On the water in the Historic Heart of Ranier, Minnesota
With sweeping views from the deck or dock, the Mermaid Landing (1/2 of the Shabby Chic Lake House duplex, owner does not live on site, but has the Mermaid Loft upstairs for their use when they happen to be in town & sometimes for friends wanting a special vacation) is sure to be your favorite spot for relaxation and fun. This downstairs unit has one tub/shower bathroom and an additional 1/2 bath. It sleeps up to 6 on three double beds in three separate rooms (2 bedrooms and a sleeping porch with a pullout). There's also a large corner sofa that could sleep a couple kids. The bedrooms are on the small side, but we were able to fit 2 separate bedrooms and a full bath plus a 1/2 bath without sacrificing a living room, full kitchen, dining area, and porch area for a pullout bed. Other than peak season, the Mermaid Landing usually rents for around the same price as a hotel room.. The beds are high enough off the ground to easily accommodate suitcases underneath and there is a hanging bar attached to the bed. It has a full gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances, glassware and dishes and any thing you need to cook, Keurig coffee maker with variety of pods, gas grill, patio furniture and umbrella, deck and dock, sand beach swim area, free wifi, cable, smart tv, ( in season and when available; 2-5 bikes(bike to town on the bike trail for your morning latte), 4 k kayaks, two stand up paddle boards, fishing rods and tackle (you'll need to get a fishing license)), 100% cotton bed linens and bath towels, beach towels, dock blankets, washer and dryer in house, and more. Just step off the rocking chair front porch and you're almost at Loony's Brew Pub (formerly Woody's). The Rainy Lake Grill Restaurant is 1 block and the Ranier Municipality (on and off sale) is 2 blocks and Tara's Wharf's Ice Cream shop is across the alley. The Cantilever Hotel, distillery and restaurant is across the street. During the summer months, a couple of times per month, our little village is lucky enough to have Loony's host a live band(I haven't heard a bad one yet!). Loony's deck is next door to the Shabby Chic Lake House and so if you happen to catch one of these nights, you will probably hear the music until 11 or even midnight sometimes, especially if it's a nice night and you have your windows open. During our annual Ranier Daze festival that falls on the 2nd week of August, there will definitely be a band. July 01st is the Canadian Independence Day and fireworks that can be seen in Ranier usually bring a fun night in our little village.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Pets allowed: less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
With prior approval & non refundable deposit
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Property # 858183vb
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
Note from host: with prior approval from owner
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Ranier
Located in Ranier, this holiday home is on the beach. Cantilever Distillery and The River Golf Course 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. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing, and don't miss out on the snowmobiling, ice skating and sledging.
International Falls, MN (INL-Falls Intl.) - 9 min drive
Restaurants
Tim Hortons - 7 min drive
SUBWAY - 6 min drive
Dunkin’ & Baskin Robins - 7 min drive
Coffee Landing Cafe - 6 min drive
Border Bar Pizza - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is On the water in the Historic Heart of Ranier, Minnesota pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at On the water in the Historic Heart of Ranier, Minnesota?
As of 10 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at On the water in the Historic Heart of Ranier, Minnesota on 5 Dec 2026 start from £234, 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 On the water in the Historic Heart of Ranier, Minnesota?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at On the water in the Historic Heart of Ranier, Minnesota?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at On the water in the Historic Heart of Ranier, Minnesota?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is On the water in the Historic Heart of Ranier, Minnesota located?
Nestled on the beach, this Ranier holiday home is just steps away from Rainy Lake and Ranier Beach. Ranier City Park and Cantilever Distillery are also within 10 minutes.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The property was just as described. It was very cute and comfortable. We really loved the porch facing the water. The owner was a great source of information for us. The neighborhood was delightful.
What a beautiful property to stay at. The property was exactly what we were looking for and was a great area to vacation. We loved the great restaurants and the ice cream shop nearby also!! Thanks for a great and relaxing vacation!!
We stayed here for 4 nights to explore Voyageurs National Park and surrounding area. We enjoyed everything about the place. Our kids especially enjoyed the kayaks, paddle boards and fishing gear. The ice cream place next door was a plus as well. Awesome place!
Family of three was just right for the size and space. Very clean and updated kitchen. Views are great and couldn’t get any closer to the water than this one is. Can’t wait to try it in the summer.
Have stayed here several years and it has been awesome. No complaints, but parking is limited.
Verified traveller
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Aug 2021
Gosh I’m sorry you thought parking was limited. I wish I’d have known and I could have helped you out. We have 3 spots on property including one for boat and trailer parking. I’m super happy you thought it was awesome otherwise.
This is the second time we have stayed at this beautiful property. The water was calm enough to take out the small kayaks this time. The cabin is equipped with everything we needed. Highly recommend and will stay here again.
Really nice, quality space. So many VRBOs are cheap and full of cheap junk, and this space was really nice and thoughtfully curated. The owners and property managers were all fantastic.
We rented the cabin for a weekend getaway of snowmobiling. We loved everything about the area, cabin and owners. Descriptions were exact. We will be back to enjoy a different season.
Angie S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Jul 2020
I love the winter there too! Hopefully soon we will have a sauna and firepit in the side yard. Yes, please come back for different season:)
This is a very cute, renovated older home. We had 4 people (2 teens and 2 adults), and that is the maximum I would want there. It is in a beautiful location, close to all the action. The AC drowns out any noise from people visiting the bar next door.
First time we have ever rented a house for vacation. Did not disappoint. Great location, clean and well decorated house. Loved the books and pictures of Rainy lake history. Fully stocked kitchen and comfortable beds!
Everyone wants to do it again, which we will!!!
Louis W.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Jul 2020
I’m so glad you enjoyed your time at the Mermaid Landing, it is my little slice of heaven on earth. I hope you saw the comet! You are welcome back anytime. Hopefully in the future we will have a sauna and a fire pit.
Our family enjoyed another wonderful stay at The Mermaid. The cottage is perfectly situated in the heart of Ranier on magnificent Rainy Lake. The accommodations are extremely clean and decorated adorably with Rainy Lake history and charm. Fully stocked kitchen, comfy beds, gas grill for dining on the deck and a magnificent for ideal sunsets of our border.
We will continue to come back!
Rachel M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Jul 2020
It’s always our pleasure to host you and your family. Safe travels. Hopefully we’ll have a sand beach access in the lot next door, a sauna and a firepit sooner than later:)
Our family of three loved our stay! We made use of the kayaks, paddle boards and fishing equipment available. The location was great, walkable to restaurants and ice cream and grabbing a drink. We also spent lots of time just relaxing on the dock. Inside, we had everything we needed, including 1.5 baths. The inside is beautiful. Would highly recommend!
This property is everything we needed and wanted. The owners were very kind and communicated well. They even texted to let us know that there was a high likelihood of seeing northern lights on one of the nights we were staying. The house was very clean and well stocked. We loved our stay and if ever in the area again, we will not hesitate to book here again.
My wife and I stayed here for a long weekend and were extremely impressed with this space. It was so well done. It actually felt like home. We have stayed at a lot of VRBOs and this one is our new favorite. The fact that it is just steps from the water is a huge bonus as well. We will definitely be back.
The property description is completely accurate. The sheets, towels, linens are top notch. The neighborhood is welcoming and peaceful. Geoff and Amanda are very responsive and Amy is wonderful! Five Stars!!
Verified traveller
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023
About the host
Hosted by Geoffrey Tarr
I'm an original Ranier girl, born and raised 3 doors down. I left after high school and became a flight attendant for Delta and have lived full or part time in a variety of places, including Hawaii, New York City, South of France, England, and currently live in the south for 28 years (Atlanta & Chattanooga) and just couldn't find any place like home. My husband and I chose to vacation in Ranier every summer. This house has been vacant since 1950 and when it came for sale, our local realtor/fishing guide extraordinaire friend convinced us (it wasn't hard) to take this historic home on and restore it. After a lot of sweat and love, it's now ready for the world. We decided to make it a duplex so we could have lots of family and friends visit and rent it out as well. (because it needs to be shared:)
Why they chose this property
We built it like it was our home that has loving attention to detail, right down to the dishes. If you are lacking something, please let us know!
What makes this property unique
Step right off the deck onto the dock. We are also right next to the city boat ramp. Sweeping views of sunsets, the night sky, and on many a very lucky night, those magnificent northern lights!
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests