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Cabin 1 at Westhaven Lodge w/ Dock, Boat Lift & Beach on Big Bay

Photo gallery for Cabin 1 at Westhaven Lodge w/ Dock, Boat Lift & Beach on Big Bay

Cabin 1, Beach and Fire Pit
Cabin 1
Beach, Point and Cabin (to left)
Cabin 1's New Dock!
Property grounds

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • On the beach
    A rare beachfront property in the area - enjoy direct access to the sand and sea.
2 bedroomsSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Deck or patio
  • On-site fitness centre
  • Toys
  • Barbecue
  • Internet access

Explore the area

View map
Tower, MN
  • Place, Fortune Bay Casino
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Portage Bay
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Place, Soudan Underground Mine State Park
    ‪17 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Single Bed and 2 Single Bunk Beds

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Cabin 1 at Westhaven Lodge w/ Dock, Boat Lift & Beach on Big Bay

In existence since 1935, Westhaven Lodge and its cabins have one of the premier locations on the south side of Big Bay of Lake Vermilion. Cabin 1 has its own small point with a fire pit, dock and boat lift, and it has a pebble beach that it shares with the main lodge. It also has a canoe and two kayaks that are shared with the lodge.
Questions? Please contact Rodger.
The boat lift can accommodate a speed boat or fishing boat up to 3,000 pounds. The 650 square foot cabin has a bedroom with a queen bed and another bedroom with a bunk bed and single twin bed. It's finished with a vintage pine interior with an updated bathroom, and it also has a stone fireplace. Pets are allowed, and a large deck runs along the entire front (lakeside) of the cabin. Antenna TV available with Wi-Fi streaming capability. Because the sun rises and sets so far to the north in the summer, the point is ideal for watching both--just stay up late and get up early!

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 9:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: limit 2 total
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Plenty of beautiful outdoor space for that...
Cancellation policy is on 50% deposit. If 100% payment already made, refund is 75% 30 to 60 days, and 50% 10 to 30 days.
Different check-in/out times may be arranged, if possible, and we supply firewood, but it can run out. We can let you know where to get more.
If you bring a pet, be sure it doesn't bother the neighbors, and clean up after it. Under 25? Contact us to discuss an additional background check.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 682304vb
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

Tower

Located in Tower, this cabin is on the beach. Timbuktu Marina and Giants Ridge Golf and Ski Resort are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Vermilion State Park and Soudan Underground Mine State Park. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hunting and cycling nearby.
View more Cabin rentals in TowerOpens in a new window
Map
Tower, MN

What's nearby

  • Fortune Bay Casino - 9 min drive - 9.1 km
  • Portage Bay - 14 min drive - 16.1 km
  • Taconic State Trail - 16 min drive - 22.9 km
  • Soudan Underground Mine State Park - 17 min drive - 22.9 km
  • Lake Vermilion State Park - 17 min drive - 24.7 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Benchwarmers - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Tavern In The Bay - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Tower Cafe - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Vermillion Club - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Gold Mine Grill - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Cabin 1 at Westhaven Lodge w/ Dock, Boat Lift & Beach on Big Bay pet-friendly?

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

How much is parking at Cabin 1 at Westhaven Lodge w/ Dock, Boat Lift & Beach on Big Bay?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Cabin 1 at Westhaven Lodge w/ Dock, Boat Lift & Beach on Big Bay?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Cabin 1 at Westhaven Lodge w/ Dock, Boat Lift & Beach on Big Bay?

Checkout is at 9:00 AM.

Where is Cabin 1 at Westhaven Lodge w/ Dock, Boat Lift & Beach on Big Bay located?

Nestled on the beach, this Tower cabin is 1.2 mi (2 km) from Lake Vermilion and 3.1 mi (5 km) from Fortune Bay Casino. Portage Bay and Taconic State Trail are also within 12 miles (20 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. 60 out of 76 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 76 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 76 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 76 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 76 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patrick M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Definitely enjoyed my early season stay and being able to use the fireplace. The property is very conveniently located to several attractions. Only recommendation I have to pass on to others is to burn wood towards the back of the fireplace because the smoke curls over the edge if it’s towards the front and you will need to open a window to air it out. Otherwise, perfect for the getaway we needed to relax!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 23 May 2026
We're glad you enjoyed your stay, Patrick. I'll try to remember to make a little note next to the fireplace to make the fire twoard the back of it to keep it from having smoke curl up into the cabin. Thanks for the advice!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin was a great place to rest after a day of fishing. I look forward to staying there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Todd P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Location on Lake Vermillion was great - cabin was clean and as described. We would definitely book again.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Renee L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful views! We loved our stay. Super clean and well cared for property.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

thomas D.

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

Lake vermilion cabin

Very nice cabin and location very clean Great stay
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 17 July 2021
Thanks Thomas...
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cindy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Really enjoyed our time at this cabin on Lake Vermillion. It was perfect for the two of us and our yellow lab. Beautiful fireplace, and very large bathroom, heater was nice as it did get cool overnight. It had everything, deck table/chairs, gas grill, picnic table, dock and fire pit.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brad S.

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

Fall fishing trip

Awesome cabin and location had a great time fishing and exploring the lake
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patrick C.

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

Beautiful Location

The property has a perfect location on the lake and is in quiet portion of the bay. The lodge is perfect for families and friends to enjoy fishing and golfing.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved the cabin and the property. So private and quiet. Cabin was well stocked with dishes and pots and pans. Great that we had a dock with a boat lift too.Weather was warm so fishing was slow. We still enjoyed our stay and hope to return next year.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Courtney S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Was very impressed by the exceptional cleanliness of this property despite being a very old cabin. The charm and unique historical craftsmanship was not lost on us. It was a comfortable stay for 4 adults and an infant. The room with the queen bed was large enough to set-up a play pen. The property was peaceful. Although you are quite close to the “lodge” next door, so if there is a rowdy group it might put a damper on your stay. The group next to us was considerate and we had no complaints. The only thing that was a negative for us was no air conditioning. (Would love a small freestanding unit in the main part of the cabin)Although it was really only an issue the first night we were there. 90 degrees and no wind made for an exceptionally hot cabin. It took awhile for temps to drop. Box fans were provided thank goodness. Heat is for sure something we should have considered more traveling with a 7 month old and an 80 year old. Just something I’d like others to be aware of! Would stay again. 90s aren’t typical for an end of may stay!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 14 June 2026
Sorry about the hot evening. It rarely gets like that. The lake is always cool, and it's usually cool at night. If you close the windows during the day and open them after sunset, the place can stay pretty cool. That said, I will look into getting a freestanding AC unit like you mentioned. - Rodger
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erin G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Check in was quite easy. The furnishings were comfortable. The bed was a little to firm for my liking, but I got used to it. The front porch had a great view of the lake which my wife really enjoyed.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James L.

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

Great Cabin, very clean, quiet

Nice property, parking was easy, cabin was clean had EVERYTHING (except AC)
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Edward W.

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

Westhaven 3-day stay

Rustic cabin, exactly as described, with beautiful lakefront. We were there late in the season, so not many others around, but really enjoyed the property and the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Betsy G.

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

Fantastic Stay at Westhaven Lodge

We had an amazing time at Westhaven Lodge! The accommodations were perfect for our family and we had everything we needed. The lake was beautiful and so fun to explore. Hopefully we get a chance to stay again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy K.

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

Cabin/Fishing Retreat

Cabin had everything we needed. Caught some delicious fish. The lift was great to have access to.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl K.

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

September Stay

We stayed 5 nights, and had a great time. Everything we needed was at the cabin, it was a blessing our dog could come with us. The location is great, the cabin is very close to Lake Vermilion State Park and Bearhead State Park. Would recommend
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gretchen T.

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

Perfect Family Get Away!

We had a great time in Cabin 1, it is cozy but our family of 6 fit comfortably and we enjoyed the together time. The private dock is wonderful and the kids enjoyed hunting for beach glass and crayfish right in front. The owner was very easy to work with and went out of his way to make sure we were having fun , we will definitely be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 6 March 2020
Thanks Gretchen. We enjoyed having your fun-loving family next door while we were staying in the Lodge for the weekend! You certainly made good use of the pontoon boat you rented. We'd love to have back soon!
Verified

8/10 Good

Randall S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a nice time and the cabin was very clean. The bedroom doors didn't stay shut and the pressure in the shower wasn't great but that was the only problem we had.Thank you.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gary F.

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

Anniversary Celebration

Had a wonderful time. We reserved the lodge and the cabin. The cabin was perfect for one of our families. Clean and comfortable. We will recommend your lodge and cabin. Thank you for a great week.
Response from VrboOwner on 6 March 2020
Thanks for the nice review, Gary. We hope you come back soon!
Verified

8/10 Good

Brian A.

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

Guys Trip-Summer Fun

Location is perfect. Close boat ride to quality fishing spots. The cabin was clean but needs some new furniture. The boat lift needs to be fixed or replaced.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 23 July 2020
The boat lift has been fixed! One of the blocks (pulleys) had broken, and it has been replaced. We're working on the new furniture...
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Renee L.

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

Rustic Retreat ❤️

We had the most amazing time. The property is not only perfect but beautifully maintained and the view is spectacular. We also met the care takers and so enjoyed talking with them. Thank you. ❤️
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristi Z.

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

Cabin 1

We had a great time on Lake Vermillion at Westhaven. Great weather, cabin was great. Nice deck. We met the caretakers and they were very nice. Had minor trouble with WiFi but Rodger helped us with that.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 29 July 2020
Thanks Kristi! We're glad you had a great time.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John Z.

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

Cozy Fishing Retreat on Lake Vermilion

This separate little cabin from the primary Westhaven Lodge is great. It is cozy with a nice old school up north feel about it. The bathroom has been renovated. It includes it's own dock with boat lift and a nice deck facing the lake. Close proximity to The Vermilion Club, Fortune Bay & The Y Store is a bonus. Communicating with the owner was a breeze.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 22 October 2020
Thanks John, we're glad you had a good time and really liked the place. The info in your review is better than what I've got on my VRBO webpage!!
Verified

8/10 Good

Kyle K.

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

Great fishing trip

Everything was as expected. Basic cabin with everything we needed. Very clean! Beautiful scenery! The only thing bad thing… the mosquitoes! Not sure how the were getting into the cabin.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

DONALD E.

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

Pleasant beach, dock and private location

Cabin was clean and comfortable. Lakefront had pleasant views and ample area for dogs. Screws on lift scratched our aluminum boat but we were able to use boat lift at the lodge dock. Property management responded quickly to our questions and when we accidentally locked ourselves out of the cabin. We had good fishing and would return to the Big Bay location that is pet friendly.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 6 March 2020
Thanks for the review. We’ve fixed the problem with the boat lift pad screws, so no need to worry about that. Big Bay is a great place to be and we love pets—just be sure to pick up after them...

About the host

Hosted by Rodger Skare

Host profile image
The Skare family bought Westhaven Lodge, all of its cabins and an additional 20 acres of heavily-wooded upland back in 1978 and operated the entire property as a resort for 20 years. Most of the original cabins making up the resort still exist, but six were sold off to some great guests who are now great neighbors. The next generation of the family continues to rent out Cabin 1 (which is still the best of the original cabins) and the Lodge--with both oriented along the lakeshore with a surprising amount of privacy.

Why they chose this property

Excellent family retreat with unbelievable amenities and a wealth of things to do--rain or shine.

What makes this property unique

Dock with own 4,000-lb. boat lift, a pebble beach, a rock point and a lakeside fire pit.

Languages:

English
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