Book the entire Nokasippi on 9 property—two beautifully renovated cabins on the Nokasippi River in Brainerd, MN. Sleeps up to 13 across 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 2 living rooms. Enjoy a full kitchen, kitchenette, 2 laundry rooms, Smart TVs, a fire pit, grill, and stunning river sunsets. Perfect for family reunions, friend getaways, wedding parties, or multi-family trips. 10 min to dining and lakes. Your private Up North compound.
Hosting a group is our specialty, and we’re here to make it seamless.
COMMUNICATION: Reach us 24/7/365 through your booking platform or by calling/texting directly. We’re responsive, friendly, and full of local tips.
ON-SITE PRESENCE: We’re regularly on-site but observe extended quiet hours. You won’t notice us unless you need us.
PRE-ARRIVAL: You’ll receive a comprehensive Digital Welcome Guide covering both cabins, check-in details, house rules, and local recommendations. Share it with your group so everyone arrives informed.
CHECK-IN: Both cabins use contactless smart lock entry at 4:00 PM. Each cabin has its own unique access code. If anyone in your party has trouble, we’re a quick message away.
DURING YOUR STAY: With a larger group, things come up—we get it. Reach out for anything and we’ll respond fast. From appliance questions to restaurant recommendations, we’re your local concierge.
GROUP COORDINATION TIPS: We recommend designating one point person in your group to communicate with us. This keeps things streamlined and ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
EARLY CHECK-IN / LATE CHECK-OUT: We’ll do our best, especially for groups with staggered arrivals. Message us in advance and we’ll work with you. For guaranteed flexibility, consider adding a night to your booking.
SPECIAL OCCASIONS: Celebrating a reunion, birthday, or milestone? Let us know and we can help coordinate special touches through our Trading Post.
We want your group to have the time of your lives. Don’t hesitate to reach out.
The Riverfront Retreat places your entire group on the Nokasippi River in Brainerd, MN—the heart of Minnesota’s lake country. Downtown Brainerd/Baxter is 10 minutes away, with Nisswa and Grand Casino Mille Lacs 30 minutes out.
DINING FOR GROUPS: The Brainerd Lakes Area has options for every appetite and group size. The Barn serves classic burgers and their famous loose-meat sandwiches. Supper clubs like Bar Harbor, Norway Ridge, and Sherwood North deliver steaks, seafood, and creative specials. For fine dining, Grand View Lodge and Madden’s offer upscale lakeside experiences. Casual group favorites include Zorbaz for lakeside pizza, Quarterdeck Resort, and Dunmire’s Bar & Grill. Many restaurants offer patio seating with stunning lake or river views.
SHOPPING: Explore Downtown Brainerd’s boutiques including Purple Fern Bath Company and Fancy Pants Chocolates. Nisswa’s charming Main Street is perfect for a group outing, and MN Traders Co. in Pequot Lakes offers coffee, cocktails, and curated home goods.
GROUP OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: With 465+ lakes, the options are endless—rent a pontoon, go fishing, try paddleboarding, or swim at a sandy beach. Bike the 110-mile Paul Bunyan State Trail together. Hike the Northland Arboretum or explore Crow Wing State Park. In winter, enjoy snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.
FAMILY FUN: Paul Bunyan Land, Safari North Wildlife Park, three indoor waterparks, escape rooms, bowling, mini golf, and more keep every age entertained.
GOLF: Plan a group golf day at championship courses including Cragun’s Legacy, Deacon’s Lodge, The Pines at Grand View Lodge, or The Classic at Madden’s.
BREWERIES & WINERIES: Jack Pine Brewery, Big Axe Brewing, and Gull Dam Brewing make great group outings.
ENTERTAINMENT: Live music, Brainerd International Raceway, the Crow Wing County Fair, trivia nights, and weekend festivals keep evenings lively.
PARKS: Free fun at Kiwanis Park and Lum Park on the Mississippi River—playgrounds, fishing piers, disc golf, and picnic pavilions.
THE FULL PROPERTY IS YOURS: Both cabins and all shared outdoor spaces are exclusively reserved for your group.
HIDDEN RIVER COTTAGE (BIG CABIN): Full access to 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, full kitchen, living room, laundry room, and patio.
COZY RIVER CABIN (SMALL CABIN): Full access to 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, kitchenette, living room, laundry area, and patio.
OUTDOOR SPACES: Shared riverside grounds with charcoal grill, fire pit, playset, and multiple seating areas. Stunning Nokasippi River views and sunsets from both cabins and the grounds.
PARKING: Free on-site parking for multiple vehicles—plenty of room for your whole group.
CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT: Each cabin has its own contactless smart lock with unique codes. Check-in at 4:00 PM, check-out at 10:00 AM. Online ID verification required for the booking guest. All guests must be registered.
KITCHENS: The Big Cabin has a fully stocked kitchen with modern appliances, dishwasher, and everything for preparing meals for the group. The Small Cabin has a well-equipped kitchenette for lighter prep. Both feature stocked coffee/beverage bars and snack carts.
ENTERTAINMENT: Smart TVs in every bedroom and both living rooms. Games, books, and activities in both cabins. Workspaces in both living rooms for anyone needing to stay connected.
LAUNDRY: Full-size washer and dryer in each cabin—perfect for extended group stays.
PERSONAL CARE: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hair dryers, and fluffy towels in all 3 bathrooms.
CLIMATE CONTROL: Heating and A/C window units in all bedrooms across both cabins.
TRADING POST: Additional amenities and group extras available for purchase on-site.
OFF-LIMITS: Storage Shed, Construction zones for the upcoming event venue. Guest areas are clearly defined and fully separate. Do not rearrange furniture in either cabin.
The Riverfront Retreat gives your group two distinct, beautifully renovated cabins connected by shared riverside grounds—offering the perfect balance of togetherness and personal space.
HIDDEN RIVER COTTAGE (BIG CABIN — 3BR/2BA, SLEEPS 11):
Living Room: The spacious main gathering space features comfortable seating, a flatscreen Smart TV, a designated workspace, and a vintage armoire filled with games, books, and activities. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase stunning Nokasippi River views and sunsets.
Kitchen: A fully equipped boutique kitchen with modern appliances, dishwasher, cookware, and serving ware—ready for group dinners. Stocked coffee/beverage bar and snack cart.
Bedroom 1 (Queen): Plush Queen bed, closet, luggage rack, Smart TV, and river views.
Bedroom 2 (Queen): Comfortable Queen bed with the same thoughtful amenities.
Bedroom 3 (Flexible): 3 Twin beds and 1 Full bed—great for kids or friends. Smart TV included.
Living Room Sleeper: Queen pullout sofa for 2 additional guests.
Bathrooms (2): Newly renovated with modern finishes. Fully stocked with personal care items.
Laundry Room: Full-size washer/dryer with river views.
COZY RIVER CABIN (SMALL CABIN — 1BR/1BA, SLEEPS 5):
Living Room: A bright, welcoming space with Smart TV, workspace, Queen pullout sofa, Twin convertible chair, and a game-stocked armoire. Beautiful river views.
Kitchenette: Well-equipped for light meals and snacks. Stocked coffee/beverage bar and snack cart.
Bedroom (Queen): Cozy Queen bed, closet, luggage rack, Smart TV, and A/C unit.
Bathroom: Newly renovated, fully stocked with personal care items.
Laundry: Washer and dryer for guest use.
SHARED OUTDOOR SPACE: The riverside grounds feature a charcoal grill, fire pit, playset, and multiple spots to relax and take in the natural beauty. The Nokasippi River provides a serene backdrop for your entire stay.
Most groups drive to the Riverfront Retreat, and free on-site parking accommodates multiple vehicles easily.
BY AIR: Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport (BRD) is about 15 minutes from the property. Delta Air Lines offers daily flights. Rental cars from Hertz, Enterprise, Alamo, and National are available at the airport—consider reserving a larger vehicle or multiple cars for your group.
BY CAR: Brainerd is approximately 2 hours north of Minneapolis/St. Paul via Highway 371. Caravanning with your group? The drive is scenic and straightforward through central Minnesota.
LOCAL TAXI: Brainerd Taxi LLC (218-828-1111) operates 24/7 with minivan taxis that offer extra legroom and cargo space. They service the entire lakes area and all regional airports.
RIDESHARE: Uber (UberX, UberXL) and Lyft (Standard, Plus) are available in Brainerd. For larger groups heading out together, coordinate a few cars or consider UberXL/Lyft Plus.
PUBLIC TRANSIT: Brainerd & Crow Wing County Public Transit offers dial-a-ride service throughout Brainerd, Baxter, and the surrounding county. Buses have bike racks and wheelchair lifts.
AIRPORT SHUTTLE: Executive Express runs up to 16 daily shuttle trips between the Brainerd area and MSP Airport, with 40+ Central Minnesota pickup points—great for group members arriving by air.
LIMO & PARTY BUS: Planning a special night out? Brainerd Limousine & Party Bus and Ultimate Limo & Party Bus offer group transportation for celebrations, winery tours, or a night on the town.
DISTANCES: Downtown Brainerd/Baxter: 10 min. Nisswa: 30 min. Grand Casino Mille Lacs: 30 min. Gull Lake: 20 min. Crow Wing State Park: 15 min. Paul Bunyan Land: 10 min. Minneapolis/St. Paul: ~2 hours.
