Photo by Corey Gaffer
There’s something undeniably poetic about watching a thunderstorm sweep across the treetops while you’re dry and warm inside, barefoot with a blanket across your lap. That’s exactly how our first night at Nordlys Lodging Co. unfolded—rain tapping against floor-to-ceiling glass and a tin roof as we settled into the Longhouse, one of two boutique cabins burrowed on a forested bluff in Frederic, Wisconsin.
Just 80 miles northeast of the Twin Cities, Nordlys offers a kind of quiet luxury that’s harder and harder to find. Built with intentionality and stunning restraint, the cabins blend seamlessly into the 140-acre property while elevating every comfort inside. The Longhouse, a 1,200-square-foot modern cabin, is designed to draw your eye outward. Every room offers a unique view of the woods or water. From the cozy king suite to the sleek dine-in kitchen (with seating for six), each space is bathed in natural light and filled with thoughtful details.
The owners, who began vacationing in this part of northwest Wisconsin decades ago, have created something special here—a retreat that is as much about its architecture as it is about immersion in nature. Minneapolis-based SALA Architects designed both cabins, and it shows: clean Scandinavian lines, chef-worthy kitchens, spa-like showers, and a deep respect for the surrounding land.
Photo by Alesha Taylor
At Nordlys, the thoughtful touches begin the moment you arrive—starting with a beautifully curated welcome basket. Stocked with locally sourced goodies like coffee from Northern Coffeeworks (Minneapolis), pancake mix from Sturdiwheat (Red Wing), and maple syrup from nearby Morley’s, it’s everything you need for a cozy first breakfast. There’s even tea, muesli, honey, and marshmallows for fireside treats—all plus a packet of wildflower seeds to take a little bit of the Northwoods home with you.
Near the welcome basket, we found the guestbook—a nod to the Scandinavian tradition of the hyttebok, or “cabin book.” Guests jot down highlights, reflections, and little stories, adding to the cabin’s collective memory. It’s part travel journal, part time capsule. Carefully reading each person and family’s experiences, I felt an instant connection that stirred up my own curiosity of what we’d uncover while staying at Nordlys. Stories ranged from a local artist who was seeking renewed inspiration and “babymooners” to a group of gals for a bachelorette party and family staycations (the farthest visitors were from Texas).
The beds here are the kind you dream about—literally. Outfitted with plush Avocado Green mattresses and layered in crisp, organic Quince sheets, each bed is designed for deep, restorative rest. Thoughtful details and clean, modern furnishings from Minneapolis-based Room & Board and throw blankets from Faribault Mill round out the serene, design-forward spaces.
The Longhouse’s most memorable feature may just be its screened porch—less an addition and more a destination in itself. Connected to the main cabin by a charming bridge over a dry creek bed, this semi-attached porch feels like a sanctuary suspended in the trees, with views of the lake just below the hill. This isn’t your average screened porch. It’s climate-conscious and comfort-forward, equipped with motorized screens to keep the bugs out and ceiling-mounted infrared heaters to keep the chill off your shoulders. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to sip morning coffee wrapped in a wool sweater or linger with a glass of wine as the sky dims and swans call from the water. (Or if you stay out there late enough, you might catch a glimpse of the northern lights.)
Photo by Corey Gaffer
The porch also hosts an outdoor, glass-walled Cedar + Stone Nordic sauna—another architectural marvel built with intention. Hailing from Duluth, this sauna honors both Scandinavian heritage and Midwestern craftsmanship. Just steps down a paved path from the screened porch, Nordlys’ wood-fired hot tub feels like a secret forest soak. Whether you’re easing into the warm, cedar-scented water on a crisp night or using it as a cold plunge tub as part of a refreshing Nordic cycle (with the sauna), this outdoor amenity turns any evening into a spa-worthy ritual—steam rising, stars overhead, and the quiet woods all around.
Inside, a well-stocked closet overflows with board games, puzzles, books, and even binoculars for a little wildlife spotting from your window seat—or post up at the digital piano for a spontaneous concert. Step outside and you’ll find a world of natural wonder waiting. Hike miles of wooded trails, pedal scenic gravel roads on a complimentary Surly bike (another Minnesota-based company), or glide across the lake in a kayak or pedal boat. Come winter, trade hiking boots for snowshoes, lace up your skates for the frozen lake, or grab a snow tube and embrace your inner kid.
Nordlys may feel like the middle of nowhere—in the best possible way—but it’s surrounded by a bounty of nearby adventures just waiting to be explored. Just 6 miles away, Straight Lake State Park offers serene solitude and glacier-carved beauty, with miles of quiet trails and calm waters for paddling. For wildlife lovers, McKenzie Creek Wildlife Area and Crex Meadows deliver the goods: 5,000 and 30,000 acres, respectively, of lush forest, wetlands, and prime bird-watching territory.
Dreaming of thru-hiking? Get a taste on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which winds right through the area. Somers Lake Park is practically next door, with trails and lake views perfect for an easy stroll, while the Gandy Dancer trail and Trade River Trail Area cater to cyclists, skiers, and cross-country trekkers alike.
Photo by Alesha Taylor
If agri-venture is more your speed, swing by nearby orchards and farms like Timberland Hills, Baker Orchard, or Rocky Ridge Blueberry Farm. For horseback riders, Limitless Ranch and the Governor Knowles trails are just a short drive away, and golfers can tee off at Siren National Golf Course or Frederic’s municipal course.
And yes—Nordlys is dog-friendly. Our well-traveled dachshund, Penny, was as relaxed as we were, curling up on the floor near the wide windows and exploring the wooden decks with gusto. Even she seemed to understand this was a place to exhale.
Whether you’re seeking solitude or just a slower pace, Nordlys delivers (and then some). It’s a place that encourages presence, not performance. The Wi-Fi is fast, but the vibe is soft. You come here to rest, recharge, and reconnect—whether with your partner or the quiet version of yourself you sometimes forget in city life.
Photo by Corey Gaffer
NEARBY & NOTEWORTHY
Nordlys feels wonderfully tucked away, but you’re never far from small-town charm.
Frederic
Just 5 miles east, Frederic is your go-to for groceries, gas, and grab-and-go bites. For a classic Wisconsin tavern experience, Friendly Tavern delivers cold drinks and warm hospitality. Looking for indoor fun? Head to The 300 Club for bowling and casual bites. And don’t miss the One 10 Gallery, where you can browse contemporary art and find unique gifts.
Luck
Venture 11 miles south to Luck—a lakeside town as pleasant as its name, perched on the shores of Big Butternut Lake. Grab a cozy breakfast or afternoon latte at Cafe Wren, a beloved local spot with daily scratch-made fare and local artists’ work. Or treat yourself head to toe at 710 Salon & Day Spa, a full-service oasis where you can shop, unwind, and indulge in everything from massages and facials to mani-pedis and microblading.
Siren
Head 11 miles north to Siren and stop by Chipmunk Cheeks Gourmet Treats for house-made fudge, 24-plus flavors of Olson’s Ice Cream, and a colorful selection of nostalgic and trendy sweets—from boba tea to acai bowls. Then pop over to Thread Shed Boutique, a stylish spot that curates fashionable finds for women of all sizes and ages. Or check out an adult painting class at Jellybeana’s Craft & Paint.
