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.