Very Private log lodge on Minnesota’s clearest lake inc. Kayak rowboat & canoe

Photo gallery for Very Private log lodge on Minnesota’s clearest lake inc. Kayak rowboat & canoe

Dining
Well equipped kitchen and beautiful dining area.
Open floor plan.
We’re ready for Christmas and we just had a cancelation.  Bring your love one.
Enjoy this year-round sun room screen porch.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free WiFi
AU$712
avg per night

Explore the area

Map
Marcell, MN
  • Marcell Family Center
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Bills Lake
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Grand Rapids, MN (GPZ-Itasca County)
    ‪46 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 16)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5

4 Double Beds

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

Room

  • 325.2 sq m
  • Sleeps 16
  • 4 Queen Beds and 4 Double Beds
Price is AU$712 avg per night,

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About the area

Deer River

Located in Deer River, this lodge is in a rural area and on the beach. Travellers eager for a bit of culture can stop by The Myles Reif Center Performing Arts Center, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Gunn Lake and Newburg Bay. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

What's nearby

  • Marcell Family Center - 12 min drive - 9.8 km
  • Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center - 13 min drive - 10.8 km
  • Gunn Lake - 17 min drive - 8.6 km
  • Bills Lake - 21 min drive - 14.2 km
  • Burns Lake - 26 min drive - 13.2 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Pine Cone Soup & Sandwich Cafe - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Marcell Inn - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The Pine Cone Cafe - ‬13 min drive

About this property

Very Private log lodge on Minnesota’s clearest lake inc. Kayak rowboat & canoe

Beautifully hand-crafted Log lodge Located on the shore of Minnesota’s clearest lake. Written up
In the Star and Tribune for its location and night skis, and private sauna. This Spacious two level cabin with Four/five bedrooms, the 5th being a large bunk room, 3 bathrooms, full kitchen, dining and bar area, fireplace, sauna. Located in the Chippewa National Forest there are trial right out the door, a large yard, fire pit, big deck on the lake and your own private dock. This secluded spacious cabin sits on the shores of the clearest lake in Minnesota. With visibility of up to 40 feet, it’s a fantastic lake for swimming and fishing. Catch Lake trout, Large and Small mouth bass, northern pike, and sunfish right off your dock or from the row boat provided for you, or the kayaks, canoes, or paddle boat available for your use, or a pontoon available for rental. .
Open year round enjoy Miles of wooded hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and snow mobile trails right out your door. Travel scenic byway 38 to the Suomi Hills north of Grand Rapids. This pristine forest scattered with lakes will exceed all expectations. We're are well established and intend to be here for years to come. So get your family and friends together, make memories and start a tradition. It will be someting you'll look forward to all year long. Full week rentals in summer months, minimum two night stays Laborday to Memorial day. WE MAKE IT FEEL LIKE YOUR OWN PRIVATE RETREAT,
If your looking for a venue for an intimate group of 50 people, you have access to additional places along 1000 feet of lakeshore with a wedding pavilion overlooking the lake an a small honeymoon cabin.
It's Quiet lake, but you can bring your own boat for water sports as long as you are certain your boat is free of invasive species We discourage jet skis because They're a bit too loud for this size lake.
And when not on the lake relax with a book, play games with the kids, hike on our miles of wooded trails.
Winter it a magical time for x- country skiing, snow shoeing, and snow mobile the right out the driveway onto 100s of miles of trails.
Once you come you'll keep coming back.

A great gathering place: The perfect place to get together with friends and family. Life is short, so start a tradition of having fun with the ones you love in this beautifully hand-crafted log lodge. We leave you alone, so You will feel like it's your own private lake home. This log lodge was built by one of the top log home builders in the Nation, and also owner of the place. Fourty years ago Tim and Peg built their first log home which for Tim became a passion. In 1977 he started his log home building business, Top-Notch Log Homes. From modest log cabins to 7000 sq ft log mansions, Tim and his crew built masterly crafted log homes throughout the Northland. Twenty years later in 1997 Tim and Peg and their two young children purchased a small resort on 1000 feet of Lakeshore on their favorite lake. Now after anothen 20'years Tim''s has FINALLY competed his log cabin dreams.
With 3 big log lodges, 2 small log cottages and a pavilion with a fantastic overlook of the lake. So come, check us out. Be it for a romantic getaway with the one you love to a big family gathering, we have that and everything in between.
But if you've dreamed of having your own log home on the lake this is a great place to start.
For those who are thinking about a log home of their own just let us know. We can answer all your questions, show you plans, and build you one. If you didn't want one before you stay here you will want one after your stay.

For those who love the great outdoors: The last leg of your drive through Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway will take you through the Suomi hills, past lakes, and over the laurentian divide, to the top of the northern watershed. Turn east though tall pines, and down our long winding driveway to the private retreat on crystal clear Caribou lake.
Miles of trails are right out your door. The Suomi and Trout lake non-motorized recreation area are a couple miles away, and the mesabi snow Mobile trail is at the end of our driveway, linking you to just about every trail in Northern Minnesota.

Cross County ski the Soumi Hills, Trout Lake Estate, Blueberry Hills, Sugar Hills, Wabana. Wonderfully groomed trails for all level of skiers,

Property manager

Peggy Landin

Amenities

Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Parking available
Laundry

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 24
Check out before 10:30 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
A great place for kids to explore. .
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Please contact me for wedding packages.
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 1 total)
Dog allowed Sept-May limit of one in the summer.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
You can smoke outside
Summer stays require 3:30 pm check in and 9:30 am check out. Please bring all garbage/recycling to the dumpster, start towels in the wash and dishes.
Smoking only allowed outdoors, and please dispose of butts in proper containers/garbage.
Grilling is only allowed outdoors and please do not grill on wood surfaces (deck/patio)

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Cashless transactions are available
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20
Note from host: please contact me for wedding packages.
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
Property Registration Number FLB-3891-15215

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

Frequently asked questions

Is Very Private log lodge on Minnesota’s clearest lake inc. Kayak rowboat & canoe pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total).

What time is check-in at Very Private log lodge on Minnesota’s clearest lake inc. Kayak rowboat & canoe?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Very Private log lodge on Minnesota’s clearest lake inc. Kayak rowboat & canoe?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Very Private log lodge on Minnesota’s clearest lake inc. Kayak rowboat & canoe located?

Nestled on the beach, this Deer River lodge is within 9 mi (15 km) of Gunn Lake, Newburg Bay and Burns Lake. Bills Lake and Marcell Family Center are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Very Private log lodge on Minnesota’s clearest lake inc. Kayak rowboat & canoe Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 35 out of 39 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 39 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 39 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 39 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 39 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.0/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tom S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous stay
Absolutely gorgeous log cabin on beautiful lake. Very secluded location with great walking trails through the woods. The deck is really nice to look out over nice lot and the lake. House was well stocked and clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marcia L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous Getaway
Our family had a fabulous time sledding, snowshoeing, ice fishing…as well as eating, playing games, and sitting by the cozy fireplace. A good time was had by all!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Karin E.

Marcell
Beautiful log cabin!!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Sean S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gorgeous Place!
My wife and I got married in Marcell on Turtle Lake Sept 17. We stayed in this home with our entire wedding party. We couldn’t have asked for a better place, location, and host. Peggy was very helpful and a pleasure to rent from. We definitely will be back! Thanks for everything!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

8/10 Good

Todd I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location for a family getaway!
Overall, it was an amazing week to get away with the family. The home is in an amazing, quiet location on a stunningly clear lake!! The loons were amazing to watch and listen to as the sun set and the lake looked like a mirror! The home was comfortable, lack of TV was a welcome relief but the wifi worked well for any needed research or communication. The crystal clear lake was the largest draw and peaceful pontoon cruises multiple times a day were awesome!! A great week and we hope to return again in the future!!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michal B., Chicago

Awesome place. Highly recommended !!!
The log house and the place where it is located is truly incredible . The cottage itself is masterpiece in every detail. We spend there wonderful time over New Year’s Eve. I was impressed how this log house is warm and cozy. Temperatures outside during our stay have reached -40•F on night . Inside was incredible warm. The cottage is located in the middle of Winter Wonderland. The views from house are breathtaking. This is the best log house I’ve seen so far for reasonable price. I highly recommend it for everyone. We plan to come back again in summer time.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2017

6/10 Okay

Nancy L.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness
Annual Siblings weekend
The property owner was very easy to work with. Layout of the property was wonderful. Loved the location and tranquility of the area. The mattresses could use updating and not all of the bedding was clean (sand in some of the beds). Some deck repair needed for safety. Make sure you bring your own firewood because our group felt their price was too expensive (at $3 per log). Overall we had a very nice relaxing weekend. We also really appreciated the quiet with no TVs. Thank you for sharing your property with us
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Sharon B., Maple Lake, MN

Scenic Serenity
Our group stayed at this log lodge for a weekend of calm, peace and beauty. And boy, did this place deliver! Our stay was perfect. It is spacious, private and clean. This is not a cabin. It is a home, with everything you could possibly need furnished. The yard is huge with room to play and stroll as you wish. The drive is on one of the very best scenic roads. The lake is nearly as clear as the Caribbean Sea!! We would not hesitate to rent here again and look forward to visiting in the future. The only downsides we could see were not enough time here and finding time to visit again! There are no TV's, but we honestly did not miss them and spent our time sleeping in, reading, playing cards and exploring the area. Thank you for a relaxing getaway........we needed that!

10/10 Excellent

William S., Tracy

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely the Best
I can only comment about what it's like visiting this property in the winter. And I don't know if the owner is a wizard or not, but each time we visit everything is magical and perfect. Fully flocked trees on the drive up to the cabin set the mood. Temps around -10 and plenty of fire wood to keep us all cozy for the week. A Christmas tree greeted us into the clean house. The sauna is perfect after snowshoeing out to the main road. Our Berner loved sitting in the cold 4-seasons porch with the door closed and the heat off. Kitchen had everything we needed to cook Christmas cookies, a giant Korabuto Ham and all the other food we bought from Grand Rapids. There's a liquor store and a convenience store in Marcell - just 6 miles up the well maintained road... good for when you misjudge just how many snacks and drinks will be consumed. Ping Pong table was nice and there were plenty of blankets in one of the closets. The main point is just how magical and relaxing this place is. What a treat.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

parnell S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
guys trip
all the guys that made it out said they loved it. unfortunately i was unable to attend. they where very pleased with everything. thanks again
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly wiring pnd R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing lake and fab sauna
This is a very large log home with 4 main bedroom and then a large game room with many beds. The private sauna was amazing. The lake is incredibly clear. We had fun jumping off the dock, taking out the row boat, fishing off the dock, having a fire and star gazing. We saw one boat and heard another briefly. Very private. Incredible sunsets!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Colton M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A great place to get away!!
There were 9 of us that stayed there with plenty of extra space and beds left over. It’s a very nice log home. The lake water is super clear, overall we all had a great time and have no complaints.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Eva W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great spot for a family get together
My brothers, our significant others, and our kids all got together here in June. Peg was very easy to communicate with and accommodating. The space comfortably fit all of us and the lake was beautiful! We'd love to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mary S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Holiday Getaway
This was the perfect place for our family of 7 adults! We loved the beautiful setting in the Northwoods and the cozy cabin. There was plenty of room for all of us to play board games, enjoy cooking, and relax around the fireplace. It was great that we could include our dogs! Thank you so much for a lovely time!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

catherine b., Albert Lea, MN

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great quiet and secluded location
Great secluded getaway for extended family gathering! Plenty of rooms and beds for everyone and space to spread out. We enjoyed hikes on area trails and walking out on the frozen lake, followed by time in the sauna. The owners were very accommodating by plowing the driveway during our stay, having the cabin well stocked with essential items and easy access to firewood for the beautiful stone fireplace. We will likely be back! Also, scenic drive up 38 was very picturesque.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Robert C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Grouse Hunting Party
Party of 10 hunters stayed in cabin. Size of cabin was perfect as nearly all had their own bed. We cooked every night as kitchen was fully stocked. Couches were very comfortable after spending all day in the field. Great cabin.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Brett P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Summer Fun in August
First off, Peg is a great person shonis very easy going and has an answer for all and if not asks if you have a suggestion! We had 7 people (3 different families, not related) for two days and 5 for the rest so we had plenty of room to spread out and relax! Caribou lake is all that it is cracked up to be plus, such little boat traffic, you get used to silence! We should have brought our own towels like it suggests in the details, we just have never done this at VRBO's. This as been one of the best places we have ever rented! Thanks Peg!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Travis P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful solitude
Beautiful cabin and lake. Water is like a giant swimming pool. Large parking area for boat trailers.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

8/10 Good

Josh S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Wonderful property
Great place to host a family event. The property is a gem and the lake is beautiful. I love to fish a was never disappointed anytime I went out.

10/10 Excellent

Becca O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great vacation Getaway
We loved the seclusion that this property offered but it also provided many activities to do. The lake view was gorgeous and the cabin was kept very clean and organized. Definitely a great trip!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020

2/10 Terrible

Marcia F.

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We are all coming back next year
Our family of 16 all want to come back next year. The pictures told the story of how great this property is. It is private and the lake is crystal clear. The house doesn't lack for anything including kitchen supplies and attention to detail in every room. We have other options for our next year's family vacation but every single one of us want to come back. Now we know what we need to bring and not to bring and for sure we are renting a pontoon again as that was amazing. We strongly recommend it. Peggy and her staff were wonderful. The only complaint was the mosquitos. But we do live in MN and we came well equipped to fight them off!! THanks so much. Many wonderful memories.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Sarah C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
More than what we hoped for
Everything about this property and the owners was absolutely wonderful. We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kris H., St. Paul, MN

Winter wonderland
Our extended family and 2 dogs stayed at this place for a week over New Years. Fabulous! Everything about this beautiful log home was perfect. Lots of room, well furnished kitchen, private, beautiful location on Caribou Lake. We took advantage of so much this place has to offer: snowshoeing right out the cabin door, skiing at the beautiful Suomi Hills trail system nearby, sauna in the cabin, campfire at sunset, ice fishing—and of course the cards, puzzles, games, eating and drinking that always happen at our family gatherings. This place has it all. Hosts Peg and Tim were friendly and helpful, easy to communicate with. Would also be good for a book club or guilting group, with 5 bedrooms and plenty of space to spread out. Hopefully we’ll be back in the summer!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Brandon H.

Loved it
Nice with a homie feel, enjoyed having our Christmas there
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Tom W., Chanhassen, MN USA

Everything we had hoped for and more
This is a beautiful cabin and property. Very comfortable and functional. My family and especially our dog loved taking hikes right off the property which was very convenient. We brought everything we needed for meals and had dinner at the Timberwolf lodge which was only about 15 minutes away. There is a gas station / general convenience store / food takeout / sporting goods store / gift shop - all in one, only 10 minutes away. The lake was beautiful, and made for a great view from inside the house. Peggy was so easy to work with and extremely nice. The place was clean and in top shape when we arrived. I would definitely come back again and certainly recommend it.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018