Historic lakefront lodge with full bar, sauna, private boat ramp Reviews, Deals & Photos 2025

Q: Is Historic lakefront lodge with full bar, sauna, private boat ramp pet-friendly?

Yes, this lodge allows pets (limit 2 total).

Q: Where is Historic lakefront lodge with full bar, sauna, private boat ramp located?

This family-friendly Deer River lodge is located on the waterfront, 5.5 mi (8.9 km) from Rush Island Lake, and within 12 mi (20 km) of Lake Winnibigoshish and Little Sand Lake. Bills Lake and Civilian Conservation Camp Camp 707-F14 are also within 16 miles (25 km).

10/10 Excellent

Catherine B.

28 Jun 2025

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

Great Stay!

The resort is large and has every amenity you could ever need. The most I have ever had at a VRBO. There are lots of separate areas for different activities. Tons of games and puzzles. The lake water is very clear and has a sandy bottom. The sauna was new and lovely. Josh was amazing to work with and super responsive. It was a great place for a large family gathering.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Patti W.

18 Aug 2024

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

Fun Get Away

Great area for outdoor activities of all kinds. Kitchen is amazing and fully stocked with anything you might need!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Connie P.

17 Jun 2023

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

Family fishing trip

Perfect size and location for our group!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Terry B.

3 Jan 2024

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

Awesome

Excellent host

Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tammy T.

23 Jan 2023

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

Annual Family Snowmobile Trip

We rated the property, amenities, location to trails a 10/10. The condition of the trails we rated 11/10. Only note: the floors are a little crooked, which adds to the charm, but if you have vertigo or a few beers ... beware ;)

Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023

8/10 Good

Nikki B., Minneapolis, MN - USA

26 Oct 2020

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tons of space and things to do in this rustic lodge and bar

Overall, we loved the space and all the things available for entertainment. The full bar area was the usual landing spot for our group. Having a beer cooler and plenty of seating was an unexpected bonus. The game room kept us busy for days - pool, darts, foosball, shuffleboard, and more seating areas. We didn't understand the review about heaters as the baseboard heating was plenty to keep us warm on a particularly cold October visit. The kitchen had everything we could need and more - all the appliances we needed, multiple coffee makers, cookware, more than enough plates, bowls, glasses, mugs, flatware, etc. The kitchen could use a bit more organization, but it got the job done. Bedrooms were fine - some better than others - just make sure you read all the info before you arrive so you know that you need to bring blankets, towels, and extra sheets for some of the rooms. The owner provides a lot of information and it would be helpful if it were in a binder or something in an obvious spot. He checked in on us a number of times and was always available to answer questions. If we had something constructive to say, it would be this. The place was tidy but not necessarily deep cleaned. Some surfaces were dusty and sticky and some weird odors. The hot tub needed the filter cleaned after using it only twice - and it the filter was DISGUSTING - like it had never been cleaned. The hot tub surfaces were fine. The electrical work was sketchy with extension cords running all over and several outlets running "hot" or not at all. It would have put us more at ease if we didn't see extension cords running through ceilings and popping out on the next floor. That said, it seems that this property is a work in progress and several people in our group want to reserve it for future events. With a little more attention to details and a deep cleaning, this will be an amazing property.

Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Becky B.

23 Jul 2025

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

This place was amazing! Our family of 18 had room to explore all the nooks & crannies of this uniquely remodeled historic resort. A bed for each one, All had a favorite place to hangout. The huge great/living room had so many exciting games, nooks for space, TV’s for all to enjoy a show or two. Kitchen well stocked- all the bathrooms were just wonderful. We didn’t have any trouble with internet connect and the bar area was just another way for adventures!We rented a fishing and pontoon boat from a nearby resort, so that made our week.This was a 5th generation trip to MN that has kept us coming back to the shoreline of Bow String Lake and hoping generations will want to share their memories with others.& Josh, our host, was the best to us, went above & beyond to our family and will give this home a 5 star rating.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Trisha C.

19 Jul 2025

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

Huge house with tons of charm and character. Beds were comfortable, kitchen was fully stocked. Main room had so many things to keep us entertained when we weren’t on the water. Communication was easy and prompt.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph R.

20 Feb 2025

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

Awesome property

The property was awesome. I hosted a corporate meeting at the facility. It was a great setting for a meeting space and team building. I would 10/10 recommend.

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jason M.

29 Dec 2024

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

Meyer Family Christmas on Bowstring

This is a great place to stay for a large group wanting to expiriance the history and character of the area as well as the historic Bowstring Lodge. Something for everyone! Bowstring Lake - one of MN better fishing lakes, Games, foosball in the large great room. Had 17 people for a family Christmas. Lots of room to spread out. Had a family fishing contest and foosball tournament. Great place. We would visit again!

Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shirlee T.

5 Sept 2024

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

Character Warmth and Nostalgia

Our best family Labor Day yet!! This former lodge was awesome!! Filled with character, nostalgia and charm. Huge lake with magnificent sunsets. Our host was great on all levels. Easy to reach and prompt responses to our questions. Highly recommend Bowstring Lodge

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

13 Aug 2024

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

Loved it!

Great for all ages! Space for everyone to enjoy and work!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sherly P.

23 Jul 2024

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

family vacation

Perfect!! We had 10 adults and 11 children, 5 families. The layout of the lodge was perfect. The upstairs rooms were not disturbed by the game room or bar noise. The lake is beautiful for fishing or boating. The pool was awesome. This place is very well equipped for large groups. No one was disappointed.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris P.

7 Jul 2024

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

A great stay

A very nice property! Weather didn't cooperate with us the whole week as it was quite windy, but there were plenty of things to do inside as well as the pool and sauna. Well stocked and inviting - the bar was a hit with the family and was a evening gathering place. We hope to stay again!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian M.

1 Jul 2024

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

Bowstring Lodge: a multifamily tradition

I just got home from my third stay at Bowstring Lodge, and my second with the current owner, Josh. Our group included six families, including four teenagers and two six-year-olds. Everyone enjoyed the Lodge, which had plenty to keep everyone busy without feeling crowded. We all came together for meals and movies but, during the day, everyone could do their own favorite activity -- from swimming and fishing, to board games, to television, to sauna, to quiet time overlooking the lake -- on their own schedule. The WiFi is excellent, so those of us who had to check in with the office from time to time had no trouble. All three of my stays have been great experiences, each better than the time before. Josh has been upgrading and improving the property, and the positive changes are noticeable. The customer service was great, too -- Josh was very responsive to every inquiry. And when I pointed out a problem with the sound quality of the television in the common space, there was no fooling around -- a brand-new television was installed by dinnertime, in time for the movie that we had been planning for that evening. I have been renting the Lodge every other year, but this year's guests -- adults and children alike -- had such a lovely time that we want to make it an annual tradition.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie E.

22 Jun 2024

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

N Mn lodge

Very authentic northern lodge with many family amenities. The saltwater pool was great!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

6 Sept 2023

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

Great place to gather with a large family

Lots of places to spread out so we weren't breathing down each other's necks. The weather was not cooperative when we were there, so the game room was perfect to keep teens and small children happy. Caught a couple of mice, but understandable when surrounded by woods and in a vintage cabin. It's life. Used the sauna and the pool. It was a bit cool and would have liked to swim more because the pool was so nice. The little kids 10 and under were thrilled about the mess of blue gill they caught. Thanks, Josh for having a large place to rent!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Jennifer K.

23 Jul 2023

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

Lots of space in a unique cabin

Had a great week- the cabin worked for our large group- the bar area and game room are large and accommodating. We made great use of both. The kitchen is large and well stocked. The outdoor space was great and the pool and sauna were a big hit! Josh was a great host- he was very responsive and helpful. The cabin is a little cluttered with many Knick knacks, partly kitschy- but partly overwhelming. We had trouble finding a boat rental- so we were not able to take advantage of the lake to the extent we had hoped.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jaimee G.

11 Jul 2023

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

Secluded Getaway

Our overall stay was nice. The access to the lake and pool were great throughout our stay. The large yard provided a fantastic place for the kids to play wiffle ball and run around. The inside bar area was a fun place to hangout, eat, and just look around at all the great memorabilia. The game room/great room was a hit for both kids and adults alike, especially when we were stuck inside because of rain. Overall, this was a great choice for our party of 20!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sheryl F.

22 May 2023

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

Great place for large groups!

We had 25 family members stay at the house when we were in the area for a wedding. The lodge was amazing with great character. We brought most everything we needed but the amenities offered were above and beyond what you would expect. Kitchen fully stocked with appliances. Plenty of cold storage! Too many indoor and outdoor activities to list here, but there are activities for every age. Plenty of outside seating if you just want to relax and enjoy the views of the lake. The owner was in contact before, during and after our stay and responded quickly to our messages. Highly recommend this lodge to anyone looking to VRBO in the area.

Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Erica L.

1 Apr 2023

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

Awesome place

The House was everything we expected!! We plan to be back next year, hopefully with more people!! Josh was super helpful and responsive!

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wendy L.

9 Mar 2023

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

A great getaway!

7 couples stayed very comfortably in Bowstring Lodge. We had a wonderful weekend! The place was very interesting and the owner was great to work with. Would definitely recommend this to anyone!

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carey H.

15 Feb 2023

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

The lodge

The property was awesome. Beautiful lodge.

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mike B.

27 Jan 2023

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

Snowmobile trip

25 members of our snowmobile club stayed here for our annual trip. We loved efact that we could all be under one roof. This layout is a little quirky, but it had tons of space for everyone to hang out and socialize, especially in the bar and huge game room. Awesome to see the historic lodge being put to good use.

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kerry T.

29 Nov 2022

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

What a gem!!

This place is awesome!! It's a quintessential lake-side cabin. Parts of it date back to 1908 with other parts added on later. We spent Thanksgiving week there with 16 family members (adults, teens, and littler ones) who all fit comfortably. The game room was where we spent most of our time playing pool, foosball, skeeball, or curled up on a couch catching up. The lake was frozen enough to walk on and to try some ice fishing. The kitchen was big enough for several adults to prep meals. The owner was very responsive to any of my questions or concerns and the wifi was shockingly fast. We highly recommend this property for any large groups trying to get away from the chaos to relax.

Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2022

Historic lakefront lodge with full bar, sauna, private boat ramp

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