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Waterfront Cottage on Magnificent Rainy Lake: Completely Renovated in 2024-25!

Lakefront cottage with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Waterfront Cottage on Magnificent Rainy Lake: Completely Renovated in 2024-25!

Rainy Lake waterfront property faces Canada—and summer sunsets—across Sand Bay.
2025 Renovation added new front entry, siding & deck, new windows throughout.
West side of cottage, showing off new (2025) roof, siding, windows.
Another view of the renovated living room.
The new (2025) front entry with the last section of the old vintage couch.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61550 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Beach view
  • Gym
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
  • Place, Smokey Bear Park
  • Place, St. Thomas Aquinas Parish
  • Place, The Lookout Tower
  • Airport, International Falls, MN (INL-Falls Intl.)

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Lakeside Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Middle Bedroom

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

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.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Gym

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
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 less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
No cats, please.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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.
No checking work emails.
No complaining about the weather.
Three hugs every day!

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 and a first aid kit

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Ranier

Located in Ranier, this cottage is on the waterfront. Cantilever Distillery and Plaza Lanes are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Voyageurs National Park and Rainy Lake Visitor Center. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Ranier, MN

What's nearby

  • Voyageurs National Park - 5 min drive - 4.0 km
  • Smokey Bear Park - 8 min drive - 7.3 km
  • St. Thomas Aquinas Parish - 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

  • International Falls, MN (INL-Falls Intl.) - 9 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Border Bar Pizza - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪SUBWAY - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Domino's Pizza - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Waterfront Cottage on Magnificent Rainy Lake: Completely Renovated in 2024-25! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Waterfront Cottage on Magnificent Rainy Lake: Completely Renovated in 2024-25!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Waterfront Cottage on Magnificent Rainy Lake: Completely Renovated in 2024-25!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Waterfront Cottage on Magnificent Rainy Lake: Completely Renovated in 2024-25! located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is steps away from Ranier Beach and Cantilever Distillery. Ranier City Park and City Beach are also within 10 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 130 out of 137 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 137 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 137 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 137 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 137 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tracey R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Location for our plans. Had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. The locals were very friendly too.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jason K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice location for my work crew. Great view of the water.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay at the cottage was wonderful. It’s comfortable and beautifully renovated. The view is gorgeous. It has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Absolutely adorable.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Samantha A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful place right in Ranier! Looking forward to staying again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paula B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice location with stunning lake views. Remodel makes it even more comfortable than in the past.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Blaine M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin is a great place to stay. We enjoyed its location and beautiful lake views. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely cottage with everything you could want or need for an exceptional stay. There is easy access to Voyageurs, guides and good eats in town. We also cooked at the house with all the amenities and a beautiful view of Rainy Lake. If you don't own a boat, I recommend hiring a private guide. We were able to see many historical sites, hike the gorgeous Anderson loop trail and catch some walleye on these varied lakes.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristen H.

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

Enjoyable stay

Perfect family place with amazing views! Very well stocked kitchen, updated with 2 bathrooms, and great location to explore voyagers! We want to come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bradley B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Can’t say enough how nice this cottage is. The renovations are outstanding and we had a very enjoyable time. Overall, it was a great experience.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joe B.

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

Beautiful place to stay!

Newly remodeled...wonderful view way better than the listing. It was so great that the beach was so close! The inside of the cottage was beautiful! Its great that there is 2 bathrooms! I would stay there again in a heartbeat.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cindy S.

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

Beautiful Property

Everything was wonderful. The sunset was amazing every night and we had beautiful weather. The home was comfortable and had everything you could need. Loved how the home was decorated. Comfortable and so cute! We will definitely stay there again!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paula B.

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

Relaxing getaway

We always enjoy our visit. Looking forward to next year!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joe F.

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

Great location

The cabin worked great for our family vacation! Being on the lake and close to restaurants is the best of both worlds.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie M.

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

Wonderful stay

We ended up spending more time in the cozy cabin than we expected due to weather, we listened to records, watched movies and enjoyed watching the water planes take off from the other side of the lake!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Carey A.

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

Clean cabin with amazing view

We enjoyed our stay at Davis House. The cabin is slightly outdated, but it is very clean and has everything you need. It is in a beautiful location and has amazing view. Our kids enjoyed swimming at the nearby city beach.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paula B.

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

Lovely lakeside home

Our second time here. We enjoyed our stay just as much as the first time.
Stayed 21 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Judith H.

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

Amazing location

Comfortable home at a really wonderful location. Would definitely return.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie W.

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

Great Stu’s on Rainey Lake

Gray views and well stocked! Loved the kitschy vibe!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rob U.

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

Cozy Cottage

Very cute cottage right on the lake. Had everything that we needed. Great cottage!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deanna S.

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

So peaceful!

You’ll enjoy your stay here. While the bathroom is tiny, everything else more than makes up for it! It’s perfectly located if you’re visiting Voyageurs, it’s well stocked, and it’s just a short distance to International Falls and good restaurants.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey H.

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

Cozy Cottage

Loved it. Outstanding location with a million dollar view.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda W.

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

This is a great place right on the water.

It was our first time renting a home instead of staying in a hotel and we loved it The home was cozy and clean and a perfect spot on the water. The entire process of renting the Davis house was simple and we were very happy with our choice. We hope to stay there again soon!!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Daniel Michael M.

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

Great

Great location and the house has a neat throwback feel. Beautiful views and proximity to many locations at Voyageurs and beyond. Would definitely book again. Only drawback was bathroom location (must pass through one bedroom to access).
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paula B.

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

Fun Rainy Lake location

Excellent location. Easy walk to services. Beautiful view of the lake. We'll be back.
Stayed 18 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Melynda B.

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

Northwoods cabin

The Davis Home was perfect for our family. It was in walking distance to an ice-cream shop, bar and restaurant. The home is unique and cozy with all the needed amenities and more. There is a sand beach next door and a great boat put in walking distance to the house. We hope to return again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

About the host

Hosted by Phillomena Davis

Host profile image
Mike and Phillomena Davis own and personally manage the Davis House on Rainy Lake and visit the cabin frequently. We live in the Twin Cities but have many friends and relatives throughout the Rainy Lake area. In 2024 we decided to completely renovate and update the house, which had not been done on a large scale since the 1970s. This work included a new entryway, new Marvin windows throughout, new flooring, shiplap ceilings, new kitchen and appliances, a 12-foot kitchen island facing the lake, new master bedroom and bathroom, new roof and siding, and many other details.
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, tannic 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 busy 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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