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Balsam Ridge Retreat

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· Duluth, St. Louis, Minnesota

5 acres hosted by Linda P.

7 lodging sites

Best in Minnesota: 1st place

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Linda is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Private sites

97% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.

Best in Minnesota: 1st place

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.

Many folks that have visited our place refer to it as 'country living in the city'. We are so blessed to live in this little piece of serenity just inside the city limits of Duluth. It was once an abandoned house that sat for years, until a friend mentioned to us that it might be going up for sale. We loved the location and rolled up our sleeves. Twenty years later we still marvel at the beauty around us and can hardly believe that we LIVE here! Just down the road is a trout stream and just beyond that was a popular farm that attracted many folks to this neighborhood for hay rides and sleigh rides. The farm has since retired it's horses and closed it's doors to make room for new homes, but memories live on in the beauty of the open fields. I often imagine the sound of horses and sleigh bells and people singing carols and then warming up around a toasty fire sipping hot cocoa. Some of those memories live on right here at Balsam Ridge (minus the horses). Over the years many groups of folks have enjoyed a sense of community in these back woods no matter the season. Campfires, kids catching frogs, neighborhood campouts, snow picnics, hair-raising toboggan runs, family campouts, spiritual silent retreats, a take-your-breath-away giant swing, and some tales too daring to mention are all part of the fun. This is why we do what we do. We've been given much, and love to give back. It just wouldn't seem right to keep all this good to ourselves.

Activities

Biking

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Natural features

Forest

River, stream, or creek

Suburban

Wetlands

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904 ratings · 766 reviews

Laura B.recommends

September 7, 2024

The Stuga

What a beautiful place! Magical to be there with a 3 year old. The swing and bunk beds/loft were our favorite. So many activities with the toy shed, cabin, enclosed/screened tent for meals outside, solo stove for bonfire. Everything was clean, thoughtful, and comfortable. I will definitely be back!

Ali R.recommends

September 6, 2024

The Canvas Cottage

Dreamy weekend retreat

We loved our long weekend at the Canvas cottage. The entire camp is a very special place and it was really inspiring to see what Linda and Chris have created over the last five years. There were so many thoughtful touches that made us feel safe, comfortable and right at home the moment we arrived. We enjoyed cooking at camp, having a campfire, checking out the adjacent trails, and talking with Chris and Linda about the camp and their travels. We can’t wait to go back and try some of the other tents and cabins next time!

Shane Z.recommends

September 4, 2024

The Canvas Cottage

Can't say enough! Anything I can say, has been well said already below. Fantastic spot! Will hopefully return!

Connor W.recommends

September 4, 2024

The Roost

Linda and Chris were the best hosts! We felt so at home the moment we stepped on the property! The roost was such a cozy place to stay on our long weekend and you could tell they put a lot of thought into making sure everyone feels comfortable while they’re staying there.

Colleen U.recommends

September 2, 2024

Gökotta (Swedish for "dawn picnic")

Enchanted forest retreat!

This is one of the most special places I have ever stayed! The imagination and care that went into creating this little Wonderland in the woods is just mind-boggling. We absolutely loved it. And loved hearing the origin story. The big swing and the enchanted forest were some of our favorite elements. The fairy lights that led you down each path at night created a sense of magic and wonder. And the detail that went into creating each of the spaces, whether it be our own personal cabin or the community spaces, really was so fun and whimsical. We hope to be back soon!!!

Megan L.recommends

September 2, 2024

Gökotta (Swedish for "dawn picnic")

Wonderful camping adventure for 5

Family of 5 and had a great time! So nice to get the camping experience without having to set up a tent or sleep on the ground. They have a cot available in the larger canvas tent so that it sleeps 5. Linda and Chris have done a great job at setting up the entire camping environment with thoughtful activities for people to do.

Location

Duluth, St. Louis, Minnesota, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking