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3-star hotel

Big Sandy Lodge & Resort

Discover Big Sandy Lodge & Resort in McGregor, MN. Enjoy lakeside lodging with kitchens, an indoor pool, sauna, marina, dining, and nearby outdoor activities.

20534 487th St, McGregor, MN 55760, United States View on map
8.6/10
Very Good Based on 570 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Paid breakfast Free parking Accessible Indoor pool
What recent guests emphasize

Big Sandy Lodge & Resort

Guests appreciate the tranquil lakeside setting and ample amenities, while noting occasional service delays. Ideal for families and groups seeking a nature-focused retreat with convenient access to outdoor activities.

Guests often praise

  • Scenic lake views and peaceful atmosphere near Big Sandy Lake
  • Clean, spacious cabins with good kitchen facilities and comfortable accommodations
  • Friendly, attentive, and helpful staff enhancing the overall experience
  • Family-friendly amenities including a large indoor pool, sauna, and beach area
  • Convenient on-site boat launch and proximity to nearby lakes and nature spots

Worth knowing

  • Some guests experienced long waits for food orders despite good meal quality
  • Room sizes and condition vary; some accommodations show signs of seasonal wear
  • Event spaces are well-suited for weddings and gatherings, with attentive event support
  • Location is somewhat remote, about 10 miles from the town center, but ideal for nature lovers

Best for

  • Families and groups looking for a relaxed, outdoor-focused vacation
  • Guests seeking a quiet retreat with access to lakes, boating, and fishing
  • LGBTQ+ friendly travelers wanting inclusive, welcoming accommodations
  • Couples or families planning weddings or special events in a scenic setting
  • Visitors interested in nature activities and lakeside relaxation away from busy town centers
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About this property

Welcome to Big Sandy Lodge & Resort

Big Sandy Lodge & Resort is a casual lakeside retreat located between Big Sandy Lake and Lake Minnewawa on the edge of Minnesota’s Savanna State Forest. This relaxed woodland setting offers low-key accommodations, including some units with kitchens, making it suitable for visitors seeking a comfortable and laid-back environment. The property includes a variety of amenities such as an indoor swimming pool, sauna, marina with boat rental services, a bar, and an on-site restaurant.

The resort is particularly well-suited for families and groups, as reflected in guest reviews praising its clean facilities, kid-friendly beach, and spacious conference rooms for events and meetings. Several reviewers highlighted the peaceful lake views, modern log cabins, and the convenience of a boat launch directly at the resort. While some feedback noted occasional delays in dining service, the overall experience with food and staff was positive.

Guests can enjoy a range of outdoor activities nearby, including visits to Big Sandy Lake and Lake Minnewawa, as well as exploring the Sandy Lake Dam Visitors Center. The property scores 4.3 out of 5 based on 568 reviews and is recognized as LGBTQ+ friendly, catering to diverse guests. Located about 10 miles from the town center of McGregor, it offers a quiet setting with accessibility to regional airports within approximately an hour’s drive.

With its combination of natural surroundings and practical amenities, this resort appeals to those looking for a straightforward lakeside getaway, whether for relaxation, family vacations, or events. Reviewers often mention the welcoming atmosphere and attentive staff, contributing to a generally positive and comfortable stay despite minor areas for improvement.

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

Free Wi-Fi
Paid breakfast
Free parking
Accessible
Indoor pool
Air-conditioned
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
Kitchens in some rooms
Hot tub
Fitness center
Golf course
Bar

Not available at this property

Business center
Pet-friendly
Airport shuttle
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.

SN
Scott Nolan Apr 13, 2026
10

Great place to stay. Outstanding view of the lake, quiet and peaceful. Issues with the kitchen, as we waited 1 hour after we ordered our food. Food was good.

AHC
AC Homeschool Community Group Mar 14, 2026
10

Amazing place to bring the kids. Clean beautiful pool, great beach, large conference rooms to host meetings, crafting events and more. The staff is so fun and kind. Beautiful place that just keeps improving. Keep doing what your doing

JL
Jason Latts Feb 20, 2026
10

Let me ask you a few questions… Do you like large modern log cabins? Do you like staying directly on a gorgeous lake? Do you like having a boat launch right at the resort you’re staying at? Do you like really good food and a huge bar to hang out with your family and friends? Do you like a clean large indoor pool, sauna and hot tub? Then what are you waiting for? Call Big Sandy Lodge and Resort to make a reservation. You won’t be disappointed!

M
Mel Feb 17, 2026
10

We couldn’t have chosen a more perfect venue for our wedding! From the moment we arrived, everything was absolutely beautiful — the setting, the atmosphere, and every little detail made our day feel magical. The team was incredibly helpful, responsive, and genuinely cared about making sure everything went smoothly. They went above and beyond to support us throughout the entire process, which made planning so much less stressful. Not only is it a stunning place for a wedding, but it would also be amazing for a family vacation. The space is welcoming, relaxing, and truly special. We highly recommend this venue to anyone looking to host a wedding or plan a family getaway. It exceeded all of our expectations!

CN
Carol Nelson Jan 20, 2026
10

We had the most wonderful vacation last week at Big Sandy Resort. We rented a cabin for a family of 15 get-together. It was Beautiful!! The grounds were perfectly manicured. The beach was in perfect shape for even the littlest ones. Brought our boat to a free slip. The big pool was enjoyed so much. Very kid friendly and Staff were all efficient and friendly! We Recommend Big Sandy Resort highly!!!

AG
Allainie Goad Jan 13, 2026
10

The unit we stayed in was absolutely beautiful, lots of room and very clean.

TP
Taylor Perkins Dec 27, 2025
10

BEAUTIFUL is an understatement. From the lake views to the gorgeous cabin and all the amenities. We can’t wait to come back in August. Staff is wonderful and eager to help. Also liked being able to venture to nearby bars and restaurants. Location is great!

BC
Bill Coughlan Dec 25, 2025
8.0

The room was small-a pair of twin beds. Was definitely showing wear from the season. BUT The mattresses were very comfy, the sheets were clean and soft and the pillows were actually substantial. The room itself was clean and well stocked (toiletries, towels, etc) The staff we interacted in were friendly, kind and knowledgeable. When we let them know our schedule (early departure) they made sure to have the coffee service ready for us, even going so far as to fill our thermos with fresh stuff straight from the kitchen. Always smiling, kind, understanding and very helpful. We can't speak to the other amenities the resort offers, as we only stayed the one night. But our impression was very good and we have added them to the list of "we should definitely come back here when it's NOT an emergency trip"

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Big Sandy Lodge & Resort

McGregor, Minnesota, USA

Between Big Sandy Lake and Lake Minnewawa, this relaxed woodland resort on the edge of the Savanna State Forest is 10 miles from the town center.

  • Duluth International Airport 1 hr 24 Car
  • Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport 1 hr 7 Car
  • Range Regional Airport 1 hr 9 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.

Big Sandy Lake 42 reviews

Big Sandy Lake

Minnesota 55760, USA

4.8 · Lake
Lake Minnewawa 35 reviews

Lake Minnewawa

Shamrock Township, MN 55760, USA

4.5 · Lake
Sandy Lake Dam Visitors Center 1 reviews

Sandy Lake Dam Visitors Center

22205 531st Ln, McGregor, MN 55760, United States

5 · Museum
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