This post, featuring my Tofte Trails review, may contain affiliate links. This article also includes a hosted stay at Tofte Trails, though a review was not part of the hosted collaboration. All thoughts and opinions about the stay are my own. For more, please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy.
Adventurous hikes with Lake Superior views. Epic opportunities to star gaze and catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Endless possibilities to breathe fresh air and reconnect with nature. All this and more await you in Tofte, Minnesota, and when you stay at Tofte Trails.
Tofte Trails is a family-built property on Minnesota’s North Shore featuring several Cabins in a beautiful wooded area with peek-a-boo views of Lake Superior. It’s a fantastic place to stay if you plan a North Shore trip. Based on our recent stay, there are 6 main reasons why I think you’ll adore staying at Tofte Trails when visiting Tofte 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 Tofte, Minnesota, keep reading my review of Tofte Trails to learn more about this idyllic property on the North Shore.
About Tofte Trails in Tofte, Minnesota
Here’s a snapshot of what you need to know about staying at Tofte Trails.
Location: Tofte Trails is located in Tofte, Minnesota, about 4 hours from the Twin Cities (90 minutes from Duluth, and 25 minutes from Grand Marais). It’s just off Hwy 61 as you drive up the North Shore.
Accommodation Type: Cabins (sleeps 2)
Season: Year-round
Best for: Tofte Trails is a 21+ property, making it best for solo travelers looking for a peaceful retreat or couples seeking a romantic (or adventurous) getaway. It’s also a great spot for besties who don’t mind sharing a bed, or those coordinating a visit for multiple cabins. The property is also dog-friendly.
Snapshot of Amenities (check website for up-to-date details)
- Heat/AC
- Comfortable king bed + cozy sheets
- Mini fridge, 2-burner stove-top, dishwasher, microwave, and grill are available for cooking. Plus, the kitchen is well-stocked with most tools you will need.
- Stocked coffee/tea supplies
- Board games + a projector/screen
- Steamy shower with towel warmer in the private bathroom
- Private decks with a solo stove + cafe table
- A storage area is attached to the cabin for outdoor gear like bikes, cross-country skis, etc.
- Luggage wagons are available to transport bags from the parking area
- Wi-Fi (excellent for working remotely!)
- On-property trail that leads to a community fire pit + lake views
Please note: Four-wheel drive or All-Wheel Drive vehicles are needed during snowy months (generally, October – May).
READ NEXT: 9 Romantic Things to Do on the North Shore that Will Impress Your Sweetie
6 Reasons to Love Staying at Tofte Trails
If you’re wondering where to stay on Minnesota’s North Shore, you may be considering Tofte Trails – and, well, you should be! Here are six reasons why I think you will adore staying at Tofte Trails. Additionally, you’ll also find my overall review of Tofte Trails below.
READ NEXT: Foodie Guide: 16+ Best Restaurants in Grand Marais
Tofte is a Dark Sky Sanctuary
Tofte is a dedicated dark sky sanctuary, meaning you will have EPIC opportunities for star gazing and catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights while staying at Tofte Trails. In fact, the North Shore is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Minnesota – and the lower 48 of the United States. There are some great tips and resources for catching the Northern Lights on the North Shore here.
During our visit in August, there were spectacular Northern Lights on the first night. The second night didn’t have the same Northern Lights, but it did have clear skies for incredible stargazing.
Incredible Location for Outdoor Adventures on the North Shore
When staying on the North Shore of Minnesota, you want to be able to access all of the area’s amazing outdoor adventures quickly! Every season offers its own options for outdoor fun on the North Shore, from hiking and mountain biking in the summer to snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fat tire biking in the winter. Outdoor activities are among the best reasons to travel to Tofte, Minnesota.
Staying at Tofte Trails puts you right in the heart of the North Shore! Hit the trails within minutes of the property. Oberg Mountain Trail, Leveaux Mountain, and part of the Superior Hiking Trail are all less than 2 miles from the property on Onion River Road. Meanwhile, in the winter, many local trails are converted for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fat tire biking. In addition, two state parks, Temperance State Park and Cascade River State Park, are within 15 miles of Tofte Trails. Both state parks offer endless exploration options all year round.
Finally, Lutsen Mountains is less than 10 minutes from Tofte Trails. It offers year-round fun, including alpine slides and hiking trails in the summer/fall and downhill skiing in the winter.
Ideal for a Peaceful Retreat + Some Much-Needed Self-Care
Once we stepped into our cabin, we felt an immediate sense of peace.
The cabin is beautifully designed with warm, natural furnishings and colors, allowing guests to feel instantly relaxed and at home on the North Shore. The large windows let in soft, natural light, while the cozy fireplace adds a touch of warmth, creating an inviting atmosphere perfect for unwinding and reconnecting with nature. With its cascading double head and rich, aromatic soaps and shampoos, the luxurious shower offers a spa-like experience that melts away any lingering stress. Finally, candles, books, and board games all add to the ability to truly disconnect from our devices and the rest of the world – at least for a little while.
In addition to the on-site amenities, there are plenty of places in Cook County to aid in receiving some much-needed self-care, including:
- Sisu + Löyly Nordic Sauna in Grand Marais (a personal favorite)
- Waves of Superior Spa in Tofte
- LutZen Massage Studios, with two locations in Lutsen and Grand Marais
- Ancient Traditions Healing in Grand Marais
- Earth Body Healing in Grand Marais
The Property is Kid-Free
While we love and prioritize our family travels, sometimes a kid-free getaway does wonders for our relationship as a couple, quieting our brains, and allowing us to relax for a bit. And, when you want a kid-free weekend away, sometimes you want a genuinely kid-free weekend away!
Staying at a kid-free property like Tofte Trails ensures uninterrupted relaxation, a rare luxury for parents. This quiet ambiance, coupled with the incredible surrounding nature of the North Shore, helps us de-stress and rejuvenate in profound ways. Additionally, kid-free environments allow for deeper, uninterrupted conversations, assisting parents to reconnect emotionally and strengthen their relationship. Your relationship is worth a quick weekend getaway! Plus, let’s be honest: with no early morning wake-ups or bedtime routines to manage, parents can enjoy a good night’s sleep, which is often in short supply at home.
Lastly, the opportunity to stay at a quiet property without children running around playing can be equally appealing for couples without kids or solo travelers.
Cozy Vibes + Lake Views
We have stayed in many excellent properties across Minnesota (with and without kids). Tofte Trails ranks highly as one of the coziest and best stays we have ever experienced! If you are searching for a cabin with unmatched coziness, nature surrounding the cabin, and sneak-peek views of Lake Superior, this is one of Minnesota’s best places to stay for a romantic, kid-free getaway.
It doesn’t get much cozier or more romantic than Tofte Trails. From slow mornings with steamy coffee (or tea) in the woods to dinner for two from the grill in the evening, Tofte Trails boasts all things cozy and warm. Other cozy amenities include a luxurious bed, a large shower with two shower heads, a private deck with a solo stove, and a large projector/screen. Whether you need a weekend away or desire a more extended stay, you will leave Tofte Trails feeling rejuvenated, connected, and ready to return to daily life (or, in our case, parenting!).
Family Built + Owners Who Care About the Guest Experience
Kelsey and Chris, along with their on-site staff, don’t just welcome guests with open arms—they literally built Tofte Trails from the ground up. Their deep love for the North Shore led them to discover 17 stunning acres in Tofte, Minnesota, overlooking Lake Superior. Firmly situated on the North Shore, Tofte is the ideal place for guests to connect, unwind, and rekindle their love for nature (and, at times, each other!).
Passionate outdoors enthusiasts who cherish connections, Kelsey and Chris, cleared the land, lived in a tent, and meticulously designed every aspect of the property, from the cabins’ custom glass to the reclaimed barn wood. This attention to detail creates an upscale cabin experience that’s truly one of a kind.
Supporting a local business like Tofte Trails means backing a vision that honors people, nature, and Minnesota’s unique beauty. And, it doesn’t get much better than that!
They also built Cuyuna Cove in Crosby, Minnesota. Read about it here: 4 Reasons You’ll Love Staying at Cuyuna Cove in Crosby, Minnesota (+ My Honest Review)
My Overall Review of Staying at Tofte Trails
Honestly, we loved our stay at Tofte Trails this summer! Now that you know my top 6 reasons to stay there, here is my overall review and impression of the property.
Would we recommend it? Without question, YES! It is especially perfect if you crave a romantic, kid-free getaway in Minnesota or need a quiet retreat in the woods.
The property and cabins at Tofte Trails are idyllic!
The cabins stand proudly surrounded by swaying trees and beautiful grassy areas featuring wildflowers. Then, water features on the private decks create a quiet ambiance alongside birdsong and rustling trees. The property is lit at night, with twinkling lights guiding the paths. Talk about a romantic atmosphere!
While you will see other cabins and, potentially, other guests, the cabins have been situated in a way that provides maximum privacy. This includes privacy fences near some of the decks. Then, you also won’t see any kids on the property. Tofte Trails is 21+ plus, meaning parents like us searching for a much-needed getaway will undoubtedly get one! The property is quiet and peaceful, allowing visitors to breathe freely and unwind in the heart of the North Shore.
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 cabin at Tofte Trails – it was so hard to leave!
More on What We Loved
As parents on a much-needed romantic getaway, we adored staying in the (very cozy) Gitchi Cabin. The cabin was very comfortable, both in terms of the space to move around inside and in terms of the bed, sheets, and pillows! In fact, the bed was the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept on while traveling. Plus, the steamy shower and towel warmers make the bathroom feel like such a luxury!
Inside the cabin, there is a small (tucked-away) table, plenty of hooks to hang wet clothes or towels, and all the comforts of home. Plus, there is a giant screen and projector that is perfect for a movie night, along with several games for quiet afternoons or rainy dates.
We are a bit strange in that we LOVE cooking when we travel. We cooked both dinners in the cabin, which we found well-stocked and very functional. The first night, we put together a charcuterie board. On the second night, we made bison steaks on the grill.
We found all the supplies needed to cook, including 2 stove burners and a grill (you will need to pack your own cooking spray, olive oil, salt/pepper, etc.). The cabin also had plenty of cutting boards, knives, cookware, kitchen tools, plates/bowls, cutlery, and more. The real luxury of Tofte Trails, however, was the dishwasher!
Finally, we loved the location! Centrally located (just off Hwy 61), Tofte Trails is perfect for outdoor adventures on the North Shore, from hiking in the summer to fat tire biking in the winter. It’s an easy drive to anywhere in Cook County, including Lutsen (less than 5-10 minutes) and Grand Marais (less than 25 minutes).
Things of Note
No hotel or lodging property review is complete without a few notes. Here are two things of note to add to my review of Tofte Trails.
I genuinely believe Tofte Trails is practically perfect in every way! The only thing I can nitpick is that if you have a plus-sized body (like I do), the towels and robes aren’t quite large enough to cover everything. If you prefer full coverage after a shower, you may want to pack your own.
Summer visitors should also pack bug spray. It’s not necessarily just for Tofte Trails, as the North Shore can get pretty buggy during the heat of the summer (end of June—early August). We were almost left alone at the cabin, but along the on-property trail, there were far more mosquitos to battle, especially at dusk and early morning.
Ready to Book Your Stay at Tofte Trails or Explore More?
Check pricing, date availability, and book directly with Tofte Trails here. If you’re wondering where to stay on Minnesota’s North Shore, I highly recommend this cozy cabin for two!
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.
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