LAKE, SKY, TOWERING PINES, CABIN. Those define summer Up North for many Minnesotans. Not until recent years did I, too, become one of those heading north to the cabin for a week. That’s thanks to a brother-in-law and sister-in-law who generously share their Northwoods paradise with extended family.
Randy and I love spending time with our eldest daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren at the cabin on Horseshoe Lake south of Crosslake. We are bonding, building memories and connecting with nature in a way that differs from southern Minnesota.
The Brainerd Lakes Area has a decidedly different look and feel than the lower half of our state. Dense woods, primarily pine, hug roads and homes, opening to beautiful, pristine lakes.
Up here it’s all about fishing, campfires, watching the sun set or rise, lying in a hammock, drinking coffee lakeside, grilling, eating meals outdoors, observing the loons, reading on the beach, dipping your feet in the water, kayaking, paddle-boarding, boating…
In essence, vacationing Up North means forgetting about the stresses, pressures, deadlines and routines of daily life. It means leisurely mornings, relaxing lakeside, days without time.
Up North also means trips into town—Nisswa to peruse the shops; Crosslake for ice cream at Lake Country Crafts & Cones, a beer at 14 Lakes Craft Brewing Company, carry-out pizza from Rafferty’s and thrift store shopping; Bean Hole Days in Pequot Lakes; and this trip, lunch with friends at the Damsite Supper Club in Pine River a half hour to the north.
This stay we also drove to nearby Crosby and Ironton, towns nestled next to each other and deeply rooted in Iron Range history. We’ve only just begun to explore those communities, which are remaking and branding themselves as the Cuyuna Lakes region, drawing mountain bikers to an extensive recreational trail system, vacationers to local eateries and shops. MacDaddy’s Donut Garage in Ironton is on my list of bakeries to visit.
Valeri Ann’s Family Foods in Merrifield, a short drive from the cabin, has become our source for decadent caramel rolls, one big enough for two to share and tasting almost as good as the ones my mother-in-law made. This time we also tried the breakfast specials, one featuring a dinner-plate-size blueberry pancake, the other with wild rice and more incorporated into scrambled eggs. Wild rice is another Northwoods signature food, grown and harvested in the region and parts farther north.
As I’ve explored and vacationed in the Northwoods, I’ve grown a deeper appreciation for Minnesota and its diversity of geography, topography and lifestyle. There’s so much to love about this state, from north to south, east to west. Ah, summertime…and going Up North to the cabin.
© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Soon after we moved here, it became clear that going Up North to a cabin on a lake was one of those quintessential Minnesota experiences. I’m happy to see that you’re having that experience now too. 😊 Going Up North does give you a feel for the bigness and diversity of Minnesota and its landscapes.
I feel incredibly blessed that we can now have this Up North experience thanks to Randy’s youngest sister and her husband.
Glad you can appreciate trees —- I know you like wide open spaces and wonder how people can live in forests but the air is so fresh and clean, the views magnificent and life is just wonderful in nature, isn’t it?
Yes, nature, whatever the landscape, is wonderful. Really dense woods might be beyond my comfort level., though But since moving to an area of Minnesota with many more trees than the prairie, I’ve grown quite fond of woods (in small doses).
It is beautiful. My brother loved his lake for fishing up north with our Dad. We use to camp and the water seems therapeutic at times just watching it. Those days are gone but you brought back a serene memory for me. thank you kathyg
Kathy, so glad I could bring back sweet memories for you. How wonderful that your brother could spend that time fishing with your dad. I loved reading that.
What a beautiful and relaxing place to just unwind and enjoy the days
That it is. We always enjoy our time at the lake, especially when our grandkids are there.
Looks wonderful…I’m so glad you get to use the cabin for these relaxing get aways. I can’t wait to go up to the area soon.
We have biked on the Cuyuna trail. There is a nice thrift store in Crosby too.
Glad to learn of a few new places we haven’t been to.
I know you enjoy the Crosslake area as much as me. I have been to the thrift shop in Crosby. One from Deerwood also recently moved there.
Have a wonderful week relaxing and exploring Up North.
We’ve already been to the cabin this summer. The pictures featured here today are from that mid-July stay. But, yes, we had a wonderful week there.
It looks like you had a good time. That troll is the essence of a Midwestern Norwegian. I love it
We always have fun Up North! 🙂
Love all the places you mention, Audrey. 😊 I love living here.
You must feel sometimes like you are on vacation every day. 🙂
It always makes me smile when I read about your time at the family cabin, something again that we have in common. Since retirement we’ve spent more time up at our cabin than we do back home. It’s so relaxing and brings us much joy. Love all your pictures as usual. Hope you are doing well.
Jackie, it’s wonderful to hear from you and that you’re enjoying retirement and more time at your cabin. I’ll be in touch. It’s been a busy summer.