Osakis this rustic fishing resort lies 0.7 miles from downtown Osakis and is a 5-minute drive from I-94.

  • Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport 1 hr 35 Car
  • St. Cloud Sky Central Airport 1 hr 10 Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Minnesota. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Lake Osakis 55 reviews

Lake Osakis

Minnesota 56360, USA

4.6 · Lake
Runestone Museum Foundation 190 reviews

Runestone Museum Foundation

206 Broadway St, Alexandria, MN 56308, United States

4.7 · History Museum
Lake Le Homme Dieu 16 reviews

Lake Le Homme Dieu

Minnesota 56308, USA

4.4 · Lake
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