Are you finding that you have a few vacation days built up? Are the kids getting sick of hanging around the house? Now’s the perfect time to plan that spring getaway to the Willmar Lakes Area! Book a weekend or a week-long staycation and enjoy the warmer weather, vibrant spring colors, and the variety of migrating birds in the area. We have plenty of activities to keep the kids — and you — busy during your stay!

First things first, you’re going to need a hotel. The Willmar Lakes Area has a wide variety of hotels that have everything you need for a relaxing night (or week) stay. The Best Western Plus is conveniently located in the same building as the Willmar Conference Center, Ruff’s Wings and Sports Bar and the Green Mill Restaurant. If the kids need a little more excitement while swimming, then book a stay at the Country Inn & Suites and let them enjoy the 90-foot waterslide while you relax in the hot tub. Another great hotel option is the Hampton Inn Green Lake Resort in Spicer. Along with a clean and comfortable stay, you’ll be located right across the road from the Glacial Lakes State Trail where you can enjoy the beauty of nature during your walk, run or bike ride. On the other side of the hotel, your kids can enjoy the large Wildcat Cove Playground at Pirrotta Park while you take in the beautiful views of Green Lake. In the evening, take advantage of the outdoor fire pit and patio, exclusively for Hampton Inn guests, while you share stories of your day’s adventures. Other great hotel options include Little Crow Hotel & Conference in Spicer and the AmericInn and Days Inn in Willmar.

Next up, let’s find you and your family some outdoor activities you’re sure to love! Whether there’s snow on the ground or not, you’ll love exploring the trails at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center on their fat-tire bikes. Make sure to call at least 24 hours in advance to book your bike rentals. If the fat-tire bikes aren’t your cup of tea, you can always enjoy the trails by walking and slowly taking in the songs of the birds in the springtime. You’ll also love the many scenic trails and expansive natural beauty at Sibley State Park as well.

If you plan your stay in May, you’ll have access to BikeWillmar, a bike share program with 11 docking stations located throughout Willmar. Just download the Koloni App and follow the easy instructions on how to find an available bike, track your rental cost, and locate a hub to return the bike. Rentals are only a dollar per hour so you’ll definitely be getting your money’s worth while exploring the many parks, trails, and shops in the Willmar area.

Need the kids to wear off even more energy? Then take them to the Destination Playground at Robbins Island Regional Park in Willmar. There they’ll enjoy 19,000 square feet of swings, merry-go-rounds, drawbridges and more — all on soft, rubberized flooring. The fully-enclosed and accessible playground offers a safe and fun place for children of all ages and abilities to play and interact while the surrounding area provides seating and gathering areas for families. Ample parking is available near the playground along with restrooms and picnic shelter facilities for all to enjoy. Be sure to take a walk through the trails or around the lake to take in all of the beauty and recreation that Robbins Island has to offer! And if your family loves disc golf, don’t forget to pack your discs so you can enjoy the long and short holes, wide and narrow fairways and hilly terrain at Robbins Island Disc Golf Course. This 18-hole disc golf course is set between two lakes and offers a challenge through a beautiful park filled with scenic terrain, trails through forested oak hills and grassy knolls. Other great disc golf courses in the area include Ridgewater College Disc Golf Course and Tadd Lake Disc Golf Course.

Looking to sneak in a little relaxation of your own? Then book a tee time at one of five beautiful golf courses in the Willmar Lakes Area. The Hawk Creek Country Club in Raymond has nine holes of fun plus a full-size driving range and putting green. Valley Golf is conveniently located on the east side of Willmar with nine holes offering fun, affordable golf to both the novice and experienced golfer. Island Pine Golf Club on the southwest edge of Atwater has a gently rolling course with scenic natural wetlands and the largest greens in the area. The signature par 3, 18th hole, is a beautiful island green that makes for an exciting finish to your round. At Eagle Creek Golf Course in Willmar, golf enthusiasts can enjoy a championship 18-hole golf course that features a combination of two very different nines creating a true challenge for all skill levels. Little Crow Country Club offers three distinct nines with 27 holes total as well as a full service driving range. Check out their Stay and Play golf packages to get the most out of your visit.

Just because you’re taking a spring getaway with the whole family doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some relaxing time by yourself. Book a massage, facial, manicure or pedicure at one of the many amazing salons and spas in the Willmar Lakes Area. At J.U.S.T. Massage, you’ll be able to enjoy a therapeutic massage, relaxation massage, hot stone therapy, ionic foot bath, and ear candling. Rejuvenate Salon & Spa in New London offers a variety of services including hair care, nail care, skin care, body treatments, eyelash extensions and more. They carry the latest in anti-aging products and techniques. Legacy Salon is a hair and beauty salon located in Willmar that provides services customized to meet your needs. Their services include a variety of hair coloring, cut and style options as well as Olaplex, Moroccanoil, Malibu, and Scalp treatments. You’ll definitely be able to rejuvenate and reinvigorate before you head back to your normal routine.

If a rainy or snowy day pops up during your stay in the Willmar Lakes Area, don’t worry — there are still plenty of great indoor activities to keep the whole family entertained. Head to Alley on Ash in New London for an afternoon or evening of bowling while enjoying their delicious burgers, pizzas and variety of beers. If you have a golfer in the family who can’t stay away from the course, book some time at Willmar Indoor Golf (WIG) where you can play world-famous courses on high-tech simulators while staying warm and dry indoors.

Looking for something a little more adventurous? Try your hand at axe throwing at Rendezvous Axe Throwing in downtown Willmar. It’s a fun and unique activity where friends and family can compete, laugh and test their aim in a safe, welcoming environment.

Traveling with younger kids? Be sure to stop by The Village Children’s Museum where they can explore hands-on exhibits focused on learning, creativity and physical play. History lovers will also enjoy visiting the Kandiyohi County Historical Society to see exhibits that showcase the area’s rich past. Outside the museum, kids can even climb aboard the historic Great Northern Steam Engine #2523 built in 1916.

If your family enjoys getting creative, plan a stop at Artsy Fartsy in Willmar where you can paint pottery, create art projects and take home a handmade souvenir from your trip.

And of course, if you’re in the mood to sit back and relax, catch a movie at either Spicer Cinema 4 or Golden Ticket Cinemas Kandi 6.

Now that we’ve laid out a spring getaway the whole family will love, it’s time to book that reservation! So tell the husband which days to take off, pack up the kids and make the drive to the Willmar Lakes Area where you’ll make memories of a lifetime! If you’re in need of help while booking your adventure, give us a call at 320-235-3552 and we’ll be happy to help plan your perfect getaway!