Authentic Finish Style Log Home on Cranberry River

• Can't wait to return...

  Can't wait to return...

  • Guest Jeremy K
  • Date of stay 02/01/13
  • Review Submitted 02/16/13
  The Cranberry River Retreat is perfect in every way imaginable. It was exactly what we needed; a break from the city in the quiet of the Northwoods - with all of the comforts of home, and beyond. This property is remote and quiet, without being too far from civilization :). What a feeling to wake up on a sunny winter's morning knowing you were just a stone's throw from beauty the South shore of Lake Superior. It was quite cold the weekend we visited with temperatures dipping to -18º and -20º both mornings we visited, but the fireplaces and sauna were ideal warm ups after long winter days spent exploring. It was easy to make our "last minute" trip to The Cranberry River Retreat a reality, as it was outfitted with everything we could possibly need, and more. The owner recommended a few fantastic things that happened to be going on the weekend we visited, including the sled dog races in Cornucopia, WI a few miles away. What fun! A few miles of hiking took us to the Apostle National Lakeshore Sea Caves overlook, and the nearby towns had all of our needs met with groceries, and cafés. We definitely plan to visit in the warmer months, as I'd expect the area to give way to a whole host of summer activities. (It's a personal dream of mine to Kayak the Apostle Lakeshore Sea Caves, and off to the Islands.) Thanks to the Owners for making this property such a gem, and sharing with the VRBO community. This place is a 10/10 and I personally recommend that you stay a week -- a few days is simply not enough. :)

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, families with young children.

  Owner response: Jeremy, Winter is my favorite time up north. It's so peaceful and quiet. Our guests this last weekend enjoyed the best ever conditions for the BATB - Book Across the Bay XC ski event. It's an annual 10k candlelight ski across Chequamegon Bay from Ashland to Washburn. There were over 3,000 participants of all ages and abilities: racers, recreational skiers, snowshoers and walkers. And afterwards a sauna for tired muscles. There's always something to do in Bayfield County! Do come back for kayaking. Paddling to the Sea Caves and camping out on the islands is a great experience. Most of the islands have hiking trails so you get a mix of exercise. There are outfitters in the area as well as through REI who are excellent and plan trips for beginner to advanced kayakers. So glad you enjoyed your visit to the South Shore and staying at the retreat.

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• Do not miss this one!

  Do not miss this one!

  • Guest dan
  • Date of stay 12/07/12
  • Review Submitted 12/11/12
  I was completely satisfied with everything about the Cranberry River Retreat! Cathy was great to work with, and very helpful with tips, tricks, and hints about what to do while staying in the area. They even think to restock the fireplace so as soon as you're ready for a cozy evening by the crackling fire all you need is a match! A short walk down to the slowly flowing Cranberry River is just amazing. The cabin was in top-notch condition upon arrival, and looks like a professional cleaning crew keeps it up between visits.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, age 55+.

  Owner response: Our guests are often looking for a change of pace from city life. Some find it so relaxing they just hang out and enjoy the peace and quiet. Especially when there's a winter wonderland outside every window and the sauna beckons. We hope to exceed expectations!

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• An Absolute Escape

  An Absolute Escape

  • Guest Garden Girl
  • Date of stay 10/18/12
  • Review Submitted 10/21/12
  Not too far from somewhere, but out in the middle of nowhere, sits this roomy "cabin" with all the comforts of home. Clean, comfortable and very quiet make this retreat exactly perfect for escaping the busy city life. It is easy to forget your daily life as you explore the nearby Cranberry River with its sandy banks and meandering flow through the woods. We spent a day exploring and almost forgot lunch (hungry kids won't totally let you forget...). The sauna was a wonderful way to wind up the days before heading to bed. Here are my assessments of this great place: - Clean. Not like some dusty cabin in the woods, you feel like you are among the first guests to visit. - Quiet. There is very little traffic on the road and there were many times we stopped and just listened to the silence. Fair warning, the silence is a bit more stark due to the lousy cell phone coverage, but there is a land line that could be used for in/out calling if necessary. - Location. Not too far from Bayfield (30 min?) which makes for a great and accessible day trip. The acreage allows for kids to run and explore with no fear of bugging neighbors or growing bored with the surroundings. There is a little town nearby, but be aware that most things close up for the winter or at least hold abbreviated hours, so some planning ahead is necessary. There is a lot of hiking along Lake Superior and nearby mountain bike trails (we didn't have time for either of those, but will hopefully be back to find out). - Extras. Sauna and the river are awesome. Lots of books, hammocks, puzzles and games are available for rainy days or lazy evenings. Awesome screen porch would be great if the weather was warm. Comfortable downstairs with large space for groups of people. There was a lot of good information in the book that explained where things are, how to use the different items and what to do in the area. - Owner. Very kind and welcoming. - Don't miss. Smoked fish from Halvorson's Fish market in the nearby town. Summary: Awesome place to get away from it all. We hope to be back.

  Recommended for: Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway, age 55+.

  Owner response: Thank you for posting a review on our Cranberry River Retreat. We do think it's a perfect place for families with adventurous children who love to explore nature and the woods. The South Shore is unique and "laid back." Our guests enjoy day trips to explore the area as well as just hanging out at the "cabin." A home cooked meal, board games and sauna are a great recipe for a relaxing evening and a good night's sleep.

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• Girls Bookclub

  Girls Bookclub

  • Guest Love2snowmobile
  • Date of stay 06/25/12
  • Review Submitted 10/17/12
  My Bookclub spent a few days relaxing at the retreat. It was so cozy! We enjoyed the wood burning fireplace and sauna. Got some exercise filling the wood box on the porch from the huge pile in back of the garage. The beach in Herbster offers the most amazing sunset views and stargazing that you could imagine. Love the layout of the log cabin. It's open floor plan is great for cooking and visiting. My husband and I also stayed at the retreat in the winter and were thrilled with the snowmobiling....trail starts right down the road! Can't recommend Cranberry Retreat enough.....you will love it!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+.

  Owner response: Girls know how to have fun! So glad you enjoyed your stay at our Cranberry River Retreat. Yes, the sunsets on the South Shore of Lake Superior are not to be missed. Winter is my favorite time. Our guests enjoy a variety of winter sports: snowmobiling & XC skiing in the Chequamegon Forest, snowshoeing along the river behind the cabin and hiking out to the Sea Caves - awesome ice formations just east of Cornucopia at Meyers Beach.

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• Relaxing retreat

  Relaxing retreat

  • Guest Don & Nancy
  • Date of stay 09/27/12
  • Review Submitted 10/14/12
  What a lovely retreat you have. Everything was as described on the website. Very clean and well maintained. We really enjoyed our stay and would love to come back again sometime. Although the cabin comes with a TV and movies we never turned it on. Instead, we enjoyed a cup of coffee on the front porch swing, or watching wildlife from the screened porch. We saw turkeys and grouse in the yard. In the evening we sat by the fire and listened to music. This is a great place to unwind. The kitchen comes fully equipped, which came in handy to cook our trout we caught in the Cranberry River. We took side trips to Bayfield and saw the Apostle Islands on Lake Superior. We went on a hayride and bought some apple wine at the Bayfield Winery and apple orchard. We enjoyed the fall colors in the Chequamegon National Forest. Thank you for a relaxing stress-free vacation.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, age 55+.

  Owner response: Thank you for you posting a review on our retreat. It's especially great to know that you observed wildlife on the property. Deer tend to hang out almost year round. And for two winters we had a mother bear hibernating near the main road. Catching a trout in the Cranberry River is fantastic - they can be quite elusive. So glad it met your expectations. Cathy

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

$175 per nite for two people.  $37.50 each add'l person  %5.5% State Tax 
Pets negotiable. Children under 12
Personal Checks accepted with 2 week advance.
Money or Certified checks one week advance
$100 refundable cleaning deposit 

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.