Living so close to Minnesota’s North Woods I’ve spent the last three season’s chasing colors. I’ve done the traditional hotel stay (don’t miss out on the selection if you’re visiting Duluth), however, I’ve found myself leaning more towards the growing trend of staying in the woods, leisure-style.

Last year I stayed at a low-key glamping place called Off-Grid Oasis. Situated near Itasca and Park Rapids with the North Country Trail connecting and on a near-private lake, this was a unique and comfortable place. The buts were minimal and the morning fog was mesmerizing as it rolled across the water in those early morning rays. We sipped campstyle coffee before hitting the trails for a short 10-mile hike at Itasca. That night we listened to a Great Horned Owl and read our novels of choice in the cozy bell-tent.

Some of the amenities here include: access to the lake with kayaks, paddleboards, and a small paddle-pontoon. There’s also a shared bathroom and shower accessible. Each of the four bell-tents include a heater, lighting, games, a covered deck with grill and table, and bug nets with spray. We loved it so much, we spent the 4th of July here this last summer.

The GoodLife Cafe in Park Rapids and Enjoy are both must stops for food and goodies, as well as the Farmer’s Market that is held throughout the summer months and offers dozens of vendors. (Park Rapids Blog will be incoming)

The newest A-Frame and tiny cabins in the region, Northwoods was the perfect long fall weekend get-away. Starting and arriving at dusk, my cabin was ready for my arrival. There’s a fireplace situated in the corner and a cozy bed in the main room. Outside there’s a fire-ring with a beautiful bench and log stools to enjoy the nights outside. There’s also bright entryway that includes a brand new fridge and the perfect shelving to store your groceries. You’re groceries?

Yes, bring groceries as the closest town is about thirty minutes away. But do not fret, because there’s The Local. The Local is a communal area to be shared between the two cabins (the other is Nord). Here there is a large beautifully crafted table, which is set perfectly against a hand-painted woodland mural. This kitchen is equipped with a gas stove and oven, griddle, microwave, efficient dishwasher, cooking supplies and utensils, popcorn (from Mary Poppin’s in Park Rapids), a Keurig with coffee or tea, and even cookbooks and recipes if you need some inspiration. There’s also a grill and eating area outside for to optimize the outdoor time.

We choose to utilize our cabin provided drip coffee on Saturday and the Keurig with to-go cups provided on Sunday. For our first supper we choose campfire foils (which we ate around the campfire) and for our final supper we opted to cook in The Local and eat outside with a movie on our Fire Tablet surrounded by fall colors.

La Salle Recreation Area is nearby and is a great option if you want to opt of of the crowds at Itasca and it’s infamous Mississippi Headwaters- however don’t miss out on either of these to fully enjoy the region.