Top Hotels in Minnesota Cottages
Top Things to do in Minnesota
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10 Top-Rated Cottages in Minnesota
The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have the famous Mall of America and Walker Art Institute. Bluff Country to the south has water sports and cross country skiing. The Prairielands abound with lake recreations.
Things to do in Minnesota
1. Good Ol' Days Family Resort
Overall Ratings
4 based on 48 reviews
Poor Maintenance and Cleaning
Reviewed By BVELockI stayed here with some friends for a weeklong summer vacation. I had heard about this resort from some friends that stayed here a few years ago before the new cabins were built. I had high expectations from what I had been told about this resort. Upon check in I was told that the resort was not offering complementary breakfast right at the moment even though I was told it was offered when I made my reservation several months earlier. We stayed in Cabin 11 which was one of the newly constructed cabins. When we got to our cabin we found that it had been cleaned poorly. There was a note from the cleaner Tabitha on the counter. We found that all of the hard floors had sand and dirt on them. The counters and stove were also dirty. The grill outside was disgusting and had not been cleaned for a long time. The underneath of the kitchen sink was very dirty and had not been cleaned in a long time. The ceilings and walls had several spots that looked like blood on them. There were multiple lights out in our cabin. The front door would not latch shut and deadbolt strikes were not installed on the front or back doors. The kitchen table legs were loose along with the bench seat at the table. The bathroom toilet seats were loose along with the entire bathroom sink basins. The fridge handles were also loose. The shades in the bedroom were too long and would not stay up. The beds were cheap and were way to soft and not supportive. I had a sore back each morning I woke up because of this. The Wi-Fi internet was also very slow. The water heater must have been small because after 2 people would shower there was no hot water left in the cabin. We had to ask every night to have firewood brought to our rack as they were barely stocking it. The new cabins do have a full kitchen and have all the pots and pans and utensils. The cabin also has in unit washer and dryer. They are 3 bedroom 2 bathroom cabins. Overall I was disappointed with the resort as I felt like they had good facilities but did not want to properly upkeep and clean them. If they were not being cheap it would have been a significantly better experience. Our rate was the early summer rate which was reasonable but starting memorial days the rates go up to summer rates which are significantly more expensive. I do not know that I would necessarily return to this resort based off of this experience. I would be more likely to try a different resort in the area. Hopefully Good Ol Days can improve on their upkeep and cleaning and they can improve.
2. Sunset Motel & Resort
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 9 reviews
Great Stay, Fabulous Hosts, Splendid Location!
Reviewed By nyctraveler11215Sunset Motel and Resort is exactly what I was looking for. Dave and his family clearly care about the comfort and well-being of their guests! I felt extremely welcome. I chose a cabin, with full kitchen to prepare my meals, and separate bedroom. It may be a little rougher around the edges than the updated motel rooms, but it provided me with a perfectly comfortable stay! The wifi is strong, there's smart tv, swimming pool, Lake Pepin just across the street, And kayaks. The location is great! I even extended my visit! This a Mom Pop Son establishment who do their utmost to ensure you have a great stay. You just won't find this at the Chain motels.
3. Bear Paw Resort
Overall Ratings
5 based on 230 reviews
We are a family owned resort with immaculate air-conditioned lakeside cabins and a fleet of quality rental boats located in the Northwoods providing the opportunity for your family to reconnect and make priceless memories that will last a lifetime. We have many fun FREE activities available for all ages here at Bear Paw Resort such as: water toys, playground, shuffleboard, horseshoes and tetherball. Step into Bear Paw Lodge and enjoy our made-to-order menu including Bear Paw's delicious signature-crust Pizza and mouthwatering Wings served with specialty sauces, just to name a few. Savor a quality espresso Latté, Mocha or Cappuccino paired with freshly-baked Cinnamon rolls or enjoy a full line of scrumptious sundaes, cones, malts and shakes. You will also find indoor games, souvenir shopping, bait, ice, pop and a Fitness Center. After going fishing for that first fish fry, you can unwind at a cozy campfire while being serenaded by loons as the gorgeous sunset melts into the water.
The perfect resort for everyone.
Reviewed By 448curtishWe love this resort, we have searched for years for our perfect vacation resort. 2022 was our 4th year. Bear Paw has a fishing guide that is more than accommodating for whatever kind of fishing. The owners are very friendly and kind. Two Inlets lake has the most beautiful sunset out of the cabin windows. If you are a bird watcher there are many kinds of birds to observe.
4. Gooseberry Park Cottages and Motel
Overall Ratings
5 based on 150 reviews
Located in Castle Danger, just 2 miles south of Gooseberry Falls State Park, we are one of the few remaining quaint and cozy 'Mom & Pop' run resorts along the beautiful North Shore of Lake Superior. Leave the routines of daily life behind. Explore the many State Parks, Hiking Trails, Rivers and Tributaries of Lake Superior's North Shore. We offer 6 lakeside housekeeping cottages where you can enjoy beautiful sunrises from your deck or porch. We have a newly remodeled motel with 3 housekeeping suites with full kitchens or if you need a comfortable base after exploring the shore we offer 2 standard motel rooms. Want to relax and not cook? No problem, just across the road you will find the Rustic Inn Restaurant serving delicious food and their award winning pie. Free Wi-fi, TV, DVD players are available in all units. Sorry No Pets.
Perfect place to stay on the north shore!
Reviewed By Heather FWe had a wonderful stay at Gooseberry Park Cottages and Motel! The room was spotless when we arrived. The grounds are beautifully maintained. We loved the access to the lake and the ability to have a fire right on the shore. I appreciated the many places to charge devices. The bedroom tv wasn't working for us, but we didn't need it so it was fine. The only "negative" for me was that we needed to keep the windows open at night since it was summer, which meant that there was a lot of road noise in the night. If you are a light sleeper, you might do better in one of the cottages (we were in the "motel" that is closer to the road. This was a small detail though and only a suggestion for someone who might be bothered by the noise. Overall, I would definitely stay here again (and hope we do)!
5. Serenity House Network
Overall Ratings
5 based on 34 reviews
Fully furnished apartments and private homes that provide housing for Mayo Clinic patients and their families & caregivers. Serving over 1,000 families since 2008.
Best Place to Stay in Rochester for Treatment at Mayo Clinic
Reviewed By jeant170We stayed at the Brigid apartment, a 2-bedroom garden apartment with an attached garage. It had two TVs, one in the living room, one in the master bedroom. The best was the gas fireplace. We thoroughly enjoyed that, especially after my Proton Radiation Treatment. I was tired and cold after most of the treatments and it was wonderful coming "home" to the nice warm fireplace. Two big cuddly throws made it even cozier. Everything you could possibly need except food was in the well-stocked kitchen. A really great swing in the yard was a blessing to relax on when we had a few nice warm sunny days. Its located in a safe neighborhood 20 minutes from downtown Rochester and Mayo Clinic. I highly recommend Serenity House Network. Ask for Greg, he's the best! Jean Trnka
6. Bell Sheep Homestead
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Located on Lake Superior's Scenic Highway 61, Bell Sheep Homestead (formerly j Gregers inn) is nestled along the most beautiful shoreline on Minnesota's North Shore. Bell Sheep Homestead is surrounded by trails, state parks, and miles of lush forest and scenic views, perfectly blending North Shore splendor with old-world sophistication.
Loved it even more the 2nd time around!!!
Reviewed By Janet KThe first time we stayed at Bell Sheep we stayed in the Tettagouche Room. We were so comfortable and cozy from how the room was decorated to the toasty fire that kept us warm after a long day of fall hiking. This time we stayed in the Gooseberry Falls Room. This room is lovely as well, warm and welcoming. It is a smaller room AND that does not take away charming atmosphere. There is private property between Bell Sheep and Lake Superior so it is not right on the lake...however you can still see the beauty of Gitche Gumee as you enjoy an outdoor fire. This is an absolute winning place to stay on the North Shore!
7. Geneva Beach Resort
Overall Ratings
5 based on 24 reviews
We are proud to offer one of the finest resorts in the Alexandria area. Located on Lake Geneva and the famous Chain of Lakes, we cater to families and fishing enthusiasts. The spacious, flat sand beach is an absolute favorite among guests & includes complimentary use of stand up paddle boards, paddle boats, and kayaks. Two Aqua Jumps & a Water Whoosh keeps kids of all ages busy during the day, while free firewood and campfire pits offer the opportunity to settle in each night with your favorite people. Parents appreciate the wide open spaces that provide a safe, carefree environment (with two swing-sets to burn off some of that never-ending energy). Many of our guests never leave the resort, but if you do feel like getting out during your stay we are just minutes from local breweries, wineries, shopping destinations, and golf courses. Located directly on the Central Lakes Trail, you will be just steps away from 55 miles of walking, biking, and snowmobiling opportunities! Geneva Beach is located on Lake Geneva, part of the chain of lakes that wraps around the city of Alexandria. Fish for bass, pan, walleye and northern & clean your daily catch in our fish cleaning house located close to the docks and cabins. Kids love fishing right off our docks -- the clear water of Lake Geneva makes it possible to watch the fish bite your hook! Dock space is available for rent if you bring your own watercraft - or you can rent a fishing boat or pontoon from us! Our Lund fishing boats are PERFECT for exploring the chain of lakes, while our pontoons allow you to spend a relaxing day fishing and swimming on Lake Geneva! Sugarbush Lodge is our largest cabin boasting 8 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 2 kitchens, and a private game room with pool table, ping pong, and foosball! At just under 6,000 square feet, the Sugarbush makes a perfect year-round destination for families, businesses, and friends! We have 16 additional cabins open May through August ranging in size from Lakeside Studios (sleeps 2-4) to our 4 bedroom Pineview Cottage (sleeps up to 14). Whichever cabin selected for your stay you will appreciate the fully equipped kitchen, Weber gas grill and picnic table for outdoor meals, A/C, free wifi, extended cable, and clean accommodations. Grab your favorite crew or come out on your own - every summer new friendships are formed at Geneva Beach sitting around the campfire. Geneva Beach Resort has been a vacation destination since 1883, and is the 2nd oldest summer resort in Minnesota. Craig and Cami Calhoun purchased the resort in 2019 after staying at the resort for many years as guests (Cami's family has spent a week at the resort every summer for over 30 years). Craig, Cami, and their two children loved their week at the cabin so much, they couldn't pass up the opportunity to make the resort their own. Book your stay now to experience a Geneva Beach summer for yourself!
Wonderful Stay
Reviewed By kimberlyj582Cami and Craig always make our stays the best. Beautiful resort with amazing views. We love the courtyard and beach area. Everything is very clean and well kept. Our kids love the floating trampolines, water toys and kayaks. Can’t wait to return in July!
8. Croftville Road Cottages
Overall Ratings
5 based on 16 reviews
Four season vacation suites and cottages on the shore of Lake Superior. We offer an experience reminiscent of days past when small mom and pop resorts were found all along the North Shore. However, our cozy cottages and luxurious suites are among the finest vacation rentals along Lake Superior. The inviting and romantic cottages are impeccably clean and meticulously maintained. Nestled on 540ft of shoreline, we are conveniently located just 3 miles from downtown Grand Marais on the lakeside of scenic Croftville Road known as the "walking road".
Second time here, same great cabin
Reviewed By Dee DMy sister and I spent the last week in February in cottage #1. This was the second time I had stayed there, both times in the winter. The cottage is so clean and cosy, with a wonderfully equipped kitchen and bath. There are two bedrooms (one queen and one full) and both of the beds are very comfortable. The view from one of the bedrooms and the living room is awesome, with the big lake just a few yards away. Parking is right by the door to the kitchen, so moving in and out is very convenient. Croftville itself is a nice, quiet location only 2 miles up Hwy 61 from Grand Marais. The road is great for walking. I love the Grand Marais area, and I am an RV camper during warmer weather, but I cannot say enough about how much I enjoy staying in this cute and clean cottage during the winter. I'll be back again.
9. Heston's Lodge
Overall Ratings
5 based on 26 reviews
We LOVE Hestons!!!
Reviewed By maddieexplores16My family and I spent 4 nights in the spruce cabin. It was so nice and cozy. With a great kitchen to make meals in and a really comfy living room. From spending days in the water searching for fishing lures to following hiking trails that one of the owners (Barb) told us about to find amazing sights! The wildlife all around was amazing as well. Hestons is located in such a beautiful spot. The owners Greg and Barb are extremely welcoming and kind. They really show how much they love what they do. They’re always there to help! We spent a lot of time talking to Barb about all of her cool adventures! They have a really cute store with anything that you may have forgotten and wifi if you need it! They also have some really cute shirts! We will definitely be back.
10. Samara Point Resort on Gull Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Ideal location on the level, sandy shore of famous Gull Lake. Samara is a quiet resort for those wanting to get away from it all--with all the comforts of home. Log cabin exteriors and pine interiors creates a warm northwoods atmosphere with large picture windows and full screened-in porches offering daytime or nighttime comfort, plus a perfect lake view. The cabins are just steps from the water.
We booked for next year before we left!
Reviewed By C3769YVlindalMy husband and I had a great two weeks at Samara Point Resort, even though we had numerous rainy days and no fish. We loved our little two bedroom, one bath, "great room" (well equipped kitchen, dining table, couch, rockers, wood burning fireplace, and small tv) cabin. Morning coffee in the screened in porch overlooking the lake was perfect. Ten flat easy steps to the dock, and you're ready to fish! Sue, Laura, Keith, Tim and Bud were all great. Always available to help for any reason, or just to chat a bit about how things were going. Evening cocktails sitting in the wooden swing by the water, wonderful. The beach area had badminton, and a shed with neatly organized yard games. The cabins had numerous games for rainy days or evenings. We felt at home, the moment we entered the cabin. We rented one of the aluminum boats with motors and enjoyed motoring around the known fishing spots. We played golf twice at nearby courses, and enjoyed grocery shopping at Shaffers (looking forward to Aunt Bette's Pies next visit) Nothing flashy like most large resorts, but comfortable, small, friendly and peaceful. Twenty miles from Costco, Kohls, Cub Grocery, etc. Bait shops nearby. We are looking forward to our visit next year! And, hopeful the walleye are hungry!
