The Outing Lodge at Pine Point provides an idyllic, dreamy location for gatherings of all kinds, including weddings or even a book club weekend meeting to discuss the latest romance (or suspense) novel! Photo: Nikole Ruth
You know what they say: quality over quantity. While the adage can be applied to many circumstances in life, we think it aptly fits when it comes to vacationing. The concept of microcations has been circulating for a few years now. Typically, the category features brief trips, four days or less, to locales at least 100 miles away from home.
We flipped the narrative and took a different look at microcations. The benefits of shorter stays in venues closer to home shouldn’t be understated. From boutique hotels with dreamy amenities to unexpected nature escapes, these microcations deliver maximum relaxation with minimal effort. Grab a compass, and let’s go!
Travel North
Take a breath of fresh air, and enjoy the great outdoors—while staying at the Minneapolis Northwest KOA Journey. This KOA property, located in Maple Grove, features 20 acres of maple and oak trees, a playground and a game room, mini golf, horseshoes and basketball, a dog park and seasonal holiday hayrides. Lodging includes two one-room camping cabins that sleep up to four people, as well as tent camping and RV sites. Maple Grove; koa.com
Nestled on the St. Croix River, Wilder Retreat in Shafer is an Airbnb destination for peace and relaxation. A stay at the Writers Cabin includes a woodfired sauna and hot tub, plus river access. The sleeping loft in the small pine cabin fits two, and the space includes a propane cooktop, pump sink and basic cooking pans and utensils. The cabin is solar powered, and a fireplace keeps the space warm in the winter. Nearby activities include Franconia Sculpture Park, canoe and kayak rentals and great hiking trails. Shafer; airbnb.com/slink/ebfcqt0s
Head East
The Outing Lodge at Pine Point in Stillwater rests amid 300 acres of wooded parkland (Miles of trails open to a variety of all-season activities.) and just 6 miles from downtown Stillwater. The family-run bed and breakfast has all the makings of a Jane Austen-novel-inspired romantic retreat. The ivy-laden European-style country estate looks out on a sprawling green lawn, ideal for group retreats and weddings. Stillwater; outinglodge.com
While the Pink Castle in Hudson, Wisconsin, has Victorian roots, it certainly vibes 4,400 square feet of modern-day fun. Photo: The Pink Castle
The Pink Castle in Hudson, Wisconsin, is a Victorian mansion where everything is—you guessed it—pink and includes a heated pool and hot tub, a cabana pool house and a dining table surrounded by gold thrones. The 4,400-square-foot home was formerly a bed and breakfast, so many of the unique bedrooms include their own bathrooms. The property is also available for hourly home and pool rentals. Hudson, Wisconsin; fleetwoodrentals.com
Have you always dreamed of staying in a fantastical treehouse? Consider Tree House Luxury Stay, where nature meets nostalgia. This 1,200-square-foot treehouse is perched atop a 150-year-old burr white oak tree and features two bedrooms, overlooking 500 acres. Custom-designed with the game of chess in mind, the treehouse includes unique steps in every one of its seven spaces, including a hidden room. Cottage Grove; treehouseescape.com
Drive South
Four new cabins opened at Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park. The cabins, which accommodate up to six people, are available year-round and can be reserved up to one year in advance. In warm months, enjoy swimming and fishing in Cedar Lake, as well as hiking and biking throughout the park. There’s also kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard rentals available on summer weekends. Restaurants and coffee shops in New Prague are only about a 10-mile drive away, and downtown Prior Lake is about a 20-minute drive. New Prague; threeriversparks.org
Double Domes in Eden Prairie features two geodesic domes, creating one of the most unique stays in the Metro. Kids, and kids at heart, can dive into loads of tricked out indoor and outdoor fun. Photo: Double Domes
Double Domes features two geodesic domes connected to create a unique space with six bedrooms (nine beds) that sleep up to 18 guests. It’s tricked out with an indoor tube slide, a putting green hallway, bubble hockey, table tennis, a movie theater room and a fitness room. The domes sit on about 2 acres with a fire pit, trampoline, 200-foot zip line and a tube slide off the deck, as well as landscaped waterfalls, ponds and fairy gardens. Bryant Lake Regional Park is across the street and includes a swimming beach, biking, hiking, disc golf, paddling, boating and more. Eden Prairie; thedoubledomes.com
Nicolin Mansion features five unique rooms for two, as well as a gourmet three-course breakfast. Located in downtown Jordan, the historical mansion is across the street from Brew d’Etat and a short walk from Mousse Sparkling Wine Co., as well as City Hall Creamery & Coffee and other independently-owned restaurants and shops. The Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area, a short drive away, offers excellent biking and hiking trails. Jordan; nicolinmansion.com
Campers who want to stay connected to the internet as well as nature can find that balance in the Whitetail Woods Regional Park cabins. Pick from five cabins. The pines cabins have heat (Ask about spring plans air conditioning.), and the prairie cabins have heat and air conditioning. The cabins accommodate up to six people, and reservations are available four months in advance. Young campers will love building forts and water dams in the Fawn Crossing Nature Play Area. Farmington; dakotacounty.us
Go West
“Nature has a fantastic way of bringing people together—helping them connect with each other, and reconnect with themselves,” according to the YMCA. Camp Ihduhapi, situated on 175 acres of vibrant maple forest along the shores of Lake Independence, is just a skipping stone away from the West Metro. Discover nature and a new way to connect with family members, whether for a reunion or another special occasion—all while communing with the camp’s natural prairie, wetland and woodland surroundings. Loretto; ymcanorth.org
Stay Close
If you’re looking for an elevated “basecamp” for steps-away biking/hiking, dining, shopping and taking walks along a panoramic view of Lake Minnetonka, consider The Hotel Landing. Lake Street is bustling with restaurants for varied tastes and retail locales for art, clothing, décor and more. Discover the paved Dakota Regional Trail to embrace the lakeside, marshland and wooded vistas. After a day of enjoying the excursion of your choice, the hotel’s Läka Spa awaits, and its ninetwentyfive not only offers inspired menu options but also food-centric events. If visiting Minneapolis is a draw, the hotel is only 15 minutes away from the city’s music, restaurant and sports venues. Wayzata; thehotellanding.com
Peacefully curated rooms at The Shoreline on Lake Minnetonka offer one-of-kind views of the activity-filled beachfront and the iconic lake. What’s not to love? Photo: The Shoreline
Boating, fishing, swimming and other lake-centric activities are easily at your sandy feet with a stay at Lake Minnetonka’s The Shoreline. The aptly named boutique hotel offers guests stunning views, beach access, boating (including a pontoon with a captain if needed), kayaks, paddleboards, surf lessons and more. For land lovers, bike rentals are available to hit the nearby Dakota Rail Regional Trail (bike or run/walk). Cabana Anna’s features indoor and outdoor breakfast, lunch and dinner service. What more do you need? Spring Park; shorelinehotel.com
Treat yourself to a luxurious staycation in the heart of Minneapolis’ trendy North Loop neighborhood. The Hewing Hotel offers chic, industrial-style rooms, a rooftop all-season bar and lounge that offers panoramic views of the city. The rooftop also has a spa pool and a Nordic sauna. Dine at the hotel’s Nordic-inspired restaurant, Tullibee. Or if you seek adventure, explore the area’s vibrant dining scene and chic boutiques just steps away. Minneapolis; hewinghotel.com
For an elegant escape filled with old-world charm, the Saint Paul Hotel is the perfect place to unwind. The hotel offers elegant rooms and exceptional service. Sip cocktails in the lobby’s luxurious atmosphere, or treat yourself to high tea and a spa day. The hotel is also situated perfectly for exploring St. Paul’s historic district, including the James J. Hill House or a show at the Ordway. St. Paul; saintpaulhotel.com
Take a Day Trip
Northfield is a charming and family-friendly getaway that offers something for everyone. Start your Saturday morning at the Riverwalk Market Fair, where the scenic Cannon River sets the stage for a vibrant mix of local artwork, live music, a farmers market and delicious local treats. The fair is every Saturday from mid-May through mid-October except on September 6. After lunch, step back in time at the Northfield Historical Society where you can learn about the infamous defeat of Jesse James and the town’s rich history. If you’re visiting on the third Sunday of the month, don’t miss dinner at the Red Barn Farm—a must for pizza lovers and animal enthusiasts alike. Savor fresh-from-the-oven pizza while the kids delight in meeting the farm’s friendly chickens, roosters, outdoor cats and horses. For an even more memorable trip, plan your visit for September 3–7 to experience the town’s iconic Defeat of Jesse James Days, a lively celebration filled with events and activities for the whole family. Northfield; northfieldmn.gov
Tiny Spaces, Big Adventure
Do you prefer The EDGE or The Nest? Regardless, you’ll find yourself tucked away in a woody canopied blanket of respite, overlooking Lake Superior.
Minnetonka residents Dan and Jessica Yudchitz operate their tiny pieces of peace in Bayfield, Wisconsin. Their micro home rental company, Tempus Wilde, is aptly named: Tempus means time in Latin, and Wilde is a nod to Irish playwright Oscar Wilde.
It could be said the genesis for their foray into tiny house living began when father and son architect duo Bill Yudchitz and Dan Yudchitz in 2009 decided to create a compact, modular home with multifunctional furniture that supported sustainable living. While the family used the space as its vacation spot, they opened it up for rental in 2022. The project, tagged The EDGE, (Experimental Dwelling for a Greener Environment), is a 325-square-foot retreat, overlooking Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay and is a stone’s throw from Pike’s Bay Marina and the Brownstone Trail.
“Tempus Wilde is a modern tiny home retreat, specifically designed to embrace the outdoors. Whether it’s rest, relaxation or adventure, Bayfield is the place to be,” Jessica says. “Bayfield is known in the Midwest as the gateway to the Apostle Islands. There are organic farms, orchards, wineries, adventure breweries, sailing and North Woods-inspired boutiques, which showcase the local community spirit.”
Father and son built off of that initial experience to create The Nest, which similarly embraces minimalistic living and is about 150 feet from The EDGE. The couple is working to get The Nest available for summer rental to tag team with The EDGE to provide extra sleeping space.
Stays are donated to support nonprofits, including the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota and Clean Water Action Minnesota, and the team is working with Eagan’s Friends of San Lucas, a nonprofit, focusing on education, housing and sustainable farming in Guatemala. —Renée Stewart-Hester
Tempus Wilde
Facebook: Tempus Wilde
Instagram: @tempus_wilde
