Cabin

Secluded Forest Retreat With The Little Devil Track River Running Through.

Riverside cabin with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Secluded Forest Retreat With The Little Devil Track River Running Through.

The firepit and our tiny meadow on the river.
The rock dam my dad and I built many years ago...gurgling away.
Standing in the kitchen looking out to the river.
Secluded Retreat on the Little Devil Track river!
Guests sent us a photo of the fam taking the canoe out for a very short spin!

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms0+ bathroomsSleeps 6102.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Gunflint Hills Golf Course
  • Place, Pincushion Mountain
  • Place, Grand Marais Art Colony

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Secluded Forest Retreat With The Little Devil Track River Running Through.

Open May - November this is a wilderness cabin with beaver, eagles, mink, moose, and silence. We are surrounded by forest all around and our two neighbors are rarely heard from or seen at all. The small river is accessible right out your front door, and kids like to splash, catch and net things!
But so many things to do beckon beyond the cabin property it's almost overwhelming. The Lake Superior Hiking Trail (which runs from Duluth to Canada) is very nearby. Devils Track Lake, a rather large lake has good fishing and swimming is down the road a couple of miles. The galleries, food and music in 'town' are extraordinary. Grand Marais really has become quite a hub for artists of all types. The North House Folk School is a one of a kind craftshop with adult classes and the Gunflint Tavern features local and national talent in a funky intimate atmosphere.
Almost half of the people who stay at our cabin are repeat visitors. When you read our guestbook you can see the fun (and quiet relaxation) unfold for so many, rain or shine.

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Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17
The little pond in front is shallow.
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
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Pets

Pets allowed: less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Any and all pets are $150 for your stay.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Outside only and pick up butts please.

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 and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 6
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 first aid kit

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Grand Marais

Located in Grand Marais, this cabin is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Superior and Devils Track Falls State Wayside, while North House Folk School and Sivertson Gallery are cultural highlights. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Grand Marais, MN

What's nearby

  • Gunflint Hills Golf Course - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Pincushion Mountain - 6 min drive - 5.1 km
  • North Shore Health - 9 min drive - 8.4 km
  • Cook County Court House - 10 min drive - 8.8 km
  • Grand Marais Art Colony - 10 min drive - 9.1 km

Getting around

  • Duluth, MN (DLH-Duluth Intl.) - 140 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Dockside Fish Market - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Voyageur Brewing Company - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪The Fisherman’s Daughter - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Java Moose Espresso Cafe - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Gun Flint Tavern - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Secluded Forest Retreat With The Little Devil Track River Running Through. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

What time is check-in at Secluded Forest Retreat With The Little Devil Track River Running Through.?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Secluded Forest Retreat With The Little Devil Track River Running Through.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Secluded Forest Retreat With The Little Devil Track River Running Through. located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is within 1 mile (2 km) of Superior National Forest and Gunflint Hills Golf Course. Devils Track Falls State Wayside and Pincushion Mountain are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.6

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. 85 out of 98 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 98 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 98 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 98 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 98 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Thea W.

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

Great stay at cute cabin!

Hosts were great to confirm not too many steps and beds/baths on main level for my elderly parents. Cool sleeping loft for my teenaged son and he caught some trout in the stream!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Kim B.

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

Vacation

nice place
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Danette B.

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

Relaxing Time Away

This was the perfect place for our family to enjoy each other's company and being close to the big lake! We loved the little river in the front of the property, and the kids loved it even more. We enjoyed nature, each other and would love to return again in the future. This is by far the best family trip yet!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022

6/10 Okay

Emily J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Secluded Retreat

Adorable cabin on nice piece of property. Listening to the river was enjoyable. One of the biggest selling points for us was the pond area for the kids to swim in, but there was so much algae we didn't know if it would be safe for the kids or dogs so we didn't swim. Few other minor things but other than that it was a nice stay and the owners were accommodating and pleasant.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Wanda W.

Perfect cabin in the woods!

This cabin perfectly suited our needs for a weekend family gathering in Grand Marais! We had a large family reunion in town with many members reserving rooms in hotels, and some in the campground. By the time our kids knew of their plans to be able to attend, the hotel rooms were all booked and we found this cabin gem - so thankful it was still available! The owners were so responsive and informative. All that was needed, and so much more, was provided. My sister-in-law is already wanting to reserve it the next time they head to Grand Marais! Its privacy and quaintness fit our family and I loved the river right in the backyard. Highly recommend this cabin!

10/10 Excellent

Eric L.

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

Quiet location, great access to Grand Marais

We really enjoyed this A-Frame on the river. The cabin was clean, spacious, and well-appointed. We stayed for approximately a week, and several friends joined us for a few nights early in the visit. The cabin was comfortable for four people and two dogs. We like to cook when traveling, and the kitchen was well-equipped. The location was extremely quiet - we couldn't hear the road or any neighbors. The river access is really nice, and our dogs enjoyed poking around the stream. It's maybe a 5-10 minute drive down the hill to Grand Marais. We hadn't visited the Grand Marais area or North Shore of Lake Superior before, and were really impressed by the town and location. Multiple excellent restaurants in Grand Marais, and an enormous number of hikes with waterfalls and lake views within a short (20-30 minute) drive. Instructions for check-in and check-out of the cabin were very clear, and all communications with the property owners were easy. Managing the trash and recycling was a little tricky - we weren't able to hit the recycling center in town while they were open, but I think it was complicated by a holiday weekend. Overall, a really great cabin stay - would recommend.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

6/10 Okay

Connie R.

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic setting but needs attention maintenance

Four of us stayed including my mother and mother -in-law who are in their eighties. I did not receive directions on how to get into the cabin before the trip but was able to find the key. A very bold mouse made his presence known that evening. There were no traps in the cabin and when contacting the owner, he said to go buy some. Sleepless night.We got traps the next day and set them but never caught Mickey. We saw evidence of him living there in the pans, kitchen, and the bathroom cubbies. The owner never checked on us again to see if the issue had been resolved. The kitchen was well stocked. Table top not attached to dining table, made for shaky meals and card playing. There is nowhere to unpack and store your clothes so you need to live out of your suitcase for the stay. The setting is quiet, remote, and beautiful. The jacks holding up the cabin look to need attention as well as the deck rail. Again the location was amazing and close enough to Grand Marias and waterfalls...we had wonderful day trips, sightseeing and shopping.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Astrid L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed another relaxing and cozy stay at this secluded forest retreat! After spending the day hiking at nearby State Parks and trails off the Gunflint, we loved playing games and reading by the fire. The location by the river is ideal, and it’s so nice to sit on the deck and listen to the water. The cabin is clean and comfortable, and the hosts are responsive. We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Luke W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful spot, great north woods cabin!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steven O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place to us, is heaven on earth. So quiet, so peaceful ,and the air is so fresh. We will be booking again next year. The weather was absolutely fabulous. We didn't need the fire place as it was very comfortable temperature wise. Excellent.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marge L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Comfortable and funky with plenty of art, books and movies. Very quiet with a small burbling river let that provides a nice background. Woodstove and plenty of wood to keep you warm on cool nights.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jackie K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin was very nice and we loved the artwork, the cabin and the setting! Want to come again!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brent K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location! Close to grand Marais , close to fishing and mountain biking ,just what we were looking for. Well kept property, secluded location, nice area in the back to sit by the pond/ brook with fire pit.Comfortable sleeping arrangements, we are a family of 6.We enjoyed our stay.We enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeanne R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This cabin is so comfortable, cozy and secluded. Chris and Anne provide a peaceful retreat for sure!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Rebecca A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Rustic cabin where you can listen to water

Overall good experience. Like that it has a shallow stream in back, a bbq grill, 3 beds and 2 toilets. The kitchen has everything you need to cook meals. Areas that might be something to consider. The shower area is only shut off by a curtain, no door - since you have to go by the bed in family room to get to this area it was awkward for some in our family. The roof had damage which caused water to be coming in from ceiling. We were not made aware and some of our stuff and child, clothes were soaked by morning. I did let chris know and he said he was aware and it was hard to get workers out. It rained a few nights and we had to put pots and plastic bins out to catch water. No one reached out to us about our stuff or tried to put tarp out- was unfortunate. The listing made it dound like there was more than one bedroom. The only bedroom had one full sized bed. The open area in loft and family room also had a bed, but had to put kids there. No blinds or curtains on windows in family/living room which meant the kids were up extra early lol. Overall we enjoyed the quiet, liked the stream and ability to have our fur family members.
Stream, they may call this part the "pond" that confused me
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rebekah

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved our stay on the river! The cabin was even more beautiful than we had hoped. So clean and spacious too! They had everything we needed to be able to relax and just enjoy our week. Our kids range from 10-16 and loved having the river and pond to paddle around in. Even in early June the water was warm enough for them get in. Only a few minutes out of town and perfectly located to be able to enjoy both Grand Marais and the Gunflint Trail. We hope to come back soon!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Astrid L.

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

Secluded getaway

This was our third visit to this cabin and we enjoyed every moment! During the day we explored several of the great hikes in the area, and in the evening we relaxed in the clean and cozy cabin by the fire reading and playing games. We’re already looking forward to our next visit!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dan K.

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

Cozy Cabin

Perfect, private, comfortable cabin. We had a fantastic stay. Highly recommend. Short trip to town or the gunflint. Cool nights made the wood stove a wonderful asset. Hope to return next year.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steven O.

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

Grand Marais A frame cabin

Definitely Heaven on Earth. Serene, peaceful, super cozy. We call ot our little "Once a year slice of heaven". We hope to book again next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Anne K.

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

Peaceful Cottage

Babbling brook created a calm atmosphere. Comfortable beds, hot water, handy location close to hunting trails and also to Grand Marais. Flies inside were annoying and some outlets/lamps didn’t work.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachel P.

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

We love staying here

This was our second time staying here, we love it.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melissa C.

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

North Shore Anniversary Trip

Really enjoyed the quaint cabin and quiet location. Easy access to everything north shore has to offer.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katrina S.

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

Relaxing little getaway

This was our second time staying in the cabin. Such a special place. The location is a perfect distance from town so that we could come back and prepare meals between exploring. Everything we needed was in the cabin. Absolutely perfect time. Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael R.

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

Perfect Place In The Woods To Unwind

The river runs through the front yard, flowing over rocks, creating a peaceful “white noise” situation, enjoyed throughout the house. “Cooler by the Lake” is a factor as well, our stay was the first week of August, in the 90’s to the south, but mid 60’s in the cabin during the day, and bumping 58 degrees after dark Comfortable throughout, so many nice touches, including well aged birch in ghe woodsbed!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Erik K.

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

Close to hiking

This VRBO is close to the Pincushion Trail for biking & hiking. It's also a quick drive to town for coffee and donuts. In the general Grand Marais area we saw two otters, a jack rabbit, plenty of bouncing crows, 2 wolves and three pups, chipmunks, red squirrels, humming birds, snakes and water birds. The wolves were spotted from atop the NE side of Pincushion Mountain looking E down into a meadow. The adults were rather large! Inside, I am sorry to say, was visual, audible, and scent evidence of mice. We did not use the kitchen because of the mouse activity. All of our food was kept inside our cooler as not to add to the party that we were not invited to. The sleeping arrangements were comfortable for my family. Thank you for the 3 fans. Drapes would be a plus. We gave up on the entertainment system. We changed the batteries in the remote with no luck. We saw the directions in the handbook. The movie supply looked fun for late night relaxing. I enjoyed your books- especially the Big Sur Cookbook. The stream was a bonus for us. It's deep in spots (2.5-3 ft.). The otters were spotted early in the morning on the far side of the stream. The back deck is not safe for a small group of adults to be all at once. The situation is in dire need of a sure foundation. The mosquitoes were not out of control. The driveway was a nice wooded walk. The neighbors/pets were quiet. There's plenty of firewood for bonfires and we were happy to find a shower. Thank You.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

About the host

Hosted by Chris Gillis

Host profile image
We inherited this one of a kind bungalow from my parents some years ago and has proved to be very popular spot indeed!
The cabin is very cozy in any weather, and is filled with local and family memorabilia. Chris' father was a famous jazz pianist.
We ourselves live in a condo in town and keep an eye on details that need attention or that would make renter stay a little more comfortable. By reading our guestbook over the years, it is only too obvious that everyone is enjoying themselves!

Why they chose this property

We mention our guestbook because it is so full of the many things families found to do, in great detail. What animals they bumped into, which videos they watched. It is a little treasure trove, so please do page through.
The pond is really just a woodland creek to be enjoyed for it's own sake, kids do get in, canoe or no. It can be hot in high summer and a little wading can go a long ways. We usually keep a little net under the cabin near the water there for frogs and what have you!

What makes this property unique

We are close to town and yet well off the road and tucked into the forest on all sides. The cabin itself is a gem and the glass wall facing south makes for a beautiful bright view. Large grassy (mowed) area in front with the firepit is nice to lounge on right up to the Little Devil Track river. The fishing (and swimming) here is for kids, but there are unlimited places a few miles away for various types of adult fishing. Beaver, Great Blue Heron, Kingfisher, mink and moose move up and down the river at dusk.
We have a complete circle turnaround for parking. The woodstove is modern and efficient with ample split birch firewood, and small European wall heat panels heat the rooms. The loft has a full mattress although many people, especially the kids prefer sleeping bags. Towels are provided.
You can see the water from our Artesian well flowing just outside the window, ice cold and pure.

Languages:

English