10/10 Excellent
Joe B.
21 Jun, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful place to stay!
Joe B.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Entire home
Waterfront Cottage on Magnificent Rainy Lake: Completely Renovated in 2024-25!
Photo gallery for Waterfront Cottage on Magnificent Rainy Lake: Completely Renovated in 2024-25!
Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 61400 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Ranier, MN
- St. Thomas Aquinas Parish8 min drive
- Smokey Bear Park8 min drive
- Voyageurs National Park15 min drive
- International Falls, MN (INL-Falls Intl.)11 min drive
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Lakeside Bedroom
1 Queen Bed
Master Bedroom
1 Queen Bed
The One with the Bathroom
1 Double Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Waterfront Cottage on Magnificent Rainy Lake: Completely Renovated in 2024-25!
This rustic cottage right on the shore of Rainy Lake in the village of Ranier is the perfect basecamp for exploring the natural wonders of Northern Minnesota and Voyageur's National Park—or just kicking back, unplugging and hanging out with the locals.
In the Davis family for more than 100 years (the original homestead was built in 1910), this waterfront cabin has been completely renovated and updated with the original Western red cedar paneling, new bathroom, entryway and kitchen, and new windows throughout. A deck that opens off the porch will be your new favorite spot for catching spectacular Sand Bay sunsets from spring to fall. A wide lawn runs down to the breakwater, where you can swim in the cold, clear water of the Rainy, enjoy an outdoor meal on the picnic table, or sit around the fire pit right on the shoreline.
The Davis House is a great place to relax and spend time with your family, fish the Rainy (NO DOCK ON THE PROPERTY, but there are several public boat-launching ramps nearby, snowmobile (there's a groomed trail just one block away that you can sled to right from the house) or rent long-term for local area work.
Kids love the nearby beach, swimming off the breakwater and exploring the shoreline. An Alumacraft canoe, paddles, life-preservers and other water toys are yours to use at the house, as well as a picnic table, garage (perfect for our winter guests), two vintage Schwinns and almost anything else you'll need to enjoy your stay in the Rainy Lake Country.
The friendly municipal liquor store (the Ranier Muni) is just a three-block walk away. There's an ice cream parlor just down the shoreline at Tara's Wharf, along with fresh-brewed beer at Loony's Brew, a public boat-launch ramp on the river side of Ranier, the new Cantilever Distillery with hipster bar and restaurant right across the street, and the constant activity of the Canadian National Railway.
The entire expanse of Rainy Lake—with its thousands of islands, Voyageur's National Park, renowned walleye and bass fishing—is right outside your door. And if you just want solitude or a quiet place to write your memoirs, Ranier has long been a haven for writers and painters and artists of every kind— not to mention the occasional gin-runner.
In the Davis family for more than 100 years (the original homestead was built in 1910), this waterfront cabin has been completely renovated and updated with the original Western red cedar paneling, new bathroom, entryway and kitchen, and new windows throughout. A deck that opens off the porch will be your new favorite spot for catching spectacular Sand Bay sunsets from spring to fall. A wide lawn runs down to the breakwater, where you can swim in the cold, clear water of the Rainy, enjoy an outdoor meal on the picnic table, or sit around the fire pit right on the shoreline.
The Davis House is a great place to relax and spend time with your family, fish the Rainy (NO DOCK ON THE PROPERTY, but there are several public boat-launching ramps nearby, snowmobile (there's a groomed trail just one block away that you can sled to right from the house) or rent long-term for local area work.
Kids love the nearby beach, swimming off the breakwater and exploring the shoreline. An Alumacraft canoe, paddles, life-preservers and other water toys are yours to use at the house, as well as a picnic table, garage (perfect for our winter guests), two vintage Schwinns and almost anything else you'll need to enjoy your stay in the Rainy Lake Country.
The friendly municipal liquor store (the Ranier Muni) is just a three-block walk away. There's an ice cream parlor just down the shoreline at Tara's Wharf, along with fresh-brewed beer at Loony's Brew, a public boat-launch ramp on the river side of Ranier, the new Cantilever Distillery with hipster bar and restaurant right across the street, and the constant activity of the Canadian National Railway.
The entire expanse of Rainy Lake—with its thousands of islands, Voyageur's National Park, renowned walleye and bass fishing—is right outside your door. And if you just want solitude or a quiet place to write your memoirs, Ranier has long been a haven for writers and painters and artists of every kind— not to mention the occasional gin-runner.
Property manager
Phillomena Davis
Languages
English
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
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On the water in the Historic Heart of Ranier, Minnesota
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- Kitchen
- Washer
- Dryer
- Pet-friendly
10.0 out of 10, (85 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed
No cats, please.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Smoking outside is ok, but please not in the house
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Ranier
Located in Ranier, this cottage is on the waterfront. St. Thomas Aquinas Parish and The Fort Frances Museum are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Voyageurs National Park and Rainy Lake Visitor Center. Travelling with kids? Consider Fort Frances Public Library, or check out an event or a game at Memorial Sports Centre. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing, and don't miss out on the ice skating and snowmobiling.
Ranier, MN
What's nearby
- Voyageurs National Park - 5 min drive - 4.0 km
- St. Thomas Aquinas Parish - 8 min drive - 7.3 km
- Smokey Bear Park - 8 min drive - 7.3 km
- The Lookout Tower - 9 min drive - 4.0 km
- Voyageurs National Park - 15 min drive - 14.3 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- McDonald's - 8 min drive
- Tim Hortons - 8 min drive
- Boston Pizza - 8 min drive
- La Place Rendez-Vous Hotel - 10 min drive
- Border Bar Pizza Parlor - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Cindy S.
16 Jun, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Property
Cindy S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Paula B.
7 Aug, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing getaway
Paula B.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Joe F.
14 Jul, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location
Joe F.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Carey A.
15 Jul, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean cabin with amazing view
Carey A.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Stephanie W.
27 Jul, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Stu’s on Rainey Lake
Stephanie W.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Paula B.
12 Aug, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely lakeside home
Paula B.
Stayed 21 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Deanna S.
13 Jun, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
So peaceful!
Deanna S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Judith H.
3 Jul, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing location
Judith H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Stephanie M.
1 Sept, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay
Stephanie M.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
10/10 Excellent
Rob U.
28 Jun, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy Cottage
Rob U.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Daniel Michael M.
3 Jul, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great
Daniel Michael M.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Melynda B.
15 Aug, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Northwoods cabin
Melynda B.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Ryann R.
24 Jul, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Cottage
Ryann R.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jeffrey H.
10 Oct, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy Cottage
Jeffrey H.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Rhonda W.
9 Apr, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a great place right on the water.
Rhonda W.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2021
10/10 Excellent
Sarah W.
4 May, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another great time at Rainy Lake!
Sarah W.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Paula B.
11 Aug, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fun Rainy Lake location
Paula B.
Stayed 18 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Scott F.
31 May, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fishing
Scott F.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jane M.
19 Aug, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sunsets Supreme
Jane M.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022
10/10 Excellent
Clayton D.
4 Jul, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Lake Home
Clayton D.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Kim C.
25 Sept, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Good Size Cozy Cabin
Kim C.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Daniel C.
18 Jun, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Lake Cabin
Daniel C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Sarah W.
18 Sept, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another lovely stay
Sarah W.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
10/10 Excellent
Nancy K., Grand Rapids
18 Sept, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location
Nancy K.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020
About the host
Hosted by Phillomena Davis
Mike and Phillomena Davis manage the Davis homestead rentals and visit the cabin frequently. We live in the Twin Cities but have many friends and relatives throughout the area. In 2024 we decided to completely renovate and update the house, which had not been done on a large scale since the 1970s. We hope you appreciate the result.
Why they chose this property
This property has been in the Davis family for more than 100 years. The location, with its proximity to both Rainy River and Rainy Lake and Canada right across the bay, has been a historic gathering spot for native Americans, fur traders and adventurers for hundreds of years. From this point you can travel by boat more than 30 miles into the Canadian wilderness in three different directions or head up to Kettle Falls on the U.S. side 40 miles more. There is really no other lake in Minnesota that has so many unique features. It is a true, Canadian Shield body of water with a granite shoreline, hundreds of bays and inlets and deep, cold water. You can spend a lifetime exploring it, and many have done just that.
What makes this property unique
This is not your typical Minnesota "piney woods cabin." It is truly a rustic lake home and part of the fascinating culture of the village and rail port of Ranier. Yes, the lake is there with all of its attractions. But this location has so much more that keeps us coming back year after year: the trains! The smell of the air! The wildness of the lake and the idea that you can take a boat in almost any direction, and if you go far enough and you're not familiar with the area, you may have a hard time finding your way back!
Languages:
English
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