Find Peace and Quiet in the North Woods

A quiet escape to Kettle River in Pine County, nestled in the heart of Minnesota’s north woods

Courtesy of Postcard Cabins

October in pine county has a certain magic to it—when the air is crisp, and the evening sky burns with the brilliance of the stars. I found myself, for two quiet nights, tucked away in a tiny remote cabin in the woods at Postcard Cabins (formerly Getaway House), a perfect, pet-friendly escape from the chaos of daily life.

With 29 locations nationwide, Postcard Cabins provides year-round, easy access to nature, offering peaceful retreats just two hours from major cities. These escapes allow guests to unwind and disconnect, while reconnecting with what matters most. We were invited to check out the Willow River location, just 90 minutes north of Minneapolis.

Postcard Cabins Kettle River is located near Willow River, Minnesota

Courtesy of Postcard Cabins

Each of the near 50 cabins is named after a guest or staff member’s grandparent, adding a personal, homey touch. As soon as we pulled up to our cabin—aptly named Gerard—I could feel the relief of separation. The cabin sits perched in the woods like something out of a postcard—compact, simple, and completely unplugged from the outside world. There were no phones buzzing, no emails pinging (there’s even a cellphone lockbox inside the cabin, if you choose to truly disconnect)… just the sound of leaves rustling in the wind and the occasional distant call of a bird. The cool October air gave me that satisfying chill that only fall affords, the kind that makes you crave the warmth of a fire.

My husband and I (and our 6-year-old miniature dachshund, Penny) settled in quickly, arranging our coolers and supplies for easy access. Designed with thoughtful details and minimal distractions, each cabin is equipped with all the essentials: a queen bed or bunk beds, a hot shower, a two-burner stove, private toilet, dishware, cookware, and a mini fridge, and a small outdoor picnic area with a fire pit and grilling grate.

Interior of 1-Bed Classic Cabin

Photo by Alesha Taylor

If you’ve ever been in the middle of the woods in northern Minnesota, you know the nights are still and clear. The kind of quiet that makes your ears ring, and your eyes play tricks on you. The particular week we were there, the full moon hung high above the trees like a beacon, stars dotting the sky like a never-ending canopy. The sifting smell of birch and crackling flames easily are all consuming—this type of relaxation is rare in a world that is always so “on.”

Photo by Alesha Taylor

The first morning, the three of us woke to the soft light filtering through the pines—I forgot to mention, each cabin boasts a huge window that stretches from the floor to the ceiling, roughly 6 by 8 feet in size. We saw plenty of woodland creatures through this giant portal, particularly squirrels and even a red-headed woodpecker. Penny was thrilled.

Beyond the cabins, the property features a nature trail that winds through the woods and along the Kettle River, perfect for a quiet walk or just taking in the surrounding beauty. The 4.1-mile loop winds through Banning State Park to the Old Dam Site. This dog-friendly trail follows the riverbank, where interesting rock formations rise from the water, small waterfalls bubble into clear pools below, and the landscape offers a beautiful mosaic of autumn golds and reds.

There’s something about the stillness of a place like Pine County, about the way time seems to slow down, that leaves you feeling more connected to the earth—and to yourself. I could have stayed another week, lost in the woods, but for now, this brief escape will have to do.

As editor-in-chief of Minnesota Monthly and Greenspring Media’s Group Editor of Custom Publications, Alesha Taylor guides a team of storytellers and writers. She has over a decade of experience in publishing, communications, and marketing, and brings a diverse perspective to editorial planning and execution. Born and raised in Minnesota, she’s a self-described bookworm, Bravo junkie, DIYer, and thrifting enthusiast.