Emily Stocker, HaveFunBiking.com
I remember watching Dirty Dancing when I was young and wondering if resorts similar to the one that Baby and Johnny fell in love at actually existed. Surprise! They do and Madden’s on Gull Lake took me back to the first time I watched the movie. It’s the perfect place to go for your next family bike adventure.
A family bike outing along the trail in front of Madden’s Driving Range, near Brainerd, MN. is always fun.
Located in the Brainerd Lakes Area, you will find many bike trails, north woods sights, and fun activities around the resort that the whole family will enjoy. So grab your bike and cue “The Time of My Life.”
Biking through Beauty
Located a few miles away from the Paul Bunyan Trail, I found Madden’s the perfect place to stay and experience a variety of biking activities and more. Around the Resort, or on the Paul Bunyan Trail, you and your bike will roll along the picturesque pine forests skirting around the pristine lakes along the way. Mountain bikers can ride the nearby Pillsbury State Forest trails or take a short drive over to the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area for some of Minnesota’s premier riding opportunities. The mountain bike trail in Cuyuna offer miles of fun for all levels of riders.
Riding the red dirt trails of the Cuyuna Trails, just East of Brainerd, MN. turned out to be fun for a first-timer.
As a beginner, I hopped on a bike to experience the red dirt trail for myself. While I have to admit mountain biking isn’t my favorite cup of tea, the scenery on the trail made the experience fun.
Other Activities at Madden’s
A little shuffleboard, croquet, or horseshoe challenge is the perfect way to end the days activities at Madden’s Resort.
Then, back at Madden’s, stop at the spa for a massage after a long day of riding the bike trails. Or play a game of croquet on the only official course in the area. If you would like to take a day off of biking, then Madden’s is sure to keep you entertained. Make a tee time for Madden’s Classic or one of their other two 18 hole golf courses. Perhaps go with the Social Nine with the kids for the day. Also, with sandy beaches all around the resort, enjoy a swim in the lake or head to Marina. Here they will set you up with something sure to keep your adventure going. You can get a kayak, canoe, paddle boat, stand-up paddle board, or even a paddle bike to take on the lake. If you’re feeling adventurous, then water skiing lessons are available at Madden’s Ski School.
Madden’s Lodging Accommodations
There is a multitude of options everywhere you look at Madden’s, especially when it comes to deciding where to sleep. From the Madden Inn to the Golf Villas, each has their own facet of luxury. For early risers, enjoy a cup of coffee while soaking in the view from the Sunrise Villas. If you are more of a night owl, then have a glass of wine and take in the breathtaking sight in the Sunset Villas. I stayed in the new Voyageur Suites where each suite has a spacious bathroom and beautiful private patio. The patio was great to enjoy the sunset views of the lake. Sleeping on that King Size bed in the room had to have been one of the best nights of sleep I’ve ever had. Especially after a long day of exploring the trail and resort activities.
At Madden’s you will always find a helpful smile, like when placing an order for a fresh Parfecto Pizza at the resort.
While I can’t promise that you’ll find love or get better at dancing, I can assure you that you’ll find something to love on and off the bike trails when staying here at Madden’s. It’s the perfect place for your Next Bike Adventure.
