Edgewater Hotel & Waterpark

Even from the hotel lobby, it's clear the Edgewater is focused on children and families. There are balloons and other whimsical touches such as a seasonal lei draped across the front of the check-in desk. A train table keeps the kids entertained while parents check in. There's a set of brown leather sofas for taking a break. Windows look down on the water park, so children can get a glimpse as soon as they check in. A gift shop and coffee bar are right off the lobby, offering souvenirs, postcards, logo wear, coffee, snacks, and assorted sundries. Children are everywhere, so it can be noisy in the lobby and hallways as well as in the water park. 

The Edgewater is located in northern Minnesota in a residential neighborhood along Lake Superior, so there are spectacular views of the lake. Just across the street is the cozy Dunn Brothers Coffee shop which sells coffee, breakfast, and lunch, with more lake views and a fireplace. Several family-friendly attractions are about a five- to 10-minute drive or free shuttle ride from the hotel. Among the sites are Adventure Zone, the Great Lakes Aquarium, North Shore Scenic Railroad, Vista Fleet harbor cruises, Duluth Children's Museum, and the historic Glensheen Estate. Parking at the hotel is free. 

All rooms are designed to appeal to kids and their families, and there are multiple options to accommodate from two to eight people. Many rooms feature bunk beds, and a variety of configurations are available to allow adults to sleep either away from the kids or right next to them. Furnishings are basic, but colors are bright and there are a few tiki-style touches in the lighting and artwork. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and microwaves. Bathrooms include gray tile work, a long vanity with a single sink, and shower/tub combo. There's a whimsical tissue box that lets guests pull tissues out of Tiki Tom's nose. Views are of the interior water park (loud) or Lake Superior (beautiful and serene, except for the highway separating the hotel from the lake). Furniture on balconies are of the cheap plastic variety. Some rooms are motel-style with exterior hallways and parking right outside the door. Past guests have complained about maintenance and cleanliness issues. 

The hotel's main attraction is the water park. It's designed to thrill, and it does, with a lazy river, fast-moving vortex pool, and a four-and-a-half-story waterslide. For little ones, there's a play area suitable for toddlers Adirondack chairs are positioned by the water so adults can take a seat and keep an eye on the kids. A seasonal outdoor area offers attractions such as a pool, mini-golf, marshmallow-roasting, and movies. The outdoor pool is small and basic, but it overlooks Lake Superior and has a hot tub and lounge chairs. It's next to the playground and mini-golf course, though, so don't expect it to be quiet.

Tiki Tom's Breakfast Buffet offers eggs, meats, a cereal bar, pancakes, coffee, milk, and juice for a fee. Seating is mostly communal at long tables. In the water park, Tiki Tom’s Oasis & Grill serves appetizers, pizza, salads, smoothies, and cocktails. For an adult atmosphere, the Sunrise Lounge offers a bar, foosball and pool tables, and TVs for keeping up with the game. There's a coffee shop next to the lobby and daily manager's reception. 

An arcade room has more than 40 games, along with prizes and treats. The fitness center has large windows looking out onto Lake Superior, along with Precor Equipment. The spacious business center offers meeting space and computers for guests to use, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.