Northwoods Retreat on Bad Medicine: Prime swimming, watersports and snowmobiling

2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 6143 sq m

Popular amenities

Pet-friendly

Fireplace

Kitchen

Barbecue grill

Free WiFi

Washer

Check out the area

Ponsford, MN

Itasca State Park17 min drive
Lake Itasca40 min drive
Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge45 min drive
Detroit Lakes, MN (DTL)62 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

All-season porch

1 Double Futon

Bedroom 1 - Main

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2 - Double

2 Double Beds

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Outdoor play area

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

This is a unique property on pristine Bad Medicine Lake! Once the owner's cabin of 'Red Top Resort,' a three-cabin property active since the 1930's, it has been converted into a northwoods-style year-round lakehouse while retaining its rustic charm.

The house features two bedrooms and two bathrooms, two fireplaces, a full kitchen, a living room, and an all-season porch. The all-season porch has a pull out couch for additional overnight guests (this is practically on the water and the best opportunity to hear the loons while you sleep!). The unfinished basement has a washer and dryer for your use, and a ping-pong table for those not-so-nice days or evening entertainment. There is also a pool table.

The kitchen includes an oven, stove, microwave, and refrigerator/freezer. Other small appliances and cookware, serveware and eating utensils are also included. Guests must bring their own food and life jackets.

**Part-time on-site caretaker**

Lake Information

Bad Medicine Lake is consistently one of the clearest, cleanest lakes in Minnesota. Minnesota Monthly rated it as the best lake for swimming in 2008! It's not uncommon to catch snorkelers and even scuba divers around the lake! Watersports such as tubing, waterskiing, and even sailing are very popular.

Bad Medicine Lake is a great spot for Rainbow Trout and Walleye fishing! It's stocked with Rainbow Trout every year! A public boat launch is only 10 minutes away. Other excellent fishing lakes are easily accessible and close by.

Excellent snowmobile trails are located just off the lake! The trails are groomed, well-maintained, and connect directly to many restaurants, gas stations, and Lake Itasca State Park.

Nearby Activities

Lake Itasca State Park is an approximate 20 minute drive away. Walk across the headwaters of the Mississippi or enjoy excellent biking or hiking trails. Snowmobiling here in the winter is also a lot of fun!

Nearby towns of Park Rapids, MN and Detroit Lakes, MN offer a lot of entertainment for both kids and adults. Fun shopping and good restaurants are easy to find. Park Rapids offers 'Evergreen Fun Park' for the kids, complete with bumper boats, laser tag, mini-golf, and more. Detroit Lakes offers family-friendly activities nearly every weekend.

Property manager

Krista Stenerson

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet-friendly

Free WiFi

Gym

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)

Dogs only. Max of 2. Additional pet fee applies.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

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

Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

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

About the area

Ponsford

Located in Ponsford, this cabin is in a rural area and on the beach. Red Pine Trail and Landmark Interpretive Trail are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Peace Pipe Vista and Evergreen Gifts & Fun Park. Jet skiing and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hunting and cycling nearby.

Ponsford, MN

What's nearby

Itasca State Park - 17 min drive
Mississippi Headwaters - 35 min drive
Two Inlets State Forest - 38 min drive
Lake Itasca - 40 min drive
Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge - 45 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Northwoods Retreat on Bad Medicine: Prime swimming, watersports and snowmobiling pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Northwoods Retreat on Bad Medicine: Prime swimming, watersports and snowmobiling?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Northwoods Retreat on Bad Medicine: Prime swimming, watersports and snowmobiling?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Northwoods Retreat on Bad Medicine: Prime swimming, watersports and snowmobiling located?

This Ponsford cabin is on the beach, 9.2 mi (14.8 km) from Itasca State Park, and within 20 mi (32 km) of Heart Lake and Two Inlets State Forest. Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge and Bison Kill Site are also within 25 miles (40 km).

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Matt L.

14 Nov 2023

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

Winter retreat

We loved the cozy cabin feel. Daily fires in the porch were a treat and that is where we enjoyed eating all of our family meals. Steve was helpful and kind. We hope to return next year. Thanks!

Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barbara C.

23 Oct 2023

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

Beautiful getaway!

My wife and I enjoyed this stay very much! The cabin is roomy and full of light and has beautiful lake views. The property has great lake toys and a great place to get in the lake. We were very comfortable and the cabin was well appointed! Great place to spend a long weekend!

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jodee S.

10 Sept 2023

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

Three sisters are we

Memories when we were kids and our grandparents owned it. Then called the Red Top Resort. Actually had the resort name on the fishing boat. Great time and memories. Thank you Steve and Krista From The Blanski sisters

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Russ & Sue R., Hanover

3 Sept 2023

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

Classic Cabin Getaway

We spent a week here and had phenomenal weather and were able to spend many many hours on this pristine lake! The water is extremely clear and refreshing. The beach area was awesome for our 3 young grandsons playing in the sand with their trucks. There is a sandy shallow cove area to the left of the beach that make it nice for the kids to swim and play more independently. They really enjoyed the Lilypad! The cabin is a classic cozy cabin with many newer updates being made; however no A/C. The weather was cooler in the evenings which made it comfortable to sleep. Overall we were pleasantly surprised! Steve and Krista were extremely prompt in their communication with us; they are very gracious and welcoming hosts! Thanks again for the awesome week!!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alyson G.

17 Aug 2023

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

Great Getaway!

My husband, mother and I had an excellent time and were impressed with the living space as well as how well equipped the kitchen was! Steve told us everything we needed to know when we arrived, and he was extremely respectful of our privacy. Great swimming area, the two docks are sturdy and each have seating areas at the end which was fun for star gazing at night. We enjoyed the peacefulness of the area and had fun swimming, boating and scuba diving on Bad Medicine.

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023