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Balsam Ridge Retreat

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· Duluth, St. Louis, Minnesota
5 acres hosted by Linda P.
7 lodging sites
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Linda is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Best in Minnesota: 1st place
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.
Private sites
97% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.
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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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
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Hosted by Linda P.Joined in June 2018
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783 ratings · 656 reviews
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Alex D.recommends
November 28, 2023
The Stuga
We had another great stay at Stuga last weekend and absolutely enjoyed it! Thanks, Linda and Chris, for your hospitality and the wonderful atmosphere you created!
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Jessica L.recommends
November 27, 2023
The Stuga
Perfect little retreat!
My sister and I absolutely adored the stuga! We had a lovely time walking around in the woods as well, admiring the sights and peaceful sounds of Linda and Chris’ property. The stuga was very warm and cozy for us to come back to after a hike, and it was a perfect place to pop in a cassette tape, eat some snacks, and make some art! We also shared a lot of laughter going on the tree swings! Not to mention, both Chris and Linda were so incredibly kind and thoughtful, they really know what they’re doing and how to make people feel at home. I wish we would have spent a longer time there, and would love to go back and explore in the summertime, too. With Downtown Duluth being merely a 15 minute drive away, there was plenty to do, and it still felt like we got a little taste of the beautiful natural surroundings the city of Duluth has to offer! Overall, it was a beautiful experience that helped us both connect with our childlike wonder and embrace the simple pleasures of life, away from stress and work. I highly recommend!
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Melissa S.recommends
November 26, 2023
The Mini Coop
Linda and Chris were so welcoming! They gave me a tour of the property, which is gorgeous and I can’t wait to visit in the summer! The Mini Coop is the perfect size for 1, and the space heater made it very toasty!!
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Kelly D.recommends
November 21, 2023
The Roost
I just love that cozy little coop. I’ll be back to spend more time in the winter wonderland soon.
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Erwin A.recommends
November 20, 2023
Gökotta (Swedish for "dawn picnic")
Magical glamping experience
Stayed the weekend in the Gokotta tent with my wife and 2 daughters. Cozy tent for the 4 of us and stayed warm with the wood burning stove. We loved the giant swing, my youngest could have been there all day. Also really enjoyed the community space, playing the piano and carpet ball. There is a nice little hiking trail in the back of the property, cute bridges and little boardwalk through the swampy woods and up to a large rock wall. Balsam Ridge had a magical look with the string lights following the trails and the different styles and sizes of places they have to stay. Owners are super welcoming and are there when you need them. Would definitely go back again, maybe when there is snow, they said that they have a pretty neat sledding hill.
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Sarah K.recommends
November 19, 2023
The Stuga
The hospitality is one of a kind at Balsam Ridge. The Stuga is cozy, simple and one step away from the woods. My kids and I love the swings, the fresh air, the freedom to explore and the ease we felt during our visit. Thank you Chris and Linda!
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