Where it all began...
Minnesota is a state with more state pride than most. We tend to credit the hyperlocal love to the fun state shape, the diversity between city & woods, and the endless outdoor activities all-year round. Classic State was started as a brand extension of sota clothing. The popular crossed paddle logo with a state shape at the top and 32 at the bottom that brings about the most commonly asked question, “What does the 32 stand for?” sota clothing led to an uproar in MN apparel just under a decade ago. Minnesotans' love for the North Star state has continued to grow, so the founder, Spencer Johnson, decided to extend the love to other states.
Minnesota Windward Trucker Hat
Traveling to Minnesota
Traveling to the Twin Cities is easy to navigate. With its excellent highway system and close proximity to airports, the Twin Cities is a breeze to get around. It makes for a great and stress-free road trip “up north” or wherever your travels may take you. To make your visit even easier, below is a list of Airbnb locations throughout the state that are unique to Minnesota. They don’t just offer a place to stay, but experiences to make for a memorable trip.
OFF THE GRID AIRBNB’s
1. Grey Duck Cabin - Finland, MN
Grey Duck Cabin is located on 40 acres along the Manitou River, surrounded on all four sides by state parks and state forests with hiking trails through the property to a private river spot. A great place to stay no matter the season, Grey Duck is close to Lutsen Mountain for skiing & state parks like Tettegouche with waterfalls that are incredible to see flowing or frozen. This location is incredible for the outdoor enthusiasts that need to submerge themselves into Minnesota’s northern wilderness. Favorite indoor features are endless with its floor to ceiling glass windows, which make for great nighttime stargazing, and screened in porch to avoid the bugs and watch wildlife on the property. And if this doesn’t sound perfect enough already, they are a pet friendly place! Take a look at their website for a list of state parks and their proximity to the cabin and Instagram page highlights for further information.
2. Ely Log Cabin - Ely, MN
Another remote airbnb with 40 acres of land all to yourself! The Ely Log cabin offers a rustic log cabin nestled into the woods 15 minutes from town. Powered by solar electricity and heated in the winter with an enchanting propane fireplace, this cabin has all the feels! The property offers marked trails for hiking miles to walk with your furry companion (yes, dog friendly!) and is close to Bear Head Lake State Park & Lake Vermillion State Park. For travelers who are looking to canoe the Boundary Waters wilderness, the entry options are endless and The Boundary Waters Outfitters of Ely are able to help plan the right canoe trip for you. Their instagram account @elylogcabin even has provided a guide with local things to do including summer hiking and best location for peak leaf foliage in Ely. And for that trip into town, look no further than Northern Grounds Coffee for a great local cup of coffee.
Photo from @elylogcabin
HYBRID STAYS - Outdoors + City
3. Grey Cloud House - Saint Paul Park, MN
The Grey Cloud House has the illusion of up north, but is only 20 minutes from the Twin Cities. A secluded 1966 a-frame home settled on 3.5 acres near Grey Cloud Dunes, a natural prairie land with 5 miles of trails. This airbnb offers a glass greenhouse with a long table that would set the scene for a fabulous dinner party. The kitchen is fully equipped and they offer vintage dish ware & large cutting boards to add to the overall dining experience. Not far from the house is a public boat launch to access Mooers Lake. They allow long-term stays as well!
Photo by Katherine Mendieta
4. Modern on Maple - Maple Lake, MN
A beachfront property with amenities galore! Bring your boat and park it along the long dock where you have your very own private beach. And after a day of exploring town, head back for a dip in the 8-person hot tub with a view of the lake. Modern on Maple is a gorgeous, quaint, and clean white cottage Airbnb with a layout perfect for a family vacation. Maple Lake is in close proximity to Spilled Grain Brewery, Kings 46 wine bar, Irish Blessings Coffee Shop, In Hot Water Coffee Shop, several apple orchards, and Annadale Main Street shopping.
Minnesota Script Snapback
BIKING ENTHUSIAST AIRBNB's
5. Cuyuna Cove - Crosby, MN
An ideal location for a mountain biking vacation. Cuyuna Cove has direct access to Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trails - popularly known for its nationally ranked & award-winning, 55+ miles of red dirt trails. After a day hitting the trails, head into Crosby for a craft brew at Cuyuna Brewing Company, grab dinner at Iron Range Eatery, then head back to your cabin/glamping tent (just under 1 mile away from town) for a night of unwinding in the sauna and relaxing by the fire. Cuyuna Cove allows dogs, but check their website FAQ’s for their pet policy. Completely immerse yourself in Crosby and all it has to offer. Also, the owners have just announced that they will be opening a new location called @toftetrails on the North Shore. They suggest joining their email list at www.toftetrails.com so you can be the first to know about their calendar launch!
Glamping experience at Cuyuna Cove
6. Sagamore Reserve - Ironton, MN
Another Airbnb with direct access to Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trails, Sagamore Reserve has an open floor plan with large walk-in showers and cozy bedrooms, perfect for a family stay. This airbnb is the closest residential property to the Cuyuna Country State Recreation area that offers Sagamore Mine Lake that has a boat launch for fishermen, kayakers, and paddle boarders. Not far from the town of Crosby for breakfast at North Country Cafe.
Minnesota Loon Snapback
LAKEFRONT VIEW AIRBNB’S
7. Atlas A-frame - Crosby, MN
Located on Adney Lake and about a 25 minute drive from downtown Crosby and 10 minutes from Cross Lake, Atlas A-frame brings you a simplistic and Scandinavian inspired space to stay. A great place to stay in the summer or winter with its 150 feet of lakeshore and 700 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in the winter that are easily accessible from the property. Wake up and enjoy coffee with a view of the lake from the loft bedroom or the outdoor wrap around porch. A great location for the biking enthusiasts as it is still near Cuyuna Mountain Bike Trail System. A pet friendly stay, with extra charges, please reference their instagram for more information: @atlas.aframe
Photo from @atlas.aframe
8. Agua Norte - Grand Marais, MN
Agua Norte offers two different booking options. One for the cabin which sleeps 4 and the loft which sleeps 2 - both with incredible views & access to Lake Superior. With a large cedar deck off of the cabin, relax and watch the waves crash on Five Mile Rock while watching wildlife just a few feet away. The sauna is available November through March and has incredible views of the lake as well. This feature can be reserved up to 48 hours in advance with 4 hour time-slots. Agua Norte’s website offers endless options of places to eat, entertainment, new hikes, and more that is constantly rotating each season. It is a remote and quiet destination with the largest city being 100 miles away, but the remoteness and quaintness of Grand Marais will not disappoint!
Fall in love on your visit to MN? Get yourself the Custom Area Code Snapback as a great keepsake!