My friends have been talking about this place for a long time so I thought it was time to finally…read morecheck it out. I have also been really interested in the shipping-container-as-home/cabin thing and really wanted to try that out too. Booking was a breeze, and my 14-year-old son and I headed up for a long weekend. It is a long but manageable drive from the Twin Cities, with some fun stops along the way (I'm not a dad that insists on powering through a long drive, I like to stop and see the sights). The largest tiger muskie in the world in Nevis (namaste, tiger muskie) being one of the highlights. Resort is well laid out and easy to navigate. The area where we were staying was separate from the rest of the cabins, but was well signed, and easy to find. The shipping container cabins are nice, but if you bring a bag you would have to check on a plane you have brought a bag that is WAY TOO BIG for a shipping container cabin. They are small, but also has everything you need, so you figure it out. Also, of that size is not for you they have many other sizes of more traditional cabins. The resort itself is amazing. The vibe here is one that is unique: the owners start the whole relationship on a basis of trust, and you can see the trust they are sharing everywhere. And the vibe I got from other folks was that they were picking up on that trust, and paying it forward. It was an unexpected, but totally welcome vibe, and it was special. There are rafts, and paddle boards, and kayaks, and loads of trails, and a disc golf course, and an amazing lake to swim in, and decent wi-fi, and firepits, and a super cute motel/gas station/cafe just down the road. You're less than 20 minutes from Itasca State Park. And I hear the fishing is great, though that's not my thing at all. We both had a great time. Yes, he had to crawl over me to get into the bed as the bed filled the entire bedroom space, but we also spent over an hour outside looking at and talking about the stars and space and life, in a way that likely would never have happened at home. The time together was something I wanted, and Wambolts understands that who you are with is the most important thing. I would totally go back, I want to go back, and I hope I can.

After losing our family cabin a few years ago, our family looked for an alternative for our summer…read moregetaways. One sibling found this cabin resort and last year was the first year the family went up. I didn't go last year, but I was able to make it this year! I don't think I'll be returning with the family, however. First, the cost of the cabins was out of my price range. I don't know what is a typical cost, but for us to rent out 7 cabins, plus a pontoon for one week was nearly $10,000. I personally think that money could have been better spent. Cabin prices for the week ranged from $665-2,000 depending on size. The cabins themselves were fairly nice. I fortunately stayed in the most updated cabin which included air conditioning, a dishwasher, and a bathroom with a shower - not every cabin does. There is a large communal bathroom house with showers if you don't have one. These were actually nicer than I expected (I didn't check out the showers). I know the family that owns the resort are constantly renovating and updating cabins, so I'm sure others will be updated in the next year. Check-in time is at 3pm the day of your first rental. Checkout time is 9am the day of your last rental. Trying to get up early, packed, and out of there by 9am was too difficult for my family so almost everyone opted to leave the day before - meaning we paid for a day we didn't use. A more reasonable checkout time might be 10am or 11am. A frustrating thing throughout our stay was the wild inconsistency with kitchen utensils, pots/pans, and towels provided. We were constantly texting other cabins to see if they had XYZ pot/pan or hand towel. Cabins should all come with a basic set of kitchen items. Also, the cabin I was staying in did not have walls up to the ceiling. Which meant there was no barrier between my bedroom and the others - a large gap between the top of the wall and the ceiling. Unfortunately one of my cabin mates was a snorer. Every car that arrived was loaded with "household essentials" because very little is provided. I understand bring your own bath towel and shower supplies, but things like hand soap and hand/kitchen towels would have been nice to not have to lug around. I do think some cabins had hand/kitchen towels, but we, again, were texting other cabins to get some. There are laundry machines located in the women's' half of the communal shower/bathroom house so hopefully you have a female with you to access those. I believe it was about $4 per load. Additional amenities included a fish house where you can gut and clean any fish you catch, a game house with some board games and a table, and a small gift shop with some branded sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, candles, fishing bait, etc., grills, and fire pits. Many people indulged in the gift shop because they were not prepared for the cold nights! Payment for items is made easy by Venmo. Several canoes and kayaks were available for use for free. Finding a life jacket that fit and a paddle for whatever you were taking out was a bit difficult, however. Most kayaks were pretty small for adults. On the "beach" (used very loosely) there are lounge chairs and anchored floating platforms. The water is so shallow even at the end of the dock (and beyond) that it was more like a giant wading pool for any adult. Not necessarily a bad thing! The anchored platforms were constantly covered in goose poop, so we didn't touch them. The bottom of the lake is covered in leeches, mud, rocks, and seaweed. I had a rash almost immediately when I got in the water - same with everyone else. If you're going in, make sure you bolt for the shower right after. The "beach" was pretty gross and not picturesque at all. I do know the owners are working on fixing the land part of this for next year. There are several walking trails nearby which were beautiful to stroll through - just watch out for the plentiful poison ivy and ticks! If you're lucky you'll spot some deer drinking at the side of the lake. The loons on this lake are LOUD, which I thought was pretty neat. I'd never heard so many loons calling. There was also a bald eagle that lived nearby and would frequently swoop over the cabins looking for a fish. The lake is very small so you won't see any boating activities like skiing or tubing - and is actually not allowed if you're using a rental boat. It's full of people fishing! One very big pro was the wifi. Every cabin had excellent wifi! Not that any of us wanted to be working while enjoying a vacation, but at least the option was there. The cabins also had screened-in front porches which made for lovely mornings overlooking the lake and sipping some coffee. Overall, I'd say the resort is good but hopefully will become better in the years to come. If enough things improve, I'd be happy to return. I'm being mindful that these owners only took over a couple years ago and I know they have a lot of ideas for the future!

What a beautiful space! We were there over an incredibly cold -20 degree weekend for a theater…read moreperformance and the Canopy was such a warm and cozy spot to come back to. Traveling with four kids and we stayed in Balsam. They LOVED the extra long bunks with privacy curtains and their own shelves and reading lights. Best shower I've had while traveling! They enjoyed all the games downstairs and we had plenty of counter space for food prep. We were a big group but with so much space everyone got plenty of rest. The view of sunrise over the lake was stunning. This would be such an ideal spot for a family reunion!

From the owner: Pine Cone Lodge is a family-owned lakeside resort on the clear waters of Big Sand Lake, offering a…read moreunique blend of vacation rentals and a private event venue in northern Minnesota. With multiple cabins and homes across the property, the lodge comfortably hosts groups of all sizes—from intimate getaways to large gatherings. At the heart of the property is the newly rebuilt central lodge, designed as a warm and inviting space for connection. Available in the off-season (mid-October through Memorial Day), the lodge serves as a private event space exclusively for overnight guests with a two-night minimum stay. This all-in-one setting allows groups to stay together, cook together, and gather in one place. The main lodge features a spacious dining and gathering hall, cozy lounge areas with fireplaces, and a fully equipped commercial-style kitchen—perfect for DIY meals or catered events. Guests can arrange the flexible space for weddings, family reunions, retreats, business meetings, and celebrations of all kinds. Known for its peaceful lakeside setting, historic charm, and thoughtfully restored materials from the original lodge, Pine Cone Lodge offers a memorable “Up North” experience. Whether planning a relaxing vacation or a meaningful event, it’s a place where traditions are honored, and lasting memories are made.

Newest Minnesota scrapbooking retreat. Also great for quilting, crafting, knitting, and girls'…read moregetaway. Comfy beds and great office chairs.

We have been enjoying Sandy Beach Resort every week of the Fourth of July for the past 25 years…read more Very relaxing and beautiful spot on Gull Lake. Yes, the beach is sandy indeed. One disappointment is that a year ago they changed their store hours to close at 6:00 PM. Short on milk at supper time? Sorry you are out of luck. Want an after dinner frozen treat -- nope! I hope the owners will see this post and add go back to their previous 8:00 PM closing time -- a little customer focus will help keep your business healthy.

Sandy Beach Resort makes it feel like you have your own cabin for the week. The family who owns the…read moreresort is highly responsive and very welcoming. Would definitely recommend this resort for anyone looking for the classic up north Minnesota feel!

We happened upon these lakeside cabins by happenstance during an up and back biking trip on the…read morePaul Bunyan Trail. We were winging it as far as accommodations since we also had camping gear with us. A last minute phone call to a very accommodating owner made for a happy night with a warm shower, hot meal, cold beer and soft bed possible. The cabins are right off the trail so super convenient. They are clean, well stocked, and very comfortable. Access to the lake is as good as it gets! We would definitely stay here again.

The hosts were very accommodating, made the weekend special for our group! Beautifully furnished…read morecabin with everything you'd need for a great weekend at the lake. We will be visiting again!

We highly recommend staying in the cabins or the campground! There are 6 cabins, house and 12…read morecampsites. The lake and sandy beach is only 10 steps away from your cabin. We just spent 4 days here. We rented a pontoon for the day for $120 plus gas. We stayed in cabin #4. It had air conditioning, stove, refrigerator with a freezer, microwave, toaster and coffee maker. Everything is in good working condition and clean! It is not a 4 star hotel but we were not expecting that. Each cabin has a gas grill and fire pit. You can buy firewood, ice and bait. The resort is on Lake Wabedo, which is a good sized lake. We saw eagles, deer and loons. We loved hearing the loons call each other . Maggie and Jerry were excellent hosts and take very good care of you.

Great resort and getaway. I have been a fan since the 1970's. This was my family's go to resort…read moreduring the summer for many, many years. Visited here not too long ago and the cabins and grounds are in great shape, Maggie is the best host. Hoping to come back soon.

If you're looking for a place to Vacation with your family with lots of disappointments then look…read moreno further. Rude staff that took no responsibility for the many things that went wrong during our week stay. My family and I rented 3 cabins 10 months in advance with Lakeside views. However, one of the cabins rented was tore down last fall. So instead of a 2 bedroom on the lake they gave us a one bedroom furthest from the Lake. So we were no longer all together. No apology, and no discount on the cabin. The owner(Tammy), just said, "it's not my fault." She tried to blame it on the fact that they are waiting for "State" to come out and approve the new cabin being built in its place. The new cabin wasn't even finished and we all had to listen to saws and construction the entire week. Basically it was just a huge lie. Day 2, our plumbing in Oak and Balsam was backing up into the sinks. We informed staff of the situation and it took several hours before someone came to take a look at it. Turns out the plumbing has been an issue for several weeks and they had to get an excavator in to fix a busted pipe. We went without sewer and water for 1.5 days. Once again we were given no apology. When asked if we would get a discount Tammy's response was, "No, it's not my fault this happened." The cabins were filthy. Floors were not even cleaned. Mouse poop in the bathtub, cobwebs everywhere, doors don't shut, windows do not stay open and soooooo many dead bugs everywhere. Cabin Little Moose was infested with ants. For a whole week's stay we were given one roll of toilet paper per bathroom, and 2 trash bags. Everyday I had to go down to the office to get more toilet paper and trash bags. Not to mention there is no one in the office to help you ever. You have to search to grounds to find them. We were told to place our trash outside the cabin and staff will pick it up during the day. So as you would assume I woke up several mornings with trash everywhere from the animals and rodents getting into it. A barrel would probably be appropriate to prevent this from happening. On our last day Tammy came over to our cabin and told us our boat was in the wrong spot and made us move it for someone else. The boat was in the same spot all week and it was in a spot they assigned to us the first day. When we checked out Tammy accused our group of going into another cabin when our plumbing was out to shower. To which we never did and find that to be so bazaar. Very unprofessional, poor customer service, rude, and clearly don't care about their guests. PLEASE, DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND DONT STAY HERE.

Cabin was beautiful and CLEAN! Owners/managers/employees were all very kind, helpful, and…read morecheerful. After our rental boat broke down they were very accommodating and tried their best to make our stay a relaxing fishing vacation. Chris Whitney (218-820-4819) is a great fishing guide who operates out of the resort. We caught our limits of walleyes with Chris.