Places to Stay : Sturgeon Bay

Glidden Lodge Beach Resort
4676 Glidden Dr
Sturgeon Bay
920-746-3900

www.gliddenlodge.com

Location! Location! Location! The Glidden Lodge Beach Resort is a "gem" located on Door County’s "quiet side". It’s about six miles North on HWY 57 from Sturgeon Bay towards Valmy, and then just a short drive on County T to Glidden Drive. When you see a little country bar called the Hitching Post you know you’ve reached your destination. Take a right here and Glidden Lodge is just a minute down the road on the waterside. Check out our review on the Hitching Post, it’s a great local hangout!

If miles of white sand beach and an abundance of scenic beauty at your doorstep interest you, you must check out the legendary Glidden Lodge. The original Glidden Lodge was constructed in 1937. Known as a trendsetting, upscale facility offering the best in modern amenities and gracious hospitality, Glidden Lodge Beach Resort has brought this tradition to a higher level. The new one, two and three bedroom suites all have an Eastern exposure that captures the sunrise over the lake on what is known as Whitefish Bay.

If you have never experienced a sunrise over Lake Michigan waters, add it to your list of things to do in Door County, and if you really want a memorable experience, catch the stunning sunrise at Cave Point. This park is legendary for its limestone shoreline where the waves pound the shores. It also provides beautiful backdrops making it one of the most photographed places on the peninsula and where this author had his wedding pictures taken. It’s only minutes to Cave Point from the lodge and well worth the early morning rise out of bed. Tell any local what you did that morning and they will tell you a story about their first experience at Cave Point . . . really! Whitefish Dunes State Park is right next to Cave Point Park and offers hiking and ski trails as well as an unequaled stretch of sand dunes, perfect for a walk along the shore or a day at the beach.

Back to Glidden Lodge! All the suites at this resort are very spacious and standard features include a gas fireplace, whirlpool tub for two, fully appointed kitchens and private patio. They have a studio couch in every unit and TV/VCR so guests can take advantage of on-site video library. Each suite is located at the waters edge, offering easy access to Door County’s finest natural sand beach.

What makes the Glidden Lodge Beach Resort so appealing is the seclusion and beauty of its setting. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and meticulously kept. You can enjoy tennis and volley ball on the grounds or cook out on one of the gas grills located on the shore.

We found the staff at Glidden Lodge extremely pleasant and helpful. We spoke with Amy Baudhuin the front desk manager. While talking with her, we found out what guests most enjoy is the seclusion, sand beach and private views. The guest comments confirm this as well. They also take pride in the return visits of their guests. One guest even wrote a beautiful poem that Amy gave me a copy of, I would love to print it here but it is copyrighted so you’ll have to ask for a copy when you visit. It’s really good!

We viewed all the different suites at this lodge and they are great! The front lobby is very nice. When you enter the check in counter is to the left and straight-ahead are windows over looking the pool area. This pool area is one of the neatest that we’ve seen — cool because of the large bank of windows that lets you see the beach. It also has a vaulted cedar ceiling and a waterfountain in the pool! Of course, the pool area has a hot tub and sauna and plenty of tables and chairs too.

The hallways and stairwells are all fully carpeted. They are very bright and airy giving them a very sunroom-like quality. The exterior doors are painted and have dental and fret work giving them a Victorian charm. In the hallways you’ll love the plants and large built-out windows that have cushioned, built-in benches.

Our favorite room was # 204. This three bedroom is wonderful! As you walk in, there is a winding stairwell that leads to the bedrooms. There is an open landing at the top of the stairs with a linen closet. The doors are six-panel maple. The master bedroom has a king size bed, entertainment center with TV and dresser drawers, a chair, floor lamps, private deck and private bath. This master bathroom is very roomy. Pastel tile work surrounds the whirlpool tub, making it a really soft and warm place to relax. There is also a standing glass door shower and linen closet.

The two guest bedrooms have queen beds and the same beautiful views. One has a mirrored built in bookshelf headboard; it’s own private deck with patio doors and an entrance to the upstairs guest bath. The guest bath is large with a glass door shower with tub and a lighted mirror. Back downstairs, you’ll find another guest bath with shower and tub, a living room, dining room and large kitchen. The living room has a couch, two chairs that are split by a large end table in front of a large bay window flanked by two smaller bay windows, really nice!

There is a fireplace on the wall to the left that has an entertainment center and bookshelves on its right and a hall table on the left with beautiful flower arrangements and hanging flower baskets overhead. The dining room has a table for six and patio doors that lead to the deck. The kitchen has everything you need including a breakfast bar with stools.

This is an awesome suite, as are the one and two bedroom suites. Some are multi leveled, all are very spacious, and ALL offer the great view of the sand beach and waters of Lake Michigan.

The Glidden Lodge Beach Resort is a wonderful place to get away from it all. Whether for a family vacation or a romantic get away, you’ll like what you get at this resort. They do have a game room and a conference room. Kids under seven stay free. It is a smoke and pet free environment. They also have mid week specials in the Fall, Winter and Spring so check it out! Click through to the Glidden Lodge website for full details!

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