No trip to Fair Hills Resort is complete without hopping aboard the Big Pelican, one of the most iconic features of a stay on Pelican Lake. This charming and nostalgic pontoon cruise is a favorite for families, offering up a tour of the lake right off the resort’s deck!

The Big Pelican is hard to miss, with room for the whole family (or an entire reunion), this relaxed boat tour invites you to sit back and enjoy the waters. It’s a fantastic way to explore Pelican Lake and even enjoy a sunset over the water.

For nearly 100 years, Fair Hills Resort has been the destination for families seeking a relaxing yet fun-filled summer vacation. Tucked along the North Shore of Pelican Lake in Detroit Lakes, MN, this family-owned resort has long been dedicated to offering an all-inclusive, worry-free vacation where the hardest decision you’ll make is whether to relax by the lake or join in the countless activities they offer.

At the heart of Fair Hills is a deep understanding of how precious family time is. Emily Schupp Meyers, part of the fifth generation running the resort, understands this and works to maintain quality time as the resort’s commitment.

“We take your summer vacation seriously. Our goal is to make sure families leave feeling reconnected, recharged, and full of memories they’ll cherish forever,” she said.

All-inclusive for All Ages

Fair Hills Resort: Where Family Vacations Create Lifelong Memories All-Inclusive for All Ages Fair Hills Resort is designed for families who want a blend of activity and relaxation. Whether you’re looking to unwind lakeside, perhaps on the giant porch, coffee in hand, overlooking the water; or you want to keep the kids entertained with supervised activities—the resort has the perfect agenda for your vacation.

“We like to say that families can be as busy or as relaxed as they want,” Emily said.

With pickleball, tennis courts, two golf courses, and a full range of water sports, there’s no shortage of options.

Family-Oriented Amenities Include

Water Skiing: Learn or perfect your water skiing skills with lessons on Pelican Lake.

Paddleboarding & Sailing: Explore the lake with paddleboards or take a relaxing sail.

Swimming: Enjoy the resort’s lakeside swimming or take lessons to improve your strokes.

Golf: Play at the 18-hole Wildflower Golf Course or the 9-hole Fair Hills Golf Course.

Pickleball & Tennis: Hit the courts for some friendly family competition

Crafts & Games: Supervised activities for kids, including arts and crafts sessions.

Fitness Classes: Daily fitness programs for all ages, including yoga and water aerobics.

Sports Lessons: Professional instruction in golf, tennis, swimming, water skiing, and sailing.

Beach Volleyball: Get in on some fun, sandy competition by the lake.

Hiking & Nature Walks: Explore the natural beauty surrounding the resort with trails suited for all ages.

Bonfires & S’mores: Gather around the campfire for a classic family bonding experience with s’mores.

Fishing: Spend a quiet morning or afternoon fishing off the resort docks.

Plus, nightly entertainment like the Hootenanny!

The Hootenanny is a weekly music and variety show performed by the staff at Fair Hills. It’s a lively event where families gather to watch a mix of singing, comedy sketches, and group performances that often include audience participation. This is designed to get everyone laughing and tapping their feet, making it a favorite for the whole family. Songs range from classic campfire tunes to modern hits, and showcase the close-knit, family-friendly vibe of Fair Hills, where even the staff are part of the entertainment!

Wildflower Golf Course

Tucked in the rolling hills around Fair Hills Resort, Wildflower Golf Course has greens for golfers of all levels. This 18-hole championship course is renowned for its scenery and challenging layout, making it a must-visit for golf enthusiasts.

Wildflower Golf Course features:

18 challenging holes with strategically placed hazards and rolling greens.
Driving range and practice facilities to perfect your swing.
Golf lessons for all skill levels.
Stay and play packages, combining great golf with accommodations at Fair Hills Resort.
A fully stocked pro shop and the Wildflower Grill, perfect for a post-round meal or drink.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful round of golf or a competitive challenge, Wildflower Golf Course is a top-tier destination in Minnesota’s lake country!

Why Families Keep Coming Back

Fair Hills Resort is an avenue of nostalgia. It’s a return to the summers we all remember—full of endless sunshine, outdoor activities, and time spent with the people who matter most. Parents often tell Emily that the best part of their vacation is watching their children put down their screens and embrace the freedom of a summer spent outdoors.

“We’ve heard so many stories of kids who never missed their screens once during their stay,” Emily said. “That’s what makes Fair Hills so special—it brings families together in a way that’s increasingly rare.”

The resort invites relaxation with plenty of good, old-fashioned competition too. Pickleball tournaments are hot at Fair Hills, with newly constructed courts always filled up.

Family Vacation Packages at Fair Hills

Fair Hills offers a variety of all-inclusive packages designed to cater to families and groups of all sizes. With meals, activities, and accommodations bundled into one easy price, parents can focus on enjoying their time without worrying about planning or logistics.

Stay & Play Getaways: Perfect for weekend retreats with friends or family, including golf, water activities, and access to all resort amenities.

All-Inclusive Family Weeks: Packages that include daily activities, supervised kids’ programs, family meals, and more.

Corporate Retreats & Events: Customizable packages for company outings or team-building events with access to meeting spaces, catered meals, and activities.

Big Pelican Cruises: A unique lake experience offering scenic tours for families or groups.

A Legacy of Summer Fun

Fair Hills is proud to have been recognized by Forbes, Travel + Leisure, and National Geographic Traveler as one of America’s Best All-Inclusive Resorts. The Kaldahl Schupp family, who have owned and operated the resort since 1926, are preparing to celebrate the resort’s 100-year anniversary in 2026.

“We’re more than just a summer destination,” Emily said. “We’re a place where families can reconnect, make memories, and enjoy some of the most beautiful parts of Minnesota. You don’t have to go far to feel like you’re a world away.”