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Historic lakefront lodge with full bar, sauna, private boat ramp

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Property grounds
Game room
Bar area, that used to be open to public. Seating about 30.
Property grounds
Huge yard.

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Laundry
NZ$1,070
avg per night

Explore the area

Map
Deer River, MN
  • Rush Island Lake
  • Little Sand Lake
  • Lake Winnibigoshish
    ‪17 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

8 bedrooms (sleeps 25)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5

1 Queen Bed and 1 Large Single Sofa Bed

Bedroom 6

1 King Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

Bedroom 8

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

Bedroom 9

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed and 1 Single Bed

4 bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 4

Toilet

Bathroom 5

Toilet

Bathroom 6

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

Room

  • 650.3 sq m
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 25
  • 7 Queen Beds, 1 Large Single Sofa Bed, 1 King Bed, 2 Single Bunk Beds, 1 Double Sofa Bed and 1 Single Bed
Price is NZ$1,070 avg per night,

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About the area

Deer River

Located in Deer River, this lodge is on the waterfront. Civilian Conservation Camp Camp 707-F14 is a local landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Mississippi River and Nature's Lake Wildlife Management Area. With kayaking, power boating and fishing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.

What's nearby

  • Lake Winnibigoshish - 17 min drive - 14.5 km
  • Marcell Family Center - 30 min drive - 27.5 km
  • Civilian Conservation Camp Camp 707-F14 - 30 min drive - 26.0 km
  • Bills Lake - 37 min drive - 24.3 km
  • Deer River Wayside Park - 46 min drive - 43.3 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Riley's Cannibal Junction - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Bowstring Access Restaurant - ‬12 min drive

About this property

Historic lakefront lodge with full bar, sauna, private boat ramp

Amazing and very spacious lake lodge with its own private concrete boat ramp on Bowstring lake. The lodge was a fully functional resort for over 100 years. This is a unique property for an unforgettable getaway experience that includes 8 private bedrooms (2 specious masters) with extra sleeping accommodations. There is a full size once operating real bar and large kitchen with a commercial ice maker capable of 50lbs/day and bar fridge that can hold approximately 15 cases of soda or adult beverages at your disposal. The bar area alone can hold and seat 20+ people, and is larger than most up north bars. Kitchen is overstocked, multiple full size grills on the property, charcoal and gas. Plenty of outdoor seating, picnic table, fire pit with benches, multiple docks on the lake for boat tie ups, sitting on a slight bluff with over 300’ of shoreline for the most amazing views of the lake. The lake shore sauna, Pool table, large shuffleboard table, poker table, darts, foosball table, horseshoe pits, yard games, video game room and many other things to do, ensuring entertainment for all ages. Family gatherings, bachelor and bachelorette parties, fishing/hunting/snowmobile trips are totally welcome!! A fishing row boat is included in the rental. Bowstring lake is one of the top Minnesota's fishing lakes and is over 9000 acres in size. Property is situated on 13 private acres.

Please only Saturday 2pm check ins to Saturday 10am check out bookings for the summer months.

Property manager

Josh Stay

Amenities

Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Parking available
Laundry

House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets

Pets allowed: limit 2 total
Please be respectful and responsible with pets.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please no shoes inside the cabin. Slippers work great though!!
Responsible partying and respect to our neighbors is highly appreciated

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 25
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector

Frequently asked questions

Is Historic lakefront lodge with full bar, sauna, private boat ramp pet-friendly?

Yes, this lodge allows pets (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Historic lakefront lodge with full bar, sauna, private boat ramp?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic lakefront lodge with full bar, sauna, private boat ramp?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Historic lakefront lodge with full bar, sauna, private boat ramp located?

Located on the waterfront, this family-friendly lodge is within 9 mi (15 km) of Rush Island Lake, Lake Winnibigoshish and Jessie Lake. Little Sand Lake is 10.3 mi (16.6 km) away.

Historic lakefront lodge with full bar, sauna, private boat ramp Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 63 out of 70 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 70 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 70 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 70 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 70 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Trisha C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Huge house with tons of charm and character. Beds were comfortable, kitchen was fully stocked. Main room had so many things to keep us entertained when we weren’t on the water. Communication was easy and prompt.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Catherine B.

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

Great Stay!

The resort is large and has every amenity you could ever need. The most I have ever had at a VRBO. There are lots of separate areas for different activities. Tons of games and puzzles. The lake water is very clear and has a sandy bottom. The sauna was new and lovely. Josh was amazing to work with and super responsive. It was a great place for a large family gathering.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jason M.

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

Meyer Family Christmas on Bowstring

This is a great place to stay for a large group wanting to expiriance the history and character of the area as well as the historic Bowstring Lodge. Something for everyone! Bowstring Lake - one of MN better fishing lakes, Games, foosball in the large great room. Had 17 people for a family Christmas. Lots of room to spread out. Had a family fishing contest and foosball tournament. Great place. We would visit again!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Patti W.

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

Fun Get Away

Great area for outdoor activities of all kinds. Kitchen is amazing and fully stocked with anything you might need!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Loved it!

Great for all ages! Space for everyone to enjoy and work!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie E.

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

N Mn lodge

Very authentic northern lodge with many family amenities. The saltwater pool was great!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris P.

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

A great stay

A very nice property! Weather didn't cooperate with us the whole week as it was quite windy, but there were plenty of things to do inside as well as the pool and sauna. Well stocked and inviting - the bar was a hit with the family and was a evening gathering place. We hope to stay again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shirlee T.

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

Character Warmth and Nostalgia

Our best family Labor Day yet!! This former lodge was awesome!! Filled with character, nostalgia and charm. Huge lake with magnificent sunsets. Our host was great on all levels. Easy to reach and prompt responses to our questions. Highly recommend Bowstring Lodge
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Connie P.

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

Family fishing trip

Perfect size and location for our group!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sherly P.

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

family vacation

Perfect!! We had 10 adults and 11 children, 5 families. The layout of the lodge was perfect. The upstairs rooms were not disturbed by the game room or bar noise. The lake is beautiful for fishing or boating. The pool was awesome. This place is very well equipped for large groups. No one was disappointed.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carey H.

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

The lodge

The property was awesome. Beautiful lodge.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Terry B.

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

Awesome

Excellent host
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wendy L.

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

A great getaway!

7 couples stayed very comfortably in Bowstring Lodge. We had a wonderful weekend! The place was very interesting and the owner was great to work with. Would definitely recommend this to anyone!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

B F.

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

Great time at Bowstring

It was a great experience. Josh was great at communicating and a super nice guy.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tammy T.

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

Annual Family Snowmobile Trip

We rated the property, amenities, location to trails a 10/10. The condition of the trails we rated 11/10. Only note: the floors are a little crooked, which adds to the charm, but if you have vertigo or a few beers ... beware ;)
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jaimee G.

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

Secluded Getaway

Our overall stay was nice. The access to the lake and pool were great throughout our stay. The large yard provided a fantastic place for the kids to play wiffle ball and run around. The inside bar area was a fun place to hangout, eat, and just look around at all the great memorabilia. The game room/great room was a hit for both kids and adults alike, especially when we were stuck inside because of rain. Overall, this was a great choice for our party of 20!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mike B.

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

Snowmobile trip

25 members of our snowmobile club stayed here for our annual trip. We loved efact that we could all be under one roof. This layout is a little quirky, but it had tons of space for everyone to hang out and socialize, especially in the bar and huge game room. Awesome to see the historic lodge being put to good use.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sheryl F.

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

Great place for large groups!

We had 25 family members stay at the house when we were in the area for a wedding. The lodge was amazing with great character. We brought most everything we needed but the amenities offered were above and beyond what you would expect. Kitchen fully stocked with appliances. Plenty of cold storage! Too many indoor and outdoor activities to list here, but there are activities for every age. Plenty of outside seating if you just want to relax and enjoy the views of the lake. The owner was in contact before, during and after our stay and responded quickly to our messages. Highly recommend this lodge to anyone looking to VRBO in the area.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Great place to gather with a large family

Lots of places to spread out so we weren't breathing down each other's necks. The weather was not cooperative when we were there, so the game room was perfect to keep teens and small children happy. Caught a couple of mice, but understandable when surrounded by woods and in a vintage cabin. It's life. Used the sauna and the pool. It was a bit cool and would have liked to swim more because the pool was so nice. The little kids 10 and under were thrilled about the mess of blue gill they caught. Thanks, Josh for having a large place to rent!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brian M.

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

Bowstring Lodge: a multifamily tradition

I just got home from my third stay at Bowstring Lodge, and my second with the current owner, Josh. Our group included six families, including four teenagers and two six-year-olds. Everyone enjoyed the Lodge, which had plenty to keep everyone busy without feeling crowded. We all came together for meals and movies but, during the day, everyone could do their own favorite activity -- from swimming and fishing, to board games, to television, to sauna, to quiet time overlooking the lake -- on their own schedule. The WiFi is excellent, so those of us who had to check in with the office from time to time had no trouble. All three of my stays have been great experiences, each better than the time before. Josh has been upgrading and improving the property, and the positive changes are noticeable. The customer service was great, too -- Josh was very responsive to every inquiry. And when I pointed out a problem with the sound quality of the television in the common space, there was no fooling around -- a brand-new television was installed by dinnertime, in time for the movie that we had been planning for that evening. I have been renting the Lodge every other year, but this year's guests -- adults and children alike -- had such a lovely time that we want to make it an annual tradition.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

6/10 Okay

Jeff S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in

Cool but Brrrrr

Highs: Unique ambience with bar and game room; large property with capacity for many guests; plentiful lake frontage with room for games and gathering Lows: No central heat; kitchen full of houseflies; older parts of the property are tired; BYOBTT--bring your own bedding, towels, toiletries, etc. This is a unique property that was a resort/bar at one time. The public spaces are consequently great for large gatherings--you could easily entertain twenty people. The non-public spaces are less charming--two of the bedrooms are modern and comfortable, while the six located in the older part of the compound are much more spartan. The kitchen is large and functional, but we spent most of our time there killing houseflies (perhaps the prior renters mis-handled their garbage.) Our biggest disappointment was the absence of any centralized heat. Not a problem in July, to be sure, but in the second week of September, it proved a little too rustic for our tastes. Rob, the owner, suggested that we use the electrical space heaters located in each of the bedrooms, but that felt dangerous to us. If you're hosting a large group for a week in the middle of the summer, this place is worth considering. if your group is smaller than 8, and you're doing a long weekend early or late in the season, you may want to explore other options.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020

8/10 Good

Nikki B., Minneapolis, MN - USA

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tons of space and things to do in this rustic lodge and bar

Overall, we loved the space and all the things available for entertainment. The full bar area was the usual landing spot for our group. Having a beer cooler and plenty of seating was an unexpected bonus. The game room kept us busy for days - pool, darts, foosball, shuffleboard, and more seating areas. We didn't understand the review about heaters as the baseboard heating was plenty to keep us warm on a particularly cold October visit. The kitchen had everything we could need and more - all the appliances we needed, multiple coffee makers, cookware, more than enough plates, bowls, glasses, mugs, flatware, etc. The kitchen could use a bit more organization, but it got the job done. Bedrooms were fine - some better than others - just make sure you read all the info before you arrive so you know that you need to bring blankets, towels, and extra sheets for some of the rooms. The owner provides a lot of information and it would be helpful if it were in a binder or something in an obvious spot. He checked in on us a number of times and was always available to answer questions. If we had something constructive to say, it would be this. The place was tidy but not necessarily deep cleaned. Some surfaces were dusty and sticky and some weird odors. The hot tub needed the filter cleaned after using it only twice - and it the filter was DISGUSTING - like it had never been cleaned. The hot tub surfaces were fine. The electrical work was sketchy with extension cords running all over and several outlets running "hot" or not at all. It would have put us more at ease if we didn't see extension cords running through ceilings and popping out on the next floor. That said, it seems that this property is a work in progress and several people in our group want to reserve it for future events. With a little more attention to details and a deep cleaning, this will be an amazing property.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2020

8/10 Good

Pa L.

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

Great experience but experience after wasn’t

The house was big and very nice. One side is more up to date then the other. The living room, bar, kitchen and dining room were huge but on the other side of the house, it seems more out date and spooky. Very dark. The host was always very easy to get a hold of. After checking out, we made sure we checked out correctly but I guess we didn’t. The owner called us 1 week later and right away threatened us with a lawsuit for “damages”. There wasn’t any instructions on where to put the blankets that we used so we piled it in the living room thinking that was okay. There were plastic shot cups and a beer can in the hot tub filter and apparently, we left the kitchen a mess when we made sure we cleaned it well. We made some rice, and had left some in the sink from washing the pot, the owner considered that trashing his kitchen. We were also told we broke his cups and a picture frame when we didn’t even use his cups and didn’t even touch his pictures. We brought our own red solo cups. He also said we left the trash where we were not suppose to and the animals got to it. We asked him where to put it because we did not see the dumpster by the garage. He stated to put it in the gray shed next to the fish, which we did. At the end, we were threatened with a lawsuit again and was told driving up would be an inconvenience if he’d went on with the lawsuit. Owner also stated that if he filed the lawsuit that he would ok because he lives there. The cabin was a good experience but the host professionalism was not. This situation could of been handled very easily without being threatened with a lawsuit. Don’t get me wrong, this place is a great place to stay at and the host is very attentive when you have questions. He ask for us to let him know if there’s any issues before posting it on the review but we’re not treated the same back. Could of just called and let me know what the issue was and we could of gone from there instead of calling and threatening us with a lawsuit. Also, we checked with VRBO customer service and they said that the host is suppose to send an invoice through vrbo if they charge extra on a cleaning fee which we are not obligated to pay. They are not suppose to have us send it through PayPal or venmo so be aware. We were not told about these issues until a week after we checked out. Whoever books with the host, make sure you don’t leave any mess because he may demand more cleaning fee. Be sure to take pictures when checking out as proof also.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Joseph R.

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

Awesome property

The property was awesome. I hosted a corporate meeting at the facility. It was a great setting for a meeting space and team building. I would 10/10 recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Jennifer K.

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

Lots of space in a unique cabin

Had a great week- the cabin worked for our large group- the bar area and game room are large and accommodating. We made great use of both. The kitchen is large and well stocked. The outdoor space was great and the pool and sauna were a big hit! Josh was a great host- he was very responsive and helpful. The cabin is a little cluttered with many Knick knacks, partly kitschy- but partly overwhelming. We had trouble finding a boat rental- so we were not able to take advantage of the lake to the extent we had hoped.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023