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Entire cabin·Private host

Off grid yurt in birding area, access to State Rec. trail and Whiteface river

Riverside cabin with kitchenette and patio

Photo gallery for Off grid yurt in birding area, access to State Rec. trail and Whiteface river

1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, bed sheets
Exterior
Interior
Interior
Property grounds
Experience the unique charm of a 24-foot yurt in northern Minnesota's Sax Zim Bog birding area. Nestled near the Whiteface River, this cozy retreat offers a wood stove, propane heater, and outdoor gas grill for year-round comfort. Enjoy convenient parking and easy access to hiking trails and local amenities like bar/restaurants within 20 miles.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire cabin

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 442 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Pet-friendly
  • Outdoor space

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

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

Off grid yurt in birding area, access to State Rec. trail and Whiteface river

Off-Grid Yurt in Sax-Zim Bog
Year-Round Northern Minnesota Retreat
¡PLEASE READ THROUGH OUR LISTING *BEFORE* BOOKING! To prevent any confusion about expectations at this off grid retreat.
Located in the heart of the Sax-Zim Bog birding area, our off-grid yurt offers a unique and functional base for outdoor recreation in every season.
Ideal for birders, hikers, paddlers, and winter sports enthusiasts.

Open-layout yurt, sleeps 4
Room divider for partial privacy
Dining table with seating for 4
Wood stove and propane heater
Outdoor cooking only: BBQ grill, range/oven, and bonfire pit
Basic kitchen supplies included
Refrigerator, linens, towels, potable and wash water provided
Heated outhouse (note: no shower available in winter)

Adjacent to year-round state recreation trail (hiking, skiing, ATV, snowmobile)
River access for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking via main property
Located 6 miles from the Sax-Zim Bog Visitor Center, 40 minutes of Duluth, Grand Rapids, and Iron Range towns; 1.5 hours from Ely and the Boundary Waters

Parking at primary property (2-minute walk to yurt)
Wagon and sled available for gear transport
Trail conditions vary by season (mud in spring/summer, ice in winter)
Guests should anticipate natural wildlife sounds and occasional trail or road noise
State trail can be active on weekends

Well-behaved children and pets are welcome.
Guests must inform hosts in advance if bringing pet.
Failure to do so will result in a fee.
Children and pets must not be left alone in the yurt.
No more than 4 guests.
No partiers please.

This stay is best suited for 4 nights or fewer.
Longer stays are welcome, but details should be worked out with host prior to booking.
We are available for all questions before and during your stay!

Property amenities

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchenette

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Refrigerator
  • Water dispenser

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 0.5 bathroom
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Firepit
  • Gas grill
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming cats and dogs only
  • One pet total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • On a river

Things to do

  • Boat
  • Kayak
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Canoeing nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Recycling
  • Unit size: 452 square feet
  • Water dispenser

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Please unplug refrigerator.
Please message host that you have departed.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

PLEASE DO NOT LET YOUR DOG ON THE FURNITURE. There is a dog bed provided. Please contact host with your expected time fo arrival
Please do not leave pets or children unattended in the yurt.
Please contact the host with your expected time of arrival, confirmation number of guests and if your are bringing your pet.

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
1 total pets
Note from host: You must let host know if you bring your pet!

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed
Please contact host ahead of time for approval

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Please contact host ahead of time for approval
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
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

About the area

Map
Meadowlands, MN

What's nearby

  • Baby Grand Lake - 58 min drive - 60.3 km

Getting around

  • Hibbing, MN (HIB-Chisholm-Hibbing) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Trailside Lounge & Grill - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Meadowlands Rocket Saloon - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪France Family Retreat - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Savannah's Portage - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Dohnansky Bar and Liquor - ‬16 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Off grid yurt in birding area, access to State Rec. trail and Whiteface river pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total).

What time is check-in at Off grid yurt in birding area, access to State Rec. trail and Whiteface river?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Off grid yurt in birding area, access to State Rec. trail and Whiteface river?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Off grid yurt in birding area, access to State Rec. trail and Whiteface river located?

Situated on a river, this cabin is 3.5 mi (5.6 km) from Saint Louis River and within 32 miles (52 km) of Echo Valley MotoCross Track and Little Grand Lake. Baby Grand Lake and Swan River are also within 32 miles (52 km).

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Reviews

Off grid yurt in birding area, access to State Rec. trail and Whiteface river Reviews

10

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

9.6

Eco-friendliness

10

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 66 out of 67 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 67 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 67 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 67 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 67 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Abbie K.

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

Best time!

We loved staying here and plan to come back. The nature was lovely. The yurt was cozy. The hosts are top-notch humans!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Short stay but great stay

We only stayed one night, but if we are in that area again we would love to stay there again! We immediately felt at ease after meeting the host. They are great!!! And the yurt was amazing as well!!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chad S.

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

Awesome

We had a blast even in a short time staying at the yurt. We’ll be back to stay longer next time. Yurt has more than what you need as far as “camping”. Very relaxing and listening/seeing the wildlife within few steps from the yurt.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Suellen S.

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

Perfect. Simply perfect.

Came to the yurt for a birding adventure at Sax Zim Bog. This yurt is so cute and cozy. Bed was comfy, wood stove and heater kept me plenty warm. Host was very helpful! They started a fire in the wood stove for me both days, so when I arrived at the yurt the fire was waiting for me and the yurt was nice and warm. I will definitely return.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

brenda g.

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

2nd stay

This was our sending time at the yurt. We just love it there. The location is perfect for visiting the bog area. It is so cozy there and the Maley’s are such great hosts. They have added amenities since we were there last March such as an outdoor shower and more power boxes. The only other thing that I could possibly want is a birdfeeder or two that I could view out the window while sitting on the couch. If you are visiting in the winter, slippers would be good to bring as the floor stays colder. As I sit here pondering my next stay there, I asked my husband, “how hot do you think it gets inside the yurt during the summer?” We just might have to find Out. ou.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

jessie f.

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

Great stay!

We will definitely be back. The hosts were fantastic and helpful. The yurt was warm and cozy. The outside bathroom was clean and heated. Cons: I had to hear my husband talk about wanting to build his own yurt for the next week and a half!! 😜 😆 But we did have a great time. It was my husband and I and our 18 yr old dtr . During the day we toured Sax Zim Bog . After a cold day, it was nice to come back to a warm yurt.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gregg D.

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

First stay in a yurt

Aaron and Megan welcomed us and showed us the basics of living in a yurt. The wood stove, the propane heater, and excellent bedding kept us warm on two very cold nights. The heated outhouse was a special bonus. We spent two days birding at the Sax-Zim Bog, which is very close. I was worried about the tire pressure warning my the car, with noplace near to get the pressure checked. Aaron added air the to the tires, that were fine. That's unusually wonderful service! Gregg
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Crystal J.

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

I fell in love with The Yurt

Picture this. You wake up in a king-size bed on lush, high thread count sheets and under a blanket that takes you back to winter in kindergarten where you felt cozy and safe. You stretch and wash your face in a pristine porcelain facebowl, and the towel you press to your face is the consistency of the center of a fresh buttery croissant. Then you walk outside, and you're the only one for miles. There are no humans. No neighbors. No profanity-laced arguments from fellow travelers. Only nature and oxygen-enriched air that has undertones of freshly cut pine trees. Because you literally are in the middle of a forest. You look up and you see the Aurora Borealis. As the sun begins to gently caress the horizon, you hear a whisper. Could be a squirrel. Could be a woodpecker. Could be a deer. And as the morning progresses, you're ready to go out adventuring, and everything you want to see is within a traffic-free, 20-minute drive. What I just described, what I just experienced first-hand, was more than just some yurt in the woods. This was a 5-star experience. Opulence, decadence, convenience, coziness, peace, privacy, natural. When I told friends I'd be staying in a yurt for 11 days, they assumed a certain kind of rustic experience. I'd be embarrassed to tell them I lived better than I do in my own home, better towels, better sheets, better bed, even the bathroom is bigger than my own (seriously, you could throw a dinner party in the bathroom it's so spacious). This was a resort.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great experience. Facility was clean, organized, with detailed instructions. Communication with the host was fantastic. Would definitely go again!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
If I could give more stars I would! This is a total experience. The hosts are so friendly and helpful. They are so happy to share their piece of paradise with others. If you want to get away from it all, this is the place. Birders, this is located in the bog with great birds waiting right outside your door! Walk down to the bridge and watch herons and beavers near the Whiteface River.
Beavers swim close by.
Birds galore and lots of Common Yellowthroats!
Mushrooms, wildflowers, and deer are everywhere!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shari E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay! Megan is a fantastic host! Everything you are looking for in an off grid experience!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Audrey

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We loved everything about our stay in this yurt!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely amazing!!! 10 star hostess and everything you could possibly want and need. Cozy and clean and such a fun experience! We will be returning in october HIGHLY recommended!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ronda R.

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

Writing and nature weekend

I am working on a writing project and needed quiet focus time. This was a wonderful opportunity for each of us to have some quality solo time as well as together time. He enjoyed his time in the woods and on the trail.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Phil

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

Anniversary heaven

From the moment we pulled up to the moment we left we felt at home. The property was gorgeous, the yurt was just as pictured. The amenities on site were exactly what we needed for a weekend away. I wish i could give this 6 stars. We will absolutely book again.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michaela Bea G.

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

Second time at the Yurt

This little spot in the woods is such a nice retreat. The lens window at the apex of the Yurt and the stove are more enjoyable than TV and the owls and grouse and nuthatches and chikadees and frogs are the best sounds for relaxing. The red squirrels were the comic relief. This year the nicer weather meant a few more ATVs on the adjacent trail but they stop when it gets dark, mostly, and the fence and tree screen make all but the noise of them easy to ignore.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jon Y.

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

Just Magical!

Our family of four and a dog absolutely loved staying here! The yurt was so cozy and the host so accomodating! We have already booked another stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian S.

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

Great Stay!

We had an amazing stay in the cozy yurt in a peaceful, wooded bog area. Megan is a great host and ensured our comfort with thoughtful touches. The beautifully designed yurt felt like home, and waking up to birds chirping in the serene surroundings was unforgettable. We left rejuvenated and highly recommend this hidden gem for a relaxing, nature-filled getaway.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

JoAnna L.

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

Such a wonderful stay!!!

My partner and I enjoyed our stay at the yurt immensely!! It was so beautiful and unique and had everything you could need or want.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

K. C. H.

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

Bird Sanctuary Glamping

We couldn't be happier with this oasis in the wilderness. We came to birdwatch in the Sax-Zim Bog, but saw plenty of species at the feeders next to the yurt. Megan communicated clearly at every step of the process so we knew what to expect and had all of the comforts possible - including a heater in the outhouse! Do yourself a favor: leave your phone off and stay for a week.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

susan a.

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

Relaxing in The Yurt

PeacefulComfortableBeautiful setting
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Annie L.

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

Love the Yurt!

We absolutely love staying at the yurt! Highly recommend!!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Quinton D.

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

Excellent Weekend in Yurt

Megan and Aaron are excellent hosts that showed great hospitality and quick communication. I was very impressed with the quality and care they put into their yurt. The wood stove and propane heater do a fine job keeping the place warm (it was 20 below outside when I was there and 65 above in the yurt), and the water system and heated outhouse are cool touches. The place is super close to the Sax Zim bog Welcome Center, so it served as an excellent home base to embark on my adventures to the bog. If you are looking to visit the bog (or get a feel for off grid or yurt living in general), I highly recommend this property!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevin F.

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

Birding and Glamping Together At Last!

This is a beautiful rustic new yurt (it's only been rented to the public for the last year or so and everything is so clean and wonderful and well stocked). It is very basic, but if you're looking at this listing, you probably know that. Stayed comfortable even though it was -26 outside at night and it's in the heart of wonderful birding country. Couldn't recommend it enough. A word of note… If you'd like to drink out of non-paper cups, or eat out of non-paper bowls, be sure to bring your own supplies with regards to this. But truly, you couldn't ask for a better experience than staying at this place. It even has birdfeeders out front so you can wake to the sounds and sights of Feathered friends, even in the midst of winter!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Judy D.

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

Cozy and convenient lodging for birding trip to the Bog.

The yurt was an easy drive from Sak-Zim Bog where we were birding for the weekend. When we arrived Megan met us and gave us all the information we needed to know about the wood stove, cooking facilities, battery power for our devices and the lights. The yurt was already warm and cozy upon arrival and stayed perfectly comfortable through our stay, even though a blizzard was raging outside. This is a charming and amazingly well appointed little house in the woods.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025