Winter Retreat & Cozy Lakeside Escapes at Lake Darling Resort
Gather your favorite people and embrace the quiet magic of a Minnesota winter at Lake Darling Resort, where luxury villas meet frozen-lake adventures and lakeside comforts. Just steps from the shoreline of Lake Darling (part of the 11-lake Alexandria Chain) and the Central Lakes Trail system, this is your perfect backdrop for snow-filled evenings by the fire, daytime excursions on a Polaris snowmobile and evenings warmed by indoor pool time.
Snow-adventure meets lakeside serenity
When the snow flies, Lake Darling Resort shifts into a new mode of play. The resort offers brand-new 2024 Polaris snowmobiles with GPS screens and heated hand warmers for rental, directly from the resort, and trails from the property link to the larger Alexandria groomed trail system. We’ve created a snowmobile itinerary for the whole weekend. If you’d rather stay on the lake, the resort’s two beaches freeze into flat ice expanses—complete with hockey nets and goal sticks—inviting pond hockey or ice-skating right off the shore.
Why this winter lakeside escape works for your group
Large homes mean everyone stays together—but still has space to spread out.
Indoor and outdoor amenities mean you’re not limited by weather.
On-site snowmobile rentals and direct trail access keep you in the action instead of driving.
Near downtown Alexandria for food, wine, shopping when you want to switch gears.
Book early for peak snow season (January-February) if you want lake ice and trail access.
Bring layered clothing and prepared gear — but rest easy knowing the villa is fully heated and comfortable.
Check the Clubhouse hours (pool/hot tub typically 9 am-9 pm) Lake Darling Resort
Prioritize the villas with lakeside view or lake-front option if you want direct ice-access.
Pets are welcome (within policy) so your whole crew including furry family members can join.
Warm, spacious villas for winter comfort
Lake Darling Resort’s four- and five-bedroom villas deliver high-end comfort that sets them apart from typical cabins. Each villa includes a fully-equipped kitchen, fireplace, screened porch, private patio, gas grill, plush furnishings and ample space for your group. Lake Darling Resort Villas For Rent . While many resorts lean into the “chalet” aesthetic, our homes are bigger, warmer and built for group comfort—not just cabin-style. They accommodate up to 12 guests in the 4-bedroom model or 14 in the 5-bedroom, so your multigenerational group or friend retreat can stay under one roof.
Winter can bring early sunsets and crisp air, and that becomes an asset: gather by the gas fireplace, or head out to the private patio fire-pit with bundled blankets. Indoors, the clubhouse with indoor pool, hot tub and sauna remain open year-round, offering warmth when the snow is deep outside.
Take a look at our winter vacation rental homes right here in Minnesota!
Cozy rituals and off-season benefits
Even when the snow hasn’t fully piled—or after it melts—you benefit from the villa’s full kitchen, private patio and grill, and the nearby downtown Alexandria boutiques and breweries. Things to Do. Winter stay-rates often offer greater value; large villas mean you spread lodging cost over a bigger group but offer upscale amenities that make a winter getaway feel special rather than budget-basic.
Start your day with a warm coffee on your screened porch, then head out where your snowmobile awaits. Return for a mid-day dip in the hot tub, followed by a fire-pit s’mores moment under the stars. On non-snow days, explore downtown Alexandria’s Central Lakes Trail or the Carlos Creek Winery for a glass of local wine by sunset.