Classic Minnesota Cabin on Beautiful Lake O'Brien - Includes Pontoon Boat
Cabin in Crosslake, MN
6 guests · 2 bedrooms · 2 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
Well priced for this locationProperty prices in this area are generally higher
About this cabin rental
If you are looking for the 'cabin experience', this quintessential cabin in the pines won't disappoint. The property was originally purchased and built by my grandparents in 1958 and has been in our family ever since; it was completely renovated by my wife and I in 2011. A small but efficient layout, the cabin has a wonderful screen porch, sitting area with gas fireplace, and dining room; all with panoramic views of the lake, which is only steps away. It has one bedroom on the main level (king), and a semi-private loft with two queen size beds. There is one 3/4 bath, and a great outdoor shower with views of the lake for those true Minnesotan's. The inside space flows seamlessly to a large lakeside patio with grill, outdoor dining area, fire pit and coffee sitting area. The rental comes complete with a pontoon boat (2023 Bennington), a 4-person paddleboat, a canoe, and of course a hammock in the yard. For those that can't disconnect, the cabin also includes two high-definition TVs with Cable (DVD/Blu-Ray on main TV) and free Wi-Fi! And don't worry, you won't be roughing it, the 2011 renovation also brought all new mechanical systems including air conditioning, new appliances, and a new Kinetico softened water system!!
Situated 5 miles east of the town of Crosslake, crystal clear Lake O'Brien is spring fed with a water clarity of 24', the cleanest lake in the entire watershed district. The lake itself is surrounded by mature pines. There is approximately 5 miles of shoreline, of which about a quarter of the lake is undeveloped state-owned property. During the summer, this recreational lake is perfect for fishing, skiing, wake boarding, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and any other water-based activities, including floating on an air mattress!! There is a sandbar where you can walk across the lake which is a favorite gathering spot for 'kids of all ages'!! It's location on a quiet tar township road make it perfect for a morning walk or bike ride. During the winter months the lake is perfect for ice fishing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and is a perfect base camp to access the endless miles of groomed snowmobile trails.
Our property is perfect for a family of up to 6 or a few couples. We have a strict limit of 6 due to the size of the cabin and the single bathroom. We do keep our calendar updated and so if you are seeing availability then it's likely available. Upon reservation confirmation you'll receive a complete 'what to bring' list so you are prepared for your time up north. Feel free to inquire with any questions you may have and we’ll be prompt to reply! We pride ourselves on keeping our property and structures/equipment pristine and are certain we'll exceed your expectations in that regard. And further, since we also live on this lake, should any questions or problems arise we can respond quickly. In fact, your only disappointment will be when you have to leave!!
The pontoon boat is typically in the water and available for use from mid-May to late September.
Situated 5 miles east of the town of Crosslake, crystal clear Lake O'Brien is spring fed with a water clarity of 24', the cleanest lake in the entire watershed district. The lake itself is surrounded by mature pines. There is approximately 5 miles of shoreline, of which about a quarter of the lake is undeveloped state-owned property. During the summer, this recreational lake is perfect for fishing, skiing, wake boarding, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and any other water-based activities, including floating on an air mattress!! There is a sandbar where you can walk across the lake which is a favorite gathering spot for 'kids of all ages'!! It's location on a quiet tar township road make it perfect for a morning walk or bike ride. During the winter months the lake is perfect for ice fishing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and is a perfect base camp to access the endless miles of groomed snowmobile trails.
Our property is perfect for a family of up to 6 or a few couples. We have a strict limit of 6 due to the size of the cabin and the single bathroom. We do keep our calendar updated and so if you are seeing availability then it's likely available. Upon reservation confirmation you'll receive a complete 'what to bring' list so you are prepared for your time up north. Feel free to inquire with any questions you may have and we’ll be prompt to reply! We pride ourselves on keeping our property and structures/equipment pristine and are certain we'll exceed your expectations in that regard. And further, since we also live on this lake, should any questions or problems arise we can respond quickly. In fact, your only disappointment will be when you have to leave!!
The pontoon boat is typically in the water and available for use from mid-May to late September.
Amenities
Air conditioner
Pets allowed
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Dishwasher
TV
Map of Crosslake, MN
$$$$
Ratings and reviews
5.0 / 5.0
Stayed here multiple times, love it!
5.0 / 5.0
This gem is a 10 out of 10! It exceeded our expectations in every way!
5.0 / 5.0
We loved staying here. We traveled with our two boys- 7 and 3. We had some cold days and rain, but even then, loved our days. The cabin was so clean and cozy. We took the pontoon boat out several times a day. We didn’t have much luck catching many fish, but everything else was absolutely perfect! Jeff and Lindsey were amazing with communication as well! Such a cute area, cabin and town! We would love to come back!!!
5.0 / 5.0
The cabin was delightful and offered everything needed for a relaxing break.
5.0 / 5.0
This is the second time we have stayed here and loved it even more. Perfect relaxing week with the kids.
5.0 / 5.0
What a great little cabin getaway, owners are great and so is this cabin. Being able to hop on the pontoon was one of our biggest highlight points. One of the cleanest lakes I have been on! Thank you Jeff and Lindsay!
5.0 / 5.0
We continue to come back to this paradise! The cabin is perfection in every way. The lake is relaxing and fun. The hosts are super responsive and take pride in their property. This is truly a special place.
5.0 / 5.0
We loved this cabin, by the lake. It is beautifully setup inside and out. The kids loved staying up in the loft and they caught a bunch of sunfish right off the dock as well as a variety of others out on the lake. The pontoon and canoe were great. We will definitely make a return trip. Great family getaway!
5.0 / 5.0
What a beautiful place! If I could give it 10 stars I would. Already planning return visit! Wonderful hosts too!
5.0 / 5.0
This was our second stay at The Cabin. Everything is as shown in the listing. Actually, the patio chairs are now Adirondack type. The owners are accommodating and make the rental process easy. There was a strong winter storm during our visit, but we still made use of the patio and fire pit after some shoveling. We look forward to coming back again when the lake is not frozen and we can use the pontoon and screened back porch.
5.0 / 5.0
Great cabin, love the area! Close to Crosslake and Crosby, two of our favorites. Highly recommended!
5.0 / 5.0
Our stay was absolutely amazing. The cabin provided a peaceful atmosphere, and we were able to relax really well. We learned a lot about the cabin's history from the magazine, so it made us feel connected to the cabin even more! Most importantly, Jeff and Lindsey were so responsive with our questions and needs! Highly recommended this hidden gem!
5.0 / 5.0
This was our second stay at "The Cabin" to celebrate our anniversary, and it was once again perfect! Quiet, warm, cozy, everything you're looking for in a romantic get away with your favorite person. Lindsay and Jeff are wonderful hosts, always making the stay effortless from start to finish! We are already looking forward to our next stay!
5.0 / 5.0
Everything was great. We were able to relax, read, watch the Vikings and Wild games. Just what we needed.
5.0 / 5.0
What a fantastic spot for a perfect Minnesota "up north" experience. We like to disappear during the week of Thanksgiving each year - this was our first time spending a week at this spot and we will absolutely try to make it our go to from now on. THE MOST COMFORTABLE BED - please tell me where you got the mattress :)
5.0 / 5.0
I am very particular when it comes to vacation rentals and this cabin did not disappoint! The description says that the owners take pride in keeping their properties “pristine” and that is true. Quaint, cozy, clean. Delightful experience!
5.0 / 5.0
I think this is our 4th year on a Jeff and Lindsay Balmer property, the first time at this location. This cabin is cozy and amazing! It had the perfect amount of space to relax and unwind. The view of the lake is unparalleled. We stayed almost 3 weeks this time and thoroughly enjoyed every minute!! There is so much to see and enjoy in the area and the cabin is the perfect place to unwind and reset. The Balmer's have thought of everything you need and a few quaint touches that elevate it even further. We have stayed at many VRBO's and airbnb's over the years, after staying at a Balmer property it is hard to stay anywhere else. We are hoping to get away next year for another 3 to 4 weeks. Can't imagine anywhere more perfect! Thanks again Jeff and Lindsay!
5.0 / 5.0
We loved the view of the lake and the pontoon rides were so much fun! Highly recommend coming here again! Owners were very nice!
5.0 / 5.0
This was just what we needed! The perfect lakeside getaway. Nice, quiet lake with some great fishing, beautiful loons and sunrises! The hosts were wonderful to work with, the cabin was clean and quaint. Highly recommend.
5.0 / 5.0
I grew up on Lake O'Brien spending most summers up there. Getting to go back and relive those memories was fantastic. The location and the pontoon were perfect and it was the right amount of room for myself and wife. We will be back to one of Jeffs rentals next year!
5.0 / 5.0
This was our second visit within 18 months. We enjoy the peace and quiet. Take a pontoon drive when it's hot and float on an innertube. Enjoy a wood fire when it cools off. Clean and comfortable accommodations once you figure out how everything works (showers, light switches television etc.) Plenty of walking on the roads around the lake and Paul Bunyon Trail out of Nisswa Minnesota. Plenty of good restaurants in town or 10–20-minute drive. Saw plenty of wildlife on our adventures.
5.0 / 5.0
We enjoyed our time at the cabin! Great amenities and had everything we needed!
5.0 / 5.0
This cabin is just as lovely as it looks in the photos both inside and out. The landscaping is great for having dinners outside and relaxing while enjoying the lovely outdoors.
The bedding was comfortable and clean and the cabin had everything one would need.
Having access to the pontoon boat was so much fun and the lake was clean and beautiful.
I cannot say enough good things about this place.
Th hosts provided us with all the info and everything we needed so we didn't have to reach out during our stay, but I'm sure if we needed anything they would have accommodated us.
5.0 / 5.0
This is our second year at the cabin. It is always relaxing and beautiful. The cabin is very charming and comfortable with great views of the lake. We caught lots of fish off the deck and the boat. It rained a couple of the days so we stayed in and played games and watched movies and it was a very relaxing environment. Cayuna and brainard are 30 min away so we did go there for some hiking as well.
5.0 / 5.0
This isn’t the first time I’ve stayed at this cabin, and absolutely won’t be the last. The out door shower, the boat, the cabin, the dock, the fire pit with friends… all was perfect. Loved every second of it!
5.0 / 5.0
We look forward to our stay on the lake each year.
5.0 / 5.0
We love this place. This is our 3rd year at this cabin. Jeff and Lindsay are the best...Can't wait for next year. We caught alot of fish. The only downside was the mosquitoes but that's out of their control. I highly recommend.
5.0 / 5.0
Everything was just as advertised. We had a great weekend! Especially loved the screen porch.
5.0 / 5.0
Jeff and Lindsay are amazing people! The cabin was so comfortable. My husband and I had the best sleep in the comfortable beds and pillows! Listening to the loons all night long! The campfire and pontoon were wonderful touches. We didn’t want to leave!!!
5.0 / 5.0
We were so impressed with the whole place, the charming cabin that has everything you need and want, as well as the beautiful clear lake O'Brien that the cabin is on. We woke up and went to sleep listening to the loons, swans, and other birds. We were visited by a baby fox kit twice, from a distance but close enough to enjoy its presence. We took a lot of walks, enjoying the water, woods and the friendly nieghbors that we came across. There is plenty of cute little shops and good places to eat if you choose too. Last but not least, Jeff and Lindsay were wonderful hosts. They were easy to get hold of, responding quickly, though we didn't have any needs or issues. We wanted to share with them the video and picture of the fox kit we took. They have taken great care in making sure everything is in good shape, ready for guests to have the experience they desire when renting a cabin in Northern Minnesota!
5.0 / 5.0
This cabin is perfect. In every way. They've thought of everything and the mid-century Scandinavian charm makes it feel like home. Highly recommend. We will be back!
5.0 / 5.0
Truly enjoyed staying here. Very comfortable beds, and the fireplace is wonderful on chilly nights. We saw lots of wildlife from the breakfast nook and enjoyed winter hiking in the area. Also, LOVED the feel of this cabin!
5.0 / 5.0
We had a fabulous time at the cabin. It was cozy and clean. We will be back!
5.0 / 5.0
We were very pleased with the condition and features of the property overall. The beds were very comfortable and the gas-fired "wood stove" provide both heat and ambience to the living room area. Due to recent weather there was a lot of ice and frozen snow which limited our use of the fire pit area, but under better conditions that would be a great amenity. The owners were very quick to respond when we requested some additional grit for ice on the sidewalk and driveway. This was our first VRBO booking and I was pleased that the online listing was very accurate. The whole process went very smoothly from my perspective.
5.0 / 5.0
Sometimes we have to force ourselves to relax and recharge—Jeff and Lindsay’s place on O’Brien Lake was the perfect spot to escape for a few days. The cabin was comfortable, cozy, and had everything we needed. It felt secluded (in a good way), and the conveniences of town were just a short drive away. Everything was exactly as described and exceeded expectations. We hope to stay again sometime!
5.0 / 5.0
This cabin was perfect for my wife and I. Cabin has all the cooking basics plus fun stuff like a waffle maker and popcorn popper. At the time we went it was quiet and peaceful, we even had a herd of deer come through right outside our windows.
5.0 / 5.0
Nothing like the tall pines of northern MN. Beautiful lakeside cabin. Enjoyed our short stay.
5.0 / 5.0
Well kept and nicely designed cabin. The most comfortable and luxurious bed of any in my experience at VRBO properties. We will try to book again in the summer to enjoy more of the property.
5.0 / 5.0
Our stay was perfect. Accommodation cozy, comfy beds, and lovely Scandinavian decor and user friendly kitchen. Not to mention Up North Pine trees.XX skiing was wonderful! Live this place!
5.0 / 5.0
This cabin is a must stay, wonderful experience.
FAQs
How much does this cabin cost compared to others in Crosslake?
The average price for a rental in Crosslake is $415 per night. This rental is $200 less expensive than the average.
Is parking included with this cabin?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Classic Minnesota Cabin on Beautiful Lake O'Brien - Includes Pontoon Boat. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this cabin?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this cabin. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Classic Minnesota Cabin on Beautiful Lake O'Brien - Includes Pontoon Boat pet friendly?
Yes! This cabin is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at Classic Minnesota Cabin on Beautiful Lake O'Brien - Includes Pontoon Boat?
We found 9 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, pets allowed, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, and fireplace.
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