A note from Chris Ruttger:

There is no question that this year is different from the norm. First of all, we are following all guidelines of the State of Minnesota, and the CDC, and taking every precaution to provide a safe, healthy and fun resort experience for you. Fortunately, there are lots and lots of ways to use caution AND have incredible up north adventures, including golfing, fishing, boating, exploring the bounty of nature or just relaxing on the shores of beautiful Bay Lake.  

That being said, we have determined that there is little to no chance that our “new normal” will allow for such beloved favorites such as buffets, Kids’ Kamp, and a few activities, due to the Novel Corona virus. If you’re a regular who always took advantage of Kids’ Kamp and buffets that will no longer be offered, you may be considering whether you want to visit this year. I get that, and understand that your Ruttger’s vacation is only one of the things that you may be thinking over right now. We will do our best to make your vacation as wonderful as ever and I hope you will still come, but we will understand if you don’t. We have adjusted our cancellation policy to give more flexibility to make the decision as things continue to change. The updated cancellation policy is below.

One suggestion, if you love the Ruttger’s Resort Plan because it includes Kids’ Kamp, activities, buffets and other dining options, and daily housekeeping, consider trying the Lodging Only plan this year. Your rate will be lower and you can plan on just the meals and activities you want.

The resort experience during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Like you, Ruttger’s has adhered to State and Federal recommendations in our collective effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. As we have said from the very beginning, our number one priority is the health and safety of you and our staff. In keeping with this commitment, we have had to make a number of adjustments to how we operate. Here is a snapshot of what you can expect at the resort this spring:
 
GOLF. Jack’s 18 and Alec’s 9 are open and ready for play. Precautions recommended by the Minnesota PGA have been implemented, including a one person per golf cart limitation (excluding members of the same household), the pin is to be left in the cup, no rakes will be in the bunker, and access to the clubhouse will be restricted. Download the golf course app to book online and for other services (https://ruttgers.bestapproachflyovers.com/)
 
DINING.
Ruby’s Dining Room and the Bear Pine Bar & Grill
Open for the season. Take-out is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant will be open for outdoor patio beginning June 1 (menu only).
 
Zig’s Restaurant and Bar
Zig’s is closed until further notice.
 
Auntie M’s
Open for the season. Regular hours: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Take-and-go food available. Outdoor patio seating will be available on June 1.
 
LODGING. All lodging types will be available. For the sake of your and our staff’s health, we will stay out of your room during your stay. Daily housekeeping service is NOT available. However, if you need anything, dial 0, and we will leave it for you outside of your door.
 
CHECK-IN and CHECK-OUT. There is no change to check-in or check-out times. Guests will need to check in at the front desk to receive their keys. Check out is remote. Please leave the keys in the room and give us a call to let us know you are checking out. A receipt will be emailed to the email on file.
 
SHOPPING. The Garage and Lobby Shop will be open for the season on May 22. A limited number of guests will be allowed within the store at one time. Ann’s Bay Lake Boutique will open at a later date. In addition to in-store shopping, online shopping with curbside pickup will be available. Check out the new merchandise at ruttgersretail.com, and look for deals on the Ruttger’s Retail Facebook page. 
 
SPA. The Fine Line Salon & Spa is closed for hair, beauty and spa treatments until June 1. However, gift certificates are available for purchase and reservations are being taken for future appointments. Call 218-678-2157 for more information.
 
ACTIVITIES. A revised schedule of activities has been developed that includes Virtual Bingo, Virtual Family Trivia, nature hikes, pontoon cruises, bonfires with s’mores, shuffleboard, tennis and pickle ball, and other outdoor-focused fun. The Marina will be open with motorized and non-motorized watercraft available to borrow or rent. Special sanitizing procedures will be implemented so allow a bit more time than usual.
 
KIDS’ KAMP. Kids’ Kamp will be closed for the season.
 
POOLS AND BEACHES. The pools and hot tubs will be closed until further notice. Beaches will be open.­
 
CANCELLATION POLICY. The resort has also temporarily changed its Cancellation Policy to give you greater flexibility to adjust your plans if necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • For reservations with May – June 13 arrival dates – 7 days before arrival, deposit can be held for the same dates in 2021 or refunded,
  • For reservations with June 14 – June 30 arrivals – 14 days before arrival, deposit can be held for the same dates in 2021 or refunded,
  • Reservations with July 1 – August 31 arrivals – 21 days before arrival, deposit can be held for the same dates in 2021 or refunded.
As we have all learned, this is a fluid situation. We will continue to closely monitor the health and safety recommendations from our state and national leadership, and adjust accordingly. Please give us a call with questions at 218-678-2885.