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April 6, 2025 derrick

Posted by derrick on April 6, 2025April 6, 2025

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Reviews from our guests:

5.0

207 reviews

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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

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

Shelly Ochsendorf Herrmann

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

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

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

Randy & Bonnie G.

Cozy getaway Exceptional place to stay. Quiet and peaceful. Further away from the Root River bike trails than we anticipated. - 9/01/2024

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

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

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

Maribeth L.

Excellent accommodations for a family getaway! Family vacation with 7 children five years and younger! Very spacious for the kids inside and outside! Adults also had plenty of room. The home was generously furnished from the kitchen, to the bathrooms, to the patio and everything in between! Owners great to work with! Highly recommend! - 8/08/2021

Tracy Jacobson

- 3/02/2018

Jane

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

Brent V.

Summer Fun
Great spot. Will stay again if available. - 7/25/2023

Megan

This retreat was nothing short of amazing. From the moment we arrived, we could tell that there was an incredible amount of pride in ownership and hosting guests. The bunk house was welcoming and clean. We were impressed by Derrick's great communication so we could easily find everything we needed. The setting was breath taking! A true "retreat" from the chaos of everyday life. The drive in felt magical and the sunsets were the perfect end to both our days visiting. Everything about our experience was nothing short of 5 stars! Hoping we can journey back this way in the future for another stay at the Bunk House at Bluff Country Retreat! Highly recommend! - 5/23/2021

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

Jeffrey T.

Great place, very remote The facilities were clean and modern, very nice. I was under the impression this was close to the bike trails. This is not the case. If you want a retreat from everything this is perfect. If you want cycling, you will need to commute to the trail. - 9/15/2020

Iain W.

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

David

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

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

Sheryl Strain

Very very nice. - 3/06/2022

Roberta

Derrick’s place is amazing, beautiful and scenic. Hospitality the best. He gave us all kinds of information and ideas of things to do locally. Would recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful place to relax. - 7/07/2019

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

Tart Farms

Bluff Country Retreat is a beautiful home located on the bluff above the Root River in southeast Minnesota. The amenities are numerous and the description and pictures on the website do not do this retreat justice. Ample craft space on the main floor, large soaking tub, walking trails, fireplaces, TVs...it's just amazing! This is my fourth stay and I'm looking forward to the two weekends booked for 2019! This is the perfect get away! - 10/28/2018

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

Terry & Amy R.

Great property with an abundance of amenities! Plenty of kitchen accessories to utilize for cooking your own meals. The yard games provided are nice so you don’t have to hail your own along. We also enjoyed visiting a few Amish locations, riding the bike trails, and Niagara Cave. The Pastry Shoppe in Lanesboro was delish! Several golf courses in the area as well. Great hosts, easy check in process, clear stay and departure instructions. - 8/11/2025

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

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

Steve L.

This was our second time staying in this spot. We were here last September as well but this time we stayed for 3 nights instead of 2. We love coming to the Lanesboro area in September. We highly recommend this spot and this host. Derrick is great to work with. - 9/18/2024

David

Beautiful spot in the bluffs. About 6 miles from Lanesboro. - 4/24/2021

Julie K.

We had a three night stay with our group of sisters, husbands, cousins and grandparents. The home was great and had everything we needed. Plenty of beds, showers, and a wonderful outdoor fire pit with an exceptional view of the surrounding bluffs. The kitchen was well equipped. We made almost all our meals there and sat out at the picnic tables to eat. We played lots of card games, read books, took naps. The miles and miles of grassy pathways was a real treat. We took several sunset walks (and a few stargazing walks as there was a meteor shower happening.) We spent each night by the fire pit. In the morning, we drank our coffee out back and watched the fog lift from the valley.. breathtaking. The home is a short drive to Whalen to hop on the bike trail (gravel hilly road prevented us from riding to the trail, but that was not a big deal.) We also spent an afternoon floating down the Root River. The home was a wonderful place to come back to and relax after that adventure. You really do feel like you're away from everything. The home is very clean and well organized and the Hongerholts were super attentive and easy to work with. - 8/16/2018

Autumn Keune Fruth

This place exceeds all expectations! We are looking forward to our next retreat this Fall! Chris is super thorough with all the details of the home and is excited about sharing their beautiful, relaxing retreat with you! - 2/14/2018

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

Jody Mack Key

Wonderful place! Have been there fours times now, and never disappoints. - 12/12/2021

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

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

Joseph

Beautiful cabin on a beautiful piece of ground. Derrick was great to work with to rent out his cabin. - 6/07/2026

Sara L.

Loved the cleanliness of the property & the seclusion from the rest of the world. The 2-3 mile gravel road was a bit of a surprise to us, but no biggie. Visited the area for a few days of biking & the weather wasn't the greatest. Very grateful for a lovely cabin to take shelter in! Great getaway to relax & recharge!! - 7/06/2024

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

Julie Broadwtaer

Bluff Country Retreat is a beautiful home located on the bluff above the Root River in southeast Minnesota. The amenities are numerous and the description and pictures on the website do not do this retreat justice. Ample craft space on the main floor, large soaking tub, walking trails, fireplaces, TVs...it's just amazing! This is my fourth stay and I'm looking forward to the two weekends booked for 2019! This is the perfect get away! - 10/28/2018

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

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. - 7/05/2023

Kenton P.

Gorgeous cabin with an even prettier view of the river valley. - 8/15/2021

Fred O'Connor

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

Jenny Overby

This place is well stocked! Kitchen has high end items, well organized, small scrap store even!!! Highly recommend it! Booked for November and April! - 11/12/2017

Mary

What a great find in Lanesboro! Cabin was so welcoming and homey, had everything we needed. Very clean. Our host Derrick was reachable and timely in his responses. Wifi was very strong, including clear (Hidden by Airbnb) video calls needed for work. Wonderful mowed walking paths to explore behind the cabin, we greatly enjoyed our stay! - 5/23/2022

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

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

Michelle Karjala Torrey

Bluff Country Retreat was a fabulous experience. Absolutely stunning views and an amazing work space. The owners have thought of everything. A full kitchen with almost everything you might need to cook a meal. Amazing accommodations including walk in showers and a jacuzzi tub. - 9/16/2018

Colin

The guest house was great. It was small and cozy but provided everything we were looking for. The walking trails were a great option as well to get out for an hour and walk. It was also off the highways and very quiet and relaxing to just sit outside and enjoy the time. - 5/24/2020

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

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

Beautiful quiet getaway. Thank you for sharing your property with us. The trails on the property are beautiful. We enjoyed our getaway to southeastern MN. - 8/01/2020

Carolyn T.

Great weekend get away. Well stocked and maintained cabin on a beautifull bluff overlooking the Root River. Nicer than we expected...listing does not do justice. Close to Lanesboro and multiple trouts streams. We saw tons of wildlife and the views from the groomed waking trails were beautiful. Would recommend 👌 - 6/17/2024

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

Randy P.

The location and grounds are great, with just a short car drive to the bike trails. The bunkhouse was very nice, well stocked and very clean. The host communicated well and even offered an early check-in, which unfortunately we couldn't take advantage of. We hope to stay there again. - 6/07/2026

James M.

Beautiful bluff top property! - 10/12/2020

Laura C.

Peaceful It was the best! So fully stocked . Fully equipped kitchen . It was so peaceful and beautiful for our family to be together !! Very kind owners too! And homemade honey down the road ! We loved it all! - 7/05/2023

Randy & Bonnie G.

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

Marika

Derrick was easy to communicate with and had a clean place on beautiful property. We had a few hiccups (WiFi, fireplace, construction workers) but Derrick was responsive and courteous. Overall, a nice getaway. - 10/23/2021

Tammy Schoppers

Breathtaking views, gorgeous home with every anemity you can think of! Highly recommend to everyone! - 4/15/2019

Kathy Tesmer

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

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

Nicci Songas

Chris is an amazing host! She went well above and beyond a typical host. It’s a bit tough to get to with fresh, not yet plowed snow and we got stuck. Chris came to get us in her truck, helped get us unstuck, and then found a place for us to keep the car until the plow came through. Then she and her dad went to get the vehicle once plowed so we didn’t need to go out in the bitter cold! The place is amazingly beautiful and comfortable. Great place for getting projects done! - 2/12/2019

Brian C.

Wonderfully relaxing Fantastic, quiet, clean, and central location to so much! We loved our stay!! - 10/12/2021

Joe L.

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

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

Neil S.

Excellent in all regards. This is a beautiful well-equipped property and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Derrick and Chris answered all of our questions and provided lots of information about the area in general. They were excellent with whom to work and made us feel welcome from the onset. While there were only six in our group, the home could certainly accommodate larger groups. I recommend them and their property highly! - 6/11/2021

Heidi Hanson

- 4/11/2021

Star T

This place is AMAZING! I recently spent a weekend at Bluff Country and was not disappointed. The lodging is comfortable, spacious, inviting, and extremely clean (and I'm a clean-freak so that's saying something). The kitchen is well equipped. There's even a nut roaster, which I realized after I toasted some on the range. I spent time on the walking trails which were very peaceful, private, and scenic....plus I saw 19 deer! The hosts are very accommodating and responsive to any questions. Bluff Country is the place to stay if you're planning a stay in the area. I'll definitely stay there again! - 3/01/2018

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

Anne Kuderer

What a great place! Every amenitiy you can think of is provided. Beautiful setting, great walking trails and plenty of space to craft! Highly recommend booking your next getaway with friends here! - 4/15/2019

Kristina Lynne

Awesome place for scrapping - 3/30/2019

Andy S.

The house was even better than described! Tucked away in the country, it felt like you were in your own little world. Nestled in the woods with a great view of the valley, we enjoyed waking up to the fog lifting off the tops of the trees exposing the beautiful greenery for miles around. Everything in the home was VERY clean (for all those that are OCD about cleaning like myself…this is your place!), tidy and beautiful. It's a large house for entertaining several people or just 2 like my husband & I. We’ve stayed at other homes listed on VRBO and they’ve all been lovely but this is definitely hands down my favorite! Every detail was thought of when the house was built. The kitchen is built for entertainment and includes all the items you’d need for cooking...nice items not left-overs or items that should be discarded. All that you need to make your own meals and more is in this house! You can tell it is loved and well cared for. We spent our days riding bikes on the Root River Trail and the nights cooking, sitting by the fire pit and walking around the property. The fire pit was a great end to a fantastic day as we sat by it each night with a great view of the stars and not a sound around us. It truly is an amazing home. Derek and Chris were fantastic and very responsive. Everything that we needed was provided for which made for a truly wonderful stay. On the 2nd day of our stay, we booked a return trip. Thanks Again for sharing your awesome retreat! - 7/12/2018

Anna O.

Serenity The bunk house was immaculate! It was the cleanest VRBO I've stayed at. The property is beautiful and the house had everything we needed. The hosts were very quick to respond and answer any questions. We enjoyed the peaceful get away at the bunk house and when we wanted to explore, Lanesboro was the perfect town to adventure in. We enjoyed bike riding alongside the river and between the bluffs. I highly recommend the bunk house at Bluff County retreat. It was the perfect weekend getaway! - 8/09/2021

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

Amy

We absolutely loved our stay in the bunk house! We hiked the grounds on the trails and it was so beautiful, especially at sunset! The bunk house was decorated so well and had every single thing we needed. It was also one of the cleanest AirBnBs I’ve ever stayed in, so well cared for! - 9/09/2024

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

Samuel

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

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

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

Nicolle A.

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

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

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

Dyanne P.

Perfect for me for a fishing getaway. Had everything I needed. - 4/26/2024

Jody

The Bunk House was even better than we expected! Derrick thought of many details that made our stay pleasant and comfortable like shampoo, conditioner and body wash in the shower, ziploc bags to take home leftovers, plenty of extra blankets, comfy chairs to sit and have a chat. The grounds were beautiful with lovely views. Derrick was particularly considerate by texting me about a forecast storm with hail. He gave me the code to put our car and bikes in the garage. So thoughtful! - 5/16/2021

Susan M.

Great place to be away from all the hub bub of everyday life. Peace of heaven. - 5/19/2024

Stephan S.

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

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

Wayne

Nice, cabin like accommodations close to cross country ski trail and property to ski or snowshoe on.
Very clean and welcoming, Derrick’s hospitality is great, with frequent information before our arrival. - 2/21/2021

Tasa Deden

This place has EVERYTHING you could possibly need AND more. It seriously deserves more than 5 stars. To say this is "God's Country" is an understatement. Owners are FANTASTIC! We have stayed twice and foresee many more stays! - 2/25/2019

Teresa

I have stayed in numerous air b and b’s. This one has moved to the top of the list as my all time favorite! I have never stayed in one as well appointed as this one. Right down to kitchen drawers labeled what’s inside of them! Seriously! No searching to see where something is, and if it’s even provided! I guarantee it’s provided! Communication with Derrick was easy and prompt. The House manual was extremely detailed and greatly appreciated! If I had one complaint it’s that we only had 4 nights there. That’s our fault! If we ever need a large accommodation in the Lanesboro area again we will certainly look to book again! Thank you Derrick! - 6/19/2023

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

Tonia Scanlan Boysen Fix

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

Melinda Selchow

- 12/15/2020

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

Al O.

The facility itself was excellent--well appointed and all small kitchen appliances and needs were very adequately met. Very comfortable with both heat and air conditioning accessible as needed. The only thing I was a little disappointed in was the road needed to get to the property (gravel and a little distance from the big trail). I would, however stay there again because of the tranquility and quietness. - 9/29/2025

Paul

na - 9/13/2021

Kelly K.

The bunkhouse was perfect! The bunkhouse exceeded my expectations! It was perfect for our girls bicycling weekend. The hosts thought of everything to make our stay perfect. The location was beautiful and the bunkhouse was perfect! I’ll definitely be back!!! - 8/16/2023

Jessica

Beautiful spot over looking the valley. Clean, provided everything we needed, and quite. Perfect spot for a nice peaceful get away! - 6/08/2025

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