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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%

930 ratings · 783 reviews

Laura C.recommends

October 9, 2024

Gökotta (Swedish for "dawn picnic")

Fairytale Land

Linda’s property was an absolute fairytale dream come to life! The whole property had so much thought and love put into it! The hosts were very kinda and welcoming and gave us a tour on arrival and made it a point to say goodbye to us on our departure! We had the best weekend in Duluth thanks to this Hipcamp! We will definitely be back!

Jessica L.recommends

October 8, 2024

The Canvas Cottage

I loved the canvas tent and our hosts were incredible. The epitome of Minnesota nice. We would definitely come back and stay with them again!

Tim B.recommends

October 7, 2024

The Mini Coop

Host honest in their descrption of the site. They do not oversale it. What they described is what it was and in my opinion higher than what I expected. Remote location within city limits! 3 miles to any convenience store. Very quite, very minimal traffic noise with an occasional airplane / jet. Inside the coop I could barely hear it. Coop is small as described by the host very accommodating for a single person and a child or small person to sleep on the top bunk. Beats sleeping in a tent! Love the deck and the fire area. Love the repurposing of materials the host uses everywhere, door handles, stove top, bricks, pieces of wood, sticks, old car hood over their garage walk in door, the lanterns over the garage doors, etc. Look it is everywhere. Met the host on arrival and they gave me a ride to the site on golf cart and took my gear to the site. I only had to carry it out. I I was only at Balsam Ridge Retreat at night as I was in the area for fall colors up the North Shore so never explored their beautiful retreat. Also met with host on departure. Enjoyed talking with them. There is a reason they are top rated host.

Ashlyn L.recommends

October 6, 2024

The Mini Coop

Such a fun place to stay with so many cute details! I can definitely see coming back here to stay again!

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!

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