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Emma's Spectacle Lake Home - a Perfect Retreat from the World

Photo gallery for Emma's Spectacle Lake Home - a Perfect Retreat from the World

VIEW OF CABIN FROM THE LAKE FRONT
SPRING HAS COME
VIEW OF THE CABIN FROM THE ROAD
VIEW BACK HOUSE
UPPER PORCH MAIN ENTRANCE

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 60.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Beach view
  • Pet-friendly
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Cambridge, MN
  • Fairview Hospital
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Young Park
    ‪22 min drive‬
  • Albertville Premium Outlets
    ‪47 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

2 Queen Futons

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

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

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Emma's Spectacle Lake Home - a Perfect Retreat from the World

Emma’s Spectacle Lake Home is located on the clear and beautiful 239 square acre Spectacle Lake, eight miles west of Cambridge, Minnesota.

Longing for a North Woods retreat but don’t want to spend precious vacation hours on the highway? Emma’s Spectacle Lake Home is the place for you. Travel just one hour north of the Twin Cities to historic Isanti County where the wild and scenic Rum River runs for 153 miles, old growth stands of White Pine dot the landscape, pristine lakes and unspoiled wetlands thrive, and abundant and varied wildlife are plentiful. All of this combines to provide the classic North Woods experience.
Whether you are looking for a quiet couple’s getaway or an activity-packed family holiday, Emma’s Spectacle Lake Home offers many varied opportunities for enjoyment and relaxation.

Staying In…
Emma’s Spectacle Lake Home is a great place to unwind and renew. Let the magnificent sunrises welcome you on one of the two enclosed porches, the walkout patio or the open deck. Expect to hear the call of loons and maybe get a glimpse of a Deer, Grouse, Bald Eagle, Crane or Owl making their way to and from the Spectacle Lake Wildlife Management Area. Ready to take a swim or do some fishing? Just walk down to the 100 feet of preserved natural shoreline and the sandy bottom lake. Catch Sunnies off the dock or take your boat out on the lake for Northern Pike, Bluegill, Walleye, and Largemouth Bass. (There is a public, concrete, boat launch located not far from the house.) For dinner, light the BBQ and dine on the deck, one of the 2 porches or the patio then move down to the fire pit for s’mores and stargazing. When it’s time for bed, throw open the windows and be lulled to sleep by a lake breeze and the water lapping the shore. If the weather turns inclement, curl up by the fireplace, pop in a DVD or VHS and play a game or just relax and listen to the rain.

Going Out….
While the Emma’s Spectacle Lake Home offers the opportunity for total relaxation and rejuvenation, the area offers so much more. Grab your clubs and play one or more of the twelve beautiful golf courses in the area, or bring your hiking boots and bicycle and take advantage of the multitude of spectacular trails and parks. Rent a canoe and paddle down the picturesque and protected Rum River, take a swim at the township’s public swimming area with its welcoming sandy beach or soak up a little history visiting the many Isanti County historical sites dating back to the mid 1800’s. In the evening, have a great meal in town and visit the eclectic shops and antique stores.

The Basics…..
The home’s amenities include: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 kitchens with dish washers and microwaves, 2 great rooms with TV/DVD players, a laundry room, 2 enclosed porches, an open deck, a walkout patio, a gas fireplace, 2 gas BBQs, and a fire pit. If the weather gets too warm there is air conditioning to keep you cool. The home sleeps up to 6 people comfortably (utilizing the futon in the great room) and the family dog is more than welcome!

Finally….
Let Emma’s Spectacular Lake Home provide you a perfect retreat from the world. Just 50 miles from the twin cities, you are only minutes away from exploring nature’s plentiful gifts. Enjoy a North Woods experience, quality lodging, and the pleasure of “lake living” all in a clam and settled neighborhood.
Emma’s Spectacle Lake Home - A Perfect Retreat From the World!







Keywords: Lake home, lake front, lakeshore, dock, private, summer home, fishing, water sports, boating, swimming, golf, hiking, canoeing, trails, state parks, shopping, historical places, festivals, antiquing.

Property manager

David Peterson

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Not on the property please.

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
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 recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Cambridge

Located in Cambridge, this holiday home is on a lake. Purple Hawk Country Club and North Folk Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Cambridge City Park and Young Park. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and waterskiing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and mountain biking.
Map
Cambridge, MN

What's nearby

  • Cambridge Medical Center - 15 min drive - 17.2 km
  • Fairview Hospital - 17 min drive - 19.8 km
  • Young Park - 22 min drive - 18.1 km
  • Wild Woods Water Park - 38 min drive - 51.6 km
  • Albertville Premium Outlets - 47 min drive - 63.4 km

Getting around

  • St. Paul, MN (STP-St. Paul Downtown) - 68 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Pine Brook Inn - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Shooters Sports Bar - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Dusty Eagle Grill & Bar - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Bradford Roadhouse - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Mystic Inn - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Emma's Spectacle Lake Home - a Perfect Retreat from the World pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Emma's Spectacle Lake Home - a Perfect Retreat from the World?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Emma's Spectacle Lake Home - a Perfect Retreat from the World?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Emma's Spectacle Lake Home - a Perfect Retreat from the World located?

Located on a lake, this family-friendly holiday home is within 12 mi (20 km) of Cambridge City Park, Young Park and Cambridge Medical Center. Fairview Hospital and Fairview Northland Hospital are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 17 out of 18 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 18 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 18 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 18 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 18 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Angela F.

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

Cabin Getaway

We loved sitting out on the large, screened-in porches, going canoeing, and swimming at the nearby beach. A very relaxing place to stay with everything we needed!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cathy and Steve P.

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

A beautiful home

My wife and I spent a week here, and we were sad to leave. We enjoyed the enclosed porch, and eating meals on the deck. All the comforts of home, plus nice view of the lake, where we lost count of the number of fish we caught. Not far from several parks with nice walking trails.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ann M.

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

Great place!

The property was exactly as portrayed in the listing. There was an outside deck, a screen porch above and below, and PLENTY of seating. It was really amazing. A variety of restaurants were nearby and all were quite good. Lots of ice cream shops, too! We definitely would stay here again. Ann
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deborah P.

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

Clean and Peaceful

This place was immaculate. I love that the house was fully stocked with paper goods, and cleaning supplies. We had access to the canoe, and the lifejackets and oars were provided. The outdoor space was so peaceful to sit and see the sun rise, watch the birds, and enjoy some games. The games are well stocked also. The owner called to make sure I had check in instructions and also to see if I needed anything. She also responded quickly when I had a minor question. We slept soundly! We hope to stay again!
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

David M.

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

Lovely week by the lake

Very nice property and lake. Home was clean with great views and flows nicely for using the lake and entertaining friends and family. Was easy to launch our kayaks and paddle boards and explore the beautiful lake. Also saw lots of great birds: Eagles, Osprey, Baltimore Orioles, Rose breasted Grosbeak, Loons, Pileated Woodpeckers, Catbirds and more. Easy fishing for sunnies and bass. As my 12-year-old daughter said, it was a "2 thumps up vacation".
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jeanne K.

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

A perfect stay

We could not have asked for a better place to stay then Emma’s Cabin. We were traveling with our 2 dogs and two adult children and found this to be the perfect place for everyone to completely relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and each other. We played games, paddled around in the canoe, swam, read, ate, watched movies …etc. It was absolutely wonderful. The house is beautiful without being fussy and everything has been carefully thought out for a guests comfort and enjoyment. The pictures don’t really do the location justice. The cabin sits on a gorgeous, clear lake in a peaceful neighborhood. There are two huge screened in porches as well as a huge deck overlooking the lake. The kitchen was fully stocked with everything one could ever need. The backyard is a lush lawn with a gentle slope down to the lake/private dock. We spent hours watching the birds, squirrels and bunnies playing in the yard. We were lucky enough the be there for the “blue moon” which reflected perfectly off the lake and into our hearts. For the past few days, we could believe all was right in the world…and for that we feel eternally grateful.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steve C.

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

Great Family Vacation

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and in particular the lovely screened porches. We enjoyed some time in the Twin Cities one day (which was close enough to get to easily without being too close). The public beach was very nice and a stop each day we stayed. Glad we stayed for our family vacation at this lovely lake house.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

patricia b.

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

Family reunion on Spectacle Lake

Our family enjoyed a beautiful day at Emma’s cabin. Since we had not been all together since COVID we especially enjoyed our time together enjoying the wonderful weather in the screened in porch.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

don s.

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

Cabin Get-Away

The cabin is beautiful and has everything you need. The property was very clean and we loved being right on the water. Our family (my husband, son, dog and I) had a fantastic vacation. We would highly recommend this cabin!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sarah K.

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

Lake sunrises, Loons, birds sing, comfortable rest

Sunrise off the lake is beautiful and the water is clear. You can see the blue Sunníes and minnows swimming near the dock. The lily pads have white flowers and the air is fresh and amazing. The pictures online don’t show how impressive the lake house really is, to me. The upstairs gets warm, but if you find a way to block the sun from 9am to noon, it helps a lot! Use fans to circulate the air from the kitchen floor vent and around the upstairs. Fans save the afternoon (if you can prevent little ones from turning them off) During the heat wave (July) should cool some August. Bring water shoes to jump in the lake at the dock. Canoe was awesome! Downstairs stays cool and futons were comfortable and sturdy. Kept the teens in the little bedrooms so they could squeeze in their self-time & it went well. Could use higher lock for screens downstairs. Crafty toddlers made fast breaks for the water, so we found upstairs safer, just warmer. Beautiful place!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Bryan F.

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

We LOVED this place and the hosts!

If you have the chance, you definitely should bring your family to stay here!! This couple SAVED us with their lovely lake home! I specifically used the word "home", because that’s what it is. While it’s in perfect condition, providing every amenity you could think of, it is still cozy, comfortable, and warm. It feels like being home away from home. To start from the beginning… our family of 6, two young kids and two dogs, came to Minnesota for a month long job my husband was working on. We started our stay in another vacation rental and ended up having to leave early due to multiple issues with the house that made it inhabitable. (Electricity was shut off, a close to overflowing septic system resulting in a portapotty delivery, bats flying in the living room, oh my!) We contacted the owners of this home and they bent over backwards to get us into their house so we wouldn’t have to stay another night in the house we were in. We were SO fortunate to find this cabin! Because we were booking last minute, we offered to clean the house and change the sheets ourselves but they were able to get their cleaning people in there to make it completely perfect before our family arrived in a short amount of time. They were so kind and accommodating. We just got back home to Michigan. It's the first time I've not been happy to be back in my own home, we loved their cabin so much! A few of our favorite memories... Early morning breakfasts on the upper deck, sipping coffee, watching the sun rise. After swimming, snacks and chapter book read alouds in the screened in porch. The perfect place for the kids and dogs to dry off. Lazy mornings and afternoons spent under the shade of the pine tree down by the lake. The boys catching frogs and turtles, building habitats in buckets, watching and listening to all the birds come and go from the bird feeder. Learning how to play chess in the sunroom while we listen to the rain. Laying on the dock, watching the boys catch fish in buckets, feeling like we're living inside a painting. Afternoon walks around the loop, feeling like we're part of a community away from home. Regardless of whether my husband gets another job in Minnesota next summer, I think the 11 hour drive to get back to this place would be well worth it! Thank you so much for providing our family with an incredible experience and giving my two boys some great summer memories!
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mike S., St Paul, MN

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

Great property!

Can't say enough good things about the property. What a great place! Very well kept-- so impressed. We really enjoyed our time. Thank you.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Roger S., Henderson, Nevada USA

A pleasant getaway

We enjoyed this lakeshore home immensely. It was spacious, and complete with every amenity imaginable. The lake was amazingly clear, and we enjoyed the fishing. It is really like being "up north," without being too far from the metro area of Minneapolis-St. Paul. The screened porches are wonderful, and there are two full kitchens, one up and one down. We will return again with more family members in 2019.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

4/10 Poor

Family vacation

We did have a good time at the property. We chose this site because some of our family had to go to work during our week there. Do not count on fishing off the dock as the lily pads are extensive. The property needs some TLC and for sure be careful what chair you sit on as we were charged for a split seam on a sun-rotted chair that should have been replaced by the homeowners long ago. Also, we had to take our garbage home because there was garbage in the cans from the previous renters. The owners charge a cleaning fee to everyone and I would recommend to them to get a new cleaning service as it certainly is not as clean as the previous houses we have rented for vacations in previous years. Also, be prepared to pay $1.00 per person to go to the beach, whether you are swimming or watching.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Dorothy B.

Wonderful Time Shared with Family!

We were initially a bit nervous with the forecast for rain for some of the time we were there, since we were inviting family for the long weekend. It did rain and pour a few times, but with the two huge screened in porches and beautiful upstairs and downstairs living areas, there was space enough to roam and enjoy the view of the lake and each other's company. I was overly impressed at all the cookware, dishes and staples that were supplied with the rental. Our family has already begun to hint that we rent this lovely home again next year when we visit MN. Thanks for such a fun, relaxing get-away!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

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2 happy campers

We stayed at the gorgeous lake home for 12 nights and it was the highlight of our vacation in MN &WI. The owners were most responsive and attended to our every need. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 kitchens and secure Internet connectivity. Such a deal! Looking forward to another stay in the future.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

rhonda P., Brooklyn Park, MN

Perfect Family Vacation

We truly enjoyed our week at this cabin. The kids LOVED fishing off the dock. We all enjoyed swimming and boating on the lake. The water is so clear! It was so nice to have the beach and the boat launch so close that we could just walk to either. The cabin was clean and had everything we needed. The air conditioning was super nice on the really hot nights. But, during the day, the ceiling fans in the screened in porch were a perfect way to be outside and still be cool enough (when we weren't swimming). I especially liked the "up-north cabin" feel so close to the cities. We had arrived, unpacked and started our vacation before most people even arrived at their cabin destinations. So nice to not have to fight the traffic to the Brainerd or Walker area lakes! We loved it and we hope to come back again. Thanks so much!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mom's 80th Birthday

If you are looking for a perfect place to relax and enjoy some peace, look no further. We rented this home for our family when we were trying to throw a surprise party for my mother-in-laws 80th birthday. This was the perfect place for our family. The house is beautiful and well stocked with everything you need for a vacation home. The beautiful sunrises in the morning on the lake are inspirational. The time we spent with our family was priceless. Planning the party from California was hard enough, but when we arrived at the home, we found everything we needed to cook, plan, and pull off the perfect party. If you are looking for a home to rent in Minnesota where you can relax and enjoy some peaceful time away from city life, look no further. This is the place to unwind and enjoy the scenery. I hope you all enjoy this home as much as we did. We are hoping to come back later this year and, if we are lucky, the house will be available again. Thank you to our hosts......

About the host

Hosted by David Peterson

Host profile image
Emma’s Spectacle Lake Home is owned by a third generation Isanti County native. The family is firmly rooted in the history and tradition of the region.
David Peterson, the owner’s grandfather, grew up in the County. Enchanted by the bounty and magnificence the area had to offer, David bought property on Spectacle Lake. One of David’s sons and the owner’s father, Don Peterson, married his wife, Emma, in the early 1940s. David and Hanna had 7 children 2 girls and 5 sons. All 5 boys fought in World War II and, luckily, all 5 survived. Upon their return the boys began to purchase property on Spectacle Lake.
Captivated by the Lake and wanting to continue the family tradition, Emma secretly saved her money and bought an adjacent lot for her family. As the next generation grew, they too bought lots and, in due course, built their own homes. This was the origin of Emma’s Spectacle Lake Home.
Spectacle Lake is full of this kind of history. These are not transient vacation homes. The neighborhood is established and quiet. This is the perfect location for anyone who wants a peaceful and undisturbed getaway.

Why they chose this property

It's a family tradition going back to the 1940s. We love it here. It's in our blood and we've never been anywhere we like more.

What makes this property unique

Of course we love the lake and the relaxation and recreation it affords. We really enjoy the solitude and peacefulness. It's a wonderful place to relax and rejuvenate. But golfing on one of the 12 plus courses in the area, biking or hiking on the trails in one of the state parks, and canoeing on the Rum River are terrific outings! Being close to the Spectacle Lake Wildlife Management Area allows the probability of spotting varied and magnificent wildlife. We hope you will love everything Emma's Spectacle Lake House as much as we do!

Languages:

English