Location: Park Rapids, Minnesota, USA (We are just a half hour's drive northwest of Park Rapids.) View Map
Accommodations: House, 4 Bedrooms + Loft, 3 Baths (Sleeps 10-12)
What can be more relaxing than the image of a cool, calm lake relecting the surrounding trees as you wake in the morning to watch ducks and herons fly overhead or to simply enjoy that first cup of coffee.
Do not let the name of the Lake, "Bad Medicine", fool you! It is "good" medicine. The lake's name comes from a Native American legend about a chief who was lost here. On some maps it is called Lake of the Valley.
Ask anyone in the area about Bad Medicine, they will tell you of clear clean water in a pristine setting. With no inlet or outlet, the water is the best! It is regularly stocked with Rainbow Trout, which are a joy to catch. Many other species live happily alongside.
Added to this is the pleasure of the setting sun, glowing orange on the lake, followed by a canopy of stars shining overhead, the big dipper visible and amazing. Later, as you sit by the campfire, listening to the crackle of burning logs, you hear the haunting call of the loon, which touches deeply within each of us.
Each day as the sun warms the decks, you will find yourself enjoying the time spent with friends and family; teaching the kids to swim and dive, trying your hand at fishing or kayaking, or relaxing by the lake with a book that you have been saving just for the occasion.
The beauty of the area can be enjoyed by everyone, and you will be able to spend your time when indoors appreciating the comfort of a modern lake home. Relax in the screen room, or lounge on one of the five levels of decks with your favorite book. Learn how to use the authentic, wood fired Finnish sauna, and after heating up, run to the lake for a quick dip only to head back to the sauna to repeat the process.
The lake itself is a rare treat. Rated by Minnesota Monthly magazine as the state's best swimming lake. The fishing is excellent here as well.
You can try your hand at horseshoes, badminton, volleyball, or other activities that are provided. If you have your own golf clubs or bicyles there are plenty of opportunities for both activities nearby. Itasca State Park, the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River, is just twenty minutes away.
Gift and craft stores, along with antiques, can also be found, and there are a number of restaurants available to you within a short drive. If you prefer, you can stay almost completely away from the world in your own retreat with the beauty of the northwoods surrounding you.
Spend the evening at the canpfire, roasting marshmallows and making smores, singing songs, and watching the sun set over the water. Then move into the screen room to finish the day with conversation, cards, and friends. Another perfect day at the lake!
If you have a larger group, we have a Guest Home on the premises, right behind the Main home, that can accomodate 2-4 folks, with one bedroom, a full bath and kitchen, sofa sleeper, and wood stove. It was our only cabin, until we built the Holiday Home. We refurbished it over the last few years. It can only be rented with the main home. The Guest Home will not be rented to others when you are there on your vacation. It will remain vacant.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Wood Fireplace
- Wood Stove
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Double Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Convertible Bed
- Crib
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- VCR
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Sauna
- Foosball
- Air Hockey
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Balcony
- View/Location
- Lakefront
- Communications
- Telephone
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Swimming
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Horseshoes
- Miniature golf
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Summer .. $1950/week, Reservation/cleaning deposit of $500 required.
Guest cabin on site for 2 to 4 available for lease - $450 week
Guest cabin not available without Holiday Home rental
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 1977
Why the Owner Chose Park Rapids
We selected this lake, Bad Medicine, as it has been consistently rated as one of the top lakes in Minnesota, with superb water clarity, seclusion, and scenery. The area is old growth forest, with many hiking trails for wildlife and birdwatching. The size of the property, over 2 acres, provide plenty of room for outdoor activities, yet almost completly private. Over the years we have improved the property with all amenities, and now find, if we did not own it, we could not afford to buy it!
The Unique Benefits at this House
The property address is Sunset Drive for a reason. The sunsets in this latitude are long, relaxing and spectacular. The home and decks are situated with a western exposure, which gives all a perfect view over the lake. You cannot imagine more colorful vistas. Complete privacy if one wishes, yet access to all sorts of amusements. Swimming and just relaxing are prime.
The property does have a lake deck at water level. The shore is sand, gravel and some rocks. While great swimming, the water does become deep not too far from shore. As always, if you have children who are not swimmers, you will need be prudent.
Owner's Map of Park Rapids
Growing up in North Dakota I had memories of visiting the lake with my family. Given the lack of lakes in North Dakota, the tendency was to travel to Minnesota to enjoy all the area had to offer. My wife grew up in northern Michigan, spending her summers at "the lake" since she was six years old. We both grew to appreciate all that lake property had to offer, and worked together to create our lake home in northern Minnesota.
We purchased this property the year Elvis died. We have raised the home, and our family here for over 30 years. Now that the kids are older, as we are, we inclined to share our lake home with you and your family. The description of the property is exactly what you will experience. Yes...there will be mosquitoes at night; however, remember that they are worse just at sunset and then thin out, and the screen porch and other indoor ammenities will be appreciated. Enjoy the home and treat it with pride and respect as if it were your own. We enjoy every moment that we spend here, and hope that you will too.
Property Photos
- Welcome to your Holiday Home with swimming and fun awaiting - Park Rapids, Minnesota - Lakefront Vacation House on Bad Medicine Lake with Swimming
- Conversation and cards await your relaxing evening after a swim - Park Rapids, Minnesota - Lakefront Vacation House on Bad Medicine Lake with Swimming
- Your sauna overlooking the lake, and just a few steps into the lake and swimming - Park Rapids, Minnesota - Lakefront Vacation House on Bad Medicine Lake with Swimming
- Watch the sunset from the upper deck or closer to the water.
- We are looking at Holiday Home from the lake.
- Let us sit and have coffee on the screen porch
- Dine in the screen room, or inside, as you choose
- Sit at the breakfast bar with that first cup of cappachino
- Just a portion of the loft with many beds overlooking the lake
- A cozy family room for TV or conversation
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #265479
There have been 573 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2009.
This listing was first published here in 2009.
Date last modified - November 19, 2009
