If you are a Minnesotan, you may know that retreating to a cabin is a big deal. Actually, it’s more than that – it’s a way of life. If you’re not from Minnesota, you’re in for a treat when renting a cabin lakeside.
If you are looking for a cabin in Minnesota, you are in luck. The state offers lots of options and locations when it comes to choosing a cabin rental.
Minnesota is home to many fantastic cabin rentals for vacations. We’ve distilled down some of the best cabins in Minnesota to help you get away and explore this stunning state.
I’ve scoured and stayed at as many cabins as possible to help you find the ultimate cabin spot for your family, friends, or just for a simple getaway.
Here’s a list of the best vacation cabins in Minnesota!
Show Table of Contents
- Best Cabins in Minnesota
- 1. This Dreamy 1-Bedroom Cabin
- 2. This Stunning A-frame Rental Cabin in Minnesota Overlooking a Lake
- 3. This Picture-Perfect Scandinavian Lake House Tucked in the Woods
- 4. This Lavish Wood-Paneled Lakeside Cabin
- 5. This Remote-Access Only Cabin Hidden Above Farm Lake
- 6. This Remote Civil War Era Log Cabin
- 7. This Cool Timber Frame Cabin with Excellent Views of Lake Superior
- 8. This Cozy Scandinavian Dovetail Log Cabin
- 9. This Sixmile Lake Cabin Rental in Minnesota with an Open Floor Plan
- 10. This Four Seasons Tree House with All Amenities of a Home
- Where Should You Find Your Cabin in Minnesota?
- Airbnb
- VRBO
- HomeToGo
- FAQs
- Why should you book a rental cabin for your vacation in Minnesota?
- What rules you may have to follow while staying in cabin rentals?
Best Cabins in Minnesota
From year-round to seasonal cabin rentals in Minnesota, you can choose a cabin that suits your needs and budget. Let’s break down some of the most epic, Instagrammable Minnesota cabin rentals to plan an ideal getaway.
1. This Dreamy 1-Bedroom Cabin
Location: Kerrick, Minnesota, United States
Maximum Occupancy: 4 Guests
Minimum Stay: 2 Nights
Why it’s Worth it: If you want a break from the world, this charming cabin offers lots of nature without being inconvenient. Top-notch establishments are within walking distance.
Details
When all you need is a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life, this quaint cottage located on the famous scenic byway to Duluth will not disappoint.
As the name specifies, this one-bedroom cozy cabin is surrounded by trees and greenery.
This humble abode is minutes away from the Nemadji State Forest and within walking distance of a stellar barbecue restaurant and a general store.
This rustic cottage offers a little bit of everything. From cherishing nature to cycling along the scenic route to Duluth to hitting the hiking trails to going fishing, you can do anything you like the most during your stay in this secluded cabin.
The yard comes with a fire pit, an outdoor grill, and enough area for tenting. That means you can stay closer to home and fire up the barbecue.
If modern comforts are what you need, visit Moose Lake (eventually leading to the Mississippi River) for craft beer or a cup of Joe at Joe Jitters Coffee House. You can also dine at any of the restaurants in the town and explore Duluth’s hiking trails.
Looking for more activities?
Check out more things to do in Duluth at Viator.
If you prefer hotels, these are the best hotels in Duluth you can consider booking for your stay.
Other Important Details:
- No children
- No smoking
- No parties
- Pet-friendly property
See Related: Best Lake Towns in Minnesota to Visit
2. This Stunning A-frame Rental Cabin in Minnesota Overlooking a Lake
Location: Battle Lake, Minnesota, United States
Maximum Capacity: 10 Guests
Minimum stay: 2 Nights
Why it’s Worth it: This A-frame cabin gets five stars for aesthetics. The property is designed and decorated gorgeously — a surefire way to boost likes on Instagram.
This is one of the best A-frame cabin rentals in Minnesota. The photos are surely enough to want to book your stay here. But if you need more convincing, continue reading.
Details
This is one of the high-demand vacation cabins in Minnesota with 4 bedrooms, 6 beds, and 2 bathrooms.
This gorgeous A-frame property really impresses once natural light gets in. In the afternoon, expansive glass windows bathe the wooden walls with a golden glow.
A stunning spiral staircase leads to a spacious loft with a lovely sitting area and king-size bed. The cabin also features two twin bunk rooms, one bedroom with a king bed, and an unobstructed lake view.
Not only this, but this MN cabin also has a private fire pit and outdoor space, perfect for walking and socializing.
Since this is a lakefront cabin, you can enjoy swimming, water sports, and fishing. You can also explore the area over the water of Ethel Lake with a rental pontoon boat from the homeowners.
Moreover, this spacious cabin rental is suitable for larger families or groups.
Other Important Details:
- No smoking
- No events or parties
- Pets are allowed
See Related: Best Resorts in Minnesota
Location: Lutsen, Minnesota, United States
Maximum Capacity: 8 Guests
Minimum Stay: 2 Nights
Why it’s Worth it: Offering modern amenities and screened-in porch settings, this gorgeous Scandinavian chalet comes with a hefty price tag. But every dollar you spend at the property promises luxurious comfort that will make you feel at home in the woods.
Details
Looking for the perfect escape?
Nestled deep in the woods and tucked on the shore of Caribou lake, this stunning lake house is one of the best Minnesota lake cabin rentals with boat and private beach.
It’s a short drive from the ski hill and just 20 minutes away from Grand Marais. This gorgeous, rustic cabin offers three bedrooms with walk-in showers, offering lots of space for a group of 8.
Flanked by water on both sides, offering access to over 500 feet of lakeshore, this cabin comes with everything you need in a modern abode. It has a sauna house, deck, dock, canoes, screen porch, and spacious driveway to ensure guests’ comfort.
This Minnesota vacation rental boasts a stunning Scandinavian design: premium wooden work, wide-open spaces, and a pared-back style that offers elegance. The ceiling-to-floor windows maximize light indoors.
All guests get access to the dock, sauna house, and boats.
Other Important Details:
- No parties
- No smoking
- Pets allowed
See Related: Best Things to Do in Superior, Wisconsin
4. This Lavish Wood-Paneled Lakeside Cabin
Location: Grand Marais, Minnesota, United States
Maximum Capacity: 14 Guests
Minimum Stay: 3 Nights
Why it’s Worth it: This spacious Airbnb sits on 1.6 acres of gorgeously landscaped property. Elegantly designed interiors promise a luxurious stay. The strategic location offers plenty of activities for the outdoorsy!
Details
Aptly named Always Grace, this airy, luxurious abode is one of the best cozy cabin rentals, and it’s easy to see why.
Elegantly designed for affluent travelers, the interiors feature stunning wood-paneled walls, vaulted ceilings, and full-length windows that offer spectacular views of the Lake Superior and Superior National Forest. It also has an airy patio where you can enjoy your morning coffee.
Five bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a spacious living room provide enough space for up to 14 guests. Leaving the house to stay at this waterfront cabin during your vacations is always a treat. The spacious kitchen allows guests to prepare large meals.
The cabin provides easy access to guests to Grand Marais for shopping or Gunflint Trail for some outdoor adventure. Pincushion Mountain Trail, with popular hiking trails, is just 4 miles away.
Check out these best things to do in Grand Marais while exploring Minnesota.
Other Important Details:
- No pets
- No parties
- No smoking
5. This Remote-Access Only Cabin Hidden Above Farm Lake
Location: Fall Lake Township, Minnesota, United States
Maximum Capacity: 6 Guests
Minimum Stay: 3 Nightsimage by Airbnb
Why it’s Worth it: If your ultimate goal is to disconnect, this cabin guarantees that you get the respite you need from the real world. Sitting in a remote location, only those willing to ski during winters or paddle out during warmer months will be rewarded by the private comforts of this hidden gem.
Details
Planning to go off the grid? This is another one of the charming vacation rentals in Minnesota.
Such charming lakeside summer/winter cabin rentals in Minnesota have everything you and your family need to disconnect from a hectic lifestyle. Without a road leading to the property, guests will have to ski or snowshoe during the winter to get to the cabin.
This is one of the beautiful Minnesota lake cabin rentals with boat. Paddling is the best way to reach the private dock during warmer months.
Though it’s a remote property, it houses a well-appointed kitchen, a sauna, and a wood-burning stove to ensure guests’ comfort.
While cozying up inside this unique cabin is a real treat, you can also try your hands on outdoor activities.
You can explore the area with the provided canoes, enjoy cross-country skiing, fire up a barbecue on the fire pit, or go ice fishing on the lake.
Other Important Details:
- Pets allowed
- No smoking
See Related: Best Things to Do in Taylor’s Falls, Minnesota
6. This Remote Civil War Era Log Cabin
Location: Long Prairie, Minnesota, United States
Maximum Capacity: 4 Guests
Minimum Stay: 1 Night
Why it’s Worth it: Don’t let its non-descript appearance fool you; this log cabin is nearly 150 years old and steeped in history. Surrounded by 40 acres of woods and void of electricity, this is one of the best cabin rentals in Minnesota for travelers looking to go off the grid.
Details
Erected nearly 150 years ago by Benjamin Maynard after the Civil War, this charming log cabin was beautifully rehabilitated. At the moment, this is one of the best Minnesota cabins for rent.
Today, this log cabin sits on a meadow at the edge of the woods. The property features a complete kitchen, high-end furnishings, a stove, and a downstairs sitting room. Two spacious beds with handmade quilts and feather pillows offer enough space for four.
The cabin also has a private balcony or patio, allowing you to enjoy your morning coffee while cherishing the view.
Travelers taking a digital detox will be happy to know the lack of electricity here.
Once night falls, illumination becomes limited to old-fashioned kerosene lanterns. It sets the right mood for some scary story-telling around the outdoor fire ring and barbecue.
Other Important Details:
- No parties
- No smoking
- Pet allowed
See Related: Best Things to Do in Lanesboro, Minnesota
7. This Cool Timber Frame Cabin with Excellent Views of Lake Superior
Location: Grand Marais, Minnesota, United States
Maximum Capacity: 4 Guests
Minimum Stay: 1 Night
Why it’s Worth it: Just four miles from Grand Marais and some of the best campgrounds in Minnesota, this airy cabin rental can make you feel lost in the woods.
Wide windows offer unobstructed views of Lake Superior, while modern comforts such as full-size appliances and a TV offer a slice of home.
Details
If you’re looking for a waterfront Minnesota cabin rental with the best views, this gorgeous timber frame cabin easily tops the list.
The cabin is nestled within a 10-acre parcel, surrounded by evergreen trees. Inside, big windows offer panoramic views of Lake Superior and its thriving community of flora and fauna, from birds to butterflies to wildflowers to berries and more.
The cabin snugly fits up to four guests, but big windows and a cathedral ceiling offer an airy, modern, and spacious look.
At night, guests can stargaze from the big skylight in the open loft.
The cabin offers all-needed facilities, including full-size appliances, a well-appointed kitchen, a TV & DVD player, a fire pit overlooking Lake Superior, and a vegetable garden.
Other Important Details:
- No parties
- No smoking
- No pets
See Related: Tettegouche State Park Travel Guide
Location: Grand Marais, Minnesota, United States
Maximum Capacity: 2 Guests
Minimum Stay: 2 Nights
Why it’s worth it: For couples looking for a romantic honeymoon, this Scandinavian Dovetail cabin is one of the best cabins in Minnesota. Snuggle up with your significant other amidst modern interiors designed by a local carpenter and North House Folk School instructor.
Details
Just like our previous favorites, this charming cabin forces you to unplug. With almost no network or Wi-Fi, this is the best place for couples to spend some alone time.
This log cabin is small, but it doesn’t skimp on style. This 11’x20′ facility features wood-paneled walls and large windows.
Just minutes away from the Hovland dock, it offers enough opportunities for tourists to swim, catch a sunset, and stargaze from the private dock.
The cabin is equipped with solar lighting, a gas fireplace, a burner gas cooktop, a fire pit, and an outdoor cook grill.
In true backpacker fashion, guests are required to rough it up just a bit. After preparing your meals in its fully functional kitchen, hop in the wood-fired sauna using water from rain barrels (or you can even melt snow for bathing).
Since there is no running water or a water filter, you should bring your own drinking water.
Other Important Details:
- No pets
- No parties
- No smoking
9. This Sixmile Lake Cabin Rental in Minnesota with an Open Floor Plan
Location: Ely, Minnesota, United States
Maximum Capacity: 6 Guests
Minimum Stay: 2 Nights
Why it’s Worth it: A stunning hand-scribed log cabin on the shore of the gorgeous Six Mile Lake will make you feel at home. The abundance of greenery and phenomenal lake views make it an ideal rental cabin.
Details
Tucked away in the woods on a private lake, this log-sided cabin rental provides a tranquil escape to guests with incredible panoramic views. This one-bedroom cabin features 4 beds and 1 bathroom. It has an open floor plan with stairs to a loft with railings.
You will find one queen bed in the loft and 1 sofa bed & 2 bunk beds in the living area, offering enough room to accommodate up to six guests.
The cabin’s kitchen offers all the necessary amenities, including a coffee maker, gas stove with the oven, microwave, and refrigerator. It also has a grill outside, perfect for those who want to cook out on pleasant days.
The bathroom has a claw foot tub and shower, perfect for a deep soak after fishing, hiking, or paddling in canoes (complimentary) on the private access lake.
Moreover, you can enjoy campfires with your people while making some memorable lifelong memories. Like what you are hearing? Check out these best things to do in Ely, Minnesota to make the most of your visit.
Other Important Details:
- No smoking
- No parties
- Pets allowed
See Related: Best Scenic Drives in Minnesota
10. This Four Seasons Tree House with All Amenities of a Home
Location: Morrison County, Minnesota, United States
Maximum Capacity: 9 Guests
Minimum Stay: 2 Nights
Why it’s Worth it: This cozy treehouse offers the best atmosphere to take a break from ordinary life and go the extra mile. Beautiful and tranquil, you can explore the area by canoe, kayak, and paddle boat to make the most of your visit.
Details
Around 18 feet off the ground, this tree house rental cabin is one of the most stayed-at VRBOs in Minnesota with a good score. This 850 square feet cabin has 2 bedrooms, 5 beds, one bathroom, a living room, kitchen, and a patio featuring a 6-person outdoor hot tub.
Boasting lake views, this tree house is located on top of a covered bridge. Overlooking Rock Lake, the cabin comes with an air conditioning and heating system, making it a year-round rental property.
Eagle Mountain is nearby — offering enough opportunities for hiking and enjoying the wildlife. Winter activities include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. On the other hand, you can enjoy kayaking and paddle boating in the summers.
No matter your taste, this cabin is perfect for a magical escape with your family and friends.
Other Important Details:
- Children allowed
- Events allowed
- No smoking
- No pets
Where Should You Find Your Cabin in Minnesota?
When it comes to booking a cabin in Minnesota, you need to make your reservations through a reliable source to avoid any last-minute hassle.
Fortunately, there are several online platforms that allow you to find the rental place of your dreams. Though the list is extensive, some of the best ones are as follows:
Airbnb
Airbnb is arguably a trustworthy stop for finding the best rental cabins in Minnesota. Everything you need to select the perfect accommodation is right here, from idyllic lake houses with beautiful waterfront views to modern lofts oozing with artsy charm and more.
Depending on the location, you may book a cabin instantly. Send a request or ask questions before committing. You need to make a profile on this vacation rental company’s website to book your stay.
Your profile will help the host of a particular property to know a little about you before confirming your request. Some hosts may ask you to have a verified ID or profile photo to book.
VRBO
VRBO’s primary goal is to pair homeowners with families looking for great places to stay. This vacation rental marketplace consists of over 2 million homes around the world.
Unlike Airbnb, VRBO features different robust search tools that enable you to filter preferences and highlight properties available in your desired location.
It also comes with a host of group planning tools that will enable you to find the best accommodations, no matter your budget.
HomeToGo
Are you looking for the best travel deals? HomeToGo is a metasearch engine that allows you to compare hundreds of vacation rentals. This online platform lists countless options from several trusted partners, including TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and VRBO.
The platform makes it easy to find a property that offers the most bang for your buck.
HomeToGo’s unique selling point is the sheer amount of websites it can aggregate and its capacity to sort hundreds of results to offer relevant information to users.
Additionally, you can save as much as 35% by being flexible with your travel time.
FAQs
Why should you book a rental cabin for your vacation in Minnesota?
Some reasons to consider booking a Minnesota cabin rental for your vacation are:
– The mesmerizing surroundings Minnesota has to offer
– Peaceful natural experience
– Quiet space and privacy
– Access to several outdoor activities, such as hiking and fishing
– Escaping the city, the rat race, and everyday life in general
What rules you may have to follow while staying in cabin rentals?
Whether you’re looking for rental cabins in Southern Minnesota or Northern Minnesota, here’s the list of rules that you may be asked to follow:
– Assess the place properly as soon as you reach there
– Not all cabins are pet-friendly
– You are not always allowed to have parties or events
– Smoking is usually not allowed
– Don’t trash the place
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- Best Minnesota Family Vacations | Top Destinations & Ideas
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Joshua Lagandaon is a writer from the Philippines. He has been writing professionally for more than a decade after taking a Creative Writing degree at the Philippines’ prestigious Ateneo de Manila University. He writes for local travel, fashion, and lifestyle magazines while dabbling in theater and the arts.
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