A winter cabin getaway with your dog can be the perfect way to relax, unwind, and enjoy the magic of winter. Here are three of my favorite dog-friendly cabins in Minnesota and western Wisconsin that combine cozy amenities, outdoor adventure, and pet-friendly spaces, making them perfect for a winter escape with your four-legged friend.
“Life meanders like a path through the woods. We have seasons when we flourish and seasons when the leaves fall from us, revealing our bare bones. Given time, they grow again.”
― Katherine May, Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times
Approx. 1 hour from Minneapolis, MN
For those looking to escape but stay close to the city, Alkov Cabin offers cozy vibes with a modern twist. This small but inviting cabin overlooks Bridget Lake and is filled with vintage touches, sun-soaked windows, and warm interiors.
Pet Perks: The 2-acre plot gives your pup plenty of space to explore (leash recommended). In winter, enjoy the fire pit outside or take the provided snowshoes to explore nearby trails and nature preserves. Alkov Cabin is near dog-friendly spots like Interstate State Park and Ahlgren Wildlife Preserve and Recreation Area, where you and your dog can enjoy a snowy hike.
Cabin Amenities: Inside, you’ll find a fully equipped kitchen, a wood-burning stove, a Nespresso creatista machine, and a comfortable queen-sized bed with a memory foam topper. For those cozy evenings, curl up with a book or play some records by the wood-burning stove, while your pup snoozes by your side.
Nearby Attractions: Swing by Cafe Wren for some of the best coffee in the area, and for a tasty meal nearby, try Balsam Lake Lodge, a local favorite close to Alkov Cabin.
Approx. 3 hours from Minneapolis, MN
This off-grid, solar-powered hideaway is the ultimate retreat for those seeking peace and quiet. Nestled among oaks, maples, and pines, Riverwood Hideaway offers a sense of seclusion while being only five miles from the town of Two Harbors.
Pet Perks: Your dog will love exploring the forested area around the cabin and the nearby Knife River. While you enjoy your morning coffee, they can take in the sights and sounds of the woods. The cabin’s natural setting means your pup may even spot deer or birds, adding to the adventure.
Cabin Amenities: Riverwood Hideaway is solar-powered, with a gas fireplace, propane refrigerator, and a full kitchen. While there’s no running water, the cozy gas fireplace makes up for it, keeping you warm and toasty. You’ll need to bring your own drinking water, but hand and dishwashing water is provided. It’s perfect for those looking to disconnect and focus on nature.
Nearby Attractions: Just five miles from town, you can find cozy cafes like Cedar Coffee Company in Two Harbors. The nearby Black Woods Grill & Bar also has a pet-friendly patio. Enjoy snowshoeing along the river or venture to Gooseberry Falls State Park or Split Rock Lighthouse for winter hikes.
“Plants and animals don’t fight the winter; they don’t pretend it’s not happening and attempt to carry on living the same lives that they lived in the summer. They prepare. They adapt. They perform extraordinary acts of metamorphosis to get them through. Winter is a time of withdrawing from the world, maximising scant resources, carrying out acts of brutal efficiency and vanishing from sight; but that’s where the transformation occurs. Winter is not the death of the life cycle, but its crucible.”
― Katherine May, Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times
Approx. 1.5 hours from Minneapolis, MN
Loon Lodge offers a luxurious winter cabin experience, with plenty of room and exciting amenities for both people and pups alike. With a hot tub, infrared sauna, game room, and a cozy screen porch overlooking Long Lake, it’s a great choice for larger families or groups of friends looking to bring their dogs along for some winter fun.
Pet Perks: Your pup will feel right at home with access to the lakefront and a spacious outdoor area to explore. The treehouse-like screen porch offers a perfect spot to watch wildlife or take in the winter views, and the cozy wood fireplace inside will keep everyone warm after a day of outdoor adventures.
Cabin Amenities: The cabin has a full kitchen, a game room with foosball and darts, and a hot tub and sauna for a touch of winter luxury. There’s even a 50-amp EV charger for those driving electric vehicles, making it as convenient as it is comfortable.
Nearby Attractions: Head over to Roots Coffee Co. in Cumberland for a cozy, caffeinated start to your day. For a delicious cabin meal, grab takeout from Lake Country Pizza in Turtle Lake. Looking for outdoor fun? Enjoy snowshoeing across the frozen lake or explore one of the nearby wildlife areas for a snowy, dog-friendly adventure.
Whether you’re looking for an off-grid retreat, a cozy lakefront hideaway, or a spacious winter lodge, these dog-friendly cabins offer ideal settings for a winter adventure. Pack your bags, grab your pup, and head to one of these cozy escapes for an unforgettable winter getaway!
Disclosure: I had the opportunity to stay at each of these cabins for free in exchange for sharing my photos and experience on social media. All opinions shared in this post are entirely my own.
About Scruff Life Photography
Hi, I'm Lauren, a Minnesota-based pet photographer with a passion for capturing the unique bond between pets and their people. At Scruff Life Photography, I understand that pets are family, and I’m here to document those cherished moments you’ll hold onto forever. Alongside pet portrait sessions, I also specialize in pet-friendly lodging photography, helping cabin owners showcase their properties as inviting, pet-welcoming spaces. Whether you’re looking to update your family photos with your furry friend or highlight your pet-friendly cabin, I’d love to work with you! Reach out today to schedule your session with Scruff Life Photography.
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