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Balsam Ridge Retreat

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· Duluth, St. Louis, Minnesota

5 acres hosted by Linda P.

6 lodging sites

Best in Minnesota: 1st place

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

Linda is a Star Host

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

Romantic

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.

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

100%

926 ratings · 780 reviews

Diana B.recommends

October 2, 2024

The Roost

Amazing

This place is truly a hidden gem in the middle of Duluth! I can hardly believe in in the city. This place is a destination in itself; so much to do! My daughter especially enjoyed both of the swings and the little pond and boat. At night we enjoyed some games in the community area. Linda and husband were so incredibly kind, warm and inviting. I 1000% recommend this place. I will definitely return again in the future! We created so many beautiful memories here, looking forward to more visits!

Jennie D.recommends

October 1, 2024

The Canvas Cottage

My bf and I really enjoyed our stay. The owners were both very welcoming and made the stay feel like staying with friends. The canvas tent was very comfortable. We had cooler fall nights but inside the tent we didn’t notice because the heater and the heated bed pad kept us very cozy. Thanks again for everything! We will be back!

Stacy M.recommends

October 1, 2024

The Mini Coop

Wonderful stay at the Mini Coop

The Mini Coop was very private, such a quiet and peaceful spot. The Retreat grounds were beautifully tended with unique, thoughtful touches, and everything was so clean. Linda and Chris greet each camper personally and show you around the property and then walk you through everything you need to know about your specific site. Their property is really unique, very convenient to anything in Duluth yet feels really remote. Great stay!!

Dan H.recommends

September 30, 2024

Gökotta (Swedish for "dawn picnic")

simply wonderful!

hands-down one of the most unique and enchanting spots at which we have ever been fortunate enough to stay. From welcoming and attentive hosts, to countless little touches that add to an overall storybook-worthy aesthetic of rustic, almost other-worldly charm, to elements of practicality, it's hard to leave your stay in Duluth without some regret you didn't set aside more time just to hang around camp.

Jaime K.recommends

September 29, 2024

Danny's Tent

AH-mazing Site!!!!

This was an absolute gem! I cannot wait to go back. The site was like a storybook, accommodations and hospitality beyond expectation. So clean! Linda and her husband were SO welcoming as I arrive late on Friday night. They welcomed me, carted my gear to Danny's tent as they welcomed me to their 5 acre paradise! Danny's tent was AMAZING! So clean. A woodstove and heated mattress???? YES please! Private fire ring, table and outdoor brick cooking oven overlooking a pond and the community gathering area. It truly was magical. This place is a gem. Oh, and there's electricity and a water hose outside each accommodation. Balsam Ridge is nothing short of amazing and I can't wait to go back!!!

Alicia S.recommends

September 28, 2024

Danny's Tent

Danny's Tent was warm and cozy. Set in the woods for privacy it was a great way to spend time with my guy. Fire pit with accessories was nice to have and the bathroom was easily accessed.

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