While many think of us as a summer getaway (and yes, those sunny days on Big Turtle Lake are pretty special), our winter transforms into a wonderland of its own. Minnesota snowmobile trails wind through frosted pines, ice houses dot the lake, and the crunch of snow beneath your snowshoes creates perfect memory-making moments. Summer in Bemidji calls for swimming and hiking, while winter invites you to warm up by the fire after a day of ice fishing.
Your Northwoods adventure changes with the seasons, but the memories you'll make are amazing year-round.
Summer Activities
At Kohl's Resort, kids run out of daylight, never things to do.
Every year we revisit our activities to make sure we're providing the best summer possible. Our dedicated staff brings energy to everything from mini-golf tournaments at Woodlands Putt Putt to creative sandcastle competitions at the beach. Tie-dye parties become family photo opportunities, and morning activities turn strangers into friends by week's end. Come for one activity or come for them all. Whatever floats your boat.
However your family does vacation - all together or with a little breathing room - the lake has a way of making it just right.
ALL WEEK:
Medallion Hunt (M-F): Clues will be posted on the lakeside of the Lodge daily at 10:30am until found. Find the coveted medallion and YOU GET TO KEEP IT! Bring the medallion into the Lodge to receive a $20 Lodge Credit!
Kids Fishing Contest: You can never take a kid fishing too much. Visit the Lodge for full details.
Multi-Species Fishing Contest: Visit the Lodge for details. Big Prizes! Send your pictures to Fishing@kohlsresort.com
SUNDAY:
All Day Kids Treasure Hunt: Pick up your clues in the Lodge and bring back by Tuesday morning for Turtle Tokens!
MONDAY:
Medallion Hunt – First Clue! Posted outside Lodge Lakeside entrance at 10:30am
Hole In One Competition 2pm @ Woodlands Putt Putt: Prizes and Turtle Tokens Awarded!
TUESDAY:
All Day Photo Hunt: Stop by the Lodge any time to pick up your clues. You’ll need to explore & photograph the beauty of our northern MN Resort. Turn it in by Friday for a prize!
Tie Dye Party @ 1pm: Get your creative juices flowing to make your very own Tie Dye Tshirt to take home for a lasting memory of your time with us. Meet us at the Beach Club at 1pm. Please sign up in Lodge or via text requests for t-shirt sizes. Kids’ & Adults shirts are $10.
Happy Hour 11am-3pm: Stop by the Beach Club for Specials!
Rock Painting: Starts following the completion of the Tye Dye Party. Paint one for our Rock Garden and one for you!
WEDNESDAY:
Beach Party & Sandcastle Contest: Join us at the Beach Club from 11am–3pm for Beach festivities including our famous Sandcastle Contest! The Sandcastle Contest will start at 11:30am!
Happy Hour 11am-3pm: Stop by the Beach Club for Specials!
THURSDAY:
Shore Lunch hosted with the CREW 11am–2pm: Full Fish Fry, Fries and many sides included! Meet the Kohl’s Crew and Putnam family as we cook for you! Meet us at the Beach Club with your fresh catch and we will cook it for you! (no frozen fish) Not Fishing? No problem we will have fresh Walleye ready for you to enjoy! Your Fish: $10/Person Our Walleye: Adults $20/person Kids: $16/person (kids 3 and under free with paid adult)
Happy Hour 11am-3pm: Stop by the Beach Club for Specials!
S’mores Night 7–9pm: Enjoy a s'more on us while overlooking Big Turtle Lake from our Fire Pit in front of the Lodge/Pool
FRIDAY:
B-I-N-G-O – 1pm @ the A-Frame: This one is always a guest favorite! Join the FUN FOR ALL AGES!
Live Music! 5pm–8pm: Join us at the A-Frame for Live Music overlooking Big Turtle Lake! Check Lodge-Events Page for details!
*Reminder: Visit us in the Lodge to settle your bill between 1 & 5 p.m. REBOOKING SPECIAL: Rebook for next year & receive this year's posted rate.
*LOYALTY GUESTS - We love to see our guests experience the Northwoods in different seasons. We have specials if you want to visit us again in the off-season! Up to 30% off posted rates. Just visit with Ashley or Brian ... we'll get you hooked up!
SATURDAY:
Minnow Races @ 11:30am: Join us outside Liar’s Lounge for a legacy event your family will not forget!
Music at the Beach Club, 12pm–3pm: Stop by for some relaxing Beach music at Big Turtle Beach Club.
Summer Amenities
You'll never hear "I'm bored" at Kohl's Resort.
Lake days unfold exactly how you want them to. Cast off from your dock for a family pontoon adventure, or watch the kids splash at the sandbar just a short boat ride from shore. Morning coffee on the deck, sunbathing on our sandy beaches, and evenings around the firepit - the rhythm of lake life comes naturally here.
New for Summer 2025! The Big Turtle Beach Club brings refreshing drinks and light bites right to the shoreline. Grab a cold one while the kids tackle the aqua park obstacles or try paddleboarding along the shore. Whether you're planning your day around our scheduled activities or simply letting the lake lead the way, Big Turtle becomes your playground at one of Minnesota's most treasured family resorts.
Marina
- Aqua Park – Water Obstacles
- Water Trampoline – Rockit Water Toy
- Tubes & Water Slide
- Beach Toys, Beach Music
- Water Platform & Diving Raft
- Boat and Pontoon Rentals
- Kneeboard & Water Skis
- Towing Tubes and Ropes
- Paddle Boat
- Row Boat
- Kayaks
- Stand Up Paddle Boards – Oars and Paddles
- Canoes
- Hammocks
- Beach Loungers
- Fun Bugs
- Log Rolling
- Bait – Minnow, Nightcrawlers, Leeches, Lures
- Landing Nets and Live Baskets
- Fish Cleaning Facilities and Minnow Buckets
- 3 Bays of Beach
- Life Jackets and Boat Cushions
- Boat Ramp – Electric on all Docks
Resort Amenities
- The Woodlands Putt Putt
- Shuffleboard
- 10 Holes of Disc Golf
- 9 Hole Miniature Golf Course
- Volleyball Net
- Playground
- Hockey Net
- Basketball Hoop
- Permanent Laddergolf & Cornhole
- Ping Pong
- Indoor Swimming Pool
- Hammocks
- Gameroom
- Pond
- Horseshoes
- Grills
- Bocce Ball
- Firepits
- Lawn Games
- Giant Jenga
- Board Games
- Fat Tire Bikes
- Hiking Trails
Activites Center & Putt Putt Golf
