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High Banks Resort

Enjoy a casual stay at High Banks Resort in Deer River, MN. Features cabins with kitchens, free Wi-Fi, beach access, boat rentals, and pet-friendly rooms.

17645 N Highbanks Rd NE, Deer River, MN 56636, United States View on map
9/10
Exceptional Based on 270 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free parking Air-conditioned Pet-friendly Kid-friendly
What recent guests emphasize

Rustic charm with attentive service

Guests highlight a welcoming atmosphere and helpful staff, especially praised for their responsiveness during fishing seasons and emergencies. The resort’s simple accommodations and lakeside location are ideal for outdoor activities, though amenities are basic and focused on a rustic experience.

Guests often praise

  • Friendly, accommodating, and hardworking staff who go above and beyond to assist guests
  • Clean, cozy cabins with essential amenities including kitchens in all rooms
  • Well-maintained ice roads and easy access to fishing areas
  • Rustic bar atmosphere with comfortable seating and a good menu, including a fireplace that guests enjoy
  • Strong sense of community and personalized service, especially from the resort owners and crew

Worth knowing

  • No swimming pool or fitness center; focus is on outdoor and fishing activities
  • Free Wi-Fi and parking available, but no airport shuttle service
  • Pet- and kid-friendly accommodations ensure a family-oriented environment
  • Boat rentals and lakeside access cater well to fishing and nature lovers
  • Some guests primarily visit during winter fishing season, with many repeat visits indicating a loyal customer base

Best for

  • Outdoor enthusiasts and ice fishing fans seeking a rustic, friendly setting
  • Visitors looking for a simple, casual resort with kitchen-equipped cabins
  • Families and pet owners desiring a welcoming, kid-friendly environment
  • Travelers valuing personalized, attentive customer service over luxury amenities
  • Those planning trips to explore Chippewa National Forest and Lake Winnibigoshish area activities
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About this property

Welcome to High Banks Resort

High Banks Resort offers a casual and rustic retreat set on Lake Winnibigoshish within the Chippewa National Forest. Guests can choose from simple cabins equipped with kitchens, making it suitable for those who appreciate self-catering accommodations surrounded by nature. The resort features a beach area, a restaurant, and boat rentals, supporting a variety of outdoor activities in a relaxed environment.

The property is well-suited for visitors looking to explore the natural beauty of the region. It is located 14 miles from McAvity Bay and 36 miles from Grand Rapids, providing access to nearby attractions such as the Chippewa National Forest, known for hiking, fishing, and camping, and Cut Foot Sioux Lake. Although the resort does not have a pool or fitness center, it offers free Wi-Fi, free parking, and a bar, and is both pet- and kid-friendly.

Reviews highlight a welcoming atmosphere with attentive and friendly staff who provide practical assistance, including help with vehicle issues and accommodating early check-ins when possible. Many guests appreciate the clean and comfortable cabins and the cozy bar area featuring a fireplace. The service-oriented team often receives commendations for creating a supportive and community-like experience.

Ideal for travelers seeking a laid-back lakeside getaway with access to outdoor recreation, High Banks Resort delivers straightforward accommodations and essential amenities without luxury extras. Its remote location means guests may need to arrange transportation, as there is no airport shuttle, but the resort remains accessible via a car ride from Bemidji Regional and Range Regional Airports.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Air-conditioned
Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly
Kitchen in all rooms
Bar

Not available at this property

Pool
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

AH
amy hopke Mar 25, 2026
10

Where to start. The people, are amazing. From the owners to the bar tenders to the plow drivers just absolutely amazing, we see you! They definitely take care of you and make you feel welcome. We come every ice season and practically live in our fish house so we now have the privilege to call them friends. Let’s see, oh the merch!!!! Always cozy comfy clothes I swear I have 10 new shirts n hats . The bars super cozy and have a fireplace my favorite! Please do yourself a favor and give them your business you can thank me later.

CS
Clark Seifert Feb 26, 2026
10

I unfortunately got stuck on the ice yesterday. I thought I was screwed! I called Even and he was pulling me out in 20 minutes! I offered him money and he would except (so I bought some hoodies instead) Nice people and wonderful staff! I'm staying here in the summer/spring!

JD
Jeremy Davis Feb 19, 2026
10

I love high banks resort.Evan the owner is an amazing guy helped me out a few times when i been stuck or needed something!! Highly recommend!!!

BB
Beth Berzelius Feb 05, 2026
10

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐A HUGE thanks to Muddy and the crew for your vigorous and diligent assistance with removing our truck and fish house from the boat launch area. Muddy had amazing hustle and kindness, and it's so appreciated. Steve is also so kind and helpful with the propane. What a great crew you've built, and culture of kindness. It's great to know there's still good people around The ice road is so smooth and well maintained. Great experience!

DH
Duke Harbaugh Jan 21, 2026
8.0

Our annual ice fishing trip for 2026 landed us at Highbanks which was a first for us. Arrived to a very well run resort who accommodated our needs and requests along with an early check in allowing us to get out on the water and fish. Fishing was a little slow the 1st day and resort staff were quick to move our day shacks to better areas resulting in some fast action perch bites. Cabin was very clean and inviting with plenty of space to accommodate our group in one room for meals and card games. Day shacks were warm and comfy making the experience a great memory. Ice road staff were quick to be aware of a new crack and had in bridge in place in no time ensuring the safety of their guests. Definitely recommend Highbanks and I will be back here again, maybe in the boat next.

CC
Chad Crowson Jan 18, 2026
10

Evan, Tali and the whole crew always make the trip one to remember! Great service! All the amenities! Gas, propane, full bar and great food! If you ever have issues they don’t hesitate to get you taken care of! Great people and our favorite place to fish!

LS
Lynn Smith Jan 13, 2026
10

We love ice fishing here. The staff are incredible. Easy access to the lake. Great menu and beverages. Definitely a great place to be!

KB
kevin bullington Dec 31, 2025
10

We were staying at another Resort and stopped in to check the place out. The people we met in the office / bar we're very friendly and from the looks of the place it was very clean. We didn't get a chance to check out any of the cabins but from the pictures we seen in the brochure the cabins look very nice! Spoke with Evan the owner it had a nice chat. I believe that next year we will stay at High Banks Resort!

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find High Banks Resort

Deer River, Minnesota, USA

Set on Lake Winnibigoshish in the Chippewa National Forest, this casual, rustic resort is 14 miles from McAvity Bay and 36 miles from Grand Rapids.

  • Bemidji Regional Airport 56 min Car
  • Range Regional Airport 1 hr 29 Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Minnesota. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Chippewa National Forest 434 reviews

Chippewa National Forest

200 Ash Ave NW, Cass Lake, MN 56633, United States

4.7 · National Forest
Cut Foot Sioux Lake 20 reviews

Cut Foot Sioux Lake

Bowstring Lake, MN 56636, USA

4.7 · Lake
Winnibigoshish Dam 1 reviews

Winnibigoshish Dam

Deer River, MN 56636, USA

5 · Dam
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