Idle Spurs Inn
Old West character on the bank of a 26-mile glacial lake
A motel in Ortonville
Idle Spurs Inn is a completely remodeled 12-room motel on King of Trails Highway in Ortonville, Minnesota, sitting directly on the bank of Big Stone Lake. The Old West styling runs throughout the property, and the location puts guests within reach of one of the region's longest natural glacial lakes. The motel is built around outdoor use. A fish and hunting cleaning station with a stainless steel table, sink, and running water sits on-site, and external 120-watt and 240-watt power outlets are available. Every room gets fresh linen and a full sanitization at check-in. The guest rating stands at 4.8/5 across 55 reviews.
Who this stay suits
A clean, practical motel with outdoor-focused amenities, Old West decor, and direct access to Big Stone Lake for fishing, hunting, and water sports.
Best for
- Anglers and hunters
- Families wanting lake access
- Pet owners
- Road-trippers on King of Trails Highway
Less suited to
- Travellers expecting resort-style facilities
- Those wanting on-site dining
On the bank of Big Stone Lake
Big Stone Lake stretches 26 miles and draws thousands of visitors each year. The inn sits right on its bank, giving guests immediate access to the water for fishing, boating, and winter ice fishing without a long drive to the launch.
Old West design throughout
The motel was completely remodeled with a consistent Old West look. It is not a cosmetic touch — the styling carries through the rooms and common areas, giving the place a distinct character uncommon for a 12-room roadside motel.
On-site cleaning station
A dedicated fish and hunting cleaning station with a stainless steel table, sink, and running water sits on the property. For guests arriving after a day on the lake or in the field, this is a genuinely useful feature most motels do not have.
The Bungalow at Big Stone Lake
Just off Big Stone Lake in South Dakota, this two-story unit sleeps 4 to 6 adults across two queen beds and two twin beds. It has a full kitchen, washer/dryer, patio with propane grill and fire pit, screened garage area, and access to a private boat launch and dock.
Standout features
Inside Idle Spurs Inn
Amenities at Idle Spurs Inn
Great for your stay
- Parking
- Pets allowed
- Free WiFi
- Free parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Private parking
Internet
- Internet services
On-site parking
- Parking
General
- Air conditioning
- Non-smoking throughout
- Non-smoking rooms
On the map
Things to do nearby
- Boat attraction 0.23 km
- Paul Bunyan's Boat-Anchor attraction 0.26 km
- Ortonville Athletic Field park 2.02 km
Where to eat
- Berkner Pizza restaurant 1.78 km
With 55 reviews and a 4.8/5 rating, guest feedback at Idle Spurs Inn is consistently positive. The location relative to Big Stone Lake and the cleanliness standard at check-in are the most frequently noted strengths. The pet-friendly policy and free parking also draw specific mentions from returning guests.
- No elevator, making upper-floor rooms inaccessible for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage
- Smoke smell and dampness reported in some rooms
- Noisy AC unit disrupting sleep
- Maintenance issues noted (missing smoke detector, broken door closer, loose door handle, trickling hot water)
- Breakfast quality inconsistent — some found eggs off-tasting, no OJ, limited healthy options
“Thank you for having gluten free bread and other choices for my daughter. This is something you don't see at other places and without an additional cost.”
“We are old, and retired disabled and found it very difficult to get our luggage to our room. We love staying every year. But I think we need to check other listings before we book again.”
“Friendly staff amazing mattress and pillows excellent breakfast. No elevator.”
“Air conditioning in room very loud. Outside security card door was open all the time. No card required.”
Guest reviews summarised from Booking.com.
Good to know
Frequently asked
Where exactly is Idle Spurs Inn?
The motel is on King of Trails Highway in Ortonville, Minnesota, on the bank of Big Stone Lake. Paul Bunyan's Boat-Anchor is about 0.26 km away, and Berkner Pizza is roughly 1.78 km from the property.
How many rooms does the motel have?
Idle Spurs Inn has 12 rooms in total, including two standard room types and The Bungalow, a two-story unit located just off Big Stone Lake in South Dakota with private boat launch access.
What room types are available?
There are three options: a Single Queen Bed room, a 2 Double Beds room, and The Bungalow — a two-story unit sleeping 4 to 6 adults with a full kitchen, two queen beds, two twin beds, and lake access.
What do rooms cost?
The Single Queen Bed and 2 Double Beds rooms are both priced at $80 plus tax for double occupancy. Pricing for The Bungalow is not listed — contact the inn directly for details.
Is parking available, and does it cost extra?
Free private parking is available on-site at no extra charge. External 120-watt and 240-watt power outlets are also available, which is useful for guests with trailers or boats.
Are pets allowed?
Yes. Pets are allowed in all rooms. They must be on a leash or kenneled during the stay. This applies to both the standard rooms and The Bungalow.
Is there WiFi, and is it free?
Free WiFi is included in every room. All rooms also have free HBO. The Bungalow is included in the WiFi coverage.
Is there a facility for cleaning fish or game?
Yes. There is a dedicated cleaning station on the property with a stainless steel table, sink, and running water — a practical amenity for guests fishing Big Stone Lake or hunting in the area.
What outdoor activities are accessible from the motel?
Big Stone Lake is directly accessible for fishing, boating, and water sports in summer, and ice fishing in winter. The area also supports hunting, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. The Bungalow includes a private boat launch and dock.
Is the property suitable for families?
The 2 Double Beds room works for small families, and The Bungalow sleeps 4 to 6 adults with a full kitchen, outdoor grill and fire pit, making it the better option for groups or families wanting more space.
Are there restaurants nearby?
Berkner Pizza is about 1.78 km from the motel. Museums in Ortonville and nearby Milbank, SD are also within reach. The Bungalow has a full kitchen for self-catering.
How can I book a room?
Rooms can be booked directly through the inn. Contact Idle Spurs Inn in Ortonville, Minnesota for availability and Bungalow pricing, or check online booking platforms where the property is listed.