Mökki Hovland Hut - A Unique Glass Wall Timber Frame Nestled in a Maple Forest

Perched on 20 hilltop acres of old-growth maples in Hovland, MN, this off-grid timber-frame cabin is a gem in every season, especially during fall colors or a blowing winter storm.

Designed by a local North House Folk School instructor, this 16' x 16' space offers everything you need to slow down and reconnect with yourself, your partner, and nature, making it your perfect North Shore getaway.

The Experience:
Enjoy scenic ridge-top views and lake vistas after leaf-fall. Solar power handles lighting (no laptops), while gas and wood stoves keep things warm and functional. It’s all part of the off-grid charm—come ready to unplug and enjoy the simplicity! Relax in the wood-fired cedar sauna just 100 yards away—perfect for rejuvenation. Ideal for solo travelers or couples.

What’s Included:
• Amenities: Wood-fired cedar sauna (rejuvenating), wood stove (with wood shed, axe, and saw), gas lighting, solar lighting, and an outhouse.
• Kitchen: 2-burner gas cooktop, outdoor charcoal grill (bring charcoal), cooler (bring ice in summer), dishes, pots, pans, kettle, and dishwashing basin.

What to Bring:
• Linens: Towels, pillowcases, sleeping bags or double-bed sheets and a blanket.
• Water: All drinking water. Rain barrel water (or melted snow in winter) is available for washing dishes, except during bridge season (e.g., Nov & Apr) or extended summer drought when you must pack in both drinking and wash water.
• Gear: Headlamps/flashlights for nighttime trips to the sauna or outhouse.

Operating Philosophy & 'Pay It Forward' :
There is no running water and no cleaning fee. To keep this space affordable and welcoming for the next guests, this is a pack-in, pack-out property (including all garbage). Please leave the cabin tidy, restock the porch and sauna wood bins, and split kindling inside before you depart.

You have private access to the entire cabin for the duration of your stay.

WARNING — ROUGH ROAD CONDITIONS
Recent extreme weather has severely degraded the upper access road, which is awaiting municipal repair. Please read the arrival options carefully.

Spring, Summer & Fall Access:
• High-Clearance Vehicles: Can drive all the way to the cabin.
• Normal-Clearance Vehicles: Many normal-clearance vehicles make it, but attempt at your own risk, we recommend you scout it out first. Heavy rains make the road especially tricky. Alternatively, park at the "Y" intersection (Tower Rd & Tom Lake Rd), then complete the 10-minute walk (200 yards) up to the cabin.

Winter Access (Snow/Ice on the Ground):
• Mandatory Walk-Up: The total walk from the designated overnight parking is roughly 1.2 miles (30–45 minutes uphill). But gear can be dropped higher up the hill.
• Parking & Supply Drop: Drop your gear where the plow ends, this shortens the hauling to 20 minutes uphill from the end of the plowed road. Once you’ve dropped your gear, drive back down to the designated overnight parking areas. Bringing a sled to haul your gear is strongly recommended.
• Road Warning: If the road is icy or poorly plowed, do not risk driving up—we are not responsible for towing fees.

Tips for Your Arrival:
• Plan for the Trek: The total walk from overnight parking is roughly 1.2 miles (30–45 minutes uphill). You will warm up quickly, so dress in removable layers!
• Arrive in Daylight: We highly recommend arriving before dark—the trek is beautiful in the daylight and much easier to navigate.
• Warm-Up Time: Remember that the wood stove takes a few hours to fully heat the cabin upon arrival.

Trust us... the effort is truly worth it!