Why We Needed This Trip
Sometimes, a break from the city is needed. Between work, content creation, and keeping up with Ernie (our chihuahua who sadly couldn't join us on this one), we were craving a low key weekend where we could just enjoy each other's company. No agenda, no timeline, just us and some quality time.
Say Hello to Cuyler Cabin in Crosby, Minnesota
We'd been scrolling through cabin rentals for weeks, and this spot kept popping up. Stylish pics? Check. Modern amenities? Check. Close enough to Minneapolis but far enough to feel like an actual escape? Double check. So we packed our bags, loaded up some premade meals, and hit the road.
The Drive: Easier Than You'd Think
The drive from downtown Minneapolis to Crosby took us about 2 hours, which wasn't too bad for a snowy getaway. We threw on a podcast, grabbed coffee, and before we knew it, we were pulling up to the cabin. Super easy to find too, which is always a win when you're navigating roads you've never been on before.
First Impressions: This Place Is Stunning
Okay, so the photos online don't lie. Cuyler Cabin is seriously adorable. It has a modern cabin vibe without feeling too rustic or over the top. Think clean lines, cozy textures, and those twinkling string lights outside that instantly set the mood.
The cabin sleeps up to 5 people with two queen beds and a rollout cot, so it's perfect whether you're doing a couples retreat like us or bringing along friends or family. We loved having the extra space to spread out and just relax.
Inside the Cabin: Stocked and Ready to Go
Here's the thing that really impressed us: this place came with everything. And we mean everything.
The Kitchen
The kitchen was fully stocked with utensils, pots, pans, and basically anything you'd need to cook a full meal. They had a Keurig for quick morning coffee, a drip coffee maker, and a French press. As coffee lovers, we appreciated the options. We kept things easy and just heated up the meals we brought in the oven, but you could totally go full chef here if you wanted to.
The Living Room
The living room was nice and spacious, which was perfect for our night of chilling on the couch. There's a gas fireplace, a TV for movie nights, and, of course, WiFi in case you need to check in with the real world. We definitely took advantage of the cozy setup and had one of those nights where we just talked, laughed, and enjoyed not being on our phones.
Outdoor Amenities: Fire Pit, Barrel Sauna & More
As much as we loved the interior, the outdoor amenities are what made this trip unforgettable.
The Fire Pit
We made a fire using the complimentary firewood they provide, and honestly, it was one of the highlights of our trip. There's a fire pit that's perfect for roasting marshmallows or just sitting around and talking while the stars come out. We spent a good chunk of our evening out there together, and it was exactly what we needed.
Pro Tip: Make sure to bring your s'mores essentials. You won't regret it!
The Barrel Sauna
The cabin features a private barrel sauna, and if you've never tried one, now is your time. It's the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring (or in our case, after a day of doing absolutely nothing). There's something about sitting in a hot sauna in the middle of the Minnesota woods covered in snow that's pure magic.
Hammock and Gas Grill
There's also a hammock for lazy afternoons and a gas grill if you want to cook outside. We didn't end up grilling this trip, but it's definitely on the list for next time.
The Location: Quiet but Not Too Remote
One thing we loved about Cuyler Cabin is that it's not completely isolated. You get that away from it all feeling, but you're still close enough to civilization that you're not out of luck if you forget something or want to grab a bite.
There's a liquor store and a few restaurants about 5 minutes away in Crosby. The area itself was super quiet, and we didn't feel like we had neighbors breathing down our necks, which was nice.
The Trails
Here's our one regret — we didn't check out the Cuyuna Mountain Bike Trails or the Cuyuna Lakes State Trail that are literally right there. The cabin has direct access to the trails, plus snowmobile trails if you're visiting in winter. Whether you're into mountain biking, hiking, or just exploring, this spot is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Is the Cuyler Cabin Pet Friendly?
Okay, so there's only one real bummer: the cabin isn't pet-friendly. Which means our little guy had to stay home with family this time. We get it (not every place can accommodate pets), but if you've got a four legged buddy, just know you'll need to find a sitter.
What We Loved
- ✓The cabin is spacious, modern, and came with everything we needed (and then some)
- ✓The outdoor setup with the fire pit and barrel sauna is unbeatable
- ✓Location is quiet but still close to town
- ✓Super easy drive from Minneapolis (~2 hours)
- ✓Complimentary firewood is a nice touch
- ✓The vibes are just chef's kiss
Our Cuyler Cabin Experience
Should You Book Cuyler Cabin?
Yes 100%! Whether you're looking for a romantic couples getaway, a fun weekend with friends, or a family adventure with access to amazing trails, Cuyler Cabin delivers. It's the perfect mix of cozy and modern, and it's close enough to Minneapolis to be an easy escape without feeling like you're still in the city. We left feeling refreshed, reconnected, and already planning our trip back for the summer.
However, if you're looking for a more intimate experience and probably the most photo worthy cabin we've ever been to, you should check out the Mirror Cabin. The Mirror Cabin and the Cuyler Cabin are part of the Cuyuna Cabin Collection, so you can expect the same amenities.
❄️ Ready to Book Your Own Cozy Cabin Getaway?
Check out Cuyler Cabin's website for availability and booking info
Book Cuyler CabinAlso Check Out: Mirror Cabin
Award-winning unique stay experience • Most photo-worthy cabin we've ever seen