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Welcome to Ethel’s Cottage on Gull Lake

Relax and unwind at Ethel’s Cottage, our beloved family lake cabin on the north end of Gull Lake in Nisswa, Minnesota. Built in 1922 and full of classic knotty-pine charm, this one-level lakefront cottage is one of the last true old-school cabins on Gull Lake.

If you are looking for sandy beach days, dock time, sunset views, beach fires, boating, fishing, paddle boarding, and a real Minnesota “up north” getaway, this is it.

Ethel’s Cottage is located on Gull Lake’s “Gold Coast,” just steps from Grand View Lodge, Minnesota’s premier golf and spa resort. Guests can walk to public areas of Grand View Lodge for dining, coffee, ice cream, spa services, golf, and more. You are also just minutes from downtown Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, Crosslake, Baxter, and Brainerd.

A Classic Gull Lake Cabin

Ethel’s Cottage has been in our family for more than 50 years and was Ethel’s full-time residence for over 10 years. The cabin has the warmth and character guests love in a vintage Minnesota lake cottage, including knotty pine throughout, hardwood floors, cozy gathering spaces, and lake views.

This is not a new-build luxury home. It is a historic 1922 lake cabin with charm, character, and thoughtful updates for guest comfort. We have refreshed the cabin with new bedding, new mattresses, updated design touches, a new refrigerator, an added garage refrigerator, new washer and dryer, coffee bar area, fans, and a new grill while keeping the relaxed, nostalgic feel of a true Gull Lake cottage.

The Space

The cottage includes:

3 bedrooms
1 bathroom
Fully stocked kitchen
Stackable washer/dryer
New bedding and mattresses
New refrigerator
Additional garage refrigerator for drinks, groceries, and lake-day overflow
Coffee bar area
55” Roku TV with streaming
Wi-Fi
Game and puzzle cabinet
Gas grill
One-level layout
Detached 1-car garage for storage only

The home is cozy, casual, and designed for lake living. It works well for families, couples, golfers, boaters, anglers, and guests who want an easy, comfortable cabin stay in one of the best locations in the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Sleeping Arrangements
Bedroom 1: Queen bed
Bedroom 2: Queen bed
Bedroom 3: Queen Bed and Double bed

The cottage has one bathroom, but each bedroom includes a mirror so guests can comfortably get ready in their own space.

Comfort Notes

This is a historic lake cabin with a vintage layout and one bathroom. There is no central air conditioning, but the cabin is equipped with AC units in the main living areas, ceiling fans, and fans in each bedroom.

Guests who enjoy classic Minnesota lake cabins will appreciate the knotty-pine charm, hardwood floors, lakefront setting, sandy beach, dock, and relaxed “up north” feel.

Lakefront & Outdoor Space

The outdoor space is one of the best parts of Ethel’s Cottage. The cabin sits on a level lakefront lot with a sandy beach and easy access to the water. No steep climb, no complicated shoreline, just simple lake life steps from the door.

Outdoor features include:

Level sandy beach
Private dock with swim ladder
Fishing and swimming dock
Paddleboards
Beach fire ring
Outdoor seating
Small patio
Lakefront deck
Gas grill
Canopied solar-powered boat lift
Beautiful Gull Lake views
Sunrise and sunset views over the lake

Enjoy morning coffee by the water, afternoons swimming or boating, and evenings around the beach fire ring. The lakefront is easy to use and ideal for families, couples, and anyone who wants to spend as much time outside as possible.

Boat Lift & Dock

A guest boat lift is available with advance approval. The lift has a 5,000 lb maximum capacity and may accommodate fishing boats, runabouts, pontoons, or tritoons depending on boat size, style, and setup.

Boat lift use requires completion of a Boat Lift and Dock Rental Agreement. If adjustments are needed to accommodate your boat, a $200 adjustment fee applies. No overnight tying to the dock or lift is allowed.

There are two boat lifts on site. One is available for guest use with approval, and the second is reserved for our family boat. We may occasionally access our boat from the lakefront area only, but we will not stay on the property or enter the cabin during your stay.

The nearest public boat ramp is only a few miles away.

Pets

Ethel’s Cottage is pet friendly with prior approval. Up to 2 pets are allowed, under 50 lbs each. Pet fee and signed pet addendum are required.

Garage & Guest Access

Guests have access to the cabin, lakefront, dock, beach, outdoor seating areas, patio, deck, grill, and garage storage area. The detached garage is for storage only and may be used for items such as beach chairs, water toys, paddleboards, bikes, and lake gear.

Guests do not have access to one locked storage room and one locked storage shed, both attached to the garage.

Location

Ethel’s Cottage is located on the north end of Gull Lake in Nisswa, in the heart of the Brainerd Lakes Area. This location is hard to beat.

You can walk to Grand View Lodge for dining, spa services, golf, coffee, ice cream, and resort amenities open to the public. Downtown Nisswa is just minutes away, with shops, restaurants, coffee, ice cream, breweries, and family-friendly activities.

Nearby towns include:

Nisswa
Pequot Lakes
Crosslake
Baxter
Brainerd
Gull Lake & Nearby Attractions

Gull Lake is one of Minnesota’s premier lake destinations and is known for boating, swimming, fishing, water sports, lakeside dining, and beautiful views. Several restaurants and destinations can be reached by boat, including Bar Harbor, Zorbaz, Ernie’s, Lost Lake Lodge, Grand View Lodge, and other nearby resort restaurants.

Nearby favorites include:

Grand View Lodge dining, spa, and golf
Downtown Nisswa shops and restaurants
Chocolate Ox
Rafferty’s Pizza
Big Axe Brewing
StoneHouse Coffee
Main Street Ale House
Ganley’s
Paul Bunyan Trail for biking, walking, jogging, and skating
Nisswa Turtle Races
Mini golf
Go-karts
Water parks
Zip lining
Fishing guide services
Water equipment rentals
Brainerd International Raceway
Top-rated Brainerd Lakes golf courses
Pequot Lakes, Crosslake, Baxter, and Brainerd attractions

Outdoor recreation opportunities abound in the Brainerd Lakes Area in every season. Enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, water sports, hiking, biking, golfing, shopping, dining, winter activities, and classic lake-country exploring.

Extras Available

Available by request for an additional fee:

Cabin concierge / grocery stocking before arrival
Private chef or catering options
Onsite massage, when available

Please inquire in advance for availability and pricing.

Important Booking Notes

We generally request weekly rentals or longer during the summer and winter seasons. We may consider weekend or shorter stays within 14 days of requested dates. Shorter stays are also considered during September, October, November, March, April, and May.

We generally limit occupancy to 6 guests, but may accommodate up to 8 depending on ages and circumstances. Please contact Amy with any special requests.

Minimum night stays vary by season. If the VRBO settings do not fit your needs, please reach out and we may be able to adjust when possible.

Early check-in and/or late check-out may be offered when available at no additional fee.

Prior to your stay, guests must complete the Short Term Rental Agreement and Rental Rules. If applicable, guests must also complete the Boat Lift and Dock Rental Agreement and/or Pet Addendum. Pet fees apply.

The Ethel’s Cottage Experience

Whether this is your first trip to Minnesota’s Brainerd Lakes Area or an annual family tradition, Ethel’s Cottage offers a rare chance to enjoy classic Gull Lake cabin life with thoughtful updates, a sandy beach, dock, boat-friendly setup, pet-friendly policies, and one of the best locations in the Nisswa area.

Come enjoy the charm of the past, the comforts of today, and the kind of lake vacation that makes people want to return year after year.