Out In Style: Most Comfortable Wilderness Retreats In Minnesota
It's about that time of year — the time when parents begin planning summer camping trips and families begin planning reunions. What if you are looking for a secluded retreat, but tents and air mattresses just aren't your style? Perhaps you should consider checking out a few cabins in the woods. Here are a few secluded cabins for rent that just might make you change your mind about roughing it.
Wilderness Resort Villas On Middle Cullen Lake
P.O. Box 84
Nisswa, MN 56468
(800) 231-4050
www.wildernessresortvillas.com
Wilderness Resort Villas rents cabins on Middle Cullen Lake in Nisswa, Minn. The company's website claims the lake is "one of the most secluded" in Minnesota. Visitors to the cabins can boat, swim, fish and golf. Located among mature pines, the cabins range in size from one room to five-bedroom villas. Pets are welcome for an additional fee.
St. Croix State Park
30065 St. Croix Park Road
Hinckley, MN 55037
(866) 857-2757
www.dnr.state.mn.us
The St. Croix State Park has two guesthouses which can accommodate 12-15 people, and parking is available for up to six cars. Each guesthouse includes many of the amenities of home, including a full kitchen and multiple bathrooms. Each rental includes heat, fire pits and grills. Pets are not welcome on the property and there is no smoking allowed. The state park includes many bicycling trails and opportunities for an abundance of outdoor activities.
Wilderness Bay Lodge
P.O. Box 127
Ely, MN 55731
(218) 365-4311
www.wildernessbaylodge.com
Located in Ely, Minn., Wilderness Bay Lodge is so secluded that visitors must take a boat ride to the cabins. The resort is made up of nine total cabins, which can accommodate anywhere from two to eight visitors. Each cabin has a screened-in porch, dock and a full acre of land. In total, the resort has more than a half mile of shoreline, according to the website. Boat rental and a sauna also are available for guests.
Sibley State Park
800 Sibley Park Road NE.
New London, MN 56273
(320) 354-2055
www.dnr.state.mn.us
Sibley State Park offers visitors an array of activities, including hiking, canoeing, swimming, boating, fishing, birdwatching and horseback riding. The park also is home to Mount Tom, which allows visitors to hike to the highest point in the area and take in the prairies, forest and farmland. In addition, the park has four cabins to rent. Each cabin houses five or six people, and each is situated within 1,000 feet of the restroom. Each has a porch and electricity.
Smokey Hills Wilderness Retreat
53014 Highway 34
Osage, MN 56570
(218) 573-2999
www.smokeyhills.com
Located near Park Rapids, Smokey Hills Wilderness Retreat can accommodate groups as large as 100 or as small as 15, according to the website. The retreat is the perfect place to hunt, fish, ride ATVs and walk trails. The retreat has 18 themed cabins, some of which can accommodate up to 14 people. At this wilderness retreat, take time to relax with basketball, horse shoes, a movie or yard games.
Related: Best Sleep Away Summer Camps For Kids In Minnesota
Kristyn Gansen is a freelance writer covering all things Minneapolis. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
