Historic lakefront lodge with full bar, sauna, private boat ramp

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A sauna room with wooden benches, a stone pillar, and a large window offering a view of the outdoors.
A log cabin with a covered picnic area and a stone chimney.
Game room
A rustic lodge interior with a pool table, leather sofas, wooden walls, and a mounted deer head.
Private kitchen

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Family fun awaits
    Top-rated for families.
  • Arcade/game room
    A rare find - fun for all ages with on-site arcade/game room.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.

Popular amenities

  • Arcade/game room
  • Barbecue grill
  • Pet-friendly
  • Internet
  • Refrigerator
  • Dryer
The current price is $721
$2,164 for 3 nights
All fees included
Nov 19 - Nov 22

Explore the area

View in a map
Deer River, MN
  • Place, Bowstring Lake
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Scenic State Park
    ‪47 min drive‬
  • Place, The Gilbert Mansion
    ‪52 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

8 bedrooms (sleeps 25)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5

1 Queen Bed and 1 Large Twin Sofa Bed

Bedroom 6

1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Bedroom 8

1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Bedroom 9

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed and 1 Twin Bed

4 bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 4

Toilet

Bathroom 5

Toilet

Bathroom 6

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Kitchen
Separate dining area
Number of living rooms
Garden
Dining area
The current price is $721
$2,164 for 3 nights
All fees included
Nov 19 - Nov 22

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Frequently asked questions

Is Historic lakefront lodge with full bar, sauna, private boat ramp pet-friendly?

Yes, this lodge allows pets (limit 2 total).

How much does it cost to stay at Historic lakefront lodge with full bar, sauna, private boat ramp?

As of Nov 10, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Historic lakefront lodge with full bar, sauna, private boat ramp on Nov 19, 2026 start from $721, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Historic lakefront lodge with full bar, sauna, private boat ramp?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic lakefront lodge with full bar, sauna, private boat ramp?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Historic lakefront lodge with full bar, sauna, private boat ramp located?

This family-friendly Deer River lodge is located on the waterfront, within 3 mi (5 km) of Bowstring Lake and Sand Lake. Little Jessie Lake and Rush Island Lake are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Historic lakefront lodge with full bar, sauna, private boat ramp Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 72 out of 80 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 80 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 80 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 80 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 80 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Was a very unique property. Was great location and had plenty of room to host our group of 12. Josh was super easy to deal with any questions. Would recommend
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
So much space to hang out with a group
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Josh was a great host, and we loved all of the space that Bowstring provided! We hope to be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
10 out of 10! Perfect setting for a guys weekend! Lodge is rustic yet very comfortable and beautiful! Glad the history is being preserved for the future. Josh is a great host who was very accessible if needed and available for any questions or tips involving the property. Very easy to work with and booking was a breeze. Repeat costumer for sure!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a really cool place for a family group to stay, just wish we could've stayed longer. The kids had a blast! We hope to come back when we have more time.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family fishing trip

Perfect size and location for our group!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Huge house with tons of charm and character. Beds were comfortable, kitchen was fully stocked. Main room had so many things to keep us entertained when we weren’t on the water. Communication was easy and prompt.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fun Get Away

Great area for outdoor activities of all kinds. Kitchen is amazing and fully stocked with anything you might need!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The lodge

The property was awesome. Beautiful lodge.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

N Mn lodge

Very authentic northern lodge with many family amenities. The saltwater pool was great!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved it!

Great for all ages! Space for everyone to enjoy and work!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great stay

A very nice property! Weather didn't cooperate with us the whole week as it was quite windy, but there were plenty of things to do inside as well as the pool and sauna. Well stocked and inviting - the bar was a hit with the family and was a evening gathering place. We hope to stay again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great getaway!

7 couples stayed very comfortably in Bowstring Lodge. We had a wonderful weekend! The place was very interesting and the owner was great to work with. Would definitely recommend this to anyone!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome property

The property was awesome. I hosted a corporate meeting at the facility. It was a great setting for a meeting space and team building. I would 10/10 recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
With a family of 15 people (including 6 grandchildren under 16), this lodge couldn’t have been better! The lake with a swim platform just steps away, docks for our two boats, a sauna, big grassy landscaped yard with swing set and horseshoe pits are great for nice days. We had a little rain, so the kids took advantage of the many activities in the game room. The owner was very attentive and answered all our questions. Highly recommend for groups looking for a unique place with lots to do.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay!

The resort is large and has every amenity you could ever need. The most I have ever had at a VRBO. There are lots of separate areas for different activities. Tons of games and puzzles. The lake water is very clear and has a sandy bottom. The sauna was new and lovely. Josh was amazing to work with and super responsive. It was a great place for a large family gathering.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome

Excellent host
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great time at Bowstring

It was a great experience. Josh was great at communicating and a super nice guy.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome place

The House was everything we expected!! We plan to be back next year, hopefully with more people!! Josh was super helpful and responsive!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Annual Family Snowmobile Trip

We rated the property, amenities, location to trails a 10/10. The condition of the trails we rated 11/10. Only note: the floors are a little crooked, which adds to the charm, but if you have vertigo or a few beers ... beware ;)
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Snowmobile trip

25 members of our snowmobile club stayed here for our annual trip. We loved efact that we could all be under one roof. This layout is a little quirky, but it had tons of space for everyone to hang out and socialize, especially in the bar and huge game room. Awesome to see the historic lodge being put to good use.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Character Warmth and Nostalgia

Our best family Labor Day yet!! This former lodge was awesome!! Filled with character, nostalgia and charm. Huge lake with magnificent sunsets. Our host was great on all levels. Easy to reach and prompt responses to our questions. Highly recommend Bowstring Lodge
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Secluded Getaway

Our overall stay was nice. The access to the lake and pool were great throughout our stay. The large yard provided a fantastic place for the kids to play wiffle ball and run around. The inside bar area was a fun place to hangout, eat, and just look around at all the great memorabilia. The game room/great room was a hit for both kids and adults alike, especially when we were stuck inside because of rain. Overall, this was a great choice for our party of 20!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

family vacation

Perfect!! We had 10 adults and 11 children, 5 families. The layout of the lodge was perfect. The upstairs rooms were not disturbed by the game room or bar noise. The lake is beautiful for fishing or boating. The pool was awesome. This place is very well equipped for large groups. No one was disappointed.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Meyer Family Christmas on Bowstring

This is a great place to stay for a large group wanting to expiriance the history and character of the area as well as the historic Bowstring Lodge. Something for everyone! Bowstring Lake - one of MN better fishing lakes, Games, foosball in the large great room. Had 17 people for a family Christmas. Lots of room to spread out. Had a family fishing contest and foosball tournament. Great place. We would visit again!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

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