Best Dog-Friendly Cabins in Minnesota & Wisconsin for Your Next Getaway
- Lauren
- 4 minutes ago
- 6 min read
If you’re dreaming of unplugging with your pup, there’s nothing quite like escaping to a cozy cabin surrounded by towering pines, sparkling lakes, and winding trails. From peaceful Northwoods hideaways to charming lakeside retreats just a short drive from the Twin Cities, these hand-picked pet-friendly cabins in Minnesota and Wisconsin make it easy to adventure with your four-legged best friend by your side.
As a pet photographer and frequent cabin guest myself, I know just how special it is to find a place where your dog is truly welcome. Below, you’ll find some of my favorite spots for a weekend or weeklong getaway. Each offering a perfect mix of comfort, nature, and thoughtful pet perks to make your stay unforgettable.
Best Dog-Friendly Cabins in Minnesota & Wisconsin for Your Next Getaway
Pet-Friendly Cabin Recommendations – Minnesota
Approx. 1.5 hours from Minneapolis, MN
Built by hand in the 1970s from on-site white pine and lovingly restored, Bundo’s Cabin is a warm, rustic-modern escape for unplugging and reconnecting with loved ones. Surrounded by forest, open fields, and abundant wildlife, this off-grid-style cabin offers peace and simplicity year-round.
Pet Perks: With 10 private acres and access to 80 acres of state land, your dog will love roaming the woods, sniffing the trails, and curling up with you by the outdoor fire pit after a day of adventure.
Cabin Amenities: This cozy cabin comfortably sleeps four in a charming loft with a reading nook. Enjoy a fully equipped kitchen, dining and living area, front patio, outdoor rainwater bucket shower, and a clean, finished outhouse. An efficient heat pump keeps the cabin comfortable in any season, and you’ll find thoughtful touches like games, records, and cozy corners to unwind.
Nearby Attractions: Explore Banning, Moose Lake, and Father Hennepin State Parks, all within 30 minutes. After a day of adventure, return to the cabin to read, play games, listen to records, have a fire, and relax.
Approx. 3.5 hours from Minneapolis, MN
This one-of-a-kind tiny home is tucked among the pines inside Tettegouche State Park, offering a cozy perch with stunning Lake Superior views. Simple yet thoughtfully designed, it’s the perfect base for North Shore adventures, whether you’re sipping coffee on the deck or hiking to nearby waterfalls.
Pet Perks: Your dog will love relaxing on the spacious deck, curling up by the outdoor fire pit, or joining you for short hikes right out the front door to Shovel Point and Illgen Falls.
Cabin Amenities: This tiny retreat sleeps up to four with a lofted queen bed and pull-out futon. It features a fully functional kitchenette with microwave, fridge, and stovetop, a full bathroom, a hammock for lazy afternoons, and a generous deck for soaking in the big lake views.
Nearby Attractions: Explore the nearby trails within Tettegouche State Park. Grab a coffee at Timber Coffee Company in Silver Bay. Stop in for dinner and some pie at Rustic Inn Cafe in Castle Danger (the superior pie option on the North Shore...).
Approx. 3.5 hours from Minneapolis, MN
Tucked deep in a majestic pine forest near Bear Head Lake State Park and the Mesabi Trail, Piney Woods Retreat is a hidden Northwoods gem perfect for outdoor lovers and families. With charming rustic touches and modern comforts, this fully furnished cabin invites you to unplug and explore miles of surrounding state land right out your door.
Pet Perks: Your dogs will love roaming the trails, napping in the Glass House, and joining you by the campfire. The cabin provides food and water bowls, and towels for your pups—just bring their bed or crate so they feel at home. There is a maximum of two dogs and a one-time pet fee due at booking.
Cabin Amenities: This spacious retreat sleeps multiple guests with a main cabin, guesthouse, sauna, and cozy 3-season Glass House. Inside, you’ll find a fully equipped kitchen, deep soaking tub, gas fireplace, laundry, and multiple lounging spaces. Outdoors, enjoy a private sauna with summer cold shower, screen house with dining table, gas grill, and a designated fire pit area (firewood easily available nearby).
Nearby Attractions: Explore the nearby state parks (Bear Head Lake and Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine), hiking and biking trails, or the quaint town of Ely for shops and dining. Downtown Ely is a short 20-minute drive away and includes many excellent options such as the coffee shop Northern Grounds and Insula Restaurant.
Pet-Friendly Cabin Recommendations – Wisconsin
Approx. 1 hour from Minneapolis, MN
Full of cozy vibes, vintage charm, and sun-drenched windows, Alkov Cabin is a lovingly crafted lakeside hideaway just an hour from Minneapolis. This sweet 470 sq ft cabin is perfect for a peaceful getaway for two, with warm touches like a record player, wood-burning stove, and dreamy sunset views over Bridget Lake.
Pet Perks: Bring your pup to enjoy woodland walks, fireside snuggles under the stars, and nearby nature trails—just remember to keep them leashed to respect the peaceful surroundings.
Cabin Amenities: Alkov Cabin has one bedroom with a queen bed, a sofa bed in the living area, a well-equipped kitchen, a wood-burning stove, record player, books and games, a glossy green-tiled shower, washer and dryer, and a deck for morning coffee or evening wine. Outside, guests can relax by the lakeside fire pit and use two sit-on-top kayaks or snowshoes, depending on the season.
Nearby Attractions: Just minutes from downtown Balsam Lake, Interstate State Park, Trollhaugen ski area, and Franconia Sculpture Park, there’s plenty to explore year-round. Grab coffee at Café Wren and enjoy a meal at Balsam Lake Lodge, a local favorite close to the cabin.
Approx. 1.5 hours from Minneapolis, MN
Loon Lodge is a charming cedar-lined cabin that pairs cozy nostalgia with thoughtful modern touches. Overlooking scenic Long Lake, this renovated retreat invites guests to unwind by the real wood fireplace, soak in the lakeview hot tub, and relax in a unique treehouse-like screened porch.
Pet Perks: Dogs will love lounging on the screened porch, joining you by the lakefront fire pit, or exploring the shoreline while you kayak or paddleboard together.
Cabin Amenities: This three-bedroom cabin sleeps six and features a cozy living and dining area, fully equipped kitchen, real wood fireplace, indoor infrared sauna, lakeside fire pit, dock, a swimming area, and a fun lower-level game room with foosball and darts. Guests also enjoy hammock nets above the living space and complimentary firewood, kayaks, paddleboards, canoe, pedal boat, and snowshoes.
Nearby Attractions: Take your pup for a swim in Long Lake, grab coffee at Roots Coffee Co. in Cumberland, or explore the nearby hiking trails for a scenic adventure. Lake Country Pizza in Turtle Lake is our go-to spot for a slice!
Approx. 1.5 hours from Minneapolis, MN
Tucked away on 13 secluded acres north of Turtle Lake, Lil Bear Cabin is a rustic-modern lakefront retreat that perfectly blends comfort with immersion in nature. Guests love the peaceful wooded setting, long private driveway, and frequent visits from local wildlife like deer, eagles, and even the occasional black bear.
Pet Perks: Your pup will love exploring the expansive woods, lounging by the lake, and relaxing with you by the cozy fire pit or on the spacious deck overlooking the water.
Cabin Amenities: This two-bedroom cabin sleeps six and features a cozy living area, functional kitchen, gas fireplace, lakeview Jacuzzi hot tub under café lights, private dock, firewood, swings for kids, and complimentary watercraft (kayaks, paddleboards, canoe, and pedal boat).
Nearby Attractions: Take your pup for a swim in Long Lake, grab coffee at Roots Coffee Co. in Cumberland, or explore the nearby hiking trails for a scenic adventure. Lake Country Pizza in Turtle Lake is our go-to spot for a slice!
Ready to Pack Up Your Pup?
Whether you’re looking for sunrise paddles on a quiet lake, afternoons on a woodland trail, or cozy nights by the fire with your best friend, these cabins make the ultimate dog-friendly escape. I hope this guide helps you plan your next adventure and inspires you to explore all the beauty Minnesota and Western Wisconsin have to offer, with your pup right by your side.
And hey, cabin hosts: this one’s for you too! If you own a pet-friendly cabin and want to show future guests just how magical (and dog-approved) your space can be, I’d love to help you update your photography and social media presence. Beautiful, authentic images help your property stand out, and I’d be honored to help tell its story.
🐾 Ready to update your cabin’s photos? Reach out anytime. I’d love to connect!
About Scruff Life Photography
Hi, I'm Lauren, a Minnesota-based pet photographer who specializes in capturing the bond between pets and their people. I also offer pet-friendly lodging photography, helping cabin owners showcase their properties as welcoming spaces for pet parents. If you’re looking to update your cabin’s visuals or capture special memories with your floofy friend, reach out today to schedule your session with Scruff Life Photography!
