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

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Access to two, spacious docks, cleared for swimming. Lift and boat not incuded.
Nothing but space in the front yard, back yard and everywhere in between!
Large fire pit area and space for dining next to the lake.
Aerial view of the surrounding area. There is an association down the road.
NEW private beach added next to dock in October 2025. Updated pictures in Spring

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 126000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Dogs and cats allowed
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Backus, MN
  • Place, Big Portage Lake
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Rainy Lake
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Sanborn Lake
    ‪2 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

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
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.


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

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly
Air conditioning
Parking available

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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

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

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.
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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 - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Deep Portage Conservation Reserve - 19 min walk - 1.7 km
  • Sanborn Lake - 2 min drive - 1.8 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Harriet Club - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Corner Store, Restaurant & Gun Shop - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Willard's Saloon - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Backus American Legion - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Salty Dog Saloon & Eatery - ‬3 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 Apr 27, 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 May 11, 2026 start from $601, 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. 4 out of 4 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 4 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emily G.

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

10/10 Excellent

Lori M.

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

10/10 Excellent

Carol N.

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

10/10 Excellent

Kristin L.

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

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

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