While many groups pack their bathing suits and head to oceanside settings, the sheer beauty, tranquility and diversity of the Midwestern lake destinations should not be overlooked.
If you’re seeking an inspirational venue with a multifaceted lakeside lifestyle, this region of the U.S. has many spectacular choices. Here’s a look at some favorable options for groups, and highlights of their waterside settings and on-the-water activities.
Blue Harbor Resort
Sheboygan, Wis.
Set on the western shore of Lake Michigan, the Blue Harbor Resort, with 180 hotel rooms and 64 villas, combines traditional elegance with a plethora of modern amenities.
“What makes Blue Harbor different is that groups are able to enjoy the majestic views of Lake Michigan, while having a productive and memorable event,” says David Sanderson, vice president and general manager for the Blue Harbor Resort. “We have a friendly atmosphere with outstanding meeting spaces, excellent service and enjoyable teambuilding activities combined with the latest in audiovisual, spa services and culinary options.”
The resort’s 16,800 square feet of meeting space features scenic views of Lake Michigan and there’s also tented lawn space available for larger group events.
Teambuilding opportunities are plentiful at the resort, highlighted by YOGA on the Lake, paddleboarding, kayaking, biking, sailing and fishing excursions.
Madden’s On Gull Lake
Brainerd, Minn.
A classic, traditional, family-owned resort created in the 1920s, Madden’s on Gull Lake in Brainerd Lakes, Minn., is timeless and relaxing.
Its lengthy menu of recreation options includes 1,000 acres of shoreline, 63 holes of golf, a tennis and croquet club, five swimming pools, a waterpark, trapshooting and a fully equipped marina with a variety of watercraft for rental, including kayaks, canoes and sailboats.
“The appeal of Madden’s on Gull Lake lies not only in the meeting facilities with lake views at every turn, but in the lush green grounds surrounding the resort,” says Kathy Reichenbach, marketing director with the property. “You can jump on a 17-person pontoon boat to extend the morning’s meeting, take the meeting outdoors and sit among the many gardens or engage in teambuilding activities conducted by the recreation staff.”
The 280-room Madden’s on Gull Lake has 42,000 square feet of meeting space.
Loyola University Chicago
For those seeking a venue combining an academia setting with lake views, Loyola’s Lake Shore Campus offers magnificent panoramas of Lake Michigan from within its superb meeting facilities.
Situated in Rogers Park seven miles north of downtown Chicago, the campus has a wide variety of venues, including tiered auditoriums, electronic classrooms, ballrooms and multipurpose rooms. Enhancing the appeal are state-of-the-art technology services and gourmet catering delivered to any meeting space on campus.
Among the events possible at Loyola’s Lake Shore Campus are meetings, conferences, training sessions and special events. Residential housing accommodations are available during the summer months.
Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
With 20 indoor waterparks, Wisconsin Dells bills itself as “The Waterpark Capital of the World.”
Located 166 miles from Milwaukee, the water-happy community also offers several outdoor venues.
PageBreak
“Wisconsin Dells has long been known for the scenic beauty of its lakes, river and sandstone cliffs,” says Tifani Jones, director of sales for the Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau. “When you couple the element of water with the mind, body and spirit movement that has bubbled up in the meeting and convention world, our waterside meetings and water-based group activities have become even more pertinent and appealing.”
The 81-room Baker’s Sunset Bay Resort on the shores of Lake Delton has rowboats, kayaks and watercraft rentals to enjoy, as well as the Canyon meeting room that can accommodate 80 people and an outdoor space with a fireplace suitable for 30.
Big Cedar Lodge
Ridgedale, Mo.
Created by Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, this upscale Missouri property takes full advantage of the 43,000-acre Table Rock Lake and unspoiled Ozark Mountain wilderness.
“Big Cedar Lodge is a luxury resort filled with rustic elegance and steeped in history,” says Alison Pettit, senior catering sales and conference services manager at the 246-room Big Cedar Lodge. “Most of our meeting spaces offer magnificent views of Table Rock Lake, but the lake is the only thing we overlook. We will assist in all aspects of your planning and can customize amenities that are unique to your group.”
Guests stay in a collection of lodges, cottages and private log cabins. Meeting space at Big Cedar Lodge encompasses 20,000 square feet of space with more than 20 event and meeting venues.
The aptly named Grandview Conference Center can accommodate up to 1,000 guests theater-style and has floor-to-ceiling windows on the west side of the building, along with spectacular views of Table Rock Lake.
For groups that want to enjoy the lake in style, the resort’s 45-foot luxury cruise yacht can be reserved for private dinners and sunset cocktail cruises after a day of meetings. It can accommodate 45 people and events can be customized with specialized menus, a private photographer and a fireworks show.
Sovereign Estate Winery
Waconia, Minn.
Perhaps the perfect group pairing is a winery with lakeside views.
A 40-minute drive from the Minneapolis area, the 50-acre Sovereign Estate Winery in Waconia offers beautiful views of vineyards with the nearby Lake Waconia as its backdrop.
The wine-centric ambience will be especially appealing to wine lovers and foodies.
“This elegant winery is a relaxing escape from urban life, an ideal venue for corporate meetings, celebrations and teambuilding experiences,” says Larry D’Amico, president of D’Amico Catering, the exclusive caterer for Sovereign Estate Winery. “Groups can engage in a behind-the-scenes look into winemaking with a tour of the vineyard, a ‘Meet the Winemaker’ session or five-course food and wine pairing.”
Event spaces include a patio bar, a private room for functions of up to 50 and a tent reception venue with a capacity of 250 guests.
The Osthoff Resort
Elkhart Lake, Wis.
Located approximately a one-hour drive north of Milwaukee, this 240-room property on Elkhart Lake in Wisconsin offers all-suite accommodations, two restaurants, a 20,000-square-foot spa and the L’ecole de la Maison Cooking School.
The property is set on a glacially formed lake in a tiny village.
“Elkhart Lake was considered sacred waters by the Native Americans who once inhabited its shores,” says Lola Roeh, general manager of The Osthoff Resort. “We honor that history and cherish the lake as the centerpiece of the experience here. The water remains as pristine as ever and you can hike around the entire lake.”
Meeting space at the resort totals 38,000 square feet, which includes the new 10,000-square-foot Grand Libelle Ballroom.
Chateau on the Lake Resort
Branson, Mo.
Set on a forested hillside 10 miles from downtown Branson, Mo., the 301-room Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa and Convention Center is celebrated for its jaw-dropping panoramic views of Table Rock Lake and the Ozark Mountains.
“The deep-blue lake waters and mountain backdrop are the perfect setting for memorable theme parties and outdoor functions,” says Angela Davis, director of catering for Chateau on the Lake. “Our event manager can help develop and arrange an on-site teambuilding event or organize an off-property program at several of Branson’s attractions.”
The lengthy menu of on-site activities includes a fishing tournament and excursion for bass or trout; treasure/scavenger hunts; and s’mores at the fire pit. Off-site activities include ziplining, golf tournaments and winery tours.
EDWARD SCHMIDT JR., an Orlando-based writer, has enjoyed fishing and waterskiing in the Midwest.
