Inside Tofte Trails: Why Our Cabins Are Unlike Any Other on the North Shore
Upon entering your cabin, you will feel an overwhelming sense of awe and calm with the massive 10ft sliding glass door and windows framing stunning views all around you. Put your phone down, move a little slower and take deep breaths, breathing in the scent of the pine, birch & cedar forest. Here, you are at peace.
Not all cabins are created equal. In fact, a lot of Minnesota cabin rentals look the same—cookie-cutter builds, mass-produced finishes, and nothing that feels truly unique. We wanted something different.
At Tofte Trails, walking into one of our cabins is meant to feel totally unexpected. From the outside, you see what appears to be a simple cabin, tucked beneath towering pines above Lake Superior. But step inside, and you’re transported: a world of warm, modern design, handcrafted details, and views that make you pause.
This isn’t just a place to stay. It’s an experience in and of itself.
At Tofte Trails, nothing is generic. You won’t walk in and think, “This looks like every other Airbnb I’ve stayed in.” You’ll walk in and feel like you’ve stumbled on something rare, sustainable, and handcrafted with care.
Immersed in Nature, Yet Unexpectedly Modern
We loved the feel of old log cabins, but always wished we could see out of them. That’s why our cabins feature floor-to-ceiling glass, so you’re not just near the woods - you’re immersed in them.
From your luxury, hand built floating king bed, you’ll watch the light shift through the trees. Storms roll in over Lake Superior. Snow drifts quietly across the forest and deer, fox, bear and birds are spotted traveling slowly below the cabins. It’s more than just beautiful - spending time in nature like this is scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and boost overall health. It’s where we feel happiest, most present and at peace.
At Tofte Trails, we designed every cabin so you can feel those benefits simply by being here.
Every detail was meticulously thought through to bring you on an escape unlike any before.
We were worried about the oak cabinets my dad made clashing with the 14o year old reclaimed wood. But once the hand poured concrete counters and vintage brass light switch covers, pulls and faucets + details were added… it was a dream come true. The space was powerful yet incredibly calming all at once. Like a warm embrace from a loved one filled with memories.
Handcrafted Stories in Every Detail
Every surface, fixture, and piece of décor at Tofte Trails has a story. We worked with local artisans, family members, and makers who poured love into every detail:
140-year-old reclaimed barnwood from a family barn in Southern MN that still has the old nails pounded in
Solid oak shelving & cabinets, built by my dad, Phil (he hand picks the wood and selects the direction of the grain perfectly)
Concrete countertops, hand-poured in Minneapolis along with the custom concrete fire place stand he built for us.
Custom green zellige tile showers juxaposed against the old wood with matching, one of a kind green grout
Vintage brass fixtures & cabinet pulls that shine with character. There is nothing like them.
Hand made lighting fixtures (dimmable was a must!) from artisans across the globe
Leather headboards from Morocco and Turkish robes and rugs from a women-owned collective in Turkey
One-of-a-kind mugs, local art, leather coasters, and our leather handmade Things to Do guide created exclusively for Tofte Trails
Hand made Tofte Trails room sprays and candles with custom artwork and a lovely scent we created just for these cabins
A foldaway solid oak table built by my dad. Tucks away seamlessly when not in use.
Everything was chosen to be sustainable, locally sourced when possible, and deeply personal.
We worked with a family who had taken down a 140 year old barn in Southern MN. Piece by piece it was neatly stacked and stored. We made countless trips with our trailer to pick up the wood, clean it, clean it again and sand it a final time once it was painstakingly put up in every cabin. The nails were pounded in and once it was complete, we were blown away by how incredible the old wood made the new cabins feel. A space unlike any other we had experienced.
Awaken All Your Senses
We didn’t just design cabins - we designed an atmosphere. When you step inside, you’ll notice it immediately: the faint smell of old wood, the feel of leather and stone, the sound of wind in the trees just outside your glass wall.
We wanted to create places that surprise you, delight you, and make you feel calm, warm, and inspired. Tofte Trails is more than a getaway - it’s a reset button for your nervous system.
Why Tofte Trails Is Different
At Tofte Trails, nothing is generic. You won’t walk in and think, “This looks like every other Airbnb I’ve stayed in.” You’ll walk in and feel like you’ve stumbled on something rare, sustainable, and handcrafted with care.
Because you have.
And that’s what makes staying here unlike anywhere else.
Thank you for supporting our dream and small business,
Kelsey & Chris
Ready to See For Yourself?
Book your stay at Tofte Trails and experience the difference for yourself.
A special thank you to my amazing, positive and incredibly talented dad, Phil. He was born and raised on a MN dairy farm and that farm is still in our family today which makes the barnwood even more special. It took him weeks to design and build a custom, collapsable table that would slide back into place next to the fridge. The uniqueness of it makes for another fun and lovely surprise. We hope you enjoy every moment of your stay.
