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

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Entire cabin·Private host

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Dates

December 2024

January 2025

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Wonderful

Entire cabin

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 256 sq m

Popular amenities

Parking available

Barbecue grill

Kitchen

Air conditioning

Fireplace

Pet-friendly

Explore the area

McGrath, MN

Mille Lacs Lake
23 min drive
Federal Correctional Institution, Sandstone
50 min drive
Grand Casino Hinckley
56 min drive

Room options

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire cabin to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

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

Air-conditioned cabin with kitchen, fireplace, and patio
Free WiFi
Onsite recreation includes a sauna
3.1 mi (5 km) from Snake River and 18 mi (28.9 km) from Kettle River

As a guest of this cabin, you'll find a sauna and barbecue grills. The front desk is open around the clock.

This Mc Grath cabin is smoke free.

Property manager

Michael Bonnette

Languages

English

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

Sauna
Massages

Internet

Free WiFi

Parking and transport

On-site parking
Car required

Kitchen

Fridge
Stovetop
Microwave
Oven
Toaster
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Spices

Bedrooms

1 bedroom
Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

1 bathroom
Hairdryer
Towels provided

Living spaces

Fireplace
Living room
Wood stove

Entertainment

DVD player
Books
Games

Outdoor areas

Patio
Barbecue
Firepit

Laundry

Near a laundromat

Comfort

Air conditioning
Heating

Pets

Pet friendly
1 total pets

Suitability/Accessibility

Smoke-free property

Location highlights

On the lake
In a rural location
Near a hospital

Things to do

Fishing nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Hunting nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Hiking nearby
Horse riding nearby
Sledging nearby
Snowmobiling nearby

Safety features

Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector installed (host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property)
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit
Deadbolt lock

General

Unit size: 600 sq ft (56 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 1:00 PM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets are welcome
Maximum 1 pets
Restrictions apply
For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.

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

Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking.

We should mention

To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Located Heart Solana State Forest Amongst Forest Trees Cabin

Located Heart Solana State Forest Amongst Forest Trees McGrath

Located Heart Solana State Forest Amongst Forest Trees

Located Heart Solana State Forest Amongst Forest Trees Cabin

Located Heart Solana State Forest Amongst Forest Trees McGrath

Located Heart Solana State Forest Amongst Forest Trees Cabin

Located Heart Solana State Forest Amongst Forest Trees McGrath

Located Heart Solana State Forest Amongst Forest Trees

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

9.2

Wonderful

8.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10 Excellent

Breanna H.

26 Nov 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely

Absolutely lovely as always! I will continue to come back.

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bre H.

18 May 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect

Perfect place to get away! I wish I could have stayed longer!

Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nick S.

24 Jan 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

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

30 Nov 2021

Liked: Cleanliness

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

23 Oct 2021

Liked: Cleanliness

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

8/10 Good

Benjamin G.

19 Jul 2021

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice cabin in the woods

We enjoyed the cabin, but were upset to be left out front waiting for anyone to check us in. Eventually the host showed up, but there should have been some way to contact them posted by the main office. The cabin was nice, but the property didn't have much to do but hike. The sauna wasn't operational and most of the property wasn't available during the day due to angry swans. It was also upsetting to see horses being kept in very poor conditions by the main house.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kaye M.

15 Jul 2021

Liked: Cleanliness

A paradise in the forest

It’s been 13 years since I’ve had a proper vacation. My Collies Dax, Beau and I went to a little cabin named the Woodlands in a place called the Shire to get away from the noise and stress of the city. The quiet solitude there was just what my spirit needed. The boys and I reveled in this little piece of paradise, walking the trails and finding the hidden wonders/treasures of the forest. We saw many different landscapes and saw and heard a multitude of forest creatures and birds. The nights were black as coal with the stars shining bright like diamonds on the night tapestry. We woke and fell asleep to the sounds of birds calling. The quiet at the cabin only disturbed by the rustling of squirrels. I came away feeling recharged and refreshed. I could not have found a more perfect place to take my long-awaited and much-needed vacation with my best buds. It was a wonderous and magical place. The WiFi never worked, I ended up using my phone's hotspot for anything I wanted, but it wasn't much. I went there to get away, not plug in. I saw some reviews complaining about dogs not having the run of things. I had two Collies with me that are trained well and had no problems. They stayed near the cabin with me or close to me on the many journeys through the forest. If you have dogs, you want to contact the owner and keep away from the main area where the owner's animals are kept. I also saw complaints online about the notes. This is a small family owned place. The notes are so they can keep the cabins in order without a large staff. Minnesotan's should know this. It was July when I was here. Lots of biting flies and mosquitoes. Again, Minnesota summer. Knowing this I had the correct bug spray and head coverings (nets that go over your hat and head) and carried another hat to shoo off the flies from my dogs. Just Minnesota. This is a wonderland. I can't tell you how much beauty we saw, or the wonder of the place. If you are a kind and gentle person wanting to get away, this is the place.

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Jeff (JT) R.

5 Apr 2021

Stars! Beavers! Quiet!

We had a great stay. Loved waking both mornings to look out a large window into the forest. Enjoyed the trails, including the great boardwalk (where we got to see beavers swimming about). Had a lovely, peaceful evening around a fire outside which ended with an absolutely amazing dome of stars. Very relaxing and calm-- just what we needed.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

6/10 Okay

David P.

16 Mar 2021

Disliked: Cleanliness

Didn't meet our expectations

Our arrival and check-in tarnished our stay. We had driven 5 hours in the rain and fog to get there only to have to stand in the rain to get the key and then negotiate a driveway/parking area that was a complete mud pit. Trying to keep from tracking mud into the cabin was a constant, nerve racking challenge. The multitude of notes on the wall reminding us to do or NOT do this or that was also a huge distraction. On top of that the cabin was not all that clean - visible layer of dust on the ceiling fan and kitchen shelves, etc. The cabin and surrounding woods were nice but the aforementioned items dampened our enthusiasm.

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Erika N.

23 Jan 2021

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice cabin

I loved this small cabin. Open ceiling made it feel spacious. Well organized with plenty of room for our belongings. Cabins are well spaced on the property. Nice hiking trails.

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021

8/10 Good

Barbara B.

27 Nov 2020

Liked: Cleanliness

weekend getaway

This little cabin has everything you need for 2 persons and is a great starting spot for long hikes in the woods.

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Alissa K., Minneapolis, MN

28 Sept 2020

Liked: Cleanliness

Calm, beautiful, cozy get away in the woods

Great place to get away. It was beautiful and secluded. The cabin was cozy and had everything we needed. We loved the screened in porch and walking trails around the property. Property manager was welcoming and helpful.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Kathrina M.

2 Sept 2020

Liked: Cleanliness

Fantasti

Just what we needed to get away from the city.

6/10 Okay

steve L.

23 Jul 2020

Get away

Was a simple location with needed amenities.

10/10 Excellent

Talitha J.

19 Jul 2020

Overall Goods

Peaceful, a good place to just rest and enjoy nature. Cleanliness could have been better as there were a few cobwebs and evidence of mice (droppings, etc) in the kitchen. Overall we would definitely come again and explore more of the property!

10/10 Excellent

Sara Jo M.

28 May 2020

Liked: Cleanliness

The Shire Stay

This was a great get-a-way from the city. We enjoyed the beautiful views on the property. Hoping to come back again in the winter.

10/10 Excellent

Ray H.

14 Nov 2019

Liked: Cleanliness

Time to Rekindle

Long work weeks, busy schedules this is just what my wife and I needed. Awesome accommodations. Never judge a book by it's cover this little gem Shire in the Woods is as advertised. Long walks on the property, beautiful roaring fires and lots of quiet and time in the word made for the most relaxing and tender stay.

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019

8/10 Good

Greg S.

15 Jul 2019

Liked: Cleanliness

Very secluded. Great place for a retreat.

The property was nice...very secluded location. The only drawback to this property and it's location is with the rain that we had this season, it was hard to get outside and do anything without being eaten alive by mosquitoes or other bugs. Overall though the listing was very accurate. The Octagon was clean and the owner's took a lot of things into consideration that we may need. It shows that they wanted us to enjoy our stay. Would definitely stay again with just my wife for a day trip (hopefully on not such a rainy part of the season).

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Bill B.

3 Jan 2019

Great place to stay!

Loved the experience. Great place to stay!

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2018

8/10 Good

Robert N.

28 Nov 2018

peace and quiet

Great trip to this quiet location.

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Paige S.

5 Nov 2018

Loved our stay, planning to return again

We came to celebrate our 9 year anniversary and get away from the city for the weekend. We really were able to just let go off all the fast-paced stress and enjoy ourselves. We went stargazing the first night, walking a bit onto their not-as-of-yet completed walkway to their little island. And the next day, we hiked around the trails surrounding the grounds and had quite a lot of fun identifying mushrooms---something we used to do years ago in Pennsylvania. On our last day, we walked around their labyrinth and watched the snow fall--then ran back to the cabin to light a fire and read quietly with each other as the flakes drifted by our windows. It felt like we had been holding our breath for a very long time and this weekend we were finally able to release it. Loved the property, Mike and Samwise (the dog) were super friendly upon our arrival and made us feel very welcome. The cabin had all the basics we could have needed--though I suggest you make sure to bring your own toiletres (shampoo, bodywash, and conditioner) if that matters to you. We only ended up needing to purchase one additional bundle of firewood from Mike for the weekend, since the cabin already had some and the fireplace was all setup when we entered. We loved reading through the guest book in the cabin and finding out about the past guests--so many stories and lives connected by this one place. Definitely would recommend as a place to stay, and get reconnected with yourself and nature.

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018

8/10 Good

Bob M.

12 Mar 2017

Peaceful and secluded

My wife and I enjoyed our second stay in the cabin. There were some fairly minor problems that we mentioned to the owner afterward, but the experience overall was restful and rejuvenating.

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2017

8/10 Good

Thomas K.

2 Mar 2017

A very peaceful and tranquil quiet getaway in the woods

The grounds are very peaceful and quiet; a delightful escape from the noise and hubbub of our usual life in the city. There are trails in the woods that pass by wildlife and wild scenery that provide balm to the soul longing to, albeit briefly, get away from the usual demands of life. The cabins are quant, though small, definitely most cosy for a close couple. We stayed in the Woodland cabin in winter, which is set well into the woods, and has many windows that brings nature indoors; and is comfortable for someone who merely wants to rest, meditate or read. I bet it would be especially charming in early spring or in the height of autumn. It is called "shire in the woods", and in many subtle ways, reminded me of the simple Tolkien shire; I sometimes expected to see a hobbit exiting one of the cabins.

10/10 Excellent

Matt P.

18 Dec 2016

Perfect little place in the woods

Great little getaway with nice trails through the woods. He cabin is fully stocked with everything you need.

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2016

8/10 Good

Eileen G.

25 Aug 2016

Lovely seclusion in the woods

The cabin is lovely nestled in a forest. No television, no radio just the ability to appreciate the beauty of nature. The cabin is efficient with no wasted space and has a fully equipped kitchen, wonderful bathroom shower, comfortable bed and a great screened porch. It's in the middle of a forest with walking trails right outside the front door. Only real negative are the flies and mosquitoes. Really enjoyed our stay

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2016