Cabin

Private Retreat - Great for families! September & October dates still available!

Photo gallery for Private Retreat - Great for families! September & October dates still available!

A wooden deck with a glass table and chairs overlooking a lake, surrounded by trees.
A dining area with a wooden table and chairs, a bookshelf, and a framed picture on the wall.
Two black leather recliner chairs with wooden flooring and a window with blinds.
A kitchen with a gas stove, microwave, sink, and wooden cabinets.
A cozy living room with a stone fireplace, leather furniture, and a flat-screen TV.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area

Highlights

  • The great outdoors

    Guests love the outdoor space here.

  • Fireplace

    A rare find - cosy up in front of a warm, inviting fireplace.

  • Centrally-located

    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Deck or patio
  • Dog-friendly
  • Barbecue
  • Air-conditioning
  • Internet access
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
Brainerd, MN
  • Place, Long Lake Upper
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Brainerd International Raceway
    ‪29 min drive‬
  • Place, The Classic at Madden's Golf Course
    ‪38 min drive‬
  • Airport, Brainerd, MN (BRD-Brainerd Lakes Regional)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Den

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

Private Retreat - Great for families! September & October dates still available!

You will love your get away to 'The Lake' when you stay at our cabin, The Boat House, directly on Upper South Long Lake. All the amenities you want mixed with classic cabin comforts like knotty pine interior, quilts, and being lulled to sleep by the loons calling.

The living room addition and connected dining room a provide panoramic view of the lake. The living space features a natural stone gas fireplace, 1 rocking swivel chair, 2 leather recliners, a full couch with 2 recliners, and a 52" high definition TV, cable connected. The dining room has a full size table with 6 chairs.

The kitchen and bath are fully updated. Two generous sized bedrooms plus a separate den sleep 6 comfortably.

Great private lot with huge shade trees, large yard for yard games, and 200 feet of private lakeshore. The lakeside deck includes a dining table with chairs, and glider. Such a great spot for reading, an afternoon nap, watching the loons, a memorable meal, and catching a glorious sunset.

Enjoy the day swimming, boating (canoe is provided), and fishing right off your private dock. Bring along your own boat and waterskiing, wakeboarding, drifting in the sun, and serious fishing are yours. Please note that the dock is out of the lake from around October 1st to around May 15th - check with us if the dock is important to you.

Evening bonfires, roasted marshmallows, shore lunch, the call of the loons, and a lake full of fun will all become a part of your family memories.

While our place is very private it is just a short walk to a local bar and restaurant to enjoy a beer and great burger.

We are just a few miles east of Brainerd for shopping, antiques, and nightlife. Enjoy all the sites, attractions, golf and restaurants in the Brainerd Lakes area! Lake Mille Lacs is a few miles away.



Keywords: lakeshore, private, lake home, cottage, cabin, summer home, knotty pine, families

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 10:00 AM

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Good for families

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Events

No events allowed

6 person maximum at any time

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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)

2 dogs max- Addl charge. No puppies.

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

No smoking allowed at all

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:

Load and start the dishwasher

Strip any used beds and gather used towels

Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish

Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys

Make sure canoe is pulled up totally on shore. Put all paddles and life jackets in the cabin.

Yard must be free of dog doo doo.

Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

1) No fireworks, firecrackers, sparklers, or anything related of any kind at any time

2) No parties of any kind are allowed

Quiet hours 10 pm to 8 am

Important information

You need to know

Property # 301084vb
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
Note from host: 6 person maximum at any time
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

About the area

Brainerd

Located in Brainerd, this cabin is on the waterfront. WonderTrek Children's Museum and Roundhouse Brewery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Mississippi River and Telef Paulson Wildlife Management Area. Paul Bunyan Land and Northland Arboretum are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with snorkelling and power boating nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and hiking/biking trails.
View more Cabin rentals in BrainerdOpens in a new window
Map
Brainerd, MN

What's nearby

  • Long Lake Upper - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Paul Bunyan Land - 9 min drive - 13.3 km
  • Brainerd International Raceway - 29 min drive - 38.0 km
  • Cragun's Legacy Courses - 34 min drive - 42.3 km
  • The Classic at Madden's Golf Course - 38 min drive - 49.4 km

Getting around

  • Brainerd, MN (BRD-Brainerd Lakes Regional) - 21 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Green Lantern - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Paradise Shores - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Oak Lawn Tavern - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Dennis Drummond Wine Company - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Bucky's - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Private Retreat - Great for families! September & October dates still available! pet-friendly?

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

How much does it cost to stay at Private Retreat - Great for families! September & October dates still available!?

As of 20 September 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Private Retreat - Great for families! September & October dates still available! on 2 October 2026 start from NZ$1,594, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Private Retreat - Great for families! September & October dates still available!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Private Retreat - Great for families! September & October dates still available!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Private Retreat - Great for families! September & October dates still available!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Private Retreat - Great for families! September & October dates still available! located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is steps from Long Lake Upper and within 9 mi (15 km) of Telef Paulson Wildlife Management Area and Paul Bunyan Land. Buffalo Hills Park and Nokay Lake are also within 12 miles (20 km).

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. 140 out of 164 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 22 out of 164 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 164 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 164 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 164 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 30 August 2026
So happy you enjoyed our cabin
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet, secluded, and beautiful. Online description very accurate.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 19 August 2026
We're so happy you enjoyed the very things we think make our cabin special. Our goal is to the cabin match or be even better than the pictures and description!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The water was crystal clear and we swam and floated all day while also having a good time taking breaks to fish off the dock. Beds were comfortable and yard and firepit were very much enjoyed, we had an awesome long weekend here!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 18 July 2026
We're so happy you enjoyed your time at our cabin! We welcome you to stay again any time!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was a nice place to stay for an up north get away. The property was very clean and the hosts did a great job of communicating anything we would need to know.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 11 June 2026
We're so happy you enjoyed your stay! Come back any time!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property. Loved all the trees and semi privacy. Our dogs had as good a time as us. Hopefully we can come back next year
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 17 July 2026
So happy you enjoyed the cabin and the privacy it provides. We would happily welcome you back!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great stay! The cabin was well furnished with everything we needed. Night lights throughout were nice. Fans in every room were great in the heat! The jar of goodies to make s’mores was a nice treat! Hosts were very responsive. Nice private property, you couldn’t even see the neighbors! We’d love to come back again!! Thank you for a great family vacation!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 12 August 2026
We're so happy you had a great time and would welcome back any time!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean, comfortable and had everything you need for cooking or just relaxing. Would definitely come again.Three bedrooms so plenty of room for a family. Lots of fish in the lake. Had fun catching fish.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 7 July 2026
So happy you enjoyed your stay!
Verified review

6/10 Okay

The few was
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved our time at your cabin. It was so spacious and comfortable. The beds in the red bedroom probably need to be replaced as they are very soft.I’m physically disabled so I would like to suggest that the bathroom have grab bars and all of the steps it would be nice to have a railing to help.I think if you did that that you might have some more older people that need that and. You could put that in your advertisement.We’d like to come back but probably won’t unless you can make it more accessible.Thanks again for sharing your beautiful cabin in the woods with us
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed every minute at The Lake House! It was a quaint, beautiful home - just what we were looking for and exactly as described.Spending a few days enjoying lake life, walking out to the dock, watching the sunsets, and gathering around the campfire in the evenings took me right back to memories of years gone by. The sunsets from the dock and peeking through the trees were absolutely gorgeous! There was something especially meaningful about sharing those simple lake moments with my grandsons and brother and creating new memories together.We were so appreciative of the well-stocked home and the kindness of the owners. Everything made it easy to settle in, slow down, and simply enjoy being at the lake.My grandsons loved it so much that they said they want to come back to the exact same place next year - and go fishing again on South Long Lake with Captain Nick, owner of Fishing Guyd!A truly special few days at the lake. Then. Now. Always.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My husband and I stayed for three nights. We had a lovely time. The property is surrounded by trees, so it has a private feeling. There was great fishing off the dock. At night, we enjoyed the fire pit and made s’mores. Each morning we saw deer on the property. The cabin had all the amenities that you would need. Plenty of room and modern conveniences like cable on a big TV, and internet service. There is a nice Bar and Grill within walking distance from the cabin, which has excellent burgers. Brainerd is only a short drive away, and has everything you might need. The hosts were friendly and helpful. I highly recommend this cabin.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 24 June 2026
We're so happy you enjoyed your time at our place! We love that you enjoyed many of the things we think make it special!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Nice, family friendly property

Our family enjoyed our stay and liked being able to use the canoe and dock to fish from.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great getaway

Enjoyed our stay and all the cabin had to offer! Great location and was perfect for the short drive to the BIR on Sunday.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 25 August 2024
We're so happy you enjoyed your stay! It is our aim to have the items our guests need for their time at the cabin.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful location

This is a quaint cabin on a beautiful location! You can tell the owners put a lot of care into this place & the guest that stay there.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 27 August 2023
We're so happy that you enjoyed the cabin and the private location. We want all of our guests to feel well cared for!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Such a great place!!!

We loved the privacy. Super clean and had everything we needed.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 27 August 2023
So happy you enjoyed the Boat House! Come back anytime to enjoy!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful quiet cabin

We really enjoyed our family vacation. The cabin was well equipped and the yard was fantastic to play in with our baby.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 27 August 2023
We're so happy you had a great time. The big private yard is always a hit with families - so happy that was true with yours!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful place for a family!

We had a wonderful stay with our two kids. They loved swimming in the lake and jumping off the dock. The cabin was clean and very cozy. We would love to stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 4 July 2024
So happy your family enjoyed the lake! We'll have it ready any time you want to join us again!
Verified review

8/10 Good

Peaceful family getaway

We had a great time!! The lake was so peaceful and quiet. We were hoping for more of a beach area by the lake but it all worked out great!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 27 August 2023
We're so happy you had a great time at the cabin!! Our lake shore is especially peaceful and quiet because we are far from our neighbors. The beach area by the lake is walk in directly to the lake so easy for playing in and accessing the lake. We do not have a lay on the sand and build sand castles type of beach and always try to make our guests aware of that. We're happy that it all worked out great for you and your family!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Private, relaxing

Very nice, private, relaxing cabin very close to attractions. Hosts were very helpful sending info as needed. Cabin was clean and comfortable. Great weekend get away!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 31 May 2024
So happy you had a relaxing time at The Boat House. We're glad that you found it as advertised - private and clean. Come back any time!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great

Clean, comfortable and has everything needed. We really enjoyed our time there!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Stay on the Lake

This house is so well positioned - back from the shore of the lack in the trees - giving privacy and easy lake access. The lake was pretty clear and great for a swim. The house is well-equipped and has everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Property was very nice. Well stocked kitchen, comfortable living room and dining room area. Lot is very wide for a lake lot with trees on both sides to provide privacy from the neighbors. Brought our boat and had a great time on the lake. Visited the nearby resort / bar and grill, which is only about 3 or 4 blocks away. The food there is surprisingly good and reasonably priced. Overall it was a great trip.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful family reunion.

Seniors staying to enjoy reunion as widow used to have a cabin on nearby lake. Got to visit old friends & reminisce. Wonderful property for our stay. Very well-kept cabin with all the conveniences for any ages (even though we were seniors).
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 27 August 2023
We love that you enjoyed your stay at The Boathouse! The summary that you left in the property shows you liked some of the same things our other guests have "comfy beds, peaceful & serene, loons captivating, clean, great shower, beautiful view". Thank you and come again!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great for our family!

We stayed at the cabin with our family and dog and it was great. Easy to bring our boat, put it in at the public landing and leave it at the dock at the cabin. Nice fire pit and wood provided. We had a good time and would go back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 27 August 2023
So happy your family had a great time! Yes, the public boat launch is not far from the cabin. Nice that you found, like others, the our dock can handle the boat making it easy for you. Come back any time!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Up north cabin

The cabin is exactly how it appears in the photos. Is super clean and comfortable, and has everything you need. The property and lake provide lots of great outdoor activities. Will stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 27 August 2023
We are so happy you enjoyed your vacation at The Boat House. We look forward to having you again!

About the host

Hosted by Tom and Linda Herzog

Host profile image

Tom and Linda have been vacationing on Upper South Long Lake for many years. We met at a bonfire party on the lake and have raised 3 kids with loads of summer lake adventures! We are excited to share our cabin with you. As a matter of fact you might see us on the lake as we enjoy 'Up North' at our place on the same lake!

Why they chose this property

We have been vacationing on this Lake for over 40 years. We love it up here so much this is our second home on the same lake. Wildlife, long walks, eagle spotting, loon calls, water sports, sunsets, talks and s'mores around the campfire are all woven into our family fabric. You'll be happy when they are part of yours!

What makes this property unique

We take a lot of pride in our cabin so you will find it neat and clean. We have made many improvements that you will appreciate. You will love the privacy provided by our 200 feet of lakeshore, big front yard, lakeside deck, and the wooded lot. From many windows of the cabin you can not see our neighbors. On bad weather days there is lots of space in the cabin for family card games, movies (small library included) or a check on the current sporting event on the big screen TV. Up to 2 dogs can stay with prior approval and additional fee paid

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

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