I had an in-person tour of Northern Lakes. The entrance and the sitting room area are big. The dining area, community room, mailboxes, gym, and library are all very good. The apartments are very nice. The staff members are very friendly and answer all our questions. The view to the woods and the Paul Bunyan Trail impresses us the most. Some of the apartments that are not facing the Paul Bunyan Trail are very noisy because of rail rides.

My mom and my aunt live next door to each other in studio apartments with full-size kitchen appliances and room for a single bed, large dresser, couch, recliner, coffee table, dining table, TV and other furniture. Plenty of room. There are also 1br and 1br with dens available and memory care studios. They have a chef on staff and the meals are restaurant qualty. The activities director has a vast assortment of activities that keep every participant busy and happy. They have an on-site beauty salon and a doctor who makes periodic housecalls. I think it's easily the finest facillty in the Brainerd/Baxter area. The staff are very friendly, caring, professionals and take great care of "the Sisters". It's right next to the Arbouretum and so there is a beautiful opportunity for walks along the trails. An activity his makes frequent trips for shopping or local entertainment activities.