10 Secluded Cabins in Minnesota to Get Away from it All

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Minnesota may have a bit of a Superior-ity complex, but don’t let that stop you from visiting.

Lake Superior, the Superior National Forest — we get it, Minnesota!

Joke aside, it’s spectacular outdoor destinations like these that make the Land of 10,000 Lakes such an interesting place to get lost — figuratively, of course.

While there are plenty of fantastic towns and man-made attractions worth seeing across the state, Minnesota is certainly a place that many turn to in search of seclusion. This is especially true for those that prefer lakeside isolation as there are plenty of remote bodies of water out there to discover.

Whether you’re in search of outdoor thrills, a quiet fishing hole to call your own, or simply a place to rest away from the noise of the city, there’s bound to be a secluded cabin in Minnesota perfect for you. Read on to find yours.

1. Lake Vermillion Log Cabin

Secluded Lake Vermilion Log Cabin — Photo: VRBO

Why you should stay: An island getaway with towering pines and forest critters for neighbors.

Nearest town: Tower
Sleeps: 14
Minimum stay: 5 nights
Rates from: $600/night

Boat your way into the absolutely gorgeous and surprisingly well-equipped Lake Vermillion Log Cabin. The spacious interior is beset with stunning wood architecture as well as a stone fireplace and a wood-burning stove to keep you extra-warm.

You’ll have 14 private acres of Pine Island to explore at your leisure, as well as the many nooks and crannies of Lake Vermillion. The boathouse and dual docks will serve as your gateway to and from this private lakeside cabin. This home has every amenity you’ll need, but be sure to stock up on groceries before arriving. The home comes with use of kayaks and canoes, and the owners will take care of getting you to and from the home.

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Related Read: 8 Unique & Secluded Cabin Rentals in Ohio

2. Briar Lake Lodge

Secluded Lake Front Log Cabin — Photo: VRBO

Why you should stay: Outdoor recreation opportunities abound at this isolated lakeside lodge.

Nearest town: Duluth
Sleeps: 15
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $400/night

Briar Lake Lodge is the perfect setting for the quintessential ‘weekend at the cabin’ experience. The log cabin structure rests against the shore of a small, remote trout lake where fishing is a given, but it’s also prime habitat for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Likewise, the surrounding forest is a year-round outdoor playground. There are plenty of hiking trails and four-wheeling routes to explore during the summer, and when the winter snows fall, the same tracks turn into cross-country ski and snowshoe and snowmobile tracks. Considering how many guests it sleeps, it’s one of the better-priced secluded cabins in Minnesota.

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3. Lake Superior Log Home

Why you should stay: Executive-level accommodations on the vast Lake Superior shoreline.

Nearest town: Two Harbors
Sleeps: 8
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $490/night

Experience complete seclusion and utter serenity at this Lake Superior Log Home. While you’ll be far distant from the working world, this impressive home is well-connected, meaning you’ll still have access to high-speed Wi-Fi as well as a suite of entertainment options including Netflix and Apple TV.

Features like the designer kitchen and on-site sauna will have you wanting to spend all of your time indoors, but the tranquility of the outdoors will call as well. There’s a short walking path to the lake’s nearby pebble beach, and there’s much more to see for those who want to venture out into the surrounding forests. The price listed on VRBO is for four people, with an extra $25 fee per person per night up to eight.

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4. Agua Norte Cabin

Agua Norte Cabin minnesota — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Modern and stylish timber-frame cabin for couples and small crews.

Nearest town: Grand Marais
Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rates from: $235/night

Setting the stage for a romantic getaway or a small friends’ vacation, the Aqua Norte Cabin oozes with contemporary charm. The striking timber-frame construction is built much like a tiny home, though it’s a rather large tiny home.

The open-floor design provides plenty of room for a few people to stretch out. Similarly, there are windows at every turn that open up the space to the expansive lake views, and the skylights add to the nighttime ambiance of the loft. If you’re lucky (very lucky), you may even be able to see the northern lights during a winter visit.

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5. Blackbeach Cabin

black beach secluded cabin — Photo: VRBO

Why you should stay: A spacious waterfront cabin with its own private beach.

Nearest town: Two Harbors
Sleeps: 8
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $575/night

Take the entire family out for a trip to Minnesota’s famous North Shore. This roomy Blackbeach Cabin stands out for its private beach which, unlike most of the rest of the shoreline, is composed of soft black sand instead of large rocks.

With the lake at the home’s front and forest surrounding all other ends, you’ll be enveloped in complete privacy during your stay. Spend your day on the deck, down at the fire pit on the beach, or beside the stone fireplace of the main gathering room. This place is pure tranquility to a T. It’s one of the pricer cabins in Minnesota, but that private beach, man….

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6. The Hideaway

Why you should stay: The Hideaway isn’t the name of the lodging: it’s the hidden oasis nearby.

Nearest town: Bigfork
Sleeps: 9
Minimum stay: 3 nights
Rates from: $179/night

This large home is a fine choice for groups of all sorts – families, outdoor clubs, friends, business retreats –because The Hideaway is more than a simple home. Though the house is quite grand, you’ll want to explore the rest of the grounds as well. Because a few hundred feet away lies a magical retreat that is the true highlight of this rental.

There, a private dock provides access to the private Lake Wasson. You’ll have access to a motorboat, canoe, and paddleboat, as well as a screened-in gazebo with electricity and a number of amenities. This is your escape within an escape. Dogs are allowed here for an extra $50 one-time fee.

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7. White Pine Retreat

Why you should stay: A true wilderness retreat set in the Superior National Forest.

Nearest town: Isabella
Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $169/night

Rustic and cozy, White Pine Retreat sets the stage for limitless adventure and restful stillness; the choice is yours. This cabin’s sun porch, unique dining turret, and lakeside deck provide plenty of places to rest for a peaceful respite.

But there’s plenty to see and do for those who refuse to sit still. A boardwalk leads to the waters of Lake Gegoka where guests can take advantage of the included kayaks and canoes. The Superior Hiking Trail and many of the state’s most popular state parks are down the road, and when snow blankets the area, you can venture out into the woods with a pair of snowshoes or a snowmobile.

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8. Strawberry Lake Cabin

Why you should stay: Romantic, affordable Minnesota cabin in a picturesque setting.

Nearest town: Ogema
Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $139/night

Strawberry Lake Cabin is the type of place that guests fall in love with, and, occasionally, fall in love at. Everything from the manicured shoreline garden to the shimmering lake sunsets and even the destination’s cute name will strike a chord with those who adore romance. The host even recommends a local caterer who can deliver home-cooked meals at your beck and call in case you want to surprise someone with a formal dinner at home.

However, matters of the heart are not the only draw of this charming cabin. The open-floor plan, lofted bedroom, and screened-in porch give this place plenty of character regardless of whether you’re a couple or a foursome, as do the surrounding woods and accessible private boat dock.

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9. Sucker River Log Cabin

Why you should stay: A quirky and intimate log cabin on 40 private acres near Duluth.

Nearest town: Duluth
Sleeps: 3
Minimum stay: 3 nights
Rates from: $123/night

This hand-built Sucker River Log Cabin is fashioned much like a yurt, but with the solid construction of a log cabin. It’s entirely off-grid, but there is a full solar- and propane-powered kitchen, a wood-fire sauna, and potable drinking water.

Despite its remoteness and roughing-it nature, this idyllic forest getaway is only 20 minutes away from downtown Duluth. You’ll be immersed in nature during your stay, but you’ll always know that you can retreat back into town if you’re in need of any extra creature comforts or supplies. Take a tour of the Duluth Glensheen Mansio n if you need a rainy-day activity.

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10. Cuyuna Log Cabin

Why you should stay: Enjoy this adorable home – and your own lakeside peninsula.

Nearest town: Deerwood
Sleeps: 6
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $500/night

The Cuyuna Log Cabin is a delightfully whimsical, hand-built log cabin with many unique features, plus a beautiful location. The cabin is on its own peninsula sandwiched between the two main arms of Portage Lake.

A stay here is truly what you make of it. You can laze the day away in the private setting of the swing chair on the floating screened porch, or venture out to enjoy the many recreational opportunities nearby. You can request in advance to use the owner’s boats and kayak or head out on one of the area mountain biking trails for a heart-pumping good time. There are a few reasonably priced mountain bike rental shops in Deerwood.

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