Quaint little coffee shop. Full coffee menu, ice cream also. Coffee was good
Wheelchair accessibility: Long ramp for accessibility
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Mary S
Cute shop in a cute town! We had ice cream.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
dorothyn653
When we pay as much as we did for Ruttger's Bay Lake Resort, we expected everything to be fantastic. The experience still was good but with some notable exceptions. The 9--hole golf course and the outdoor swimming pool both were closed for repairs. The beach was available, but the lake had a rocky bottom that was uncomfortable to walk on, and getting in and out of the beach area involved either climbing over rocks or negotiating very steep steps with no banister. The marina, on the other hand, was terrific, with a lot of boating options. A kayaking outing one of us took on Bay Lake revealed loons and even a bald eagle. Communication was a bit off. The staff at the front desk told us that there was no putting green, but when we visited the pro shop, we found out that there was one, with free golf clubs and balls to boot. Likewise, a staff member at the main restaurant told us there was no alternative to a pricey seafood boil, but actually there was one, just across the hall. Finally, the bingo game was in a different room -- and floor -- than the one printed on the schedule, leading to people roaming around the lodge trying to find the game. Our villa had all of the amenities of an apartment, and all in fine working order. The only small glitch was that the blinds were open in the bathroom, and the only way to reach them to close them was to step into the Jacuzzi. We enjoyed the activities on nights when the resort had them and could find good movies on the TV in the room when it did not.
R6320WKdavidm
We’ve been vacationing annually with Ruttgers for the past 25+ years. We’ve seen lots of changes over the years but are most thrilled with the new management group and all the amazing improvements they’ve made to the resort. The newly redesigned golf course looks amazing as do the new lake cottages, docks, boats and menus. The menus offered lots of great choices for all and we loved our meals. Looking forward to returning next year.
Sel8
We spent two nights at Ruttger’s. Check-in is not until 5, but this is understandable. Our cabin wasn’t done until just before 5. The cabin was cute and very clean. Water pressure was great. Be patient as it takes awhile for the hot water to get there but it is hot. There was good air conditioning and a gas fireplace, as well as a fridge and microwave. We liked the corn hole and shuffleboard. The pickle ball courts are lovely. There are lots of water activities. The outdoor pool was closed because the water was way too hot. We ate on the deck twice. The food was delicious. We had the fajita special which was delicious, although they should give 6 wraps instead of 3 as that is how much filling was left after I ate 3, and they were stuffed! The next night we had the supreme pizza which was also great. All of the staff were friendly and a pleasure to deal with. We enjoyed the campfire with s’mores and the live music Saturday night. The only downfall was the sewage smell outside our cabin in the 400’s. The septic was right there and when the wind blew out way, sitting outside our cabin wasn’t pleasant. Worth a visit for sure.
zoemY8017CG
It started out so fun and relaxing . Then turned into a bizarre and uncomfortable stay. Reservations was friendly, checking in was great, food was great until we were asked 20 questions of why we needed 4 plates to share 2 salads by the waitress. The next day the waitress didn't give us an actual bill/receipt for our dinner and simply could not comprehend why we wanted one-proceeded to "tell' us the bill from her tablet. Not pet friendly(dog under 25 lbs) at all. Golf course looks horrible. Ask for a manager, they'll tell you one isn't available while one walks out from the back! Then all the sudden there's 5 managers, none of which could even answer the pet deposit price. Water ran all night in tub and at check out another couple was complaining about a gassy smell in the water in their room. Staff were rude and infantile at the course bar. I grew up visiting family in Aitkin all my life...now all my family lives in the area. From what I've heard is the events that happened to us would've never happened before they sold...for the second time now in 3 years. Big Corp clearly is running it. My advice is don't stay if you're expecting a Minnesota "up north" feel. But do take advantage of the use of Bay Lake and their paddleboats, canoes and beach...it's free! Our trip included Superior, Porcupine Mtn., the UP and down back home to Suburban Detroit. Ruttger's was THE worst and ONLY bad part of our vacation.
Beatrice Eull
Fun little place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
B9026KCmarym
We had a family reunion of 53 people from ages 9 months to 82. Ruttger's offered the best variety of housing options for each family. The breakfasts were fabulous and everyone ate well. The staff were friendly and helpful. There were many, many options for fun from pontoon boat to jet ski, pickle ball and everything else. A great experience for all.
Jonathan Hanson
Good service with alright coffee and good baked
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Danielle Lobo
What a delightful find! They have almond milk and oat milk, in addition to regular milk products, and make delicious lattes.
We just returned home from spending a couple of nights at Ruttgers with family - all adults. The staff was outstanding - every single person we encountered was so friendly and helpful. We enjoyed the breakfast buffet each morning - some of the dishes were chef driven, they had unique quiches and the rotating waffle flavors were delicious. The room was clean, the bed and pillows comfortable. We loved having a screened in deck. The bathroom was a little dated - but spotless. We used the waterbikes one afternoon and the marina staff was very helpful in getting us set up. The pickle ball courts weren't busy and paddles and balls (correct terminology? - we've never played ) were available at the court, so we tried our hand at this growing sport. Dinner in the Bear Pine restaurant was very good, but understaffed. I would like to return again next year. It'll be interesting to see what changes are made as there was alot of work going on around the resort.
MexicoTrixie
Nice get away. First time here for a quick get away, will probably come back in the near future. The outdoor pool & deck were closed because of future updates, hopefully next time they will be completed. We got a small cabin right on the water. Very cozy. There was barely any other people staying there so had the place to ourselves. I'm sure that changes after school is out. Very quiet, I liked that !
Northernprairiedog4
To be determined for 2023. Ownership and management change was needed after Ruttger family sold the resort. Announced that PE Blackburn/Minneapolis and managed by its resort management firm, Odyssey Resorts (out of Duluth). Hoping for nice enhancements. *Jack’s 18 was awful last summer for the green fee changed. Looking forward to the NEW short course this summer.
dthaveman
I stayed here for a local conference. When I arrived, I determined the cabin I had booked was not going to work for me. The resort is in the process of updating the accommodations and this was a cute little cabin slated for renovation that hasn't happened yet - it just wasn't for me. Mark and Stephanie at the front desk were kind and understanding. Mark even offered to show me some alternatives in person and gave me a golf cart tour of the resort and the plans to update it. I moved to a different room that wasn't by the water but was perfect for what I needed. It was spotless, updated and had its own little balcony. I ate at the White Oak Grill two nights. I could tell they were short staffed (as all industries are right now) but the servers did an amazing job of keeping up. I expected (and was fine with) a wait but the food still came out fast and was truly delicious. I was so impressed with how friendly and attentive everyone was. This resort is charming and has beautiful grounds, plenty of places to relax by the lake and fantastic staff. They really are working hard to provide the best experiences for their guests and updating what needs updating. Well done, Rutgers. I'd recommend you any day.
karynr273
We stayed at Ruttger's Bay in August and had an unexpected tragedy occur while we were guests at the resort. I cannot emphasize enough how kind and accommodating the Ruttger's staff was in our time of grief. They truly blew us away with acts of generosity that were above and beyond what we would have expected. Those acts of kindness will never be forgotten and were so very appreciated. I can say other great things about the hotel as well. The property is beautiful and the (free) breakfast buffet is AMAZING! Not only was the breakfast food incredible but the dining room itself is gorgeous. It reminded us of some of the lodges we visited when in Yellowstone a couple of years back. They also have a casual restaurant (pizza, tacos, drinks) where you can eat out on a patio overlooking the lake and outdoor pool. Really good food and the serving staff was so kind. Overall, there are many reasons to stay at Ruttgers, but high on the list was the exemplary service and extraordinary kindness of the staff. Thank you very much.
Quaint little coffee shop. Full coffee menu, ice cream also. Coffee was good
Wheelchair accessibility: Long ramp for accessibility
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Cute shop in a cute town! We had ice cream.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
When we pay as much as we did for Ruttger's Bay Lake Resort, we expected everything to be fantastic. The experience still was good but with some notable exceptions. The 9--hole golf course and the outdoor swimming pool both were closed for repairs. The beach was available, but the lake had a rocky bottom that was uncomfortable to walk on, and getting in and out of the beach area involved either climbing over rocks or negotiating very steep steps with no banister. The marina, on the other hand, was terrific, with a lot of boating options. A kayaking outing one of us took on Bay Lake revealed loons and even a bald eagle. Communication was a bit off. The staff at the front desk told us that there was no putting green, but when we visited the pro shop, we found out that there was one, with free golf clubs and balls to boot. Likewise, a staff member at the main restaurant told us there was no alternative to a pricey seafood boil, but actually there was one, just across the hall. Finally, the bingo game was in a different room -- and floor -- than the one printed on the schedule, leading to people roaming around the lodge trying to find the game. Our villa had all of the amenities of an apartment, and all in fine working order. The only small glitch was that the blinds were open in the bathroom, and the only way to reach them to close them was to step into the Jacuzzi. We enjoyed the activities on nights when the resort had them and could find good movies on the TV in the room when it did not.
We’ve been vacationing annually with Ruttgers for the past 25+ years. We’ve seen lots of changes over the years but are most thrilled with the new management group and all the amazing improvements they’ve made to the resort. The newly redesigned golf course looks amazing as do the new lake cottages, docks, boats and menus. The menus offered lots of great choices for all and we loved our meals. Looking forward to returning next year.
We spent two nights at Ruttger’s. Check-in is not until 5, but this is understandable. Our cabin wasn’t done until just before 5. The cabin was cute and very clean. Water pressure was great. Be patient as it takes awhile for the hot water to get there but it is hot. There was good air conditioning and a gas fireplace, as well as a fridge and microwave. We liked the corn hole and shuffleboard. The pickle ball courts are lovely. There are lots of water activities. The outdoor pool was closed because the water was way too hot. We ate on the deck twice. The food was delicious. We had the fajita special which was delicious, although they should give 6 wraps instead of 3 as that is how much filling was left after I ate 3, and they were stuffed! The next night we had the supreme pizza which was also great. All of the staff were friendly and a pleasure to deal with. We enjoyed the campfire with s’mores and the live music Saturday night. The only downfall was the sewage smell outside our cabin in the 400’s. The septic was right there and when the wind blew out way, sitting outside our cabin wasn’t pleasant. Worth a visit for sure.
It started out so fun and relaxing . Then turned into a bizarre and uncomfortable stay. Reservations was friendly, checking in was great, food was great until we were asked 20 questions of why we needed 4 plates to share 2 salads by the waitress. The next day the waitress didn't give us an actual bill/receipt for our dinner and simply could not comprehend why we wanted one-proceeded to "tell' us the bill from her tablet. Not pet friendly(dog under 25 lbs) at all. Golf course looks horrible. Ask for a manager, they'll tell you one isn't available while one walks out from the back! Then all the sudden there's 5 managers, none of which could even answer the pet deposit price. Water ran all night in tub and at check out another couple was complaining about a gassy smell in the water in their room. Staff were rude and infantile at the course bar. I grew up visiting family in Aitkin all my life...now all my family lives in the area. From what I've heard is the events that happened to us would've never happened before they sold...for the second time now in 3 years. Big Corp clearly is running it. My advice is don't stay if you're expecting a Minnesota "up north" feel. But do take advantage of the use of Bay Lake and their paddleboats, canoes and beach...it's free! Our trip included Superior, Porcupine Mtn., the UP and down back home to Suburban Detroit. Ruttger's was THE worst and ONLY bad part of our vacation.
Fun little place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had a family reunion of 53 people from ages 9 months to 82. Ruttger's offered the best variety of housing options for each family. The breakfasts were fabulous and everyone ate well. The staff were friendly and helpful. There were many, many options for fun from pontoon boat to jet ski, pickle ball and everything else. A great experience for all.
Good service with alright coffee and good baked
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
What a delightful find! They have almond milk and oat milk, in addition to regular milk products, and make delicious lattes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
We just returned home from spending a couple of nights at Ruttgers with family - all adults. The staff was outstanding - every single person we encountered was so friendly and helpful. We enjoyed the breakfast buffet each morning - some of the dishes were chef driven, they had unique quiches and the rotating waffle flavors were delicious. The room was clean, the bed and pillows comfortable. We loved having a screened in deck. The bathroom was a little dated - but spotless. We used the waterbikes one afternoon and the marina staff was very helpful in getting us set up. The pickle ball courts weren't busy and paddles and balls (correct terminology? - we've never played ) were available at the court, so we tried our hand at this growing sport. Dinner in the Bear Pine restaurant was very good, but understaffed. I would like to return again next year. It'll be interesting to see what changes are made as there was alot of work going on around the resort.
Nice get away. First time here for a quick get away, will probably come back in the near future. The outdoor pool & deck were closed because of future updates, hopefully next time they will be completed. We got a small cabin right on the water. Very cozy. There was barely any other people staying there so had the place to ourselves. I'm sure that changes after school is out. Very quiet, I liked that !
To be determined for 2023. Ownership and management change was needed after Ruttger family sold the resort. Announced that PE Blackburn/Minneapolis and managed by its resort management firm, Odyssey Resorts (out of Duluth). Hoping for nice enhancements. *Jack’s 18 was awful last summer for the green fee changed. Looking forward to the NEW short course this summer.
I stayed here for a local conference. When I arrived, I determined the cabin I had booked was not going to work for me. The resort is in the process of updating the accommodations and this was a cute little cabin slated for renovation that hasn't happened yet - it just wasn't for me. Mark and Stephanie at the front desk were kind and understanding. Mark even offered to show me some alternatives in person and gave me a golf cart tour of the resort and the plans to update it. I moved to a different room that wasn't by the water but was perfect for what I needed. It was spotless, updated and had its own little balcony. I ate at the White Oak Grill two nights. I could tell they were short staffed (as all industries are right now) but the servers did an amazing job of keeping up. I expected (and was fine with) a wait but the food still came out fast and was truly delicious. I was so impressed with how friendly and attentive everyone was. This resort is charming and has beautiful grounds, plenty of places to relax by the lake and fantastic staff. They really are working hard to provide the best experiences for their guests and updating what needs updating. Well done, Rutgers. I'd recommend you any day.
We stayed at Ruttger's Bay in August and had an unexpected tragedy occur while we were guests at the resort. I cannot emphasize enough how kind and accommodating the Ruttger's staff was in our time of grief. They truly blew us away with acts of generosity that were above and beyond what we would have expected. Those acts of kindness will never be forgotten and were so very appreciated. I can say other great things about the hotel as well. The property is beautiful and the (free) breakfast buffet is AMAZING! Not only was the breakfast food incredible but the dining room itself is gorgeous. It reminded us of some of the lodges we visited when in Yellowstone a couple of years back. They also have a casual restaurant (pizza, tacos, drinks) where you can eat out on a patio overlooking the lake and outdoor pool. Really good food and the serving staff was so kind. Overall, there are many reasons to stay at Ruttgers, but high on the list was the exemplary service and extraordinary kindness of the staff. Thank you very much.
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