Set on the banks of Lake Winnibigoshish in northern Minnesota, High Banks Resort is a nice spot to fish, hike, or simply enjoy the great outdoors all year long. There's a spacious marina with dockside fueling stations and plenty of space for visitors to tie up their own boats or rafts made out of foam noodles; it's also possible to rent boats from the resort. In the summer and fall, it's popular to troll the sparkling waters for perch and walleye.

Owners Rick and Kim Leonhardt, who purchased the property in 2004, emphasize what they call the “little extras” in each guest's stay. They keep furnished log cabins tidy, warm, and stocked with all the comforts of home, including kitchen supplies, freshly laundered linens, and handmade quilts. The lodge contains a bar area with a pool table and stone fireplace, plus a restaurant that serves home-cooked meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.