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Balsam Ridge Retreat

100%

· Duluth, St. Louis, Minnesota

5 acres hosted by Linda P.

6 lodging sites

Private sites

98% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.

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.

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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100%

812 ratings · 685 reviews

Nate G.recommends

April 14, 2024

The Stuga

We had a great time staying in the Stuga! There was plenty of trails to explore and would highly recommend going on a few hikes. The hosts were very welcoming when we arrived but also let us have our privacy. The communal area is also pretty neat.

Jennie T.recommends

April 1, 2024

The Stuga

A Scandinavian themed woodsy escape just moments away from the heart of the city of Duluth. It truly felt magical. The warm welcome from Linda and Chris when we arrived set the tone for our whole weekend. The 6 unique 'homes' offer a spot to sleep and cook with a primary emphasis on being outside the rest of the time! All sorts of quaint outdoor structures exist for outside reading, listening to the birds, talking or just pondering. The 'back porch' is a free standing structure with upholstered furniture, a piano, a large cribbage board protected from the elements but yet open and exposed! Fire pits near many of the 'homes', rope swings, snowshoeing/hiking trails through the adjacent Land Trust and everywhere gentle twinkle lights adorning the pathways throughout Balsam Ridge. We stayed in The Stuga with the three tiered bunk bed system...so clever all of the different nuances in place to maximize the small space. The outdoor privies were actually quite nice - intriguing composting system...and, they, too, were artfully designed. Linda and Chris are obviously quite passionate about the Balsam Ridge and continue to shape it and create a most fabulous experience for each of their guests. Eager to return someday.

Hannah B.recommends

March 31, 2024

Gökotta (Swedish for "dawn picnic")

Everything is always great when staying at Balsom Ridge Retreat! Linda and Chris are always great to check in with and responsive if there are any questions or concerns - this was our 4th time there and will be coming back again!

Keith W.recommends

March 29, 2024

The Stuga

2024 Superior Spring Break Blizzard

Linda and Chris are great hosts, and The Stuga is a wonderful cozy cabin that fit our family of four fabulously! Even 5 days and 4 nights during the Lake Superior Spring Break Blizzard of 2024! Lots of activities, on and off the campgrounds, and any assistance necessary from Chris and Linda to make it a successful stay.

Mary B.recommends

March 28, 2024

Gökotta (Swedish for "dawn picnic")

Favorite place to camp

Always the most dreamy place to stay. The woods covered in snow is magical. Linda and Chris are always wonderful hosts.

Kristin K.recommends

March 25, 2024

The Stuga

Sensational Stuga!!

Another great stay at Balsam Ridge Retreat! This was my third stay, each at a different site, and I have loved them all. Chris and Linda are the definition of hospitality embodied. They are warm, welcoming, uplifting! You can tell they seek delight both in their sense of space, and in their actions as well. They amaze me, every single time. My daughters and I had an unforgettable trip, and will keep coming back as long as they'll let us!

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

Hosted by Linda P.Joined in June 2018

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