Entire cabin

Classic Minnesota Cabin on Beautiful Lake O'Brien - Includes Pontoon Boat

Photo gallery for Classic Minnesota Cabin on Beautiful Lake O'Brien - Includes Pontoon Boat

TV, fireplace, DVD player
Property grounds
Exterior
2 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, WiFi, bed sheets
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Reviews
10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendlyPet friendlyPet friendly
  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • DryerDryerDryer
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen

Check out the area

Map
Crosslake, MN
  • Popular LocationCross Lake Recreation Area14 min drive
  • Popular LocationKicks on Route 6615 min drive
  • Popular LocationCrosslake Community Center19 min drive
  • AirportSt. Cloud, MN (STC-St. Cloud Regional)106 min drive

Space details

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 6
1020 sq ft
Bedroom 1
    1 king bed
Bedroom 2
    2 queen beds
Bathroom 1
    Shower

About this property

Entire place

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

Classic Minnesota Cabin on Beautiful Lake O'Brien - Includes Pontoon Boat

If you are looking for the 'cabin experience', this quintessential cabin in the pines won't disappoint. The property was originally purchased and built by my grandparents in 1958 and has been in our family ever since; it was completely renovated by my wife and I in 2011. A small but efficient layout, the cabin has a wonderful screen porch, sitting area with gas fireplace, and dining room; all with panoramic views of the lake, which is only steps away. It has one bedroom on the main level (king), and a semi-private loft with two queen size beds. There is one 3/4 bath, and a great outdoor shower with views of the lake for those true Minnesotan's. The inside space flows seamlessly to a large lakeside patio with grill, outdoor dining area, fire pit and coffee sitting area. The rental comes complete with a pontoon boat (2014 Bennington), a 4-person paddleboat, a canoe, and of course a hammock in the yard. For those that can't disconnect, the cabin also includes two high definition TV's with Cable (DVD/Blu-Ray on main TV) and free Wi-Fi! And don't worry, you won't be roughing it, the 2011 renovation also brought all new mechanical systems including air conditioning, new appliances, and a new Kinetico softened water system!!

Situated 5 miles east of the town of Crosslake, crystal clear Lake O'Brien is spring fed with a water clarity of 24', the cleanest lake in the entire watershed district. The lake itself is surrounded by mature pines. There is approximately 5 miles of shoreline, of which about a quarter of the lake is undeveloped state owned property. During the summer, this recreational lake is perfect for fishing, skiing, wake boarding canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and all water based activities, including floating on an air mattress!! There is a sandbar where you can walk across the lake which is a favorite gathering spot for 'kids of all ages'!! It's location on a quiet tar township road make it perfect for a morning walk or bike ride. During the winter months the lake is perfect for ice fishing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and is a perfect base camp to access the endless miles of groomed snowmobile trails.

Our property is perfect for a family of up to 6 or a few couples. We have a strict limit of 6 due to the size of the cabin and the single bathroom. We do keep our calendar updated and so if you are seeing availability then it's likely available. Upon reservation confirmation you'll receive a complete 'what to bring' list so you are prepared for your time up north. Feel free to inquire with any questions you may have and we’ll be prompt to reply! We pride ourselves on keeping our property and structures/equipment pristine and are certain we'll exceed your expectations in that regard. And further, since we also live on this lake, should any questions or problems arise we can respond quickly. In fact, your only disappointment will be when you have to leave!!

The pontoon boat is typically in the water and available for use from mid-May to the beginning of October.

Property manager

Jeff Balmer

Languages

English

Property amenities

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby

Internet

  • Available in the cabin: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower only
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • On a lake

Things to do

  • Boat on site
  • Kayak on site
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • 1 unit
  • Unit size: 1,020 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

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

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
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

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Crosslake

Located in Crosslake, this cabin is on a lake. Crosswoods Golf Course and Golden Eagle Golf Club 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 Crosslake Town Square. Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway and Wildwedge Golf & Mini Golf are also worth visiting. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

What's nearby

  • Cross Lake Recreation Area - 14 min drive
  • Crosslake Town Square - 14 min drive
  • Kicks on Route 66 - 15 min drive
  • Crosslake Community Center - 19 min drive
  • Brainerd International Raceway - 50 min drive

Getting around

  • Brainerd, MN (BRD-Brainerd Lakes Regional) - 34 min drive

Restaurants

  • Moonlite Bay Family Restaurant & Bar - 18 min drive
  • Maucieri's Italian Bistro Bar & Deli - 16 min drive
  • The Wharf - 21 min drive
  • Pine Peaks Restaurant - 14 min drive
  • Zorbaz - 16 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Classic Minnesota Cabin on Beautiful Lake O'Brien - Includes Pontoon Boat pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Classic Minnesota Cabin on Beautiful Lake O'Brien - Includes Pontoon Boat?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Classic Minnesota Cabin on Beautiful Lake O'Brien - Includes Pontoon Boat?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Classic Minnesota Cabin on Beautiful Lake O'Brien - Includes Pontoon Boat located?

Situated on a lake, this cabin is within 6 mi (10 km) of Crosslake Town Square, Cross Lake Recreation Area, and Crosswoods Golf Course. Kicks on Route 66 and Crosslake Community Center are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 275 out of 279 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 279 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 279 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 279 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 279 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jens E.

Liked: Cleanliness
We will come back again
This was our second stay at The Cabin. Everything is as shown in the listing. Actually, the patio chairs are now Adirondack type. The owners are accommodating and make the rental process easy. There was a strong winter storm during our visit, but we still made use of the patio and fire pit after some shoveling. We look forward to coming back again when the lake is not frozen and we can use the pontoon and screened back porch.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cody Lewis O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay!
Great cabin, love the area! Close to Crosslake and Crosby, two of our favorites. Highly recommended!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

N L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Serenity
Our stay was absolutely amazing. The cabin provided a peaceful atmosphere, and we were able to relax really well. We learned a lot about the cabin's history from the magazine, so it made us feel connected to the cabin even more! Most importantly, Jeff and Lindsey were so responsive with our questions and needs! Highly recommended this hidden gem!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quiet Retreat
This was our second stay at "The Cabin" to celebrate our anniversary, and it was once again perfect! Quiet, warm, cozy, everything you're looking for in a romantic get away with your favorite person. Lindsay and Jeff are wonderful hosts, always making the stay effortless from start to finish! We are already looking forward to our next stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Frank and S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing stay
Everything was great. We were able to relax, read, watch the Vikings and Wild games. Just what we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bailey M.

Liked: Cleanliness
A true Shangri La!
What a fantastic spot for a perfect Minnesota "up north" experience. We like to disappear during the week of Thanksgiving each year - this was our first time spending a week at this spot and we will absolutely try to make it our go to from now on. THE MOST COMFORTABLE BED - please tell me where you got the mattress :)
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfection!
I am very particular when it comes to vacation rentals and this cabin did not disappoint! The description says that the owners take pride in keeping their properties “pristine” and that is true. Quaint, cozy, clean. Delightful experience!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shannon C F.

Liked: Cleanliness
The greatest experience around!
I think this is our 4th year on a Jeff and Lindsay Balmer property, the first time at this location. This cabin is cozy and amazing! It had the perfect amount of space to relax and unwind. The view of the lake is unparalleled. We stayed almost 3 weeks this time and thoroughly enjoyed every minute!! There is so much to see and enjoy in the area and the cabin is the perfect place to unwind and reset. The Balmer's have thought of everything you need and a few quaint touches that elevate it even further. We have stayed at many VRBO's and airbnb's over the years, after staying at a Balmer property it is hard to stay anywhere else. We are hoping to get away next year for another 3 to 4 weeks. Can't imagine anywhere more perfect! Thanks again Jeff and Lindsay!
Stayed 17 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jocelynne R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best family getaway!!
We loved the view of the lake and the pontoon rides were so much fun! Highly recommend coming here again! Owners were very nice!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect getaway
This was just what we needed! The perfect lakeside getaway. Nice, quiet lake with some great fishing, beautiful loons and sunrises! The hosts were wonderful to work with, the cabin was clean and quaint. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023