It’s Always Sunny at Sunny Bay Resort

By Heather Rule, Photos provided

Sunny Bay Resort near Perham has nearly 200 feet of sandy beach shoreline with lake access perfect for walleye fishing, swimming and recreation.

“It’s picturesque,” said owner Luke Preussler. “It’s a really great beach. So, I think that’s probably the most attractive amenity for us.”

The family-owned and operated resort is located along Hwy. 8 on Big Pine Lake about four miles northeast of Perham. Luke and Nicole Preussler bought the resort in 2023 and were up and running for their first season in 2024. They welcomed guests from 11 different states over the summer.

Sunny Bay Resort includes three themed cabins, each one featuring two bedrooms and one bathroom. Nicole, her daughter and some friends and colleagues worked on the décor for each cabin.

The Bayside: This cabin has a lakeside theme to it, as it’s mere steps from the sandy beach and includes an unobstructed view of the lake. It also has a full kitchen.

The Sportsman: It’s named after Luke’s late brother-in-law, TJ Sportsman, who was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman. The cabin, also with a full kitchen, is themed with mid-20th century décor with old fishing rods on the walls, for instance. The vintage décor creates a nostalgia factor.

The Havn: This one is a tribute to the previous owners of the resort. The word “havn” means “port” or “harbor.” Visitors will notice a Norwegian or Scandinavian theme throughout the cabin. There’s also a full kitchen.

One of the most popular amenities from the first summer was the available kayaks for visitors at the resort. Luke said the bay tends to be calm, so resort-goers did a lot of kayaking over the summer on that part of the lake. There’s also good fishing off a pier – you don’t even have to get into a boat to get some fish! But for those who want to, there are some smaller resort boats available to rent. Each cabin also has its own fire ring near the lake. It’s also a popular choice to sit on the beach, have a fire and enjoy some smores.

Perham is only a few miles away. From shopping, restaurants, the overall culture and community of Perham, and the famous turtle races, there’s always something to do.

For reservations, call: 630-523-3296

For more information about Sunny Bay Resort visit: https://www.sunnybayresort.com/