This post featuring my review of Cuyuna Cove in Crosby, Minnesota, may contain affiliate links. This article is based on a hosted stay at Cuyuna Cove. All thoughts and opinions about the stay are my own. For more, please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy.
Race down epic mountain biking trails. Paddle along crystal clear pit mine lakes. Cozy up together near bonfires amongst towering trees. All of this and more await you in Crosby, Minnesota, and Cuyuna Cove.
Cuyuna Cove is a family-built property near downtown Crosby featuring several Cabins and Bungalows in a lush forest. It’s a fantastic place to stay if you’re planning a trip to the Cuyuna Lakes area. Based on our recent stay, there are 4 main reasons why I think you have to stay at Cuyuna Cove when visiting Crosby and the surrounding area. This guide outlines those reasons and includes my honest review of the property.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Crosby, Minnesota, read my review of Cuyuna Cove to learn more about this fantastic property just minutes from downtown. Please note that my review primarily covers the Bungalows (there are also Cabins on-site). Then, plan your trip by learning How to Spend a 3-Day Summer Getaway to Crosby + Cuyuna Lakes Area.
About Cuyuna Cove in Crosby
Here’s a snapshot of what you need to know about staying at Cuyuna Cove.
Location: Cuyuna Cove is located in Crosby, Minnesota (just minutes from downtown), about 2 to 2.5 hours from the Twin Cities, depending on summer traffic and construction.
Accommodation Type: Cabins + Bungalows
Season: Cabins are open year-round, while the Bungalows are seasonal from May – October
Best for: The Cabins and Bungalows are best for solo travelers looking for a peaceful retreat or couples seeking a romantic (or adventurous) getaway. However, they also work really well for families with only children. Two of the Bungalows sleep up to 3 (bed + cot). Children must be 8+. Finally, the property is also dog-friendly.
Snapshot of Amenities (amenities may vary by specific Cabin or Bungalow; check website for up-to-date details)
- Heat/AC
- Mini fridge, microwave, toaster, fire pit & grate for camp cooking
- Stocked coffee/tea bar
- Board games + hammock
- Access to our redwood sauna
- Shared shower house + bathrooms
- Bike storage hooks are available inside the Bungalow, and there is a communal wash area for bikes
- Luggage wagons are available to transport bags from the parking area to the Bungalow
- Wi-Fi (worked just fine for Netflix!)
4 Reasons You Have to Stay at Cuyuna Cove in Crosby, Minnesota
If you’re wondering where to stay in Crosby, Minnesota, you may be considering a Cabin or a Bungalow at Cuyuna Cove – as well you should! Here are four reasons why I think you should stay at Cuyuna Cove. Then, you’ll find my overall review of Cuyuna Cove below.
Proximity to Epic Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor adventure abounds in Crosby! Every season offers its own collection of outdoor fun, from paddling and mountain biking in the summer to snowshoeing in the winter. Outdoor activities are one of the major draws of traveling to Crosby.
Staying at Cuyuna Cove puts you right in the middle of the action! Hit the trails right from Cuyuna Cove. The property has direct access to over 75 miles of mountain bike trails. Even more epic mountain bike trails can be found at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. Meanwhile, in the winter, many local trails are converted to snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails.
Then, there are over 14 dazzling turquoise mine lakes in the area, which makes paddling a breeze in the summer months. Paddle along crystal clear waters while you watch loons dive for fish. These lakes are some of the most beautiful in the state! Or, enjoy breathtaking views of two of the most iconic pit mine lakes from Miners Mountain Overlook in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area.
If you prefer hiking, there are also three Minnesota State Parks within close proximity of Cuyuna Cove:
- Crow Wing State Park (30 min away)
- Mille Lacs Kathio State Park (40 min away)
- Father Hennepin State Park (50 min away)
Alternatively, Milford Mine Historical Park is also a great hiking option near the property.
READ NEXT: How to Spend a 3-Day Summer Getaway to Crosby + Cuyuna Lakes Area with Kids
Not Up for an “Epic” Adventure? No Problem!
Built to be a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, you don’t have to pack your itinerary full of outdoor adventures to enjoy staying here. As soon as we stepped on the property, you could hear audible sighs of relief and peace escape our mouths. Inhale clean forest air, exhale any worries. We immediately felt right at home at Cuyuna Cove – and I think you will, too!
Fill your days with sauna sessions, board games, and bonfires. Here, writers can find inspiration in nature, corporate girlies can step away from the keyboard, parents can unwind and reconnect, and everyone can find just a bit more inner peace. Cuyuna Cove lets you focus on what matters most: your loved ones and a connection to nature.
Cozy Vibes + Enchanting Forest Views
We have stayed in many fun properties across Minnesota. Cuyuna Cove ranks highly as one of the coziest stays we have ever experienced! If you are searching for cozy vibes and enchanting forest views, this is one of Minnesota’s best places to stay.
Whether you prefer one of the lush Cabins or love the idea of a more rustic Bungalow, Cuyuna Cove boasts some of the coziest amenities around. From slow mornings with steamy coffee (or tea) in the woods to easy campfire meals in the evening (I share more about cooking over the campfire in my review below), Cuyuna Cove is brimming with all things cozy. Other cozy amenities include spa-inspired showers, inviting saunas, hammocks, private fire pits, and a stocked coffee/tea bar.
READ NEXT: A Foodie’s Guide to Amazing Restaurants in Crosby, MN
Family Built + Owners Who Care
Not only are they incredibly kind and welcoming to guests, but Kelsey and Chris (literally) built Cuyuna Cove with their own hands over the course of five years. The love and care they put into creating Cuyuna Cove is palpable. Every detail expresses their love of nature and the healing power of the outdoors.
In my opinion, nothing feels better than supporting a local business that cares about people, nature, and its place in Minnesota.
They also built Tofte Trails on Minnesota’s North Shore. Read about it here: 6 Reasons to Fall in Love with Tofte Trails: My Candid Review
My Overall Review of Staying at Cuyuna Cove
Honestly, we loved our stay this summer! Now that you know my top 4 reasons to stay at Cuyuna Cove, here is my overall review and impression of the property.
Would we recommend it? Without question, yes…if you are looking for a solo retreat, romantic getaway, or have an only child (like we do!).
The property is absolutely stunning! Walking around, you truly feel like you are in an enchanted forest (Did we keep an eye out for fairies? Yes, we did!). During the day, verdant trees flank the paths and accommodations, while water features create a serene ambiance. Then, the property is lit at night with twinkling lights guiding the paths. Talk about a romantic atmosphere (even with a kiddo in tow)!
Speaking of kids, you won’t see many on the property. As I mentioned, two Bungalows sleep up to 3, and kids must be 8+. While we found the property to be kid-friendly and welcoming for our kiddo, I can see and appreciate why it was mostly couples.
Every detail of the property felt like it had been made with great care for the comfort of all guests. We felt completely at peace and at home in our little Bungalow at Cuyuna Cove!
More on What We Loved
As a small family, we adored staying in the (very cozy) Rabbit Bungalow. The Bungalow was comfortable, both in terms of the space to move around inside and in terms of the bed and pillows! We took the bed while my daughter slept on a provided cot. Inside is a small cafe table, plenty of hooks to hang wet clothes/backpacks, and family-friendly games.
We also loved the ability to cook over the campfire without having to plan ahead too much about supplies. In addition to a campfire cookbook (which we used for inspiration), we found all the supplies needed to cook over a campfire (except measuring cups and measuring spoons). This includes cutting boards, knives, a cast iron pan, kitchen tools, plates/bowls, cutlery, and more.
Finally, the location is truly perfect for outdoor adventures in Crosby, Ironton, and the Cuyuna Lakes area. Just minutes from downtown Crosby, it was easy to zip into town for dinner or supplies while still feeling like you were in a forest oasis surrounded by nature (and not city life).
Things of Note
It wouldn’t be a true review of Cuyuna Cove (or any property, for that matter) without covering things we didn’t quite love or things to be aware of before booking.
The bathrooms and showers are shared with the other Bungalows (this can be tricky, especially in the middle of the night!). However, the shared spaces help create an authentic glamping experience. The shared shower/bathroom space for the Bungalows still felt luxurious with the heated toilet seats, spacious rooms, and unique finishes. (The Cabins have private bathrooms.)
Unfortunately, if you have more than one child, Cuyuna Cove is not the best fit for your trip to Crosby (unless you want to rent more than one Cabin or Bungalow for your stay, and all of your children are older than 8 years old).
Ready to Book or Explore More?
Convinced by my review of Cuyuna Cove, or want to learn more? Check pricing, date availability, and book directly with Cuyuna Cove here.
Unless otherwise noted, all images in this article were taken by and belong to the blog’s author, Antonia Grant. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.