


The Mini Coop was a working chicken coop for many years until it was replaced by a bigger coop. It was then used to house bees, garden tools, and then it came close to leaving our property. Finally, after it was all cleaned out, a vision was born. After some elbow grease, numerous trips to the lumberyard, and placing pieces of the puzzle one by one into place, the tiniest of
The Mini Coop was a working chicken coop for many years until it was replaced by a bigger coop. It was then used to house bees, garden tools, and then it came close to leaving our property. Finally, after it was all cleaned out, a vision was born. After some elbow grease, numerous trips to the lumberyard, and placing pieces of the puzzle one by one into place, the tiniest of tiny homes is now ready for new inhabitants and is tucked back in the farthest corner of our five acre lot. The generous windows in front bring the forest right to you, almost as if you were sitting in the screen porch of a cabin, and the hiking trails are right out your window. A multi-function door has a built-in vent and also a barn sash window that opens out to a 7x7 wooden deck. A rocket stove sits right next to the deck along with a wrought iron chair. The fire ring and another chair are right outside the front of the coop with some firewood ready for your first campfire. The inside of the coop is enveloped in golden tongue and groove pine, and a long narrow couch/bed provides comfort for day or night use. The top bunk (25" wide and 7 feet long) can be left in the upright position for storing personal gear, or folded down for an extra camper. The birch wall lamp provides light for reading, and there is also an outlet for charging your phone. The outhouse is just around the corner and we'll provide a container of water for drinking. ****Bring your own bedding**** and enjoy a unique camping experience in this tiny (emphasis on TINY - really tiny) coop/cabin!
- Check in: After 2PM
- Check out: Before 12PM
- Cancellation policy: Flexible
- On arrival: Meet and greet
- Minimum nights: 2 nights
- Accepts bookings: 6 months out
Activities
Offered on the Host's property or nearby.
Biking
Duluth has 178 miles of beautiful wooded trails. For a map of biking trails check out Trailforks, Duluth. One particular trail ...Read more
Boating
Besides Lake Superior, there are several other popular boating lakes within a half hour of downtown Duluth, Pike Lake, Island L...Read more
Fishing
Shore fishing spots Here's a list of suggested places to fish from shore, courtesy of Scott VanValkenburg at Fisherman's Corner...Read more
Hiking
There are at least 150 miles of unpaved hiking trails in Duluth. Balsam Ridge is just a few minutes walk from the Hartley Trail...Read more
Horseback riding
Duluth now offers the new Magney Snively-Ely's Peak Equestrian Trail and Ski Loop along western Duluth's portion of Skyline Bo...Read more
Paddling
Oh yes. Lots of it. There is a sweet video on Duluthoutdoors..com that gives you an idea what it's like to paddle on Lake Super...Read more
Wind sports
The biggest water right at your backdoor, Duluth offers all the wonders of real windsurfing, massive shorebreak, head-on ramps,...Read more
Climbing
Duluth offers a variety of seasonal climbing opportunities within the city limits. Casket Quarry is a premier site for ice an...Read more
Snow sports
There are more snow sports than you can shake a stick at in Duluth, MN, so I'll just run through the top 11 outdoor winter adve...Read more
Surfing
Duluth is well known for its extreme surfers. Winter or summer, if there are waves breaking, there will be surfers taking advan...Read more
Swimming
Swimming and summer just naturally go hand-in-hand - especially when you live in an area that's blessed with an abundance of la...Read more
Whitewater paddling
The St Louis River (which flows into Lake Superior) is a great spot for whitewater rafting all summer long. This 2 hour trip t...Read more
Wildlife watching
Duluth is home to two Important Bird Areas (IBA), recognized as globally important habitats for the conservation of bird popula...Read more
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at The Mini Coop in Minnesota.
Forest
The name "Balsam Ridge Retreat" is just one indicator of the type of forest we are nestled in. Numerous maples cover the east s...Read more
River, stream, or creek
One of Duluth's 16 designated trout streams is a two minute walk from our mailbox. It's known as the East Branch of the Chester...Read more
Suburban
Yes, we are in the city Just down MacFarlane Road is a large beaver pond that the East Chester Creek runs through. Duluth, and ...Read more
Wetlands
Just down MacFarlane Road is a large beaver pond that the East Chester Creek runs through.
Driveway
As you pull up to the front of our home you'll only see a short parking spot. This isn't the driveway. Look about 275 feet to t...Read more
Places to see near Balsam Ridge Retreat
58 Reviews
Balsam ridge retreat is such a gem! There are so many things to do on the premises you will never want to leave. There’s a wonderful pond with frogs and turtles, a playhouse and three rope swings.
The hosts are so great and have literally thought of everything!! We will be back to check out other accommodations!!
Linda and Chris's place at Balsam Ridge is wonderful!
Lots of birds during the day and tree frogs at nights.
Our platform tent we stayed in was very comfortable and furnished with a comfortable bed and a lovely table. The stove was easy to use and the rocket stove near us was great for brewing coffee in the morning.
We will definitely be returning for another stay at this very inviting place.
A friend and I stayed our second time at Balsam Ridge in the Mini Coop. Our first stay was during the winter and it was quite the wonderland. This stay in the spring was just as lovely. We enjoyed walking the trails and seeing all the new growth coming alive as well as the additions to the common areas that have been added. Balsam Ridge is definitely our go to accommodation when spending time in Duluth. We are excited to stay another time in Summer and Fall as well.
As usual, Linda and Chris go above and beyond to welcome their guests and ensure they are safe and comfortable. Balsam Ridge is a magical place and even more so in the winter. The Minicoop is super cozy and secluded in the pines. Thanks for another wonderful retreat!
Balsam Ridge is the perfect spot for a get away! You can create a sense of being in the middle of the woods, but yet you're close to amenities if you forgot something, or just want to take in all that Duluth and the north shore have to offer!
The Mini Coop is cozy and warm-- we went on a pretty chilly weekend and the coop was still perfectly warm and comfortable.
The space is amazing and Linda and Chris are wonderful hosts, they make you feel at ease and at home. 10/10 would recommend to anyone looking for a quiet weekend getaway!
This was the second time we stayed at Balsam Ridge, and we plan on coming back year after year. Well maintained, beautifully appointed lodging and kind, friendly hosts make this one of my favorite places to stay in Minnesota. We started planning the next trip before we even checked out.
This place is beyond words. Linda and Chris were amazing! They were so friendly, the mini coup was perfect for my son and I. The beds were comfortable, it had just enough room for us. The outside space was breathtaking. The exclusiveness, trees, wildlife, it was so relaxing. Would recommend 100 times over! Well definitely be back!




This whole place is really amazing! These wonderful people have done so many things right here. The special touches on the coop were much appreciate. The coop is situated in a private corner of the campground, so you can keep to yourself or join the other campers in the common areas. Be sure to check out the trails out back! The friendly chipmunks and chickadees will keep you company and a buck walked into the camp one night. This little cabin was just about perfect. And the hosts... Just amazing people who have gone to lengths to make your stay enjoyable. Make sure to book a few nights - you won't be disappointed.




- Property
- Balsam Ridge Retreat
- State
- Minnesota
- Country
- United States
- $59/night
- 1 Site