The Ludlow family has been welcoming guests for four generations. The resort’s 23 unique northwoods cabins were each handcrafted by the Ludlow family and are kept updated with every expected amenity. Each lakefront cottage has a completely furnished kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms, complete with beautiful northwoods-themed furniture. It’s no surprise that guests describe arriving at Ludlow’s each year as “coming home” for their family. As Amanda Williams of Trekaroo mused, “Here you may not have all the modern technological luxuries, but you will most certainly find a better connection.”
Located on a 5-acre private island on Lake Vermilion, Ludlow’s Island Resort was named Best Family Resort in America by USA Today’s Readers in 2017 and 2018. When kids aren’t taking part in daily activities like scavenger hunts and s’mores roasts, they can be found on the docks with cane fishing poles, zip-lining over the swimming beach, or exploring the shoreline on hydro-bikes and stand-up paddle boards, all included in their stay.
Parents can take part in yoga on the beach, explore the lake in a rental boat or pontoon, or spend a day with a world-class fishing guide. Or they can simply relax and unwind on the beach, in front of their cabin’s wood-burning fireplace, or with a massage in our Woodlands Spa. No matter how they spend their days, parents can enjoy their vacation knowing the kids are safe and having the time of their lives.
Joseph Burr Ludlow came to Lake Vermilion in 1907 and fell in love with its 365 islands and 40,000 acres of sky-blue waters. He purchased Ludlow’s Island for $300. His son Hod built the first cabin there in 1933 and began renting it to friends in 1939. More guest cabins were built throughout the years, all without the use of electricity. Hod’s son Mark later purchased the resort and he and his wife Sally raised their four children on the island. Their son Paul and his wife Kelly now manage Ludlow’s.
For nearly 70 years, four generations of the Ludlow family have emphasized unequalled personal service as well as uniquely and individually designed cottages. The Ludlow family has an enduring commitment to preserving this extraordinary experience and the environment and history. Their focus is on the guest and maintaining the privacy of an island exclusively for their use.
