Lake Darling Resort is a Minnesota Resort for the WHOLE Family

Start a New Tradition with Your Favorite People

Here at Lake Darling Resort, we know that it’s the little things that make the biggest memories

BEST LAKE RESORT IN MINNESOTA

Welcome to Lake Darling Resort! We’re a family (and pet!) friendly lake resort in Alexandria, Minnesota. Here at Minnesota’s Best Lake Resort, we have everything you need to relax and make the best memories.

In the Winter, Lake Darling Resort is the perfect place to gather and cozy up by the fireplace, enjoy outdoor campfires, swim in the heated pool and hot tub, and enjoy games in the Clubhouse. We have an ice rink on the lake, complete with goal nets and hockey sticks so that you can enjoy a true Minnesota winter. Go ice fishing or snowmobiling (we rent brand-new Polaris snowmobiles!), or check out the endless events and activities that the Alexandria area has to offer. Please note some winter activities may depend on the weather.

During the Summer, we have paddle boards, paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, and water toys for some fun in the sun - free to our guests! Lake Darling Resort is located in the heart of the Alexandria Chain of Lakes. Steps away from the sandy shoreline of Lake Darling, guests will enjoy two expansive beaches, swim in the sandy-bottom lake, play lawn games, and grill plus enjoy campfires, or head out to explore all 11 connected lakes on the chain. We offer free docking and private boat access plus great fishing off the docks. Pontoon and fishing boat rentals are also available!

Surrounded by professional golf courses, award-winning Carlos Creek Winery, walking, biking, and snowmobile trails, Andes Tower Hills skiing, high-end downtown shopping, the best Minnesota breweries, and State Parks. Minutes from downtown Alexandria — Lake Darling Resort is the perfect destination for a getaway, all year round.

People enjoying a boat ride on a lake with a green tree-lined shoreline in the background and a clear blue sky.
Echo presses trust badge for best resort in Minnesota 2025

SHARE YOUR photos

Two people kayaking on a river, one adult and one child, both wearing life jackets and hats, with trees on the riverbank in the background.

Testimonials From Recent Guests

  • Living room with brown leather sofa, beige pillows, wooden coffee table, and a glimpse of the kitchen with a dining table and chairs in the background.

    "A wonderful place to stay. Each villa is clean, well maintained, and well stocked with everything needed for a delightful time"

    — Steve W.

  • Four lounge chairs on a grassy area facing a calm lake with a partly cloudy sky and the sun shining.

    "A beautiful and intimate place to spend quality time with family. Lakefront access and an awesome clean swimming beach. Easy to find the biking trail"

    — Alayna A.

  • View of the seating area on a pontoon boat with four gray and black cushioned seats, on a calm lake with a distant shoreline and partly cloudy sky.

    "Absolutely the best place we have ever been in Alexandria. Pontoon rentals super easy and affordable. Highly recommend a stay with your family"

    — Ranae F.

Explore The Resorts Offerings

  • Family Cabins Alexandria MN

    VILLAS

    Fall in love with our 4 and 5 bedroom, luxury villas. Cozy bedrooms, fireplace, screened porch, heated floors, and a fully stocked kitchen. It’s the little things that make a big difference.

  • Games Ping Pong Pool Alexandria MN

    AMENITIES

    Whether it’s our indoor pool & hot tub, Clubhouse, or expansive beaches, we’ve got you covered with everything your group needs for a fun & relaxing weekend.

  • Rent Pontoon Alexandria MN Snowmobile Rental

    New Rentals

    We have brand-new 2023 Bennington pontoons and Polaris snowmobiles available for rent. Sun or snow, you’ll have a blast with everything Lake Darling Resort has for your group.

Spring & Summer Activities at Lake Darling Resort

Specials, Events, and Deals

50% OFF Until May 13th With Code “CON50”.

Common questions about Lake Darling Resort

Where is Lake Darling Resort?

Lake Darling Resort is at 2301 County Road 22 NW, Alexandria, MN 56308, on Lake Darling — the headwater of the 11-lake Alexandria Chain of Lakes in Douglas County, Minnesota.

How far is Lake Darling Resort from Minneapolis or MSP Airport?

About 2 hours 40 minutes (roughly 140 miles) from Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport via I-94 West. Downtown Alexandria is 7 minutes (3.5 miles) from the resort, and Carlos Creek Winery is 5 minutes away.

What kind of accommodations does Lake Darling Resort offer?

Lakefront 4-bedroom and 5-bedroom Villas — fully stocked homes with multiple bathrooms, a fireplace, screened porch or private patio, full kitchen, and heated floors. Each Villa sleeps up to 14 guests. If you're searching for cabins in Alexandria, MN, the Villas are the modern alternative — designed for multi-generation families and groups who want space, comfort, and room to gather.

Is Lake Darling Resort pet-friendly?

Yes. Dogs are welcome at Lake Darling Resort with pre-approval, a per-pet fee, and breed and size restrictions. Review the full pet policy before booking so we can confirm your pup is a fit for the property and the beach.

What's included with a Villa stay?

Every Villa stay includes free use of paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats; access to the heated indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, and Clubhouse; access to two private sandy beaches on Lake Darling; private dock space; lakeside fire pits; and WiFi throughout the resort. Pontoons, fishing boats, Polaris snowmobiles, ice fishing equipment, and bikes are available to rent at additional cost.

What are the check-in and check-out times, and are there any extra fees?

Check-in is at [CHECK-IN TIME NEEDED] and check-out is at [CHECK-OUT TIME NEEDED]. Standard add-ons beyond the nightly rate include a per-pet fee, a per-person charge for groups exceeding the standard occupancy, an early-check-in fee when available, and equipment rental fees for pontoons, fishing boats, and snowmobiles. Free amenities — beach, watercraft, pool, hot tub, sauna, Clubhouse — are included with every Villa stay at no extra cost.

What can guests do at Lake Darling Resort year-round?

In summer, guests can swim, paddle, or fish across the 11-lake Alexandria Chain of Lakes; rent pontoons or fishing boats from the resort dock; or visit Carlos Creek Winery (5 minutes) and downtown Alexandria (7 minutes). In winter, guests have access to the heated indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, and Clubhouse, plus an outdoor ice rink with goal nets and hockey sticks, ice fishing on Lake Darling, and Polaris snowmobile rentals connecting to area trails. Andes Tower Hills ski area is 30 minutes from the resort.

Why book direct with Lake Darling Resort?

Booking direct gives guests the best available rate, no third-party service fees, direct contact with the on-site team for group coordination and special requests, and flexibility on minimum-night requirements and arrival times. The full inventory of Villas and rate calendars is at /book.