Entire home

Cottage Perfection on Lake Superior between Lutsen and Grand Marais

Photo gallery for Cottage Perfection on Lake Superior between Lutsen and Grand Marais

Terrace/patio
Property grounds
Interior
Interior
Living area

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8139.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Air conditioning
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Free WiFi
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Lutsen, MN
  • Cascade River State Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Cacade River
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • North Shore Winery
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Grand Marais, MN (GRM-Cook County)
    ‪32 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

King 1

1 King Bed

King 2

1 King Bed

Queen 1

1 Queen Bed

Queen 2

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Full Bath 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Full Bath 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Cottage Perfection on Lake Superior between Lutsen and Grand Marais

SweetWater Cottage is nestled along a secluded stretch of Lake Superior shoreline, far from Hwy 61. Its idyllic setting amidst the dynamic boreal forest of its private 3 acres is only exceeded by its distinctively designed interior and painstakingly curated décor. With an uncompromising commitment to authenticity, this entire property is meant to capture the enchantment of the North Shore and infuse it with the distinctive Scandinavian influence that is so prominent in this region's past.

With 4 private bedrooms, 2 spacious bathrooms, and an open floor plan ideal for gatherings, SweetWater is perfect for hosting groups of families or friends. From interior to exterior, this cottage embodies a comprehensive approach that is unmatched in attention to detail and unrelenting in offering an inspired sense of welcome to all who visit. SweetWater can accommodate up to 8 guests. As idyllic as SweetWater is, the cottage itself is only the beginning …

SweetWater Cottage is situated in the heart of the most legendary and spectacular section of the entire North Shore. Except for a few private parcels of land right along the Lake Superior Shore, SweetWater essentially sits in the middle of pristine Cascade River State Park. Hundreds of miles of Sawtooth Mountains trails (hiking in the summer, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter) are accessible right out the front door of the cabin. Cascade Lodge Restaurant & Pub is just 1.5 miles away and features great food, drinks, and frequent live music. A trail leading to Cascade Falls is only 2 miles from SweetWater's door. And within a 30-minute drive, everything the North Shore is known for is accessible: world-class hiking, fishing, kayaking, biking trails, skiing, galleries, restaurants, NorthHouse Folk School, and a vibrant live music scene. After all, SweetWater sits in the heart of Cook County and Grand Marais, which was named by Travel & Leisure magazine as "America's Best Small Lake Town" in 2023!

--

NorthLight Lodging is a family-operated, boutique hospitality operation consisting of several guest cabins along Lake Superior’s North Shore in northern Minnesota. Ranging in size from 1 to 4+ bedrooms — and all sitting along the easternmost stretch of coveted Cascade Beach Road — NorthLight's properties are located halfway between the grandeur and skiing of the Lutsen Mountains and the charming harbor town of Grand Marais. Each cabin is nestled right along the lakeshore and has been curated with painstaking attention to detail. Our goal in designing, crafting, and appointing our cabins is to embody all the subtle enchantment of the North Shore region we so love. We aspire to offer incomparably welcoming spaces — cared for with meticulous attention to detail — that foster inspiration, connection, and wonder for all who visit.

Property manager

Rebecca Katzenmeier
Premier Host

Languages

English, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Lutsen

Located in Lutsen, this cottage is on the beach. Superior National Golf Course and North Shore Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Grand Marais Golf 'n' Stuff and Alpine Slide. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Lutsen, MN

What's nearby

  • Cascade River State Park - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Cacade River - 5 min drive - 3.0 km
  • Superior National Golf Course - 11 min drive - 13.3 km
  • North Shore Winery - 12 min drive - 13.6 km
  • Lutsen Mountains - 16 min drive - 15.5 km

Getting around

  • Duluth, MN (DLH-Duluth Intl.) - 126 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cascade Lodge - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Lutsen Scandinavian Resort Dining - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪The Pie Place - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Strand Waterfront Dining Room Lutsen Resort Lutsen - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Cottage Perfection on Lake Superior between Lutsen and Grand Marais pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Cottage Perfection on Lake Superior between Lutsen and Grand Marais?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Cottage Perfection on Lake Superior between Lutsen and Grand Marais?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Cottage Perfection on Lake Superior between Lutsen and Grand Marais located?

Situated on the beach, this cottage is steps away from Lake Superior, Superior National Forest and Cascade River State Park. Cacade River is 2.2 mi (3.5 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 64 out of 65 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 65 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 65 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 65 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 65 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Wendy P.

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

2nd stay - loved it!

We love it here! This was our second summer and it was perfect
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris W., Des Moines

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

Great Accommodations!

Great Accommodations and FANTASTIC location!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dawn L.

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

Family Get Away

We took our adult children on a long weekend and could not have been happier with this cottage! Located between Lutsen for Skiing and Grand Marais for shopping and eating out. Perfect set up with two rooms and a bathroom on each side. Beautiful open kitchen, living area with a huge table for eating and playing games. The view of the lake is breathtaking! We even got to watch a few ships go by!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erica D., Minneapolis

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

Perfect stay

Gorgeous and ample space. Loved it and booked again immediately!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dennis W.

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

Winter getaway

Ideal winter setting on Lake Superior
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Liane C.

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

Beautiful Home & Lakeshore

Stunning property in a great location. We loved our time there.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Dennis W.

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

Perfect winter experience. Beautiful shoreline, convenient to pubs and skiing.

Excellent!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Colleen R.

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

A little slice of heaven

We have been visiting the North Shore for decades and have stayed in dozens of wonderful properties. Sweetwater is a peaceful and fabulous place that tops the list and one we will definitely return to.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Catherine A.

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

Beautiful property and location!

Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful property! We loved the house and location. The interior is absolutely charming and the views are wonderful. We all had a great time hiking and seeing the waterfalls at this time of year. We would love to come back!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barbara L.

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

Sweet Water Cottage

A lovely Scandinavian themed home... lots of light, windows with beautiful views of Lake Superior and the garden filled with flowers. Wonderfully equipped kitchen (if you like to cook).... easy access to Grand Marais, Cascade Lodge, and the waterfall hiking parks (Cascade, Temperance, Tetegouche).... We left today, and miss the wonderful sounds of the waves on the rocks
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marcy R.

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

Location location location

Perfect location, superb and thoughtful attention to detail throughout the space, bedding and towels are outstanding. I cannot recommend this property enough. Only bad thing was the weather but it was so cozy inside with a fire blazing in the wood stove, we still made the best if it.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

8/10 Good

Charlie O., Minnesota

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

Northern Lights at NorthernLights!

The property is beautiful, clean, has natural light throughout, every wonderful amenity, great water pressure, blue tooth, prepared fire place, space, privacy, good location plus MORE!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Judy S.

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

Perfect spot for extended family vacation!

Sweetwater cottage was the perfect retreat for our extended family vacation. Plenty of room for the 8 of us, well-equipped kitchen, breathtaking views of the lake, natural light, easy access to the rocky shoreline and close proximity to area attractions. We appreciated the house layout with two bedrooms and a bathroom at each end of the house - making it easy for the toddlers to go to bed early and not be disturbed. The house was clean and obviously well cared for. We were lucky enough to be at the cottage during a full moon. What a treat to go to bed and see the full moon shining across the lake.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Natalie Q.

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

Peaceful respite

This trip was our first trip away from our two kids (2 year old and a 5 month old). Since the birth of our youngest my dad unexpectedly passed. Our wedding anniversary is coming up in early October. Needless to say, this cabin provided a wonderful space for us to celebrate the recent and upcoming joys while also mourning the loss of my dad. It was amazingly clean, beautifully decorated, and the location was perfect. Hearing the waves was such a soothing experience. We loved being able to cook meals at the house and just relax. We will absolutely recommend to friends. We hope to be back in the future!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Noelle B.

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

Spring Break Blizzard 2024

This location is so beautiful. My family booked a last minute trip up the North Shore. We couldn't believe our luck that we could secure such a beautiful place. All the rooms have comfortable beds and the kitchen was well appointed. They even have a large kitchen aid mixer. It was a bucket list item for me to stay within a stones throw to the water. This property did not disappoint and when a blizzard blew into the area the owners let us stay another night so we could wait out the storm. So thankful for their generosity to open up their little slice of heaven.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jill M.

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

Gitchee Gumee

Beautiful home on the north shore. Chef’s kitchen makes planning meals a delight. The four bedrooms are a good fit for 8 people. Relaxing bathtubs were a treat. Fireplace was a must have during cold nights. Design of home is spectacular nestled right on Lake Superior. Owners and property managers very attentive and much appreciated.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Terri W.

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

Ski trip 2023

We have been going to Lutsen to ski with a large group for over 20 years. We have rented cabins on Lake Superior for the last 10 and this cabin is definitely the nicest yet! The weather allowed us to spend a lot of time on the rocks watching the lake. The only negative I heard from the group was that the ability to watch the waves from the family room was hard due to the windows not being floor to ceiling like previous cabins. Thank you for an amazing stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

John Y.

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

Fun get together

This place was perfect for us. We were four couples that went up for four days and three nights to Nordic Ski, snowmobile, rest and have some good food. Due to lack of snow, we only snowmobiled a little, but thanks to the home and area, we all enjoyed our time. We ate out a few times, ate in a few times, went for walks, went to the North Shore Winery and did a little shopping in Grand Marais. The four bedrooms were separated nicely by the bathrooms…no snoring noise. ;) We highly recommend this home, and will probably be back next year.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah W.

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

Beautiful house in fabulous setting

Yep, this place is even better than the photos. The owners have strived for a “hygge” feel and have succeeded, big time. It is a cozy and comfortable place. Huge and well-equipped kitchen, amazing views of the lake. This property is one of the farthest from Highway 61 in the area, which makes for a private and quiet experience. Deck is great for sitting. Other reviews are correct that it may be difficult for elderly or less able people to get in and out of the bathtubs, which one must also do to shower. This is the kind of place that you hate to leave, and that you immediately scheme to come back to. Communication with owners flawless.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

B S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Colleen R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kim M.

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

Didn't want to leave

Great House. The decorations and detail is beautiful. Everything, including the kitchen, was well stocked. Having a bluetooth speaker was a nice touch. Seemed like everything was well maintained. The layout made it feel spacious. Attention to detail was nice - like things are labeled but it’s done discreetly without using huge obnoxious labels. The welcome book included a list of local grocery stores and restaurants (very handy). We had a toddler with, after putting a few pretty things on a higher shelf, he adapted well to the space and amazingly had no interest in the wood stove, so we felt he was safe. Internet connection was good. Smart TV was nice. Access to the lake was wonderful. Rock shore was easy to get to and walk on, so close to the house! Conveniently close to Grand Marais and trails. Saw deer on both sides of the house one morning. Had great entertainment from a squirrel that was small enough to fit inside the bird feeder cage (the toddler loved this). Only a couple things a few people might want to know - You can’t park next to the house. You need to park on top of a hill and walk a very short distance downhill to the house. There are nice steps and a path and also a wagon to haul your things. It was not an issue for us. - The freestanding bath tubs are beautiful and we enjoyed them. The tubs are taller than a standard tub and there is not a separate shower. So it might be difficult if someone has mobility issues. Again, this would only be a concern if you have mobility issues. Overall, we loved the place.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Barbara B.

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

Perfect Getaway

Absolutely loved every minute of our stay here. We live on Lake Superior and ventured even further north to this cozy cabin. By far the cleanest rental property we have stayed at on the north shore! Appreciated the cleanliness and no sent of cleaning chemicals. The house itself had a great layout for us and main living space was perfect for cooking, playing and enjoying each others company! There was a short walk down a hill from parking to house that we didn’t realize but the property owners had a cart to help haul items down! They had every detail covered! Will stay there again!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Maria P.

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

Lovely Autumn Vacation

We had a beautiful time as a family on the north shore. Sweetwater was a wonderful homebase for our family of 6 to adventure up and down the shore enjoying the peak fall colors. Close to wonderful restaurants and gorgeous hiking. We would definitely stay again!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Roy H.

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

Perfect Reunion Spot!

Our group of 6 cousins enjoyed the natural beauty and attention to detail of this property. Excellent location, spacious, well appointed, impeccably decorated, immaculate, beautiful and peaceful! Will definitely return😊 A wonderful place to reconnect.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

About the host

Hosted by Rebecca Katzenmeier

Host profile image
With both of us native to Kansas, we made our first foray to the Northwoods in 1994, shortly after being newly married. Little did we know that that initial five-night paddling trip, launched from the end of the Gunflint Trail outside of Grand Marais, would lead to a lifetime of pursuing the Northwoods and everything it represents. We now own and operate a Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in the Flint Hills of Kansas, and we love the gentle beauty of the prairie — a sublime beauty that soaks slowly into your soul rather than a dramatic beauty that hits you upside the head.

We find the Northwoods to be similar in that regard. Whether the quiet lapping of waves against a rock shore, the distant haunting call of a loon, the silent rise of a full moon over Lake Superior, or the crackle of a wood fire on a frigid snowy night, we find the essence of the Northwoods invigorates our hearts and spirits like nowhere else. We can't think of anything more fulfilling than sharing our little piece of the North with guests in the hope that it will be as life-giving to them as it is to us. Welcome to SweetWater Cottage!

Why they chose this property

SweetWater Cottage is uniquely perched on the edge of one of the most stunning stretches of beach anywhere along the North Shore — with Lake Superior's waves literally lapping at its edge! It has captured our imaginations since the first time we stumbled upon it — and still does today!

What makes this property unique

SweetWater Cottage has an unmistakable charm, from the minute you turn down its long, wooded drive … It is situated on 3 acres of beautiful, mixed-species boreal forest. The cottage is nestled carefully into the landscape, right next to the solid, ledge rock shoreline, and affords a deep sense of privacy and tranquility. Add a complete renovation with an uncompromising commitment to authentic, timeless design in the Scandinavian tradition. SweetWater stands unmatched in its ability to host larger friend and family groups while maintaining a distinctively cozy and warm embrace. In addition to this property, we have three other properties, Cedarwood Hollow (Vrbo #948867), Painted Rock (Vrbo #761264), and WoodSong (Vrbo #1054023), located nearby and can be combined together to allow multiple families or friend groups to stay close in close proximity.

Languages:

English, Spanish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests