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Recreation

Experiences that last a lifetime start here

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Madden’s offers more recreational amenities than any other resort in the Midwest, with fun options to suit every age and activity level. At the Tennis & Croquet Club you’ll find tennis courts, USCA-sanctioned croquet lawns, lawn bowling, pickleball courts, sand volleyball, horseshoes, badminton, and shuffleboard. Madden’s also offers four swimming pools (two outdoor, two indoor) with whirlpools and saunas, a children’s wading pool, an outdoor hot tub overlooking Gull Lake, and our own Gull Lake inflatable waterpark with 5 larger-than-life inflatables.

Take advantage of our exercise facility, trapshooting, axe throwing, and more. Madden’s also has three sand beaches stretching over a mile of shoreline and a fully equipped marina offering all types of watercraft. Make sure to take a look at the activities calendar to sign up for activities available during your stay.

Explore Four Pools & Three Sand Beaches

Explore Four Pools & Three Sand Beaches

With 2 indoor pools and 2 outdoor pools, the fun continues no matter the weather. Find indoor pools at Wilson Bay and Madden Inn, an outdoor pool, wading pool, and hot tub at Strawberry Hill, and a saltwater pool on the Madden Inn Pool Deck.

Looking to hit the beach? Find sandy shores all around, including several large-than-life inflatables on Steamboat Bay Beach.

Find Fun at the Tennis & Croquet Club

Find Fun at the Tennis & Croquet Club

Your headquarters for fun! Find tennis, pickleball, bentgrass croquet and lawnbowling lawns, plus horse shoes, volleyball, basketball, bike rentals, axe throwing, and much more at the Tennis & Croquet Club. Equipment rentals located inside. Not sure how to play? We’d be happy to show you!

Discover Adventure on the Water at The Marina

Discover Adventure on the Water at The Marina

Madden’s has a full service marina for all your watersports needs. Paddle at your own pace with kayaks, paddleboards, and more, or opt for a motorized adventure. You’ll also find gas, bait, ice, sodas, snacks and water toys at Madden’s Marina.

Recreation Pass

Recreation Pass

Your pass to fun! Lodging-only guests can purchase a Recreation Pass to enjoy many of Madden’s resort amenities. With the purchase of a Recreation Pass, you get access to activities and lawn games at The Tennis & Croquet Club, golf on the Social 9 (carts and clubs additional), non-motorized watercraft at the Marina, plus many scheduled activities during the summer.

Activities on Land

tennis ball on blue tennis court

Lawn & Court Game Rentals

Madden’s Tennis & Croquet Club is your headquarters for FUN! Find tennis, pickleball, croquet, and lawn bowling courts, plus horse shoes, volleyball, basketball, and more, with equipment rentals located inside. Not sure how to play? We’d be happy to show you!

$20 per hour, per court
Included with a Recreation Pass

Tennis & Pickleball Lessons

Madden’s partners with Tennis & Pickleball Pro DJ Johnson, who brings 20+ years of coaching experience and has trained with top-ranked players, to offer lessons for all ages and skill levels. Available seasonally on select weekdays and weekends—call 218-330-5016 to book in advance

$120/hr

An elderly man throwing dart into the board as another watches on.

Axe Throwing

If you’re looking to try something a little different, this activity is right on target! Groups of 2-8 can participate in a little friendly competition as you try your hand at Axe Throwing.

$25 per person

218-855-5913 to book

Trap Shooting

Trap Shooting
Trapshooting offers an exhilarating and unique experience, featuring a range designed for all skill levels. Participants can test their accuracy and reflexes as clay targets are launched at various angles and speeds.

$75/person (Ages 18+)
(minimum of 5 people required for a private shoot)

218-855-5913 to book

Archery Course

A 9-station archery course provides a challenging and scenic adventure, with targets placed at different distances and terrains throughout the wooded area. This diverse setup ensures a fun and engaging experience for both beginners and seasoned archers.

$50 per person

218-855-5913 to book

person holds Bingo card

Bingo

A family favorite way to end the evening! Check the Daily Activities Schedule for time and location.

$1 per card

Game Rooms

Enjoy a variety of classic arcade games and casual entertainment in our on-site game rooms, perfect for all ages. Located in the Madden Inn Northstar Room and at The Cove across from the Tennis & Croquet Club, it’s a fun and easy way to spend time off the lake.

glow in the dark golf balls at night

Glow Golf

When the sun goes down, hit the course for some glow ball golf! Available most Friday evenings at sunset at Pine Beach East. Check the Daily Activities Schedule for details.

$15 per person

Family roasting marshmallows near a bonfire

Bonfire & S'mores

End your evening with the lakeside essentials: a bonfire and s’mores! Available 8-10pm at Mission Point Beach.

Shopping

Madden’s is home to several shops that offer unique art, eclectic gifts, home decor, and trendy fashions and accessories.

Pine Beach East Pro Shop
Pine Beach West Pro Shop
The Classic Pro Shop
Madden Bros. Market

Hiking & Biking

The Brainerd Lakes Area is home to some of the state’s most scenic biking trails. Explore around the resort or venture a little farther away to take in the Northwoods beauty.  Mountain Bikes, Tandem Bikes, and Kid’s Bikes available to rent.

$10 per bike
Included with a Recreation Pass

Explore Nearby Trails

Stable Gallery

In addition to an eclectic selection of products to shop from, you’ll also find art project classes at The Stable Gallery. Check the Daily Activities Schedule or visit the Stable Gallery for classes and times.

3 Sand Beaches

Madden’s offers three sand beaches at Steamboat Bay, Wilson Bay, and Madden Lodge.

View Beaches

4 Pools

Make a splash! Soak up the sun in the great outdoors at the Madden Inn Pool Deck or Strawberry Ridge Outdoor Pool, or enjoy the comforts of the indoors at Madden Inn and Wilson Bay.

View Pools

Crafts

Create your own keepsake as a memento of your vacation! From tie dye t-shirts to DIY stuffed animals, these creative activities are designed for all ages to relax, explore, and have a little fun. Check the Daily Activities Schedule for activity times and locations.

Fitness Activities

Morning Yoga

Relax and reconnect with yourself through lakeside yoga led by experienced instructor.  Poses are chosen to incorporate balance, strength, flexibility, and calming of the mind. Classes are designed to challenge the mind, body, and spirit, and to foster a higher state of wellness. Check the Daily Activities Schedule for yoga times and locations.

$15
Included with a Recreation Pass

Learn More or Request a Private Session Here

Fitness centre

Fitness Room

Elliptical trainers, multiple resistance and weight training machines, and treadmills. You can keep up your regular exercise regimen with ease.

Located on the ground level of Madden Inn. Available 24/7

Beach Bootcamps

Bootcamp is better on the beach! Join the team from Takedown Gym for a morning full-body workout on the shores of Gull Lake. Check the Daily Activities Schedule for times and locations.

$20
Included with a Recreation Pass

Activities on The Water

person kayaks on lake

Non-Motorized Watercraft Rentals

Enjoy time on the water with a variety of self-guided lake activities, perfect for exploring at your own pace. Visit Madden’s Marina to rent Stand up Paddleboards, Kayaks, Paddleboats, and Hydrobikes.

$20/hour
Included with a Recreation Pass

View Rental Rates

people wave from pontoon boat

Boat Rentals

Get out on Gull Lake and experience it your way with a selection of premium boat rentals, perfect for cruising, fishing, or simply taking in the scenery. Whether you’re planning a relaxing day on the water or a full lake adventure, it’s an effortless way to make the most of your time at Madden’s.

✆  218-855-5984 to book

View Rental Rates

Water Ski School

The memory of a lifetime awaits you in Madden’s Water Ski School! Our expert staff will instruct you through all your water sport activities. We GUARANTEE your success in getting up on the skis if you reserve a one-hour lesson- or the first ½ hour is on us!

Available Memorial Day-Labor Day

✆  218-855-5984 to book

View Rates

Group of excited children water rafting

Tubing

Experience the thrill of tubing like never before with our expert staff guiding you every step of the way. Climb aboard Madden’s Premier Sunsation, providing the best ride in the industry. Our team will ensure you have an exhilarating and unforgettable adventure on the water.

✆  218-855-5984 to book

View Rates

Inflatable Water Park

Located at the beach at Steamboat Bay, Madden’s Gull Lake inflatable outdoor waterpark features fun inflatable toys to keep kids of all ages entertained for hours.

Available seasonally

pontoon boat on a lake

Guided Pontoon Cruises

Join us for a cruise around Steamboat Bay and beyond, equipped with a driver to act as your personal tour guide. Check the Daily Activities Schedule for departure times.

Included with a Recreation Pass

Banana Taxi

Hop aboard for a ride around the lake about the banana taxi! Departs from the dock near the marina. Check the Daily Activities Schedule for departure times.

Fishing

Reel in a great catch! Fishing poles, bait, and essentials are available at the marina, making it easy to cast a line and enjoy time on the water.

Explore the Brainerd Lakes Area

The Brainerd Lakes, Nisswa, and Cuyuna areas are filled with quintessential Minnesota adventures! Madden’s is just a short drive to experiences like zip lining through the treetops, world-class mountain biking, boutique shopping, breweries, and more.

Explore Area Adventures

PARTNERSHIPS

Walleye Dan's Guided Fishing

There are many fishing guides and fishing guide services throughout the world, but there is only one Walleyedan’s Guide Service and we pride ourselves on being professional, knowledgeable and of course experienced. If you are looking to escape for the day or maybe even a week, we will set you up with a professional guide or guides that will put you on the fish.

Contact Walleye Dan
218-839-5598

Jac's E-Bikes

Explore with ease on a battery-assisted bike. E-bikes available for hourly rental at Madden’s Tennis & Croquet Club. (Not included in Madden’s Recreation Pass)

Brainerd Lakes Rowing Club

Madden’s and Brainerd Lakes Rowing Club is pleased to offer Madden’s guests the opportunity to take part in an introduction to rowing session on Wilson Bay.

This 90-minute session is designed to introduce a group of five to nine people to the idea of rowing boats as a team. You’ll learn the basics of the rowing stroke and get an introduction to “sweep” rowing, where each rower handles just one oar.

Guiding Elements Yoga

Private group yoga at Madden’s on Gull Lake offers a unique and personalized experience for individuals looking to deepen their yoga practice in a peaceful and picturesque setting. An experienced instructor will guide you through a customized session based on your groups experience and comfort level. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, private group yoga at Madden’s on Gull Lake provides an opportunity to connect with yourself, others, and nature, while enhancing your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Kelley Jo Imaging

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Make the moment last a lifetime. Capture your time together with a relaxed family photoshoot set against the beauty of Gull Lake. A family vacation is the perfect time to schedule family photos. Contact Kelley Jo Imaging to schedule your photoshoot!

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