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Balsam Ridge Retreat

100%

· Duluth, St. Louis, Minnesota

5 acres hosted by Linda P.

6 lodging sites

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

Private sites

97% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.

Romantic

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.

Linda is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Many folks that have visited our place refer to it as 'country living in the city'. We are so blessed to live in this little piece of serenity just inside the city limits of Duluth. It was once an abandoned house that sat for years, until a friend mentioned to us that it might be going up for sale. We loved the location and rolled up our sleeves. Twenty years later we still marvel at the beauty around us and can hardly believe that we LIVE here! Just down the road is a trout stream and just beyond that was a popular farm that attracted many folks to this neighborhood for hay rides and sleigh rides. The farm has since retired it's horses and closed it's doors to make room for new homes, but memories live on in the beauty of the open fields. I often imagine the sound of horses and sleigh bells and people singing carols and then warming up around a toasty fire sipping hot cocoa. Some of those memories live on right here at Balsam Ridge (minus the horses). Over the years many groups of folks have enjoyed a sense of community in these back woods no matter the season. Campfires, kids catching frogs, neighborhood campouts, snow picnics, hair-raising toboggan runs, family campouts, spiritual silent retreats, a take-your-breath-away giant swing, and some tales too daring to mention are all part of the fun. This is why we do what we do. We've been given much, and love to give back. It just wouldn't seem right to keep all this good to ourselves.

Activities

Biking

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Natural features

Forest

River, stream, or creek

Suburban

Wetlands

100%

917 ratings · 773 reviews

Heather C.recommends

September 24, 2024

Gökotta (Swedish for "dawn picnic")

This place is magical and the hosts are welcoming and generous! Our family can't wait to come back!

Abigail R.recommends

September 23, 2024

The Mini Coop

Linda and Chris have created a magical community of cabins on their property! Staying at Balsam Ridge was a highlight of my trip across the country. I felt so welcomed by the hosts, and really appreciated sharing stories of our travels. The location was a quick drive to downtown Duluth and I was able to co-work for the day at Duluth Creative co. This place is a must-visit!

Kayla M.recommends

September 22, 2024

Danny's Tent

We absolutely loved our time at Danny’s tent!! It was more beautiful and magical than we could have imagined. Everyone is so kind and Linda has such an amazing eye for detail. We are already planning our next stay 🧡

Sophia S.recommends

September 20, 2024

The Stuga

Best Experience Ever

I was planning my partners and I’s anniversary and I didn’t like the idea of booking a hotel. I wanted a unique and memorable experience. Basalm Ridge did that and more! It was the coziest and most peaceful place I have ever been to. I loved nature, giant swings, and the community aspect. Lastly, I deeply appreciate the hospitality Linda and her husband offered. The fact they built all the sites and are so caring and kind made the experience even more amazing. We are definitely coming back as soon as possible!

Dustey G.recommends

September 19, 2024

The Roost

To say that Balsam Ridge exceeded expectations would be an understatement. Between the location being so close to Duluth and yet feeling so secluded, to the thought that the hosts have put into the land, we found ourselves wanting to spend nights on The Roosts little porch or swinging the day away on the giant rope swing. We also found out that a member of my family grew up just down the street from the hosts and they have a longstanding history of building community in the neighborhood. I think this comes through in the gorgeous public spaces they have set up in Balsam Ridge, enticing their guests to get to know each other. We started planning our next trip to Balsam Ridge while we were still there and we cannot wait for an opportunity to stay during the winter.

Christian T.recommends

September 17, 2024

Danny's Tent

My wife and I have stayed at Balsam Ridge Retreat twice now, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that the Linda and Chris were genuinely passionate about providing an exceptional experience. Their intentionality, care, and hospitality shone through every interaction, making us fell warmly welcomed and deeply valued. The environment they've cultivated is nothing short of magical. If you are looking for a place where you can relax and recharge, this is an absolute gem. We are already looking forward to our next visit :)

Location

Duluth, St. Louis, Minnesota, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking