Cabin Near Banning State Park, the Munger Trail & Grindstone Lake -Dogs Welcome!
Welcome to Snowy Owl Barn, a charming 3-bedroom, dog-friendly cabin nestled in the tranquil woods on over an acre of land in Sandstone, Minnesota. Whether you're seeking a romantic couple's escape, a family retreat, a girls' weekend, a crafting hideaway, or a fun poker night with the guys, our cabin offers ample space for relaxation and unwinding. Despite its cozy cabin ambiance, you'll enjoy modern amenities, and the best part is that it's just a convenient 1.5-hour drive from the nearby cities!
☆☆OUTDOOR☆☆ Tucked away in the midst of the woods, you'll be enveloped by the natural beauty of the northern forest. The deck provides a generous seating area for unwinding with loved ones. The expansive yard is ideal for outdoor games and features a fire pit for cozy bonfires, s'mores, and cherished moments together. Additionally, a gas grill and a spacious picnic table, accommodating up to eight people, are available for delightful outdoor dining experiences.
☆☆LIVING AREAS☆☆ The spacious, open main level provides ample room for all guests and serves as an ideal gathering spot. Relax by the electric fireplace, enjoy TV entertainment, or engage in activities like foosball, pool, or ping pong. If you prefer quieter pastimes, choose from a selection of board games, including chess and cards.
Ideal for family gatherings! Enjoy preparing meals in the kitchen featuring an electric stove top and range hood. The kitchen also boasts butcher block countertops. Additionally, there's a relaxed dining room area with seating for 8.
The loft exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere, offering picturesque views of the forest. It's the perfect spot to snuggle up with a good book, savor a cup of coffee, or indulge in some wine while enjoying meaningful conversations.
☆☆BEDS AND BATHS☆☆ The second floor boasts three inviting bedrooms, each offering scenic forest views. These well-appointed bedrooms are equipped with top-quality linens, extra pillows, cozy blankets, ceiling fans, noise machines, and blackout curtains for your comfort.
Among these bedrooms, two feature a queen-sized bed in each, while the third bedroom offers two queen-sized beds, making it perfect for larger groups or families.
For your convenience, all three bedrooms share an opulent full bathroom upstairs. This luxurious bathroom features a spacious walk-in shower and a freestanding bathtub, ideal for a soothing bubble bath after a long day of adventure.
Additionally, there is a convenient half bathroom on the main floor, just off the kitchen area, ensuring that you have all the amenities you need during your stay.
☆☆ADDITIONAL SPACES☆☆ You'll find a washer and dryer conveniently located in the closet on the main level, tucked under the stairs. Complimentary detergent and dryer sheets are provided for your convenience should you need to do any laundry during your stay.
☆☆ACCESSIBILITY☆☆ To reach the main level of the home, you'll need to ascend two steps. Additionally, to access the main bathroom and bedrooms, you'll need to climb another flight of stairs.
☆☆PETS☆☆ We permit a maximum of two dogs (no other pets permitted) with a non-refundable pet fee of $75. Guests are required to clean up after their dogs, and they are accountable for any damages caused by their pets. If leaving the pets at Snowy Owl, they must be kenneled.
☆☆SEASONAL ACTIVITIES☆☆ Summer We provide Cornhole ("Bags") and outdoor games for yard entertainment. Feel free to bring your bicycles and explore the nearby William Munger trail, located just 4 miles away. If you're into water activities, Grindstone Lake is conveniently located nearby, with a public boat launch just 2.5 miles away. Additionally, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking in one of the many State Parks, such as Banning State Park, which is a mere 10 miles away.
☆☆WINTER☆☆ Explore the winter wonderland by snowshoeing or cross-country skiing around Grindstone Lake or the scenic trails at Osprey Wilds. Take advantage of the provided complimentary maps and enjoy snowmobiling on the local trails. And for those who love ice fishing, don't miss the opportunity to fish on the frozen Grindstone Lake.
Distance to nearby attractions: Grand Casino Hinckley - 12 miles Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center - 4 miles Grindstone Lake - 2 miles
State Parks: William Munger State Trail - 4 miles Banning State Park - 10 miles General Andrews SS State Forest - 25 miles (ATV/OHV Trails) DAR State Forest - 16 miles Nemadji State Forest - 40 miles (ATV/OHV Trails) Chengwatana State Forest - 30 miles (ATV/OHV Trails) Moose Lake State Park - 30 miles
Grocery: Chris's Food Center - 7miles Daggetts Fresh Foods - 9 miles
Liquor: Woodys Bar and Off-Sale - 8 miles Hinckley Firehouse Municipal Liquor Store - 10 miles
Restaurants/Bars: Whitney's Country Cafe - 8 miles Tobies Restaurant & Bakery - 10 miles Woodys Bar and Off-Sale - 8 miles Bogey's On Main - 9 miles Whistle Stop Cafe - 9 miles El Tucan Bar & Grill - 9 miles
Local wineries and breweries: Sapsucker Farms Yellow Belly Cidery - Mora - 20 miles Moose Lake Brewing Company - Moose Lake - 31 miles Northern Hollow Winery -Grasston - 26 miles Ann River Winery - Mora - 30 miles
Golf: Sandstone Area Golf Course - 8 miles Grand National Golf Club - 11 miles
Medical: Essentia Health Urgent Care - 7 miles Twin Pines Veterinary Clinic - Hinckley - 11 miles
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Sandstone
Located in Sandstone, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a river. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Banning State Park and Kettle River Wildlife Management Area, while Hinkley Fire Museum and North West Company Fur Post are cultural highlights. Travelling with kids? Consider MN Old School Arts Center and Pine Center For the Arts. Take in the nearby slopes with skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging.
Federal Correctional Institution, Sandstone - 23 min drive - 19.8 km
Grand Casino Hinckley - 27 min drive - 24.0 km
Restaurants
Casey's General Store - 13 min drive
Rich's Bar - 15 min drive
Lex's Tavern - 16 min drive
Halfway Home Saloon - 13 min drive
Fish House
Frequently asked questions
Is Cabin Near Banning State Park, the Munger Trail & Grindstone Lake -Dogs Welcome! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Cabin Near Banning State Park, the Munger Trail & Grindstone Lake -Dogs Welcome!?
As of 12 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Cabin Near Banning State Park, the Munger Trail & Grindstone Lake -Dogs Welcome! on 25 May 2026 start from £195, 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 at Cabin Near Banning State Park, the Munger Trail & Grindstone Lake -Dogs Welcome!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Cabin Near Banning State Park, the Munger Trail & Grindstone Lake -Dogs Welcome!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Cabin Near Banning State Park, the Munger Trail & Grindstone Lake -Dogs Welcome!?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Cabin Near Banning State Park, the Munger Trail & Grindstone Lake -Dogs Welcome! located?
Located on a river, this family-friendly holiday home is within 9 mi (15 km) of Essentia Health-Sandstone, MN Old School Arts Center and Banning State Park. Robinson Park and Kettle River are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We were celebrating a family birthday. The house was beautiful, well maintained, had everything we could possibly need and was spacious enough for us to gather together but had cozy areas for anyone who wanted a little quiet time by themselves.
We loved our stay at the Snowy Owl! The property is beautiful and a perfect place to stay as a family with little ones. The hosts are so kind and answered all questions quickly. There are so many small touches that made this property great - white noise machines in each room, a foldable play house for the kids, water dish and tie out for my brother’s dog, a bin of commonly forgotten things to use if needed (toothbrushes, phone chargers, even a few diapers.) We loved the outdoor seating with the lights and fireplace. It’s a short drive to Big Spring Falls - which s a gorgeous place to hike/hang out by the water. We would stay again in a heartbeat!
Wonderfully pet friendly with amenities including dog bowls and a tie out.Beautifully decorated property. Lovely amenities including a welcome note, comfy outdoor seating, coffee and toiletries for the shower. Many extra amenities not often included in a VRBO.Comfortable couches, plenty of seating for a group and really comfortable beds with blackout curtains for ease of sleeping in. Games, throw blankets, extra toiletries for anything guests may have forgotten were wonderful touches for any family or group spending time here.
We fell in love with this property in our short stay. The hosts were very communicative, fast in response and it's in a beautiful setting. We hope to go back soon and have more time to explore all the amenities.
We have an awesome stay at the Snowy Owl Barn! You can tell the owners really put their heart into this property with all the amenities and extras. The cabin is beautifully decorated. The cabin was clean and very cozy. We will definitely stay again.
We (6 adults)attended a concert at a nearby casino and couldn't find any available rooms there or anywhere nearby. So when we found this listing on Vrbo, we were thrilled. We booked for two nights. The Snowy Owl Barn is just as described: Spacious main level with 3 BR upstairs. 1.5 baths. The beds were very comfy. It was very clean. We grilled steaks one night on the deck. It had a nicely appointed kitchen. Would highly recommend this place!
Great place to spend time with family, friends, team members
We had an amazing time at Snowy Owl Barn. The house and property were wonderful. Here's our group's comments:
- Tasteful, modern decor,
- Deep in the woods,
- Lots of space in the house,
- Extremely clean and well-furnished,
- Good area for soccer in the yard,
- Washer & Dryer, dishwasher!
- Lots of toys and games in the house—including
Foosball & pool table!
- Stunning statue and native plant garden nearby,
- Groomed cross-country ski trails nearby for our next
visit,
- Great experiences with the landlords
We will be back!
The barn is beautiful! With all the amenities you’ll need to be comfortable, the home has high end furnishings in a peaceful setting. The wooded lot is VERY private and quiet- the firepit was a highlight for all. The grandkids had fun exploring the forest. The public beach is walkable/bikeable from the house and the lake is clean and swimmable. Plenty of frogs and critters were caught by the grandkids and it kept them occupied for hours. When we weren’t outside, we had plenty to do inside with all the games available including a pool table, ping pong and foosball. We had plenty of space for a large family. Can’t wait to stay again!
This was easily the nicest rental we’ve had for our annual girls’ weekend. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the hosts put a lot of thought into making the space comfortable and welcoming. The attention to detail was evident in every room. The house was spotless, the kitchen had everything we needed with quality cookware and sharp knives, and the living room was spacious enough for all seven of us to relax together. The washer and dryer was also very convenient. The bedrooms were cozy with very comfortable beds, blackout curtains, ceiling fans, personal fans, night lights, and even sound machines—perfect for a great night’s sleep. The upstairs bathroom was beautiful with a large tub and rain shower, and we loved the little touches throughout the home that made it feel so thoughtfully prepared for guests. The hosts were also incredibly responsive and helpful.We enjoyed the outdoor seating, the grill, and especially the short walk to Grindstone Lake for swimming and exploring. Listening to barred owls in the evening made the experience even more special.One note for future guests: all bedrooms are upstairs, and the front entrance has a single step without a railing, which may be something to keep in mind for those with mobility concerns. That said, the couches were very comfortable for sleeping if needed.Overall, this property was outstanding, and we would happily stay again.
Relaxing Retreat with Thoughtful Touches and Nearby Outdoor Adventures
I stayed at this beautiful home with friends while attending a conference at the Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center, and it exceeded all expectations. The home is thoughtfully designed, providing everything needed for a comfortable and relaxing stay. They truly go the extra mile for comfort—from the upper bathroom's soak tub complete with Epsom salts, to the lower bathroom's tray of essentials in case you forgot something.
The bedroom with two beds even has a stylish divider curtain, offering some privacy if needed. There’s plenty of parking, and the check-in process was a breeze. I also appreciated the quick and clear communication throughout the stay.
The foosball and pool tables added a fun touch—plus, the pool table cleverly converts into a dining table! The upstairs sitting area was a nice retreat, and the kitchen was well-stocked, including a blender perfect for making protein shakes. I loved the thoughtful lighting touches, like the beautifully lit front steps and the cozy backyard string lights. The campfire ring in the back was a fun feature too.
As for things to do, the Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center offers public hiking trails, and nearby attractions like Grindstone Lake, Banning State Park, the Minnesota Goose Garden, and Big Spring Falls Trailhead provide plenty of outdoor adventures.
This home is a perfect mix of style, comfort, and convenience. Highly recommend and I'd love to visit again!
Nina B.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
About the host
Hosted by Aaron Hagebak
Hi, I'm Aaron! I own a STEAM education business in Minneapolis, love live music, nature and my family. I split time in Duluth and Minneapolis, and have loved adventures in Sandstone and Hinckley, as well as Banning State Park and the Osprey Wilds Nature Center. I've always loved interacting and connecting with folks, and providing experiences like a stay at the Snowy Owl Barn makes me feel like I'm doing something meaningful.
Why they chose this property
I love the Sandstone and Grindstone Lake area that Snowy Owl resides in. It's got a rustic, secluded feel while also being close to attractions like the Hinckley Grand Casino, grocery stores and only an hour to Duluth. So you can really hunker down at Snowy Owl Barn for some quiet time, explore nature, swim in Grindstone Lake and hike at Banning, then get out and hit the Casino, Toby's Restaurant or bars and dining in the area.
What makes this property unique
This property is actually where I proposed to my wife! We stayed here as guests and it was absolutely magical. We both love the modern and luxurious feel of the house, the soaking tub, the butcher block island, the foosball and pool, the firepit and deck, but then a few steps away from the property and you're in the forest and nature. It's the best of both worlds.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests