Places to Eat

Crane Lake and the greater area not only offer visitors the chance to experience the serene beauty of northern Minnesota, but it also offers a delightful array of dining experiences. From full-course meals at waterfront restaurants to quick bites at cozy local spots, you will be able to satisfy any craving with this area’s diverse selection of places to eat. 

Places to Eat: 

In no particular order, listed below are some locally loved places to eat while visiting Crane Lake: 

Nelson’s Resort Lounge

Enjoy your meals in the rustic yet elegant lounge at Nelson’s Resort. Nelson’s offers home cooked meals that come accompanied by salads and fresh vegetables grown in their own garden. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner to fuel your day at Crane Lake. Kids’ menus are available, as well as fresh baked breads and desserts. If you are staying at Nelson’s Resort, meals are included in most vacation packages.

Scott’s Resort & Seaplane Base

Crane Lake Bar and Grill, located at Scott’s Resort & Seaplane Base, is a lakefront restaurant serving classic American food. Enjoy a delicious meal while watching the seaplanes take off and land on the lake. If you are staying at the resort, enjoy this delicious and convenient place to eat.

Trail’s End Resort

The Trail’s End Resort Restaurant is a full-service restaurant/bar that serves delicious, home-cooked lunch and dinner. Their menu ranges from their locally loved burgers, sandwiches, and full course dinners. Refresh and recharge after a long day on the lake at this cabin-style dining option.

Voyagaire Lodge & Houseboats

Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, dining at the Voyagaire is a great option for anyone. The breakfast menu has both savory and sweet options and the lunch/dinner menu is equipped with classic American cuisine fit for both adults and kids.

The Landing on Lake Vermillion

Enjoy the perfect combination of indoor and outdoor dining at The Landing on Lake Vermillion. The comfortable cabin-inspired environment is the perfect spot for an evening out with friends and family. Enjoy panoramic views of the lake whether you are enjoying indoor, outdoor, bar or dockside service. The Landing serves classic American food with rotating Chef specials. Everyone is sure to find something they love at The Landing on Lake Vermillion.

The Vermillion Club

The Vermillion Club, located on beautiful Lake Vermillion, has something for everyone. Serving a classic American menu, they offer delicious, burgers, sandwiches, pizza, mouthwatering entrees, and more. The Vermillion Club offers a fun night out with dinner, drinks, and even a boat ride on the lake!

Montana Café

Montana Café is a well-known local spot that serves breakfast and lunch. This affordable spot is a great place to stop on your way out on the lake in the morning or to refuel at lunch time. Be sure to check out this tasty favorite whether you are visiting the area or just passing through.

The South Switch Bar & Grill

The South Switch Bar & Grill is your go-to spot for classic bar and fried food. Quick, delicious, affordable meals make this restaurant a standout. Be sure to check out their daily rotating specials. South Switch Bar & Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is conveniently located off Highway 1.

Echo Trail Tavern

Echo Trail Tavern, located conveniently on Echo Lake, is a local spot that is loved for their wood-fired pizza. The rest of the menu is loved for the classic-midwestern comfort food options. If you are spending time on or around Echo Lake while you are visiting Crane Lake, check this spot out.

The Dam Supper Club/Restaurant

Located conveniently off of US-53, The Dam Supper Club/Restaurant is a great option for anyone visiting locally or traveling through. This cozy spot serves classic American food with delicious specials and regular live music events. This is a fun spot to enjoy a night out with friends and family.

Out-Of-State Travelers: 

For our out-of-state friends who are looking to travel to northern Minnesota to visit the beautiful Crane Lake, we recommend flying into Minneapolis – St. Paul International Airport (MSP). From MSP, it is approximately 4 ½ hours to drive to Crane Lake. MSP to Crane Lake is approximately 275 miles. 

In-State Travelers: 

For our fellow Minnesotans who are looking for an in-state getaway, Crane Lake is a great option for you. 

• Grand Rapids: Grand Rapids is around 100 miles from Crane Lake. If you live in the Grand Rapids area it should take approximately 2 hours to get to Crane Lake. 
• Duluth: Duluth is around 150 miles from Crane Lake. From one waterfront town to another, this drive will take you approximately 2 ½ hours. 
• Grand Forks/Fargo: The Grand Forks/Fargo area is under 300 miles from Crane Lake. From this area, it will take approximately 4 ½ – 5 hours to drive to Crane Lake. 

Minneapolis/St.Paul: The Minneapolis/St. Paul area is around 275 miles from Crane Lake. The drive to Crane Lake from Minneapolis/St. Paul will take approximately 4 ½ hours.

The dining options in Crane Lake encompass the hospitality found in the scenic woods of Northern Minnesota. Whether you are looking to indulge in local favorites, relax with lakeside dining, or discover a new hidden gem, the dining options are as enjoyable as the environment surrounding them. Be sure to check out some of these places to eat during your visit to Crane Lake!