Canna Connect Attends “Minnesota Matters” at Madden’s Resort
May 8, 2025
From Lake Resorts to Private Rentals: What the Future Holds for Minnesota’s Vacation Scene
On May 7, 2025, Luke McCapes of Canna Connect attended the Minnesota Matters event, hosted by the Minnesota Star Tribune, at the beautiful Madden’s Resort near Brainerd, MN. The event brought together hospitality leaders and regional stakeholders to explore the evolving landscape of Minnesota’s beloved lake resorts and the surging popularity of short-term vacation rentals like Airbnb and VRBO.
One of the standout voices was Jamie Tatge, CEO of Leisure Hotels and Resorts, who illuminated key differences in experience and regulation between resorts and private rentals. From on-site dining to spa services and golf access, traditional resorts continue to offer a well-rounded guest experience that’s hard to match.
But legal intricacies in counties like Crow Wing also complicate the private rental game. Did you know that septic capacity dictates overnight guest limits at Air BnB's? While 200+ guests might be fine during the day for Grandma’s birthday bash, the number of overnight guests is capped based on bedroom count and wastewater capacity—something most guests aren’t thinking about when booking.
Takeaway for the Cannabis Community:
What’s happening in hospitality offers a direct parallel for the cannabis industry. Madden’s Resort noted that most of their guests come from within an 87-county radius—proof that local reach can scale when the experience is strong. For cannabis wellness brands, this means huge opportunity in targeting mindful, health-conscious consumers looking for intentional experiences.
As regulations and guest expectations evolve, so should our strategies. Let’s build connected, compliant, and community-first cannabis experiences—because whether it’s Grandma’s party or a canna-wellness retreat, creating the right environment is everything.