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The Lodge at Cabin 8 Retreats – 6,000 Sq Ft of Joy, Steps from the Water

Photo gallery for The Lodge at Cabin 8 Retreats – 6,000 Sq Ft of Joy, Steps from the Water

A covered deck with a view of a lake, outdoor furniture, and a wooden table.
A modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a central island with bar stools.
A cabin with a wooden interior, a sofa set, a dining table with chairs, and large windows offering views of a lake.
A spacious living area with a wooden ceiling, a fireplace, a large sofa, and a television.
A house with a dock extending into a calm lake, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
This vacation home accommodates 12 guests with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. It features 1 separate living room and is pet-friendly. Explore Big Portage Lake and Deep Portage Conservation Reserve during your stay.

Highlights

  • Top-rated comfy beds

    Guests liked the comfy beds here.

  • Centrally-located

    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.

  • Discover nearby landmarks

    Walk to Rainy Lake
5 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 12

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
  • Toys
  • Air conditioning
  • Washer
  • Onsite parking available
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

View in a map
Backus, MN
  • Place, Big Portage Lake
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Rainy Lake
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Fawn Lake
    ‪15 min walk‬

Where you'll sleep

5 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bunk Bed and 1 Twin Murphy Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Double Bunk Bed

Bedroom 5

2 Queen Beds

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

Office 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo

Bathroom 2

Soap · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo

Bathroom 3

Toilet

Bathroom 4

Soap · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo

Spaces

Kitchen
Number of living rooms
Outdoor play area

About this property

The Lodge at Cabin 8 Retreats – 6,000 Sq Ft of Joy, Steps from the Water

Welcome to Cabin 8 Retreats: The Lodge!

This rare lakefront home offers 6,000 square feet of comfort, style, and space—just inches from Big Portage Lake. This cabin offers space, comfort, and style with unbeatable views and amenities designed for families and groups of all ages. With a private dock, NEW private beach, multiple outdoor spaces, and fun packed into every corner, this is the perfect place to relax, recharge, and make unforgettable memories.

Additional recreational amenities available for rent including 24 ft pontoon, fishing boat, kayaks, paddleboards and more! Inquire for more information!


Sleeps a crowd, comfortably.

The home features 5 bedrooms (3 on the main level), plus several LoveSac modular sofas that convert into queen beds, offering plenty of privacy and flexible sleeping options for everyone in your group.

What makes this property stand out?

Just 50 feet from the lake—with gorgeous views of Big Portage and the surrounding park reserve

Private lake access with your very own dock on the Portage Chain of Lakes

Multiple decks, sunrooms, and patios to soak in the sun or dine al fresco

Excellent privacy from neighboring cabins.

Private garage game room right by the water with convertible pool table/table tennis.

Outdoor dining with a griddle and grill setup

Community Game Barn shared with our other two cabins at Cabin 8 Retreats—featuring a toddler rollercoaster, air hockey, foosball, ping pong, and a ton of games for all ages! This is only available during the warmer months! Reach out with questions!

Fully stocked kitchen with everything you need (pans, utensils, coffee bar, dinnerware, and more)

Cozy outdoor firepit for evening s’mores and stories

High-speed Wi-Fi + a dedicated desk with docking station and dual monitors—ideal for remote work or quick check-ins

Whether you're here to unplug or stay connected while surrounded by nature, this home offers the ultimate lakefront experience. Come for the views, stay for the games, and make memories to last a lifetime.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 10:00 AM

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17

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Events

No events allowed

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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 50 lbs per pet (limit 2 pets total)

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Pets are welcomed! Make sure you have indicated you are bringing a pet. There is an additional fee.

This location is NOT part of the neighboring assocation. There is no access to the association fishing house or beach area.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 4541844
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

About the neighborhood

Backus

Backus is home to this vacation home. While the natural beauty of Deep Portage Conservation Reserve and Mule Lake Wildlife Management Area can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can check out Black Bear Golf Complex.
View more Vacation Homes in BackusOpens in a new window
Map
Backus, MN

What's nearby

  • Big Portage Lake - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Rainy Lake - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Fawn Lake - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Deep Portage Conservation Reserve - 19 min walk - 1.7 km
  • Sanborn Lake - 2 min drive - 2.6 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Salty Dog Saloon & Eatery - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Harriet Club - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Willard's Saloon - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Backus American Legion - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪JOE'S RESORT AND BARBECUE - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Lodge at Cabin 8 Retreats – 6,000 Sq Ft of Joy, Steps from the Water pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lbs per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at The Lodge at Cabin 8 Retreats – 6,000 Sq Ft of Joy, Steps from the Water?

As of Sep 18, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Lodge at Cabin 8 Retreats – 6,000 Sq Ft of Joy, Steps from the Water on Sep 21, 2026 start from $833, 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 The Lodge at Cabin 8 Retreats – 6,000 Sq Ft of Joy, Steps from the Water?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Lodge at Cabin 8 Retreats – 6,000 Sq Ft of Joy, Steps from the Water?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Lodge at Cabin 8 Retreats – 6,000 Sq Ft of Joy, Steps from the Water located?

Situated in Backus, this vacation home is within a 5-minute walk of Big Portage Lake and Rainy Lake. Deep Portage Conservation Reserve and Fawn Lake are also within 15 minutes.

Reviews

10

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. 10 out of 10 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 10 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 10 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 10 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 10 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean. Lots of games both indoor and outdoor. Quiet area. Had enjoyable stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an amazing stay! The cabin is spacious, beautifully furnished, and was the perfect place for our group with a variety of ages. There was truly something for everyone—from the toy room and barn filled with activities to the sandy beach, lake toys, popcorn and slushy makers, and so much more. We had such a fun and memorable time!Jennifer was wonderful to work with—she was responsive, answered all of our questions, and went above and beyond to help ensure we had a great stay. We would absolutely love to come back again!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin worked very well for us with 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Great place for kids. Lots of toys and games to keep them occupied. Also, olenty of toys for the adults. We enjoyed the fireworks around the lake. We would definitely rent here again if it's available.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Lodge at Cabin 8 retreats is absolutely amazing! There are so many fun things to do. From fishing, kayaking and paddle boarding, swimming, playing yard games and visiting nearby towns for some shopping, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. Our group loved the endless ways to get our morning caffeine fix, making slushies and enjoying popcorn in the downstairs theater. Thank you, Cabin 8 Retreats, for sharing this amazing space.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This property is one of our family favorites! The house was very spacious, clean and everything well-labeled. It had everything we could have needed or wanted and so much more. The play area for kids was awesome! We had great weather during our stay so didn't even get to use the movie area or the games in the shed. Lots of outside seating areas. Spacious bedrooms. The new beach area was a great addition. Lots of room on the docks to fish as well. Fun was had on the swan pedal boat. Excellent and speedy communication with the owner. I'd give this a 10 star review if I could!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Check in was simple, very easy to reach the owners, clear instructions. House was clean, very spacious and newly updated, tasteful decor. Well stocked kitchen, very comfy beds, game room at the house and across the road was so handy. There is tons to do for kids. The coffee bar and s’mores station is a really nice touch! Highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My family loved, loved, loved The Lodge at Cabin 8. The ball pit in kids game room was the youngest favorite while the patio and back yard was for adults. The separate out building game room came in handy as we had a brief rain one day; lots of fun games there. The beds were comfortable and spaces were super clean. Everything is so organized and we had lots of room to spread out inside the home. Kids caught fish off the dock which was great too. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This beautiful home and property exceeded our expectations for our group of 12. They provided a variety of indoor and outdoor activities to ensure a wonderful experience, regardless of the weather. The well-stocked kitchen, comfortable furniture, lovely bedding, and indoor playrooms were all great amenities. Our children spent hours fishing from the dock and in the provided paddle boat, catching crappies and pan fish. The area offers plenty of shopping and restaurant options. The host responded promptly to any questions we had before and during our stay, making them truly exceptional.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We chose the location because of the close access to the lake without steps. The check-in was easy just having the access code sent to you worked great. The kitchen had lots of plates and glasses, silverware and bowls, etc. If there is a specific spice you enjoy on your food bring it with you. The Blackstone grill came in handy when the power went out because of a storm. We were able to cook breakfast on it. The Host was very responsive to our messages and willing to help if we needed it. Improvements to the dock and have less weeds in the lake would be nice. Thank you very much.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place was great!!! Lots of activities for the kids. Nice dock space for our boats. Fantastic view. The hosts were very friendly and helpful. Nice places to walk your dog were a real bonus. If you go, you ahould give the giant swan paddleboat a try!! We had bocce and bags tournament, along with a whiffle ball activity. You will love this place.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026

About the host

Hosted by Jennifer Schroeder

Host profile image

In today’s fast-moving world, it became my mission to create a place where families could slow down, reconnect, and build lasting, meaningful memories—the kind that linger long after the holiday ends.
Some of my most treasured childhood moments were spent at the lake. We stayed in Cabin Number 8, part of a resort that, sadly, no longer exists. Those simple, joy-filled days became a core memory for me—and when my father passed away, I felt an even deeper pull to do something that honoured those moments and created space for others to experience the same.
That’s how Cabin 8 Retreats was born.
Today, we’re the proud caretakers of three cabins that offer families and friends a chance to truly escape the everyday. These cabins aren’t just places to stay—they’re places to be. To laugh a little louder. To stay up a little later. To sit by the lake and remember what really matters.
Cabin 8 Retreats is our way of giving back—a tribute to the past, and a place where new memories are made, shaping stories for generations to come.

Why they chose this property

We’re proud to share our three cabins—collectively known as Cabin 8 Retreats—tucked along the peaceful shores of Big Portage Lake. This is where you come to hit pause. No packed schedules, no background noise—just space to slow down, breathe, and recharge.
Big Portage Lake is part of a stunning chain of lakes offering over 1,000 acres of water to explore. Much of the surrounding land is protected by the Deep Portage Reserve, keeping the landscape beautifully untouched and teeming with natural beauty. Whether you’re on the water or relaxing at the cabin, you’re surrounded by the kind of stillness that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Our cabins are located in Backus, Minnesota, just minutes from charming small-town restaurants and a local grocery store—handy for the essentials without interrupting the tranquillity. And if you’re after more variety, you're only about 30 minutes from larger towns like Walker or Brainerd, where you’ll find everything from big-name shops to new family adventures.
We chose this spot because it’s exactly what an “Up North escape” should be—peaceful, authentic, and close to nature—while still offering the convenience to dip into town when needed. It’s the kind of place that feels far away, without actually being far at all.

What makes this property unique

Originally the grand lodge of a historic lakeside resort, this spacious gem has been lovingly reimagined as the heart of Cabin 8 Retreats—and its size, character, and lakefront access are truly unmatched. You cannot find a gem like this anywhere else! This amount of square footage so close to the lake is simply unheard of! Added on to this, we have added drops of fun and comfort everywhere you look!

Our goal is to make sure everyone feels included and entertained. Enjoy a yoga area bathed in natural light, a playful kids’ room stocked with toys, and even a quiet workspace for those who need to check in between adventures. Outside, the community pole barn is a hit with guests of all ages—equipped with games, space to hang out, and plenty of room to make a little joyful noise.
Whether you're watching the sun set from the deck, playing board games late into the night, or just catching up around the fire, this is a place designed to bring people together.


Whether you're watching the sun set from the deck, playing board games late into the night, or just catching up around the fire, this is a place designed to bring people together.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

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