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Located at the Heart of the Solana State Forest in Amongst the Forest Trees

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The Woodlands Cabin of the Shire
The view into the forest.
The warmth of the fireplace.
The cozy kitchen.
The queen size bed.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 255.7 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
McGrath, MN
  • Mille Lacs Lake
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Federal Correctional Institution, Sandstone
    ‪50 min drive‬
  • Grand Casino Hinckley
    ‪56 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining Area

About this property

Located at the Heart of the Solana State Forest in Amongst the Forest Trees

The Woodlands cabin is tucked away in the woods. It is the most isolated, private dwelling. We consider it our honeymoon suite with its comfortable and cozy queen-size bed.

It has a screened-in porch off of the front entryway. The one level, one-room design features a dining space with large, corner viewing windows that face out into the forest. There is a ¾ bathroom with a shower directly off of the bedroom area. A freestanding fireplace is located in one corner in front of the couch. The kitchen has a small refrigerator with a freezer, a two-burner cooktop, a microwave, a coffee pot, crock pot, a large toaster oven, and all the necessary kitchen utensils and dinnerware. A CD player, air conditioner, floor/table fans as well as ceiling fans, additional oil filled heater, off peak electric storage heater, an outdoor grill, Wi-Fi, and an outdoor fire pit are also available.

Features:

Space
■One level, one-room design
■1 bed in an open room
■1 bathroom with shower
■Kitchen with a two-burner cooktop, one small refrigerator with freezer, microwave, crock pot, coffee maker, a large toaster oven, and all the necessary kitchen utensils and dinnerware

Amenities
■Air conditioner, floor/table fans, ceiling fans, and off peak electric storage heater
■A free-standing wood fireplace
■Outdoor grill
■Free Wi-Fi

Property manager

Michael Bonnette

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets

Pets allowed: limit 2 total
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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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 99
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

Mc Grath

Located in Mc Grath, this cabin is in a rural area and on a lake. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Banning State Park and Snake River, while Culver Museum and Moose Lake Depot Museum are cultural highlights. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
McGrath, MN

What's nearby

  • Mille Lacs Lake - 23 min drive - 30.5 km
  • Banning State Park - 32 min drive - 31.0 km
  • Moose Lake State Park - 38 min drive - 40.6 km
  • Federal Correctional Institution, Sandstone - 50 min drive - 53.1 km
  • Grand Casino Hinckley - 56 min drive - 67.8 km

Frequently asked questions

Is Located at the Heart of the Solana State Forest in Amongst the Forest Trees pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Located at the Heart of the Solana State Forest in Amongst the Forest Trees?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Located at the Heart of the Solana State Forest in Amongst the Forest Trees?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Located at the Heart of the Solana State Forest in Amongst the Forest Trees located?

Situated on a lake, this cabin is 3.1 mi (5 km) from Snake River and within 20 miles (32 km) of Kettle River and Mille Lacs Lake. Banning State Park and Cedar Lake are also within 20 miles (32 km).

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

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. 16 out of 26 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 26 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 26 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 26 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Check-in

8.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Barbara B.

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

weekend getaway

This little cabin has everything you need for 2 persons and is a great starting spot for long hikes in the woods.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Bre H.

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

Perfect

Perfect place to get away! I wish I could have stayed longer!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Breanna H.

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

Lovely

Absolutely lovely as always! I will continue to come back.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nick S.

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

Great get away

The cabin is a part of a complex but you are tucked away at the edge and nestled in the trees. It is a great place for a little get away and has all the essentials you would need.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kari C., Minneapolis

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

Amazing retreat

I did not expect this cabin to be a part of a larger retreat location (Shire in the Woods is the name of the company if you care to look them up and see what other retreat services/amenities they provide), but it was lovely in every way. This cabin is small and off to the far edge of the main property, with windows that look off into the forest. Though the cabin is off to the side and secluded, we could see our nearest neighbors during our stay while they were there over the weekend. We had a couple instances of guests staying in other cabins walking by with their dog(s) to go on the trails in the forest that wrap around our cabin (my dogs were excited so I had to keep the curtains closed), but our hosts have high expectations for guests to keep the property quiet & peaceful (there is an incredible culture and ambiance about this place), and for every dog to remain on leash on the main property, so there was never a big issue with other dogs around. Also a heads up we had to drive past horses and swans (in fences on each side of the driveway) to enter the property. I had to distract my sheltered city dwelling dogs during all of that excitement! We stayed beyond the weekend when the other guests left and it became our own little haven; it was incredible. The dogs were so relaxed without other guests they could see or hear. We woke up to a sprinkling of snow and had coffee and quiet in front of the fire with the forest around. The internet was spotty and slow at times as others noted, so expect a place that forces you to unplug from the constant streaming of videos and news, but you can check your email if you need, or post a couple pretty photos you take of your adventures on the gram. The hiking trails were incredible! Some were very well worn, some were so rustic I had to trust my dogs' to tell me where the trail continued. You can follow the maps posted throughout the trails on the property for shorter hikes and see beautiful sights like a beaver damn and lodge, or follow the trails deeper into the state forest to really get your fill of nature. They had maps in the cabin of some deeper-into-the-woods trails and spots to check out. All in all, my stay was more than the reset I expected, and exactly what I needed. I sincerely appreciated the opportunity to take my dogs along with for hikes in our own space (thank you!) and would highly recommend Shire in the Woods to anyone looking for a MN retreat. Thanks to the host family!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Alissa K., Minneapolis, MN

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

Great place to get away

Our second trip to this little cabin was just as relaxing as the first. We love the screened in porch, cozy set up, fireplace, and that we can bring our dog.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

8/10 Good

Benjamin G.

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy

Nice cabin in the woods

We enjoyed the cabin, but were upset to be left out front waiting for anyone to check us in. Eventually the host showed up, but there should have been some way to contact them posted by the main office. The cabin was nice, but the property didn't have much to do but hike. The sauna wasn't operational and most of the property wasn't available during the day due to angry swans. It was also upsetting to see horses being kept in very poor conditions by the main house.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kaye M.

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

A paradise in the forest

It’s been 13 years since I’ve had a proper vacation. My Collies Dax, Beau and I went to a little cabin named the Woodlands in a place called the Shire to get away from the noise and stress of the city. The quiet solitude there was just what my spirit needed. The boys and I reveled in this little piece of paradise, walking the trails and finding the hidden wonders/treasures of the forest. We saw many different landscapes and saw and heard a multitude of forest creatures and birds. The nights were black as coal with the stars shining bright like diamonds on the night tapestry. We woke and fell asleep to the sounds of birds calling. The quiet at the cabin only disturbed by the rustling of squirrels. I came away feeling recharged and refreshed. I could not have found a more perfect place to take my long-awaited and much-needed vacation with my best buds. It was a wonderous and magical place. The WiFi never worked, I ended up using my phone's hotspot for anything I wanted, but it wasn't much. I went there to get away, not plug in. I saw some reviews complaining about dogs not having the run of things. I had two Collies with me that are trained well and had no problems. They stayed near the cabin with me or close to me on the many journeys through the forest. If you have dogs, you want to contact the owner and keep away from the main area where the owner's animals are kept. I also saw complaints online about the notes. This is a small family owned place. The notes are so they can keep the cabins in order without a large staff. Minnesotan's should know this. It was July when I was here. Lots of biting flies and mosquitoes. Again, Minnesota summer. Knowing this I had the correct bug spray and head coverings (nets that go over your hat and head) and carried another hat to shoo off the flies from my dogs. Just Minnesota. This is a wonderland. I can't tell you how much beauty we saw, or the wonder of the place. If you are a kind and gentle person wanting to get away, this is the place.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Jeff (JT) R.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stars! Beavers! Quiet!

We had a great stay. Loved waking both mornings to look out a large window into the forest. Enjoyed the trails, including the great boardwalk (where we got to see beavers swimming about). Had a lovely, peaceful evening around a fire outside which ended with an absolutely amazing dome of stars. Very relaxing and calm-- just what we needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

6/10 Okay

David P.

Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication

Didn't meet our expectations

Our arrival and check-in tarnished our stay. We had driven 5 hours in the rain and fog to get there only to have to stand in the rain to get the key and then negotiate a driveway/parking area that was a complete mud pit. Trying to keep from tracking mud into the cabin was a constant, nerve racking challenge. The multitude of notes on the wall reminding us to do or NOT do this or that was also a huge distraction. On top of that the cabin was not all that clean - visible layer of dust on the ceiling fan and kitchen shelves, etc. The cabin and surrounding woods were nice but the aforementioned items dampened our enthusiasm.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Erika N.

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

Nice cabin

I loved this small cabin. Open ceiling made it feel spacious. Well organized with plenty of room for our belongings. Cabins are well spaced on the property. Nice hiking trails.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Alissa K., Minneapolis, MN

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

Calm, beautiful, cozy get away in the woods

Great place to get away. It was beautiful and secluded. The cabin was cozy and had everything we needed. We loved the screened in porch and walking trails around the property. Property manager was welcoming and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Kathrina M.

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

Fantasti

Just what we needed to get away from the city.

6/10 Okay

steve L.

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy

Get away

Was a simple location with needed amenities.

10/10 Excellent

Talitha J.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Overall Goods

Peaceful, a good place to just rest and enjoy nature. Cleanliness could have been better as there were a few cobwebs and evidence of mice (droppings, etc) in the kitchen. Overall we would definitely come again and explore more of the property!

10/10 Excellent

Sara Jo M.

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

The Shire Stay

This was a great get-a-way from the city. We enjoyed the beautiful views on the property. Hoping to come back again in the winter.

10/10 Excellent

Ray H.

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

Time to Rekindle

Long work weeks, busy schedules this is just what my wife and I needed. Awesome accommodations. Never judge a book by it's cover this little gem Shire in the Woods is as advertised. Long walks on the property, beautiful roaring fires and lots of quiet and time in the word made for the most relaxing and tender stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019

8/10 Good

Greg S.

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

Very secluded. Great place for a retreat.

The property was nice...very secluded location. The only drawback to this property and it's location is with the rain that we had this season, it was hard to get outside and do anything without being eaten alive by mosquitoes or other bugs. Overall though the listing was very accurate. The Octagon was clean and the owner's took a lot of things into consideration that we may need. It shows that they wanted us to enjoy our stay. Would definitely stay again with just my wife for a day trip (hopefully on not such a rainy part of the season).
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Bill B.

Great place to stay!

Loved the experience. Great place to stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2018

8/10 Good

Robert N.

peace and quiet

Great trip to this quiet location.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Paige S.

Loved our stay, planning to return again

We came to celebrate our 9 year anniversary and get away from the city for the weekend. We really were able to just let go off all the fast-paced stress and enjoy ourselves. We went stargazing the first night, walking a bit onto their not-as-of-yet completed walkway to their little island. And the next day, we hiked around the trails surrounding the grounds and had quite a lot of fun identifying mushrooms---something we used to do years ago in Pennsylvania. On our last day, we walked around their labyrinth and watched the snow fall--then ran back to the cabin to light a fire and read quietly with each other as the flakes drifted by our windows. It felt like we had been holding our breath for a very long time and this weekend we were finally able to release it. Loved the property, Mike and Samwise (the dog) were super friendly upon our arrival and made us feel very welcome. The cabin had all the basics we could have needed--though I suggest you make sure to bring your own toiletres (shampoo, bodywash, and conditioner) if that matters to you. We only ended up needing to purchase one additional bundle of firewood from Mike for the weekend, since the cabin already had some and the fireplace was all setup when we entered. We loved reading through the guest book in the cabin and finding out about the past guests--so many stories and lives connected by this one place. Definitely would recommend as a place to stay, and get reconnected with yourself and nature.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Bob M.

Peaceful and secluded

My wife and I enjoyed our second stay in the cabin. There were some fairly minor problems that we mentioned to the owner afterward, but the experience overall was restful and rejuvenating.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Thomas K.

A very peaceful and tranquil quiet getaway in the woods

The grounds are very peaceful and quiet; a delightful escape from the noise and hubbub of our usual life in the city. There are trails in the woods that pass by wildlife and wild scenery that provide balm to the soul longing to, albeit briefly, get away from the usual demands of life. The cabins are quant, though small, definitely most cosy for a close couple. We stayed in the Woodland cabin in winter, which is set well into the woods, and has many windows that brings nature indoors; and is comfortable for someone who merely wants to rest, meditate or read. I bet it would be especially charming in early spring or in the height of autumn. It is called "shire in the woods", and in many subtle ways, reminded me of the simple Tolkien shire; I sometimes expected to see a hobbit exiting one of the cabins.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Matt P.

Perfect little place in the woods

Great little getaway with nice trails through the woods. He cabin is fully stocked with everything you need.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Eileen G.

Lovely seclusion in the woods

The cabin is lovely nestled in a forest. No television, no radio just the ability to appreciate the beauty of nature. The cabin is efficient with no wasted space and has a fully equipped kitchen, wonderful bathroom shower, comfortable bed and a great screened porch. It's in the middle of a forest with walking trails right outside the front door. Only real negative are the flies and mosquitoes. Really enjoyed our stay
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2016

About the host

Hosted by Michael Bonnette

Host profile image
I have spent the last 25 years of my life firmly entrenched in the research and development world with a vast majority of that time spent in the interventional medical industry. With my creativity and engineering degree, I have managed to receive 70 US and foreign patents with 50 submissions still pending. Many of these ideas have resulted in devices which have helped people in one form or another, and in 2013, I decided I wanted to help people in another way. I acquired this property which will help people escape and relax in the beauty of the Minnesota Woods!

The property has 120 acres of private lands which sits within 68 thousand acres of the Solana State Forest. The Soo Line Trail also travels right through my property. In 2013, the property was purchased by my family and has now become the Shire in the Woods. A special place, with the look and feel of a Tolkien inspired landscape, now located in "Middle Minnesota".

The Shire in the Woods was formerly solely a retreat center which was founded in 1989 by three Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet with a vision of creating a place where people can spend time quieting the mind and opening the heart and spirit. They recognized the need for individuals living in a modern, fast paced society to be able to retreat to a quiet, nurturing place, thus replenishing the soul and deepening their connection with self, nature, each other, and the universe. The Shire still has it's roots within that theme, and it has grown much more for everyone to enjoy!

Why they chose this property

Welcome to the Shire in the Woods, where the natural surroundings will nourish and rejuvenate your soul! Located 18 miles east of northern Mille Lacs Lake, Minnesota, we are tucked away at the heart of the Solana State Forest and have the Soo Line South Trail running right alongside us. Relax with a good book in front of a fireplace or take a stroll in the beautiful woods. The Shire can serve you, your family and friends, facilitate special groups, workshops, and meetings, host a wedding, hold a family reunion, and more! No matter where you are at in your writing practice, the natural beauty and tranquility of the Shire is perfect for a writers retreat. The outdoors and especially the circle drive would be great for demonstrations with horses for example, or you can come and just be a hermit! Whatever your event or occasion, we will work with you to best serve your needs.

Our private, wooded retreat has seven, year round dwellings and more. There are four smaller cabins (The Woodlands, The Birches, The Meadows, and The Loft), The Cedar House, The Tree Lodge, and a gathering space, movie theatre, presentation media space, and library in The Octagon (unless privately reserved).

Other features of the Shire:
• Screened-in gazebo.
• Wood burning sauna.
• 5 miles of groomed trails.
• A rose garden.
• A labyrinth.
• Beaver, frog, and turtle pond.
• Tree swings and hammock.
• Outdoor fire pits and indoor fireplaces.
• Access to the Soo Line Trail.
• Access to many miles of trails in the Solana State Forest.
• And much more including our horses, a miniature donkey, and a miniature horse. As a guest, you can experience our animals antics and social systems, pet them, and with prior arrangements have guided interactions or feed them treats.

All of the places are arranged in their own unique setting such that you feel like you are the only one there!

What makes this property unique

There are many things to do in and around the Shire. Enjoy wooded solitude on the private trails or hike in the Solana State Forest, meditate while walking the Labyrinth, spend time around a campfire, read or relax in front of the cabin fireplace, and more!

The Shire in the Woods offers many winter and summer vacation activities for everyone to enjoy.
• Enjoy wooded solitude on the private trails.
• Hike in the Solana State Forest.
• Meditate while walking the Labyrinth.
• Spend time around a campfire.
• Read or relax in front of a fireplace.
• Play catch with Frisbees or partake in other games on one of our many groomed lawns.
• Star gaze or moon watch.
• Use the telescope in the gazebo.
• Interact with the horses.
• Cross country ski or snowshoe on our private or surrounding trails.
• Yoga in the Octagon.
• Rock/agate hunt or swim in the nearby spring fed Quarry Pool.
• Ride bikes in the woods or other trails.
• Horseback ride on the Soo Line trail or Solana State Forest Trails with your horses.
• Snowmobile or go ATVing on the Soo Line Trail or the Solana State Forest Trail.
• Spend time in the Pliny Wildlife Area or Ruffed Gross and Woodcock Habitat Area.
• Plan your next birding or photography adventure.
• Enjoy the sounds of nature as the many frogs, owls, wolves, and birds vocalize and sing their songs!

Languages:

English
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