10 Stylish Vacation Rental Getaways

From a lakeside cove to downtown Minneapolis, these destinations provide new and interesting ways to experience the region
Agua Norte, Lake Superior Near Grand Marais

Provided

Agua Norte

This sustainably built, timber-frame cabin near Grand Marais offers pristine views of Lake Superior. With windows lining three of four walls, you’ll feel surrounded by light and nature. There’s a skylight just above the loft, for stargazing in bed, and a sauna.

Bee Relaxed Studio

This one-room studio sits on a farm with animals to meet and a wealth of outdoor pursuits. Located near Brownsville, about 165 miles south of the Twin Cities, there are miles of hiking trails and, just a few minutes away, the Mississippi, for swimming, kayaking, and fishing.

Downtown Rockstar Residence

Do a Minneapolis weekend like no other at this luxury pad steps from the Guthrie Theater, U.S. Bank Stadium, and downtown restaurants. Go out, or stay in; the huge kitchen and rooftop patio scream evening drinks and barbecue. The concierge service and gated entrance provide an additional element of pamper.

Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland

Choose an A-frame wooden tent or a 10-by-20-foot cabin in the woods up the hill from a dairy farm near Ridgeway, about two hours southeast of the Twin Cities. Driftless Region hiking and nature are right out the door.

Lilla Norr

Find this A-frame cabin in the forest along the Snake River near Brook Park, about 90 minutes north of the Twin Cities. The ultimate combination of architectural elegance and natural beauty, the Instagram-ready spot boasts a full kitchen, a fire pit, air conditioning, and a wood-burning stove.

Bailey Builds Makers Loft

Photo by Michaela Rai

Makers Loft

There’s a creative escape right in the heart of Duluth’s art scene. On the second floor of a converted gas station, the space is beautifully furnished and owned by the artisan couple running Bailey Builds, a woodworking studio and store, just below.

Mossy Hollow Cove

Photo by Matthias Mullin

Mossy Hollow Cove

The magical view out the windows here is pure Lake Superior and sky. Located 23 miles north of Grand Marais, this lakeside home is set in a forested cove. In addition to the well-furnished two-bedroom space with wood-burning stove, there’s a fire pit with Adirondack chairs.

Nordlys

This pair of cabins, designed by Minneapolis-based architect David Wagner of SALA Architects, showcase the Wisconsin wilderness. Located about 75 miles northeast of the Twin Cities, the thoroughly modern accommodations make for a memorable year-round experience both indoors and in the surrounding nature.

Northwoods Modern Cabin

Head over the border and immerse yourself in the forest along this outpost near Barnes, Wisconsin. The thrills of the Eau Claire chain of lakes, with miles of all-season trails, come with up-to-date lodging comforts. The modern furnishings, 14-foot panoramic windows, screened porch, woodburning stove, and plentiful space make this an attractive option for a family trip. Plus, fast WiFi makes it possible to get some work done, too.

Pony Hill Glamp

Set in the middle of an organic farm one hour northwest of the Twin Cities, this canvas bell tent comes furnished with a full-size bed, candles, and rugs. Walk the fields, see baby goats, order fresh produce daily, then cook and enjoy it in your separate, screened-in kitchen and dining area.