Entire home
The Rusty Anchor ★ Lake Home + Guest House ★
Photo gallery for The Rusty Anchor ★ Lake Home + Guest House ★
Reviews
9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 15259.8 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Ortonville, MN
- Big Stone Lake1 min walk
- Central Park14 min walk
- Big Stone Lake Museum3 min drive
Rooms & beds
4 bedrooms (sleeps 15)
Guest Cottage Bedroom
1 Double Bed and 1 Queen Bed
Lower Level Bedroom
1 Queen Bed
Main Floor Bedroom
1 Queen Bed
Main Floor Living Room
1 Double Futon
Master Bedroom with Ensuite Bathroom
1 King Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed
Upstairs Loft Area
2 Single Beds
4 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bathroom 2
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 3
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bathroom 4
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
The Rusty Anchor ★ Lake Home + Guest House ★
Sleeps 16 | Private Beach | Year-Round Fishing Paradise on Big Stone Lake
Two Complete Homes, One Unforgettable Experience
Welcome to The Rusty Anchor, where you get exceptional value with both a fully equipped lake home AND charming guest house - each featuring its own kitchen, laundry, and all the comforts of home. Step out your door onto your private beach on stunning Big Stone Lake, Minnesota's premier 12,610-acre border water stretching 26 miles between Minnesota and South Dakota.
The Ultimate Angler’s Retreat – Fish 365 Days a Year
Thanks to Big Stone Lake’s unique status as a border water, there’s no closed season — you can fish here every day of the year. While most Minnesota lakes have strict seasonal limits, Big Stone offers year-round access and more generous catch limits than nearly anywhere else.
Walleye & Sauger: 4 fish year-round (1 over 20") - restocked with 7 million fry every two years
Northern Pike: 6 fish continuously, plus winter spearing season
Bass, Crappie, Sunfish, Perch and 30+ other species with extended seasons
12 public fishing accesses plus your private dock access
Whether casting from shore, trolling by boat, or ice fishing through winter, Big Stone Lake delivers trophy fishing that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Accommodations & Amenities
Main House - Sleeps up to 12:
3 large bedrooms: 1 king + twin-over-double bunk, 2 bedrooms with queen beds
Loft with 2 twin beds for extra sleeping
Queen pull-out sofa bed
3 full bathrooms
Full kitchen with dishwasher
Large sectional and recliner in living room
Dining table for 7
Game/party room for entertainment
3-season porch with patio furniture and table for 6
Guest House - Sleeps up to 4:
Open floor plan with 2 sleeping areas: 1 queen, 1 double bed
Full kitchen and bathroom with laundry
Dining table for 5
Comfortable sofa and love seat
The exclusive lakeside "Pelican Bar" on deck overlooking the lake - crafted from our old steps to the lake
Multiple Dining Options for Large Groups:
Main house dining table for 7
3-season porch table for 6
Guest house dining table for 5
Cottage deck table for 6 with lake views
Pelican Bar with 4 bar stools - perfect for watching for pelicans while you dine!
Beachside picnic table for waterfront meals
Complete Property Features:
Private beach with dock access - tie up your boat or launch 0.5 miles away
Water toys: kayaks, paddleboard, lily pad
2 beach cruiser bikes for exploring the area
Games: foosball, hook and ring game, board games, yard games
Outdoor cooking: Blackstone griddle and grill
Coffee available in both houses
Dog friendly (sorry, not cat friendly due to severe allergy in the family)
Local Attractions & Dining
Just minutes from your door:
Lakewood Supper Club (0.7 mi) - Steaks and seafood with lake view patio, opens daily at 5pm
Six casinos in Big Stone City, SD (2 miles) - try your luck (but remember, they didn't build those fancy buildings by giving money away!)
Melts Ice Cream - locally famous for the best ice cream around
Sioux Historic Pavilion (0.7 mi) - Beautiful event venue available for rental
Coffee shop, boutique shopping, and thrift stores within walking distance
Big Stone County Museum - explore local history including the Muskegon disaster
National Wildlife Refuge - hiking and biking trails
Perfect for Every Group & Season
Ideal Groups:
Large family reunions and multi-generational gatherings
Fishing tournaments and angling expeditions
Corporate retreats and team building events
Wedding parties - Just 0.7 Miles from the Sioux Historic Pavilion and Lakewood Supperclub!
Multi-family vacations and friend getaways
Year-Round Appeal:
Spring/Summer: Prime fishing, water sports, beach relaxation, outdoor dining
Fall: Trophy fishing season, stunning foliage, cozy fireside gatherings
Winter: Ice fishing, winter sports access, indoor entertainment
Why The Rusty Anchor Stands Out
Located in charming Ortonville, MN, you get the best of both worlds: peaceful lakefront serenity with easy access to dining, entertainment, and recreation. The border water location means extended fishing seasons you won't find elsewhere, while two complete homes ensure everyone has space to spread out and enjoy their perfect lake getaway.
Book The Rusty Anchor and discover Minnesota's best-kept secret for the ultimate lakefront experience - where exceptional fishing meets comfortable luxury on beautiful Big Stone Lake.
Available year-round | Sleeps 16 | Private beach & dock | Ask about discounts for stays of 5+ days | Unforgettable memories await
Two Complete Homes, One Unforgettable Experience
Welcome to The Rusty Anchor, where you get exceptional value with both a fully equipped lake home AND charming guest house - each featuring its own kitchen, laundry, and all the comforts of home. Step out your door onto your private beach on stunning Big Stone Lake, Minnesota's premier 12,610-acre border water stretching 26 miles between Minnesota and South Dakota.
The Ultimate Angler’s Retreat – Fish 365 Days a Year
Thanks to Big Stone Lake’s unique status as a border water, there’s no closed season — you can fish here every day of the year. While most Minnesota lakes have strict seasonal limits, Big Stone offers year-round access and more generous catch limits than nearly anywhere else.
Walleye & Sauger: 4 fish year-round (1 over 20") - restocked with 7 million fry every two years
Northern Pike: 6 fish continuously, plus winter spearing season
Bass, Crappie, Sunfish, Perch and 30+ other species with extended seasons
12 public fishing accesses plus your private dock access
Whether casting from shore, trolling by boat, or ice fishing through winter, Big Stone Lake delivers trophy fishing that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Accommodations & Amenities
Main House - Sleeps up to 12:
3 large bedrooms: 1 king + twin-over-double bunk, 2 bedrooms with queen beds
Loft with 2 twin beds for extra sleeping
Queen pull-out sofa bed
3 full bathrooms
Full kitchen with dishwasher
Large sectional and recliner in living room
Dining table for 7
Game/party room for entertainment
3-season porch with patio furniture and table for 6
Guest House - Sleeps up to 4:
Open floor plan with 2 sleeping areas: 1 queen, 1 double bed
Full kitchen and bathroom with laundry
Dining table for 5
Comfortable sofa and love seat
The exclusive lakeside "Pelican Bar" on deck overlooking the lake - crafted from our old steps to the lake
Multiple Dining Options for Large Groups:
Main house dining table for 7
3-season porch table for 6
Guest house dining table for 5
Cottage deck table for 6 with lake views
Pelican Bar with 4 bar stools - perfect for watching for pelicans while you dine!
Beachside picnic table for waterfront meals
Complete Property Features:
Private beach with dock access - tie up your boat or launch 0.5 miles away
Water toys: kayaks, paddleboard, lily pad
2 beach cruiser bikes for exploring the area
Games: foosball, hook and ring game, board games, yard games
Outdoor cooking: Blackstone griddle and grill
Coffee available in both houses
Dog friendly (sorry, not cat friendly due to severe allergy in the family)
Local Attractions & Dining
Just minutes from your door:
Lakewood Supper Club (0.7 mi) - Steaks and seafood with lake view patio, opens daily at 5pm
Six casinos in Big Stone City, SD (2 miles) - try your luck (but remember, they didn't build those fancy buildings by giving money away!)
Melts Ice Cream - locally famous for the best ice cream around
Sioux Historic Pavilion (0.7 mi) - Beautiful event venue available for rental
Coffee shop, boutique shopping, and thrift stores within walking distance
Big Stone County Museum - explore local history including the Muskegon disaster
National Wildlife Refuge - hiking and biking trails
Perfect for Every Group & Season
Ideal Groups:
Large family reunions and multi-generational gatherings
Fishing tournaments and angling expeditions
Corporate retreats and team building events
Wedding parties - Just 0.7 Miles from the Sioux Historic Pavilion and Lakewood Supperclub!
Multi-family vacations and friend getaways
Year-Round Appeal:
Spring/Summer: Prime fishing, water sports, beach relaxation, outdoor dining
Fall: Trophy fishing season, stunning foliage, cozy fireside gatherings
Winter: Ice fishing, winter sports access, indoor entertainment
Why The Rusty Anchor Stands Out
Located in charming Ortonville, MN, you get the best of both worlds: peaceful lakefront serenity with easy access to dining, entertainment, and recreation. The border water location means extended fishing seasons you won't find elsewhere, while two complete homes ensure everyone has space to spread out and enjoy their perfect lake getaway.
Book The Rusty Anchor and discover Minnesota's best-kept secret for the ultimate lakefront experience - where exceptional fishing meets comfortable luxury on beautiful Big Stone Lake.
Available year-round | Sleeps 16 | Private beach & dock | Ask about discounts for stays of 5+ days | Unforgettable memories await
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Have a question?
BetaGet instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties
Copperhead Lodge
Copperhead Lodge
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Game room
- Parking available
10.0 out of 10, (9 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 2:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Flexible check-out available (contact host to arrange)
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Ortonville
Located in Ortonville, this holiday home is on the waterfront. While the natural beauty of Big Stone Wildlife Managment Area and Prairie Wildlife Managment Area can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can head to Ortonville Municipal Golf Course. Looking to get your feet wet? Kayaking, fishing and swimming adventures can be found near the property.
Ortonville, MN
What's nearby
- Big Stone Lake - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
- Ortonville City Public Library - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
- Central Park - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
- Ortonville City Hall - 16 min walk - 1.3 km
- Big Stone Lake Museum - 3 min drive - 3.2 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Casey's General Store - 3 min drive
- Lakewood Lodge - 14 min walk
- Liquor Store - 4 min drive
- Pioneer Meat Market - 17 min walk
- Moose Lodge Ortonville - 14 min walk
Frequently asked questions
About the host
Hosted by Andy Willenbring
Andy grew up in White Bear Lake, MN and attended Minnesota State University, Mankato. After graduating he became a volunteer fire fighter in Maple Grove, MN, and his passion for fire fighting became his full-time career as a fire fighter in St. Louis Park, MN. He was recently promoted to Lieutenant. Andy's husband, Nick, grew up in Springfield, MN and graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a degree in K-12 education. He is currently working in Special Education. We recently sold our Wisconsin cabin to buy a cabin in Ortonville to be closer to family. We love hosting vacations through VRBO, and like to continually add more amenities and updates to our Lake Home and Guest Cottage to make sure our guests are highly satisfied! At the cabin, our 3 children love boating, swimming, fishing and searching for other living creatures in and out of the water. They also love to make S'mores and to dance around the campfire.
Why they chose this property
We are excited for you to make lasting memories during your stay at The Rusty Anchor Getaway! Designed to accommodate a large group that sleeps up to 15 comfortably....ideal for 2-4 families. Both the lake house and guest cottage are available year round for guests and offer geothermal heating and cooling for your comfort. Please contact us for information about Pontoon Rental.
We are located on Big Stone Lake in Ortonville, MN, 2 hours north of Sioux Falls, 2 hours south of Fargo and 3 hours west of the Twin Cities. The lake is 26 miles long and approximately 12,000 acres. The lake has been featured on Midwest's best fishing TV shows for its great fishing. The lake is also fully recreational so you can enjoy boating, tubing, jet-skiing and swimming. There is a dock with steps and railing into the water for your enjoyment (no walk-in beach).
We are located on Big Stone Lake in Ortonville, MN, 2 hours north of Sioux Falls, 2 hours south of Fargo and 3 hours west of the Twin Cities. The lake is 26 miles long and approximately 12,000 acres. The lake has been featured on Midwest's best fishing TV shows for its great fishing. The lake is also fully recreational so you can enjoy boating, tubing, jet-skiing and swimming. There is a dock with steps and railing into the water for your enjoyment (no walk-in beach).
What makes this property unique
Pack lighter for travel!
These items are offered for our guests to enjoy....
Inside:
Both kitchens have all kitchen supplies, pots, pans, plates, glasses, coffee cups and utensils, dish soap and rags, paper towels, toilet paper, paper plates, full fridge/freezer, oven, microwave, cleaning supplies, garbage bags, iron and ironing boards and 2 Amazon Echo bluetooth speakers with Amazon Unlimited Music. The main house has a Keurig® K-Duo® Single-Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker, and the guest cottage has a Keurig® K-Supreme® Single Serve Coffee Maker and 12-cup drip coffee maker. Both have electric coffee grinders. If something is not listed, just ask and we may have it.
Outside:
During the summer months we provide a dock for fishing and swimming, 2 kayaks, 2 paddle boards, pedal boat, Aqua Lily Pad, yard games, campfire chairs, fire pit, marshmallow sticks to roast hot dogs and make s'mores, miscellaneous life jackets and floaties and 2 gas grills (one at each house). If you enjoy ice-fishing, we provide a 2 Person Flip Down Ice Fishing Shelter for your use.
Other than the beautiful property and lake access, the near-by town of Ortonville offers plenty of fun activities for families, couples, and individuals. Only 0.8 miles away is the Ortonville Golf Course that overlooks Big Stone Lake. After a round of golf, relax on the deck at Off The Green Restaurant and Bar that also overlooks the golf course and Big Stone Lake. Be sure to visit Lingonberry's Pastry and Coffee Shop for the best pastries I've ever had, and for dinner order pizza for delivery, carry-out or dine-in at Berkner's Pizza! There will be information available at the cabin detailing local restaurants and bars (even a few that are accessible by boat and land), and other points of interest.
These items are offered for our guests to enjoy....
Inside:
Both kitchens have all kitchen supplies, pots, pans, plates, glasses, coffee cups and utensils, dish soap and rags, paper towels, toilet paper, paper plates, full fridge/freezer, oven, microwave, cleaning supplies, garbage bags, iron and ironing boards and 2 Amazon Echo bluetooth speakers with Amazon Unlimited Music. The main house has a Keurig® K-Duo® Single-Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker, and the guest cottage has a Keurig® K-Supreme® Single Serve Coffee Maker and 12-cup drip coffee maker. Both have electric coffee grinders. If something is not listed, just ask and we may have it.
Outside:
During the summer months we provide a dock for fishing and swimming, 2 kayaks, 2 paddle boards, pedal boat, Aqua Lily Pad, yard games, campfire chairs, fire pit, marshmallow sticks to roast hot dogs and make s'mores, miscellaneous life jackets and floaties and 2 gas grills (one at each house). If you enjoy ice-fishing, we provide a 2 Person Flip Down Ice Fishing Shelter for your use.
Other than the beautiful property and lake access, the near-by town of Ortonville offers plenty of fun activities for families, couples, and individuals. Only 0.8 miles away is the Ortonville Golf Course that overlooks Big Stone Lake. After a round of golf, relax on the deck at Off The Green Restaurant and Bar that also overlooks the golf course and Big Stone Lake. Be sure to visit Lingonberry's Pastry and Coffee Shop for the best pastries I've ever had, and for dinner order pizza for delivery, carry-out or dine-in at Berkner's Pizza! There will be information available at the cabin detailing local restaurants and bars (even a few that are accessible by boat and land), and other points of interest.
Languages:
English
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback