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Northwoods Cabin on a Private Lake: "The Refuge at North Padre"

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Interior - Northwoods Cabin on a Private Lake: "The Refuge at North Padre" (Bigfork)
Exterior - Northwoods Cabin on a Private Lake: "The Refuge at North Padre" (Bigfork)
Shower, hair dryer, towels, soap - Northwoods Cabin on a Private Lake: "The Refuge at North Padre" (Bigfork)
Interior - Northwoods Cabin on a Private Lake: "The Refuge at North Padre" (Bigfork)
1 bedroom, WiFi, bed sheets - Northwoods Cabin on a Private Lake: "The Refuge at North Padre" (Bigfork)
Experience the serenity of the northwoods at Refuge at North Padre, a peaceful cabin on a private lake. Rejuvenate with massage therapy and enjoy an evening by the rock fire pit under starry skies. Lounge by the cozy fireplace, use kayaks or canoe to explore, and play games in the large yard.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire cabin

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Add dates for prices

About this property

Northwoods Cabin on a Private Lake: "The Refuge at North Padre"

  • The "Refuge at North Padre" is a beautiful, peaceful cabin in the northwoods of Minnesota. A perfect getaway to breathe, reconnect, or simply refresh. Single night and last minute stays are available, please inquire if interested.
    Situated on a private lake (no public access) with a gradual slope to the waters edge, this property is ideal for all ages. Sharing its property boundary with the George Washington State Forest, this is a tranquil location to truly get away and rest. Wake up to stunning sunrises and the sound of loons echoing as the fog rises off the lake. Lounge by the cozy fire and enjoy a kitchen with all the amenities of home.

    Located 45 minutes north of Grand Rapids, MN and just 12 miles southwest of Scenic State Park. For those looking to adventure there are many options nearby: the Joyce Estate, Little American Falls, McCarthy Beach State Park, Suomi Hills, The Lost 40, and 90 miles to Voyageurs National Park.

    We are blessed to be near Whispering Pines Massage, located approximately 15 minutes from The Refuge. Visit and book your massage treatment today: www.whisperingpines.massagetherapy.com


    > Enjoy an evening by the rock fire pit. Amazing star gazing!
    > Guests are welcome to use the canoe and kayaks (1 adult kayak/1 youth kayak) on the property. Life jackets for all ages available.
    > Large yard for a game of catch!
    > The Refuge does not have central air, however it stays relatively cool and there are ceiling fans and tower fans throughout the home. A window air conditioning unit is installed in the bedroom when needed during the heat of the summer.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby

Internet

  • Available in the cabin: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Yard

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Location highlights

  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Canoeing
  • Kayak
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Composting
  • Garden
  • Recycling

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds, gather used towels and store extra beds
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights
Please ensure all dishes are washed and put away or in the drying rack.
Please put items away outside as you found them, including: any boats, lifejackets, tackle, etc.
Do not leave any trash outside as it will attract wildlife.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

Well behaved dogs are welcome in home, but not on furniture or beds. You must clean up after your pet and kennel when not on property. $20 pet fee/dog
Trash left outside will attract animals. Additional fee of $50 for excessive trash or trash left outside.
A $100 excessive cleaning fee will be charged for guest uncleanliness.

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

About the area

Located in Bigfork, this cabin is on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Scenic State Park and Gunn Lake. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby kayaking, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails. Visit our Bigfork travel guide
View more Cabin rentals in Bigfork
Map
Bigfork, MN

What's nearby

  • Gunn Lake
    28 min drive - 14.9 miles
  • Scenic State Park
    28 min drive - 14.5 miles
  • Marcell Family Center
    44 min drive - 27.3 miles
  • Trout Lake
    48 min drive - 36.3 miles
  • Prairie Lake Deer Yard Wildlife Management Area
    57 min drive - 37.4 miles

Getting around

  • Hibbing, MN (HIB-Chisholm-Hibbing)
    71 min drive

Restaurants

  • Scenic Pines Bar & Grill
    7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Northwoods Cabin on a Private Lake: "The Refuge at North Padre" pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

How much is parking at Northwoods Cabin on a Private Lake: "The Refuge at North Padre"?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Northwoods Cabin on a Private Lake: "The Refuge at North Padre"?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Northwoods Cabin on a Private Lake: "The Refuge at North Padre"?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Northwoods Cabin on a Private Lake: "The Refuge at North Padre" located?

Located on the waterfront, this family-friendly cabin is 11.5 mi (18.6 km) from Scenic State Park and 11.6 mi (18.7 km) from Gunn Lake. Burrows Lake and Burns Lake are also within 20 miles (32 km).

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Northwoods Cabin on a Private Lake: "The Refuge at North Padre" Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 41 out of 41 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 41 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 41 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 41 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 41 reviews

10

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dominic C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great views, Great vibes

This place is definitely worth it. The view is amazing, and they have so much to offer so you can properly enjoy the lake. Great place to go if you need time away from it all.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brooke O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect getaway!

My husband and I had a great time! It was very private and secluded and we enjoyed the canoe and kayak!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erica B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Family getaway!

We had a blast at the Refuge! We loved canoeing on the lake, watching the wildlife and relaxing by the fire. The refuge had a ton of books and toys my 5 year old and 10 month old loved!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nick M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful and serene getaway

Property is very cozy and well furnished. The lake was very beautiful in late October and having a canoe to paddle was great for a lake this size. I’d definitely go back again anytime of year.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My boyfriend, Rosie (our 8 yr old Rottweiler German shepherd mix) and I had an AMAZING week long stay at North Padre cabin! Rosie recently got a terminal diagnosis and this trip was exactly what we needed. This week Rosie did not have a cancerous mass on her spleen. This week she was a puppy chasing squirrels and swimming laps around the dock. I will forever be grateful that we found Rachel and her clean, quiet, lovely cabin. Oh and the water was incredibly clear!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maddie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect <3

This property is beautiful and the location is amazing and literally could not ask for a nicer place to stay. Everything is provided for any activity you could dream of and the location on the lake is so isolated and relaxing. We will definitely stay here again if we ever get the chance!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rex M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great

Property was as advertised. Host responded in a timely manner. Exceptionally well kept and clean. Wonderful
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barry S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet peaceful

Very relaxing and well equipped
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alan P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

relaxing cabin in the woods

property features bass fishing, no public access so you can use canoe, or kayak, maybe a small jon boat. the cabin is well stocked with amenities and very nice inside clean and spacious.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lynn M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Refuge

Beautiful recently renovated clean small cabin right on the lake. Perfect for a couple or two couples. Well supplied kitchen and well furnished cabin. I highly recommend this rental property and am hoping to return in the future.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Briana M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Little getaway

We had an amazing time. It was so peaceful and quite. Our dogs were able to run around in a safe private environment. The Lakeview was stunning with the sunrise. This was our first time and we were beyond happy with our experience. Rachel and family were wonderful hists.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steve L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The perfect get away

We arrived, for our fifteenth anniversary, to swans swimming in front of the dock. We caught a couple bluegill and sunnies. We got to explore the lake quite a bit too! We watched deer on the shore, and two families of geese corraling their goslings. This was a perfect little get away, and the perfect spot for some R&R
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Raul M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A true cabin experience

This location exceeded our expectations. We arrived with an itch to explore and bond as a family. Not only did we explore and had quality time but we also were filled with peace, clarity and connection to nature. The cabin has everything you would need and is beautifully decorated and organized. The owners have a special attention to detail that is admirable. We are so grateful to the owners gift in sharing their cabin with us, we will forever cherish the memories made from this weekend getaway.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tom B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

North Padre

Cute, private, nicely equipped 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom cottage on a lake in northern Minnesota. The only thing missing were wash cloths and the dish towels had seen better days. Owner was very responsive.
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quintessential Northwoods

Beautiful, clean, exceptionally well stocked cabin. Beautiful lakeshore and views. This place is above all quiet and immersed in natural beauty. This cabin was built with respect for the lake and others on the lake. If you are looking for a place to party or participate in loud outdoor sports, please don’t stay here. It needs to be treated respectfully.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lloyd A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What a Fabulous Place!

Loved this cabin and the lake! The cabin was large and roomy, with lots of windows to see the lake views from every room. I couldn't believe how well the cabin was stocked with the everyday things you need but don't think to bring or have room to bring them, whether kitchen items, cooking items, or bathroom/shower. One more item is needed, though, unless I just couldn't find it - a digital meat thermometer for my grilled chicken! Then for the lake there were fishing poles and lures, life jackets, canoe, kayaks, paddle boat, dock chairs, just everything you need is there! The host, Rachael, was very accommodating and quickly responded to any questions I had. I wish all hosts were like her! The cabin is on a private lake, so what a peaceful and beautiful place it was, plus lots of wooded area around the property to give the seclusion most people want when taking a vacation. I now know why people love living on a lake and can't wait to come back!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Lake getaway

My husband and I stayed here for 2 weeks in Oct. We went hiking everyday at local forest preserves and state parks. The color of the trees was amazing!! This cabin is well equipped with everything you would need in the kitchen and full size laundry. There is about a 20 minute drive to nearest convenience store so make sure you have provisions before you arrive. About 45 min to Grand Rapids. It is located on a private drive at the end. There are other homes nearby but still very quiet. We had many fires in the back yard looking at an amazing view of the lake. The temps were a little cool when we visited but my son was able to use the kayak to take a paddle around the lake. In warmer months this quiet lake would be perfect for families who like water activities. The one bedroom was very comfortable with a pull out couch and a spare mattress that we used when my son visited. Roku TV and wireless internet is available. Beautiful sunrises with a lake view and sunsets are pretty awesome also. Communication with host was great. It is obvious that the owners love this family cabin and are doing a great job of updating it. This cabin would be good for a couple and small family, or even some people doing game hunting. When hiking the Scenic state park we saw bear paw prints!! We would love to stay here again.
Stayed 14 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

william e.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We liked everything about the place.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shauna M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful and serene property. Very well appointed and cozy cabin. We enjoyed the view of the lake and location that was close to parks and hiking trails.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ethan V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

Great place to stay definitely would go back next time I work in the area
Stayed 8 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

john m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Stay

Everything could not have been better.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

john m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous

Perfect week. Love this place.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Will C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Was nice
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lois B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property is very nice, very clean, very quiet and pleasant. The kitchen is well stocked with utensils and pots and pans. The bed is comfortable, and the view from the kitchen table looking out over the lake is beautiful. We hate to leave!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brandie J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Love love love!!

If your looking for a clean comfy place to relax and listen to the loons in Minnesota THIS is the place!!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025