I think planning is one of the funnest aspects of travel—but even I get tired of seeing listing after listing of rentals with the same sofas, basic backyards, and inflatable hot tubs squeezed onto apartment patios. When I plop my bags down in a property, I want it to feel, well … special (i.e., less like being in my own living room). If you’re like me, you want something special, a place where the water feature is the thing that makes you sit up and say, “This one!”—like this trio of amazing Airbnbs in Minnesota. These three rentals are the kind of places that can turn a quick trip into an unforgettable stay.
1. BrewhausNE—Minneapolis, Minnesota
The dense urban neighborhood of Northeast Minneapolis, its streets lined with early 20th-century bungalows on small lots that housed blue-collar families, doesn’t exactly scream “private spa experience”—but the surprise is what gives this urban oasis, BrewhausNE, its charm. In the property’s beautiful yard, which feels more like a private courtyard than a city lot, you’ll find a hot tub, a koi pond that doubles as a plunge pool, and (why not?) a waterfall. Of course, it’s not as big as a typical natural waterfall in Minnesota, but hey—it’s all yours during your stay, drowning out the city sounds and helping you enjoy this little slice of paradise.
When you can pull yourself away from the water features, relax beside a crackling fire on the patio, whip a pizza in the outdoor, wood-fired oven, or just sit on the front porch and watch the world go by. If you need a little more action while you relax, you’re in luck. The property also has a detached garage that’s been converted into a game room with a pool table and a ping-pong setup. The home’s two bedrooms and one bath will accommodate you and up to five friends, or leave them behind and keep this quiet retreat all to yourself.
2. Ultimate Green Lake Vacation Home—Spicer, Minnesota
If you like more of an Up North feel with your water features, then this sprawling Green Lake Airbnb near Spicer is the rental for you. Not only will you find stellar views of the lake, but there are also plenty of ways to enjoy it from this property, including dock seating, a lakeside firepit, and, of course, getting in and on the water.
On days when the lake is too busy, or the weather’s too cold, you’ll appreciate the heated indoor pool and hot tub, so you can get your water fix in climate-controlled bliss. This waterfront rental in Minnesota sleeps as many as 16 across its seven bedrooms and five baths, so there’s plenty of room for family and/or friends to enjoy it with you.
3. Afton Lodge—Afton, Minnesota
For a total escape that’s not too far from the Twin Cities, head out to Afton Lodge on the St. Croix River bluffs near Hastings. This 10,000-square-foot property accommodates up to 14 guests across seven bedrooms and six baths, but of course, it’s not just the expansive size that makes it spectacular. That honor goes to the indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna.
In addition to the spa-like features, you’ll find plenty more to keep you entertained while on this property, including a full, free arcade stocked with modern video games. Because you can check in and ignore the weather for days, I think this property would be perfect for a winter getaway in Minnesota.
Next time you’re thinking about all the amazing things to do in Minnesota, any of these three properties would make a perfect base camp, depending on the kind of adventure you’re looking for. Of course, with all their amazing water features, you may decide never to leave…