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Entire cabin·Private host

dr John's rustic retreat

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your current months are January, 2025 and February, 2025.
January 2025
February 2025

Photo gallery for dr John's rustic retreat

Sun-loungers, beach towels
Exterior
Property grounds
Dining
TV, fireplace, DVD player, books

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire cabin

4 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 8139 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

Map
Gordon, WI
  • Leader Lake
    1 min walk
  • Pickerel Lake
    5 min walk
  • Whitefish Lake
    10 min walk
  • Hayward, WI (HYR-Sawyer County)
    47 min drive

Room options

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire cabin to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

dr John's rustic retreat

*Please note we rent Friday to Friday* Looking for a beautiful, private, lakefront cabin to recharge your batteries? Look no further! Our family has enjoyed summers at our family cabin, on beautiful Leader Lake since 1959, and now we would like to share it with you! Located in Gordon, WI, just 40 minutes from Duluth, MN and a two and a half hour drive from the twin cities, our cabin is the perfect place for families or a couples retreat, to enjoy your summer vacation.

Property Information:
This rustic retreat is located on 8 acres of lakefront property. There is a small beach, private dock, raft and access to a small 4 person pontoon boat, 2 canoes, and a paddle-boat. Enjoy fishing, swimming, tanning on the dock, hikes along our private trails, or reading a book on our family size screened porch! Fall asleep listening to the wind rustling the leaves, the night calls of the loons, or the water lapping at the shoreline. Plenty of wildlife to observe and endless bird watching.

The cabin has a large living room with fireplace, full kitchen, full bath (washer/ dryer), two bedrooms fully enclosed, one bedroom at the end of the screened-in porch, a playroom/office, and a family size screened in porch with sitting and dining areas facing the lake. There is a guest cabin for 2 located 100 yards from the main house, perfect for couples looking for a little more privacy.

Leader Lake is a 160-acre lake that has a maximum depth of 56 feet and has a hard sand shoreline. For the fishermen, our lake is home to northern pike, walleye, large mouth bass, and panfish. The lake has limited public access so it remains pristine and private.

Amenities:
- Wi-Fi
- DirectTV with DVR
- Free local calls
- Washer/Dryer
- Dishwasher
- Printer
- Small Pontoon Boat
- 2 person canoe
- Canoe for 1
- Paddleboat
- Weekly Outdoor Music Concerts in the neighboring town of Solan Springs
- Close proximity to fishing day trips down the St. Croix and Brule rivers
During your stay at this cabin, you're just a quick walk from Leader Lake. Enjoy your stay with amenities like a kitchen and a fireplace in the cabin.
  • The cabin offers a kitchen, a washing machine and a fireplace
  • Steps from Leader Lake and 5 minutes on foot from Pickerel Lake
Dr John's rustic retreat offers its guests barbecue grills and a garden. The front desk is open around the clock.

This Gordon cabin is smoke free.

Property manager

Juliete edson

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the cabin: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Porch/lanai

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Office
  • Printer

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • On a lake

Things to do

  • Boat
  • Kayak
  • Water sports equipment

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,500 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
    • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, which will enable you to manage your booking.

We should mention

  • To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Dr John's Rustic Retreat Cabin Gordon
Dr John's Rustic Retreat Gordon
Cabin Dr John's Rustic Retreat Gordon
Gordon Dr John's Rustic Retreat Cabin
Dr John's Rustic Retreat Cabin
Dr John's Rustic Retreat Cabin
Dr John's Rustic Retreat Minong
Dr John's Rustic Retreat Cabin Minong
Dr John's Rustic Retreat Cabin
Dr John's Rustic Retreat Minong
Dr John's Rustic Retreat Cabin Minong

dr John's rustic retreat Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 15 out of 16 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 16 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 16 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 16 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 16 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Leslie F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great northern getaway!
The property was well cared for and had everything we needed. Loved the screened porch! We had 4 adults and 4 kids and the space was plenty roomy for us. The beach area was clean, water very clear. The kids had a blast jumping off the pier and raft! Booking, check in were seamless.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Diane N.

Liked: Cleanliness
The Gem of Douglas County WI
This was our second stay at Dr. John's, and we have already reserved for next year. It is hands-down the best VRBO rental in Northern Wisconsin that we have stayed at over the past six years. The cabin is rustic but with all the creature comforts, including excellent Wifi and Internet service and a very well equipped kitchen with dishwasher. The housekeeper does a terrific job preparing the place for new guests; the approach to the swimming area is sandy and down a short flight of stairs to water that was remarkably algae-free for late August. Fishing is great, and we enjoyed using the electric-motor-powered pontoon boat. All in all just a wonderful experience.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amy B., North Freedom, WI

Liked: Cleanliness
Private Beautiful Setting
We enjoyed our stay, in particular we used the screened in porch for reading, playing games and doing puzzles. The location is very private and it feels like you have the whole bay area for yourself due to the DNR land adjacent. If you want a traditional north woods cabin experience this has all of the feature you can expect. The pontoon is easy to use. You feel like you are at a home not a resort.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pam G.

Liked: Cleanliness
family vacation
This is a beautiful property and lake. Its very private and the beach is perfect for little kids. It doesnt get deep for aways. I would highly recommend this property.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Rose K.

Secluded
Property is located right on the lake. Enough tree coverage that you feel very isolated and secluded. A lot of privacy. Weather did no cooperate for swimming but great fishing. This was the third year that we have stayed here and it gets better every time.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Doris B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cousin Gathering
Since I was unable to go to the cabin with my cousins due to my husband being injured (deer/motorcycle crash) I can't give you an assessment but I believe they enjoyed your cabin and the setting. I will see if one of the cousins is willing to respond. Doris
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

upallnyte2000

Liked: Cleanliness
A really nice place on a quiet lake
A nice cabin, stocked with just about anything needed such as bed linens, kitchen linens, bathing linens and supplies. Plenty of dishes and glasses and silverware. A small pontoon powered by an electric motor that did okay for four adults. Rustic charm, deers in the area along with lions and good fishing of largemouth bass and northern pike.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Diane N.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Week to Remember
Our group has done a series of stays at cabins in the area, but our usual haunts are now overpriced, so we were looking for a more economical destination. Everything about our stay was first-class: the housecleaning is meticulous; the kitchen decently supplied with a slew of devices and instruments and, thankfully, no leftovers from previous guests; the beach is perfect for all ages; the equipment--from life jackets to games--is exceptional; the fishing fantastic (at least in early-mid June), and the owners responsive. We didn't use the little "cabin for two," but it looked wonderful. And the territory is surrounded by DNR properties so there are no neighbors within hearing range or sight. Best of all, a very basic but excellent pontoon boat with a rechargeable electric motor comes with the cabin, and we used it daily. Suggestions: The cabin has been built up in stages, consequently the floor plan is a bit non-traditional, with the bathroom serving as a hub with three different entrances. A floor plan online would definitely help people figure out whether this arrangement will work for them: for us it was perfect. Also, the inner rooms get little direct sunlight, so we kept lights on more than we wanted, but light bulbs are cheaper and greener than air conditioning, and the cabin is excellently ventilated and pleasantly cool even at midday thanks precisely to the lack of direct sunlight. Also, this is Northern Wisconsin, so be prepared to check for ticks in June and July especially and insist that the grass is cut as low as possible (general advice for any cabin up north). Finally, we are accustomed to finding instructions and not having to search through drawers and closets to find basic things like the remote for the smart tv. We had to ask for departure instructions. We're experienced renters; we already know the routines. But less experienced renters could use more information and could be timid about asking owners to supply same after arrival. All in all , though, it was a great place, and we could imagine returning.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Vicki j.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peace and serenity
We loved it. Soooooooo quiet. We could have a fire every night. We lived on the porch. We enjoyed the short hiking paths in the woods. We hope we can do it again. Problems: no propane, dirty coffee pot with mold. Need information on battery life of the little pontoon. It did storm and we were not sure about the porch curtains. The floating dock broke lose during the storm and we dragged it to the shore.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Karen S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful Get-Away
Thank you Edson family for sharing your peaceful nature retreat with us. Communication was very prompt and personable. Description of this property is spot on. We very much enjoyed canoeing Leader Lake as well as Bond Lake via the passage. One day we rented a canoe and paddled the beautiful Brule, a 45 minute drive from the cabin. Our evening pontoon excursions were highlights. The moonlight on the water, the views from the Grandparents' Bench, daily visits from our deer friends, the warm wind in the trees.... all in all a wonderfully relaxing week. Internet was great but we found we didn't use it much. If you enjoy simple living and peace and quiet, this special place will feel like heaven to you!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kurt P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Enjoy All Nature Has to Offer!
Favorite family vacation to-date! We have spent the last 20+ years renting a cabin for a week every summer in the Minong/Hayward/Winter area and the week we spent here in 2021 was our best to-date! There are plenty of activities to occupy hands and minds of all ages - swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, paddle boating, biking, atv trails, walking trails, etc. The nature was incredible! We saw bear (not on the property but meandering down a side road), countless deer (on the property drinking from the lake), a painted turtle laying her eggs (on the property), Blue Heron, frogs, an eagle swooping down to catch fish out of the lake, rabbits, squirrels, countless birds, etc. Fishing was fantastic - we had catches every day (northern, large mouth, crappies, etc.). The dragonfly population is very healthy and this is a major positive point for anyone who is outdoorsy and familiar with vacationing in the WI/MN area during the summer....because there were no mosquitoes!! The cabin is cozy, inviting, clean and has everything you could think of needing during a week away from home. We will definitely be back next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing.
This beautiful property was such a wonderful oasis of relaxation, nature-gazing and comfort. We enjoyed every minute of our time there.
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Laura D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Get Away....
We loved our visit. We were looking for a remote, rustic retreat and found the PERFECT spot. We arrived and were greated by a family of Deer by the little cabin. We watched wildlife, fished, hiked, boated, canoed, watched the water and the most incredible star show - and left the world behind us. Found everything we needed (and more) in the Cabin. Loved listening to the loons in the morning and at night. Truly Magical. Fun family dinners, card games and quiet reading on the screen porch. Just perfect. Already planning a trip back. Thank you for sharing your wonderul family home. You can tell it was full of love and laughter. The Deutscher's
Stayed 11 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Rose K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Seclusion
Secluded property with semi-private lake. Great place for rest and relaxation.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Dan S.

Liked: Cleanliness
The Perfect Rustic Cabin Experience
For their favorite vacations some family’s run for the beach while others seek out the sites of the big cities or busy amusement parks. My family and I tend to always land on a lake some where looking to check all of the same boxes: - Clean lake - Good quiet “coffee drinking dock” - Clean and comfortable living space - Some fun local towns to explore - Ability to relax around a fire This wonderful family cabin checked all of our boxes exactly as we needed it too. The history of the cabin is easy to see through family photos on the walls...a history that left me wishing I could have met the guy in those pictures responsible for creating such an amazing place for his family to enjoy. After looking at the photos close, I honestly felt honored to be staying in the cabin he built. Our quite mornings paddling the canoe around the crystal clear lake...sipping our coffee and following the loons was truly heaven on earth for my wife and I.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Marise K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best Family Vacation Ever!
Words cannot capture how wonderful this place is. I don't think there was a time when everyone wasn't smiling or laughing...unless they were sleeping. Can't wait to visit again!