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BCR in the fall

October 8, 2020 derrick

Posted by derrick on October 8, 2020October 8, 2020

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Reviews from our guests:

5.0

201 reviews

5

194

4

7

3

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Katrina

Beautiful home, great walking trails on the property. The perfect weekend getaway! - 1/01/2019

Sandy Olson

Just spent our annual cousin's reunion at this fabulous location. This was our second year at Bluff Country and we are already planning on 2020! This property has everything you can possibly need, kitchen has everything you could possibly need, beds are super comfortable, it is quiet and peaceful and only minutes from Lanesboro. We all enjoy the large crafting room for our projects and love playing cards in the family room and of course the view is unbelieveable! Can't wait to go again next year! - 7/23/2019

James M.

Beautiful bluff top property! Centrally located and a comfortable clean cabin. Would use again! - 10/12/2020

Beautiful house and gorgeous setting. This house is beautiful! It is immaculate and is so well stocked with absolutely everything you might need. The outdoor areas are great for hiking, grilling, and campfires. It’s also close to biking trails, tubing, and shopping. We had a great time! - 7/29/2019

Peggy Merkel

Had a great long weekend at Bluff Country Retreat. Beautiful scenery and a great place to relax and craft with friends. See you again next fall! - 10/30/2018

Kathy Tesmer

What a fantastic weekend. Beautiful views, fantastic accommodations, and a warm welcoming host. Definitely on the repeat list. - 2/12/2019

Tammie

We had 10 senior ladies on our annual kayak trip to explore the Root River. The accommodations were excellent! Plenty of space and bathrooms for all of us. Comfort and ease in all the details. Highly recommend! - 8/19/2025

Jane

Very clean and comfy accommodations! - 5/29/2021

Tasa Scanlan Deden

This place exceeded any and all expectations! Absolutely God's Country and the house has EVERYTHING you could possibly imagine! Highly recommend this house! ❤ - 10/22/2018

Andy

This place was absolutely perfect. The views during the day and sunset were beautiful. I would highly reccomend planning a trip out to Lanesboro, and staying at this place. There's plenty of space for larger groups, everything is labeled and organized for ease of use, and its all-in-all just a perfect secluded getaway! I'd give it more than 5 stars if I could.

If you plan on coming out in the winter, I would recommend 4 wheel drive as the road out to the place got a little wild for some folks in our group when the winter storm came through in full force and gave us 8 inches of snow in a short period of time. However, this is most certainly not a complaint. The host had this road/driveway plowed in a more than sufficient amount of time. - 1/20/2019

Douglas C.

Country charmer. Enjoyed our stay in this "shack" combining cabin-like country charm with modern conveniences. - 10/16/2020

Stephanie K.

Great place! We really enjoyed our stay in the bunk house. The owners were really easy to communicate with, the property was incredibly clean and well stocked of all the necessities. The property was quiet and just what we were looking for. - 10/08/2022

Bao

Held a sisterhood union with my cousins here and the place is amazingly peaceful and clean. Derrick is a wonderful host and provided great suggestions for what is in the surrounding area but we had so much fun just staying at the house and hanging outside with the beautiful view. We will definitely come back again. - 8/10/2019

Todd Lori Henderson

Bluff Country Retreat worked great for our family get together. The views were beautiful, there was more then enough room for people to spread out and spend time together and relax. The place is very well stocked and when we had an issue with the pump on the well not working and we ran out of water, they went above and beyond to get it fixed, even in the middle of the night! Thanks for providing a great place for a large group gathering. - 8/06/2018

Iain W.

Pristine bunkhouse Very clean well appointed bunkhouse. Drive time to Lanesboro is not an issue. - 9/30/2020

Kristie Brunsvold Curtis

Was an absolute gorgeous place for our Christmas! Very spacious yet so cozy and warm! Beautifully decorated for the holidays!! Felt like home! - 12/24/2017

Chris L.

The Shack was such a great little getaway. Had a few walks on the beautiful trails, loved the fireplace and one-room feel although was even bigger than the photos appear. Will be back! - 4/07/2025

David

Great quiet place to get away and work remotely. Snug little cabin with beautiful views. - 1/28/2024

Keith

we very much enjoy our stay. The first thing we noticed when we walked in was how beautifully decorated it was, how clean it was and how nice it smelled. We loved the peacefulness and watching the deer out the windows. Derrick was quick to respond to booking or any questions we may have had. - 6/29/2023

Verified traveler

This house is beautiful! It is immaculate and is so well stocked with absolutely everything you might need. The outdoor areas are great for hiking, grilling, and campfires. It’s also close to biking trails, tubing, and shopping. We had a great time! - 7/29/2019

Rachael

My mother and I stayed in the bunkhouse for 3 days for her 73rd birthday. We chose the place because of the location (close to the root river trail and local hiking). When we got there, we were amazed at the beautiful property! Derrick had trails mowed for us to hike, the place was spotless and the wildlife was all around us! We look forward to coming back to stay here and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in taking in the beauty of SE Minnesota! - 6/18/2020

Briget Fields

- 10/09/2017

Tamai

You won't be disappointed with this place! It is everything that is advertised to be. You do travel on gravel roads to reach this destination which didn’t bother us because we are from Iowa and have gravel roads. There is a house on the same property that can also be rented which it was while we were at the Bunkhouse. There was no problem or noise from the people who rented the house during our stay. Also, a good place to watch the sun set! - 9/10/2022

Micah

The Bluff County Retreat house was clean, well-prepared and in a beautiful location. It was a great experience for my friends and I. - 8/13/2023

Debra Z.

We thoroughly enjoyed this property. It was clean and well-stocked with everything we could imagine. We found it to be comfortable and cozy with all the amenities we needed. The front door was difficult to open and constantly stuck. You might want to see about making a change to it. Otherwise, we had a fabulous stay and would definitely return again. - 8/05/2024

stanmary henderson

23 of us: 4 children and spouses, 12 grandchildren and one grandchild is engaged, that makes 24 of us that really enjoyed our stay at Bluff Country Retreat. Activities included touring the town of Lanesboro, talk around the fire ring, golfing, tubing down the river, Kiaking down the river, playing some yard games, playing cards, eating and walking the trails.Stan Henderson - 4/15/2019

Kristina Lynne

Awesome place for scrapping - 3/30/2019

Melanie D.

Excellent Getaway Retreat I regularly stay at VRBO’s throughout the US. The Shack was exceptionally clean, well maintained, provided excellent amenities as well as a beautiful private property for a retreat and getaway. I will certainly reserve again. - 8/24/2020

William T.

Great place near Lanesboro, secluded and very good for families. The kitchen is for chefs! We cooked up a storm. Nice fire pit with views of the valley.Needs a few double beds. - 7/09/2018

Jacquelyn H.

The Bunk House Hubby and I decided on a weekend away to southern MN. The Bunk House served its purpose. A very nice cabin/home. - 7/04/2023

Marcia S.

Everything was perfect! The house was beautiful, spacious and well appointed. We brought our children, grandchildren and parents and had a great time! There were large areas to gather in inside and out. There was also enough space for people to have privacy if they'd like. The hosts provided everything we could have needed for bedding, towels, kitchen appliances, accessories, etc. We also enjoyed the outdoor area with the trails, grill, picnic table and firepit. Derek and Christine were very responsive. They proactively communicated with us but also responded to questions very quickly. We even got to meet them onsite and had some nice conversations. I'd rent this home again! Thanks! - 9/07/2019

Zach J.

Beautiful little spot on top of the SE MN bluffs. The cabin was very clean and cozy. The only thing it was missing was an oven. Close to lots of local attractions and a variety of opportunities for outdoor fun. The host was great, easy to communicate with and very accommodating. Would certainly stay again! - 4/26/2024

Mary Zimmerman

I have gone to several retreat destinations, but this one is top of the line! It is in located in a beautiful country setting with an awesome view of Bluff Country! The home is beautiful with spacious rooms for relaxing and working on projects. It has a very well stocked, organized kitchen making it easy to serve meals and snacks to your group. There are also several bathrooms and comfortable beds! I highly recommend this place for your quilting or scrapbooking retreat! - 1/07/2018

Brian R.

The review title tells it all. The only negatives. 1. Shower in master bedroom was too hot for use...even on lower settings of hot. 2 . There should be at least one double bed in each bedroom for couples. 3. The wall in one of the bedrooms on the main floor does not go all the way to the ceiling...thus those up early can easily wake up those in that bedroom. But MOST EVERYTHING was extremely positive. I would Surely stay there again . - 9/02/2018

Kim

Extremely clean and well kept property. Everything as described. We did not have time to explore the property and walk paths but found it peaceful and restful while at the property. - 6/18/2023

Annette Evenson

Stayed here with a group of gals for two nights in November.
What an amazing place to kick back, relax, work on crafts, watch some fun chick flicks and have quality bonding time!
Over the top with charm and everything one needs for a getaway!!!
We will most definitely be back soon!
Thanks to the owners for creating a peaceful retreat in this beautiful countryside � - 11/12/2017

Carol B.

Great Stay We came to Lanesboro for a biking weekend. My mom, sister and I enjoyed the small, cozy bunk house. Everything was clean and working. The walking trails were great- lots of butterflies in the prairie. The owner communication was outstanding. Thanks for a great weekend! - 8/29/2022

Bou V.

Best Cabin Ever Spacious cabin. There were a lot of supplies to utilize in the kitchen. Many activities/games to use as well. There were enough beds/bathrooms. We had a great time hiking and using the bonfire. It was nice meeting Derrick. He was very nice and accommodating overall. We had a great stay and would rent again. Thank you! - 8/28/2019

Stephanie K.

Great place! We really enjoyed our stay in the bunk house. The owners were really easy to communicate with, the property was incredibly clean and well stocked of all the necessities. The property was quiet and just what we were looking for. - 10/08/2022

Peter Martin

What an absolute perfect find! We hosted a number of married couples at the Shack during the day and everyone was very impressed by everything. It is perfectly located and the trails were well-groomed allowing for many people to enjoy the scenery. Amazing! - 10/08/2018

Joe L.

Very nice accommodations located in the beautiful countryside. - 9/01/2025

Ronalee H.

Secluded and cozy retreat near Lanesboro I was searching for a COVID friendly option for a short vacation near Lanesboro and found this cute bunkhouse which seemed to fit the bill. Boy did it ever! Impeccably clean, the bunkhouse was beautiful throughout, had a nice bathroom and beautiful main room with kitchenette. We were even able to check in remotely. The property is full of hiking trails and is about 6 miles outside Lanesboro. I would absolutely consider staying here again. The only cons are that the last mile of county road is quite steep and the queen bed is very firm. I found it better than advertised! - 9/23/2020

Tammy Price-Troska

What a wonderful place to gather and create. We will definitely come back! - 3/16/2020

Emily

Great place for my family of 4. It was clean and on beautiful property. After spending the day biking around the root river trail, we would walk the trails on the property. Close to the Whalen bike area and aroma pie shop. - 7/18/2021

Lee

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Derrick’s cabin. The cabin was absolutely beautiful and very well done. It was extremely clean and well proportioned with all the comforts of your very own home. Derrick provided great communication and instructions for everything from check in to check out. I highly recommend your stay at his cabin. - 9/17/2023

Suzanne

An excellent getaway with a cute bunk house and friendly owner. The cabin is very clean with everything you need. Over 4 miles of walking trails with awesome views. - 6/14/2020

Donna C.

We loved this house and grounds. It was spacious and well equipped. We had a great time and hope to be back! - 7/08/2025

Mary Kay

In one word, Fantastic! The bunkhouse is a great cozy space in the beautiful bluffs. It was impeccably clean and beautifully decorated - we felt at home immediately! Everything we needed to enjoy a winter break! The mowed walking trails were wonderful to explore, and to our delight, mother nature provided 4" of fresh snow while we were there. We were then able to enjoy the trails in the beauty of a winter wonderland on our cross-country skis - just gorgeous! Derrick did a super job of communicating with us and was very responsive to any of our needs - going above and beyond what we could have expected. We'll definitely be coming back with our bikes in the summer or fall to enjoy all that the Root River Valley has to offer. - 12/31/2021

Dannette C.

This place is so beautiful and quiet and has mowed trails available to hike conveniently on the property. It’s about 5 min drive from the Whalen root river trail crossing: very convenient.. the host was very nice and provided prompt answers to my many questions. The patio out front is awesome for breakfast and just resting and there is a fire pit with wood available in the back. Very nice, very clean -And the washer and dryer were a bonus!!!! - 6/21/2025

Laura

Derrick had superb communication and was overall a great host. We took advantage of the bike path's in Lanesboro and Derrick's place had everything we needed after a long day on the trails. Thanks for the accommodating stay! - 7/14/2024

Nanette G.

This rental property was comfortable, clean, and inviting. There isn't one thing we needed that wasn't already provided. We actually spent more time at the property then we have other years on our annual "Girl's Weekend" when we have rented VRBO's. This by far was the nicest and most accommodating place we have stayed at. Everyone loved it. Thank you Derrick and Chris for a wonderful experience. - 10/22/2018

Marilyn J.

Very clean and organized bunk house! Gas fireplace was perfect to sit by and read early in the morning, watching the sun come up. Great bedroom with lots of open space. Location was also perfect to travel to and from various towns. I would highly recommend this place for couples or family with using the 2 twin beds. - 3/01/2026

Dan B.

Communication with the owner was great and he even updated me on a road closure situation due to storms. It’s a small place, basically one room, which was just great for the wife and me.Everything was well maintained and clean. We would choose it again if we need a place in the area. - 7/02/2025

Elvis

Beautiful Location , Great Communication, Easy access , Plenty of pillows and linens. Very very clean . Great Place . Highly recommended. - 12/30/2023

Pauline O.

Trail was beautiful on the property. We would definitely stay again. One of the bests stays we have had in a long time. It was just awesome. The fireplace was really nice!! The shower was extra nice and clean (good water pressure with hot water). It was a wonderful way to celebrate our Anniversary and Birthday. So much nicer than the pictures advertised. Thank you! - 10/20/2023

Adam G.

Trout Heaven
We had an awesome stay. The trout were practically jumping out of the water and we couldn’t have handled that if we didn’t have a great place to stay - 1/30/2022

Stephan S.

Beautiful place! Had a great stay here with extended family! Thanks for the hospitality! - 1/05/2020

Christina

This place is perfect for relaxing in such a beautiful area. Very quiet and has everything you could possibly need. Very clean and organized. We enjoyed it so much we are hoping to come back next year! - 9/26/2021

Mary

Feels like the top of the world! Views from the property are stunning. High quality furnishings and very clean! Peaceful and comfy, just what we needed after a long day on the bicycle! - 10/09/2022

Tonia Scanlan Boysen Fix

beautiful home, the owners have thought of EVERYTHING! - 10/19/2019

Rachelle M.

Beautiful & peaceful
Quiet and beautiful location in the bluffs. Extremely clean, comfortable bunk house. We'll stay again! - 7/29/2021

Baylea

Derricks place was beautiful, clean, quiet. The shack has everything you need for a perfect get away. We wish we could’ve spent more time there but will definitely be back. Hospitality was amazing! We were more then satisfied with our stay! - 7/13/2020

Shawna

This place is amazing! We loved our stay with my husband’s family! We were able to enjoy the outdoors, games and puzzles! We hope to be able to enjoy staying here next year!!! Thanks for making our stay amazing!!! - 6/30/2019

Todd Henderson

Bluff Country Retreat was a great place for our annual summer get together! We have people aging in range from Senior Citizens to 6 years old, including teenagers and they all enjoyed the atmosphere and location. It was very clean, very comfortable, spacious and overall and very relaxing fun place to be. The morning views of overlooking the fog in the valley below and seeing the wildlife added to the enjoyment of the weekend. Highly recommended by all in the Henderson family. Thanks for a great weekend!My dad mistakenly gave it a 1/5 stars, he meant to leave a 5 : ) - 4/15/2019

Jenny Overby

What an amazing place to stay! Everything has been thought of! Cozy and fun! A Scrapper’s paradise! Loved everything about it!! Lots of space for all! - 4/15/2018

Janet C.

Beautiful, clean properties with all the amenities we needed! Will definitely be coming back to this place another time! - 8/07/2022

Melinda Selchow

- 12/15/2020

Jody Houghton

Beautiful home located in the country with all the amenities one needs! our group loved the spacious, warm cozy concept. We enjoyed the natural light, comfortable beds. For crafting we enjoyed working on solid wood tables, having individual cutting mats and optional extra lighting for work areas. we had sewers and scrapbookers and plenty of space for all! Bluff Country really thinks of their guests so time can be well spent enjoying commeraderie! - 3/03/2019

Roxanne B.

The home was well equipped and was close to the bike trails. We had fun on the trails and in the towns near the home. - 7/13/2025

Samuel

Great place. The trails were really awesome and it was a thoughtfully constructed stay. - 9/06/2020

Tracy Jacobson

- 3/02/2018

Nanette G.

A beautiful, spacious home and surroundings! This rental property was comfortable, clean, and inviting. There isn't one thing we needed that wasn't already provided. We actually spent more time at the property then we have other years on our annual "Girl's Weekend" when we have rented VRBO's. This by far was the nicest and most accommodating place we have stayed at. Everyone loved it. Thank you Derrick and Chris for a wonderful experience. - 10/22/2018

Steve M.

Great stay in the Driftless region! Came to the area for a trout fishing weekend with friends. The very peaceful and expansive property in the country was central to numerous great rivers and streams. Spent much of our time outdoors (fire pit view is awesome) but must also say the luxury house is excellent as well! - 10/13/2020

Tammy Iverson Schoppers

Everything! Beautiful home with all amenities amongst the serene , beautiful bluffs of Fillmore County. Gracious owners too! - 4/06/2019

mary r.

cabin stay Great experience. Loved the bluff top trails. Cabin was well appointed and very comfortable. The bluff country is so relaxing. Caught my personal best brown trout in the Root River. - 5/03/2022

Sarah K.

Great place, great service! We had an amazing time! The home was beautiful and in amazing condition, and we had access to everything we needed. Thank you!! - 6/04/2019

Deborah Ely

This is a super awesome place to go for a weekend scrapbooking retreat! Love it. - 2/06/2022

Zachary

Beautiful, clean, quiet stay. Excellent communication, easy check in and check out. The trails are great for a walk and the room excellent for relaxing. Beware of the note in the description regarding the house next door being rented out. We knew that but expected a family or another couple there. It is actually a huge house, about ten cars and a pile of guys hanging out in the front yard made for an awkward first impression when we arrived. If you're ok with neighbors this is a wonderful place to stay, highly recommended. - 7/31/2022

Corinne D.

We had an amazing time and love the fact that it had so many twin beds so each of us had our own bed. - 9/24/2024

Heather McClellan

This place is so great. There’s more than enough space here to have a big group of crafters. The house is stocked with so many supplies, the owners thought of everything. The view is amazing also. - 2/10/2018

Jen

Pictures do not do this place justice, easy checkin, quick response, beautiful surroundings, and SUPER clean! - 3/28/2021

Kenton P.

Gorgeous cabin with an even prettier view of the river valley. The owners were great throughout, the house was perfect for our group, and the views off the back porch/fire pit were as good as it gets in MN for a property that's not directly on a lake/river. Would definitely recommend this property to my friends and family! - 8/15/2021

Nicolle A.

AMAZING WE LOVED THIS SPACE! perfect for a girls trip!! great in every way! - 7/20/2020

Thomas

Derrick’s bunk house was great! It’s a great rural setting. Very private. The bunk house was very clean and as advertised. Very comfortable and they have everything you need. Already planning a return trip for next year. - 5/18/2025

christopher K.

Great base for exploring Lanesboro The bunkhouse is very nicely situated at the top of a hill overlooking a number of farms which provides for some great views. There are also a lot of trails cut into the surrounding land which are fun to explore.

There's not a lot of privacy in the bunkhouse since everyone is sharing the same sleeping/living quarters, but we found it easy enough to just head outside to the porch (or use the firepit) after the kids went to bed, to create some separation. All in all, this was a nice, affordable place for our home base as we explored Lanesboro, Whalen and Preston during the day. - 8/10/2020

Randy & Bonnie G.

Exceptional place to stay. Quiet and peaceful.
Further away from the Root River bike trails than we anticipated. - 10/03/2024

Stephan S.

Beautiful place! - 1/05/2020

Brian C., Iowa City, IA

Fantastic, quiet, clean, and central location to so much! We loved our stay!! - 10/11/2021

Sa

This was perfect for our family of three! Very clean, kitchen had all the necessities, and it was actually bigger than we expected. We took several hikes and saw deer and other wildlife on the property. A short (less than 10 minutes) drive to the bike trail entrance in Whalen. We will definitely be back! - 6/02/2021

Sarah D.

Excellent by every measure! Highly recommend. - 10/12/2025

Shelly Ochsendorf Herrmann

Best scrapbook retreat I have ever been too! Fantastic country setting, spacious for scrapbooking & relaxing! - 4/30/2018

Sylvia

Beautiful place to stay! Was very satisfied! - 6/22/2024

Vrbo

Private setting on 80 acres overlooking the Root River Trail. The Bunk House is attached to the shed and includes heat, air, bath, and a Kitchenette. It is decorated with a log cabin theme, has tile, carpet, and granite counter tops. The Kitchenette has a full size refrigerator, microwave, hot plates, and coffee makers (Keurig also - bring your own k-cups). There is a charcoal grill available, stored behind the bunkhouse. We also supply firewood for use in the fire pit.

For single night rates you can make a request and we can evaluate.
The house on this property is also rented out. It is about 100 feet from the bunkhouse. Guests do not share common areas such a fire pits or patio areas. Trails are accessible to all guests.

The property is ~3miles from the trail access in Whalan, MN and ~7 miles from Lanesboro. We have several miles of mowed walking trails throughout the property that are available to all guests. Great opportunities for walks, snowshoeing, or cross country skiing.

There is a security camera mounted to south side of the house above the garage. It provides a view of the driveway as you enter the property.

Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees. - 4/01/2024

Jody

The grounds and the house are awesone the Host has thought of everything you might need on your stay. Kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, outside.......Derrick has created an awesome experience. You will enjoy yourselves! - 5/27/2019

Nicole

This place is fantastic - clean, tastefully decorated, well appointed. Great walking trails. We had an amazing weekend, thanks Derrick! - 8/30/2020

Jill M.

Great stay Clean and spacious. Well stocked with the comforts of home. Garage parking was a bonus. Location was great and fit our hunting party amazingly. Wifi was not strong enough to work, was able to do low quality netflex. Wish the living room accommodated more sitting and had a bigger TV. - 1/08/2022

Fred O'Connor

My first retreat and it was fantastic! This place is so cozy and relaxing. - 2/11/2019

Thomas

My wife and I had a wonderful stay in the shack at the Bluff Country Retreat. It must be a new structure because it was so immaculately clean that it had to be new. Communications from the host were friendly and helpful. I gave five star ratings across the board. If we travel back to the area we will certainly look to book at the Bluff Country Retreat again. - 8/05/2021

Janet C.

Beautiful, clean properties with all the amenities we needed! - 8/07/2022

Sheryl Strain

Very very nice. - 3/06/2022