Cabin in McGrath, MN

Located at the Heart of the Solana State Forest in Amongst the Forest Trees

Located at the Heart of the Solana State Forest in Amongst the Forest Trees

Photo gallery for Located at the Heart of the Solana State Forest in Amongst the Forest Trees

The Woodlands Cabin of the Shire
The view into the forest.
The warmth of the fireplace.
The cozy kitchen.
The queen size bed.

Overview of Located at the Heart of the Solana State Forest in Amongst the Forest Trees

9.2 out of 10 Wonderful
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 256 sq m

Popular amenities

  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • Pet-friendlyPet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning

Enjoy the area

McGrath, MN
  • Popular LocationMille Lacs Lake23 min drive
  • Popular LocationFederal Correctional Institution, Sandstone50 min drive
  • Popular LocationGrand Casino Hinckley56 min drive
  • AirportBrainerd, MN (BRD-Brainerd Lakes Regional)78 min drive

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining Area

About this property

Located at the Heart of the Solana State Forest in Amongst the Forest Trees

The Woodlands cabin is tucked away in the woods. It is the most isolated, private dwelling. We consider it our honeymoon suite with its comfortable and cozy queen-size bed.

It has a screened-in porch off of the front entryway. The one level, one-room design features a dining space with large, corner viewing windows that face out into the forest. There is a ¾ bathroom with a shower directly off of the bedroom area. A freestanding fireplace is located in one corner in front of the couch. The kitchen has a small refrigerator with a freezer, a two-burner cooktop, a microwave, a coffee pot, crock pot, a large toaster oven, and all the necessary kitchen utensils and dinnerware. A CD player, air conditioner, floor/table fans as well as ceiling fans, additional oil filled heater, off peak electric storage heater, an outdoor grill, Wi-Fi, and an outdoor fire pit are also available.

Features:

Space
■One level, one-room design
■1 bed in an open room
■1 bathroom with shower
■Kitchen with a two-burner cooktop, one small refrigerator with freezer, microwave, crock pot, coffee maker, a large toaster oven, and all the necessary kitchen utensils and dinnerware

Amenities
■Air conditioner, floor/table fans, ceiling fans, and off peak electric storage heater
■A free-standing wood fireplace
■Outdoor grill
■Free Wi-Fi

Property manager

Michael Bonnette
Premier Host
Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Barbecue grill

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 1:00 PM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings

Pets

Pets allowed: limit 1 total

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

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
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Mc Grath

Located in Mc Grath, this cabin is in a rural area and on a lake. While the natural beauty of Snake River and Kettle River can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can head to Moose Lake Golf Club. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

What's nearby

  • Mille Lacs Lake - 23 min drive
  • Banning State Park - 32 min drive
  • Moose Lake State Park - 38 min drive
  • Federal Correctional Institution, Sandstone - 50 min drive
  • Grand Casino Hinckley - 56 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Located at the Heart of the Solana State Forest in Amongst the Forest Trees pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 1 total).

What time is check-in at Located at the Heart of the Solana State Forest in Amongst the Forest Trees?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Located at the Heart of the Solana State Forest in Amongst the Forest Trees?

Checkout is at 1:00 PM.

Where is Located at the Heart of the Solana State Forest in Amongst the Forest Trees located?

Situated on a lake, this cabin is 3.1 mi (5 km) from Snake River and within 20 miles (32 km) of Kettle River and Mille Lacs Lake. Banning State Park and Rice Lake National Refuge are also within 25 miles (40 km).

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 16 out of 26 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 26 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 26 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 26 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 26 reviews" "

8.6/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Check-in

8.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Breanna H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely
Absolutely lovely as always! I will continue to come back.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bre H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect
Perfect place to get away! I wish I could have stayed longer!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nick S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great get away
The cabin is a part of a complex but you are tucked away at the edge and nestled in the trees. It is a great place for a little get away and has all the essentials you would need.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kari C., Minneapolis

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing retreat
I did not expect this cabin to be a part of a larger retreat location (Shire in the Woods is the name of the company if you care to look them up and see what other retreat services/amenities they provide), but it was lovely in every way. This cabin is small and off to the far edge of the main property, with windows that look off into the forest. Though the cabin is off to the side and secluded, we could see our nearest neighbors during our stay while they were there over the weekend. We had a couple instances of guests staying in other cabins walking by with their dog(s) to go on the trails in the forest that wrap around our cabin (my dogs were excited so I had to keep the curtains closed), but our hosts have high expectations for guests to keep the property quiet & peaceful (there is an incredible culture and ambiance about this place), and for every dog to remain on leash on the main property, so there was never a big issue with other dogs around. Also a heads up we had to drive past horses and swans (in fences on each side of the driveway) to enter the property. I had to distract my sheltered city dwelling dogs during all of that excitement! We stayed beyond the weekend when the other guests left and it became our own little haven; it was incredible. The dogs were so relaxed without other guests they could see or hear. We woke up to a sprinkling of snow and had coffee and quiet in front of the fire with the forest around. The internet was spotty and slow at times as others noted, so expect a place that forces you to unplug from the constant streaming of videos and news, but you can check your email if you need, or post a couple pretty photos you take of your adventures on the gram. The hiking trails were incredible! Some were very well worn, some were so rustic I had to trust my dogs' to tell me where the trail continued. You can follow the maps posted throughout the trails on the property for shorter hikes and see beautiful sights like a beaver damn and lodge, or follow the trails deeper into the state forest to really get your fill of nature. They had maps in the cabin of some deeper-into-the-woods trails and spots to check out. All in all, my stay was more than the reset I expected, and exactly what I needed. I sincerely appreciated the opportunity to take my dogs along with for hikes in our own space (thank you!) and would highly recommend Shire in the Woods to anyone looking for a MN retreat. Thanks to the host family!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Alissa K., Minneapolis, MN

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to get away
Our second trip to this little cabin was just as relaxing as the first. We love the screened in porch, cozy set up, fireplace, and that we can bring our dog.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

About the host

Hosted by Michael Bonnette

Host profile image
I have spent the last 25 years of my life firmly entrenched in the research and development world with a vast majority of that time spent in the interventional medical industry. With my creativity and engineering degree, I have managed to receive 70 US and foreign patents with 50 submissions still pending. Many of these ideas have resulted in devices which have helped people in one form or another, and in 2013, I decided I wanted to help people in another way. I acquired this property which will help people escape and relax in the beauty of the Minnesota Woods!

The property has 120 acres of private lands which sits within 68 thousand acres of the Solana State Forest. The Soo Line Trail also travels right through my property. In 2013, the property was purchased by my family and has now become the Shire in the Woods. A special place, with the look and feel of a Tolkien inspired landscape, now located in "Middle Minnesota".

The Shire in the Woods was formerly solely a retreat center which was founded in 1989 by three Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet with a vision of creating a place where people can spend time quieting the mind and opening the heart and spirit. They recognized the need for individuals living in a modern, fast paced society to be able to retreat to a quiet, nurturing place, thus replenishing the soul and deepening their connection with self, nature, each other, and the universe. The Shire still has it's roots within that theme, and it has grown much more for everyone to enjoy!

Why they chose this property

Welcome to the Shire in the Woods, where the natural surroundings will nourish and rejuvenate your soul! Located 18 miles east of northern Mille Lacs Lake, Minnesota, we are tucked away at the heart of the Solana State Forest and have the Soo Line South Trail running right alongside us. Relax with a good book in front of a fireplace or take a stroll in the beautiful woods. The Shire can serve you, your family and friends, facilitate special groups, workshops, and meetings, host a wedding, hold a family reunion, and more! No matter where you are at in your writing practice, the natural beauty and tranquility of the Shire is perfect for a writers retreat. The outdoors and especially the circle drive would be great for demonstrations with horses for example, or you can come and just be a hermit! Whatever your event or occasion, we will work with you to best serve your needs.

Our private, wooded retreat has seven, year round dwellings and more. There are four smaller cabins (The Woodlands, The Birches, The Meadows, and The Loft), The Cedar House, The Tree Lodge, and a gathering space, movie theatre, presentation media space, and library in The Octagon (unless privately reserved).

Other features of the Shire:
• Screened-in gazebo.
• Wood burning sauna.
• 5 miles of groomed trails.
• A rose garden.
• A labyrinth.
• Beaver, frog, and turtle pond.
• Tree swings and hammock.
• Outdoor fire pits and indoor fireplaces.
• Access to the Soo Line Trail.
• Access to many miles of trails in the Solana State Forest.
• And much more including our horses, a miniature donkey, and a miniature horse. As a guest, you can experience our animals antics and social systems, pet them, and with prior arrangements have guided interactions or feed them treats.

All of the places are arranged in their own unique setting such that you feel like you are the only one there!

What makes this property unique

There are many things to do in and around the Shire. Enjoy wooded solitude on the private trails or hike in the Solana State Forest, meditate while walking the Labyrinth, spend time around a campfire, read or relax in front of the cabin fireplace, and more!

The Shire in the Woods offers many winter and summer vacation activities for everyone to enjoy.
• Enjoy wooded solitude on the private trails.
• Hike in the Solana State Forest.
• Meditate while walking the Labyrinth.
• Spend time around a campfire.
• Read or relax in front of a fireplace.
• Play catch with Frisbees or partake in other games on one of our many groomed lawns.
• Star gaze or moon watch.
• Use the telescope in the gazebo.
• Interact with the horses.
• Cross country ski or snowshoe on our private or surrounding trails.
• Yoga in the Octagon.
• Rock/agate hunt or swim in the nearby spring fed Quarry Pool.
• Ride bikes in the woods or other trails.
• Horseback ride on the Soo Line trail or Solana State Forest Trails with your horses.
• Snowmobile or go ATVing on the Soo Line Trail or the Solana State Forest Trail.
• Spend time in the Pliny Wildlife Area or Ruffed Gross and Woodcock Habitat Area.
• Plan your next birding or photography adventure.
• Enjoy the sounds of nature as the many frogs, owls, wolves, and birds vocalize and sing their songs!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

Premier Host
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