I have stayed at this gem of a resort many times in my life. Just like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, this classic Minnesota resort is just right. It's not too big, and not too small. It's not cheap, but not expensive. It keeps you focused on the water, and beautiful Lake Bemidji.
The resort features the historic Lodge, which was built in 1937. It has a beautiful lobby, with the requisite Moose Head, wood floors, and wicker furniture. There is also a grand old dining room, with pretty teenage girls serving. It is not uncommon to see the owners, Randy and Tina Ruttger, eating there. The food is good, I would recommend the Walleye.
The resort also features many cabins, as well as the Cedar Lodge, which is a small quad next to the old lodge. There is an indoor and outdoor pool, playground, arcade, tennis courts, and the prettiest sand beach in the state. The lake is beautiful, and is the cleanest "city" lake in the nation, with the "First City on the Mississippi", Bemidji, on the other side of this 10,000 acre lake.
Some of the cabins are a bit outdated, but hey, they were built in 1915-1940. I love Ruttger's. For the out-of-stater who wants the genuine Minnesotan resort experience, this is it. Not too big, not too small, with something for everyone. Ruttger's is the place!