“Owners so easy to communicate with and accommodating. Cabins were charming. Kitchens had everything you needed for cooking, plus large seating areas. Lake is pristine, fun water toys. The property is absolutely amazing combining flat yard space for games and also Sandy beach area with shallow water to end of dock for kids to swim. Plenty of space and private. So many fun family activities. Can’t wait to come back.”
— Elisa & Dan, Lakeville, MN.
“Fabulous place!!! Very private with trees & trails surrounding the property. Lake is very clear & beautiful. Shallow for quite aways out, making it safe & fun for younger kids. Great beach. Played badminton, volley ball & soccer. Cabins are quite comfortable & spacious. Wonderful beds . Large kitchen with amenities for large group. And their golf course is a lot of fun. We loved this place! Also, the owners are very nice, involved & responsive.”
— Linda, White Bear Lake, MN.
“This was a perfect spot for our group of four families with teens. The lake is absolutely stunning! There is so much to do- our group loved playing golf on the duffer course, volleyball and of course paddleboarding and kayaking on the lake. Can’t wait to come back!”
— Valerie, Hudson, WI.
“David and Brandy were the nicest hosts I’ve experienced. These cabins and our stay were also the best rental experience we’ve had. Brandy met us at arrival and we could tell right away how serious they take making their guest stay nothing but the best. The cabins had everything we needed and some. They’ve thought of almost everything. The views are beautiful, walking distance to Otis’s bar & grill and the property had more than enough space for any activity you could imagine. Myself and all of my family/friends who stayed still cannot stop talking about our stay at these cabins and will plan to get back up for another stay in the future. Thank you David and Brandy for everything! We were able to make some memories that will be talked about forever at your cabins!”
— Tucker, Minnetonka, MN.
“One word…AMAZING! We had everything we needed. Plenty of space and everything was clean. Check in process was a breeze and the hosts were SUPER accommodating. Do not hesitate to book this space, you will not be disappointed!”
— Aaron, St. Paul, MN.
“Dave and Brandy were great hosts for our group. Communication was excellent to ensure we had what we needed to have a good weekend.
Upon arrival I met with Brandy. His excitement and pride of the property was so nice to be welcomed to. It was a perfect location for our group and I would recommend it for others looking for a relaxing, secluded, cabin weekend in the north woods of MN. Thank you Dave and Brandy!”
— Pete, Lino Lakes, MN.
“This is an unbelievably gorgeous piece of property. There is the Big House and Little House (lots of bunk beds) for accommodations with a nice big kitchen and living room in the Big House. The water in Sugar Lake is a crystal clear aquamarine color and with the sandy beach, two kayaks, two paddle boards and a canoe we were set for our stay. Our group of 13 ranging in age from 63 to 2 all had a wonderful time!”
— Kathleen, Milwaukee, WI.
“This place was just as pictured, absolutely beautiful! We already want to find a reason to go back! David and Brandon were always just a text away if we had any questions or concerns. This trip was perfect!”
— Erin, Inver Grove Heights, MN.
“We were looking for a place to accommodate our whole family to celebrate my parents 50th Anniversary. Sugarcrest did not disappoint. It is an amazing place/property with trails, duffer golf, wildlife, amazing swimming area, great houses to stay in and great communication with the owners. We have stayed at a lot of properties for different vacations over the years. We like to try new places but Sugarcrest changed out mind about needing to go somewhere different every year. We will be back!!!”
— Jeff, Lincoln, NE.
“This place has everything and then some. Cabin is cozy and comfortable and the property and lake are second to none. Highly recommend!”
— Mike, Minneapolis, MN.
“Comfortable, private and peaceful property for our family of babies through adults. Owners have excellent response both before and during our stay. Thank you for sharing!!”
— Beth and David, Sabetha, KS.
“Dave was extremely accommodating, responsive and helpful in the many interactions we had leading up to the trip. He and his brother made the check in, stay, and check out process smooth and burdenless. Which was awesome because it allowed our group the maximum time to enjoy this stunning property! From the cabins to the grounds to the lake, everything was as advertised and even exceeded my high expectations. I’d definitely recommend to any group wanting to enjoy lakeside privacy and water sports at a sprawling cabin. Hope to be back soon!”
— Joe, Lake Park, MN.
“Our group had a great weekend at Sugarcrest. The property is beautiful and comes with so many different amenities that are perfect for all ages (paddle boards, kayaks, volleyball, duffer golf course, basketball hoop, 2 fire pits & lots more). The cabins were very clean and the beds were extremely comfortable! Dave (the host) did great job of communicating with us throughout the entire process. We all agreed that this was by far best place we have ever rented. Our group is already planning our next trip back. Would highly recommend! :)”
— Austin, Minneapolis, MN.
“Sugarcrest is the break in the action you are looking for. Nothing less than a sanctuary of peace and lake life at its best. Between the wildlife, trails, or of course the lake, we’ve yet to find a comparable to match its simplicity while still offering all the amenities. Great for a large group- or even just a couple of families.”
— Gavin, Hatfield, MN.
“Great original rustic home & cabin with modern updates. Our family group of 15 fit perfectly with plenty of space for meals. Water toys and outdoor activities provided to entertain all ages. Many wonderful spots to relax and take in the fresh air & incredible views.”
— Annie, Windsor, CO.
“My family and I attended a wedding at Sugarcrest and it was gorgeous! The wedding was beautiful. The property was immaculate. Highly recommended for any type of event including weddings or family reunions.”
— Holly, Rosemount, MN.
“This property and its cabins are truly a magical place. It allowed our large family of 15 to be together, yet each have enough space. The lake is beautiful and clean, the houses pristine, and Dave is a terrific host. We highly recommend this cabin retreat and hope that we can return again next year”
— Michael and Aimie, Los Angeles, CA.
“We had a completely amazing time! It was everything we could have hoped for and more. Thanks again so much for sharing a beautiful home with us.”
— Sherry and Jeff, Hinkley, MN.
“Best family vacation ever. Rental was as advertised. Dave was present for check in and check out and met all our needs. Best rental ever.”
— Bruce, Lakeville, MN.
“David’s place is amazing and he is a fantastic host. An awesome escape with lots of amenities and comfortable accommodations for a big group. We will definitely visit again”
— Mariana, Argentina, SA.
“Can’t say enough great things about Sugarcrest lodge. Dave is a fabulous host. He was always quick to respond back to email or text and made sure we had all the information needed for a successful and great weekend. The cabins, land and lake itself is truly special. Beauty everywhere you turn and cozy cabins. Be sure to go on a hike to find “The king of the forest”. There is endless fun around the 32 acres .The duffer golf course is the cherry on top of this incredible place. We will be back Sugarcrest lodge in the near future!”
— Justin, St. Paul, MN.
“Sugar lake retreat is so perfect. We had 14 people and everything was set up perfectly for kids, adults and the entire group. The lake is aqua blue with beautiful sandy beach. All of the cabins and amenities exceeded our expectations and highly recommend this getaway! David is a first class individual and we look forward to going back. There is no lake place in the Midwest finer than this!”
— Zachary, Big Lake, MN.
“Don’t hesitate to book Sugarcrest! David is amazing and these cabins and grounds are perfect! We had a party of 16 stay. We had tons of room, plenty of beds, tons of games and fun, and all around an amazing experience. You don’t need to bring balls or yard toys, that have that covered. The lake is amazing and they have provided lots of lake toys and even have fishing poles available if that’s your thing. The cabins are very well laid out with everything you need including soap, shampoo, and conditioner. You can’t beat the view! It’s beautiful! The morning sun is perfect and the lake was very calm in the mornings. They have ample chairs for the yard, don’t bring any chairs. We are most likely going to make sugarcrest a yearly place to travel and spend time with friends. Again, don’t hesitate to book!”
— Shane, St. Paul, MN.
“Our group invaded Dave’s place on Sugar Lake and could not have been happier. This group of friends has been traveling every summer to various lake places around the state of MN and I can tell you without a doubt Dave has put together something really nice here. The property is very well maintained and updated to a very nice “upscale up north” feel. With the size of our group we used every inch of both cabins but never felt like we were on top of each other. The over all property is fantastic, we played the duffers nine every morning and enjoyed the huge yard, beach, and bonfire pits each day/night. In the almost 15 years I have been planning this friend trip we have never decided to come back to the same place the very next year...except this year. This place is great, lake is great, location is great, Dave is great. Will be back again soon!”
— Ryan, Minneapolis, MN.
““This place is incredible! We did a guy’s weekend here and it couldn’t have been better! The lot is exactly what it says it is and even better when you arrive. Plenty of room for games in the lawn, the Duffer Course is a blast, and the lake is the best lake I’ve been to! David was amazing at communication all through the process as well. I’ll be back!!””
— Brad, Burnsville, MN.
“This property was more beautiful than the pictures show. Our family has been looking for a place that we could spend time together for years to come— We have found it here! Everything was immaculate when we arrived. Beds were comfortable. Kitchen was well appointed. Bathrooms were great. Each day of our one week stay, you could find a threesome or foursome on the duffer golf course on the property usually at 9am and again in the evening— so much fun! The boathouse contained chairs, noodles, and anything you needed on the lake. There is a beach to use and kayaks and paddle boards. We enjoyed every minute of our family vacation. This property provides enough space where large groups can be together but also have private space to read, listen to the loons, or just sit and enjoy the view! We will be back for many years to come!”
— Llew, Decorah, IA.
“Can’t speak highly enough of the overall experience. Just an incredible place! The property was perfectly suited for us. We all had our own bedrooms and private space. With so many onsite activities, there was never a reason to leave. The property was perfect for group events such as badminton or bonfires, but if you needed time to yourself it was easy to escape with a quiet walk in the woods or just some time on the tree swing. The standup paddle boards, kayaks, and canoe were a huge hit. Our 5 year old jumped on the SUP the first day! We also brought our speed boat- the lake is incredible for skiing with very little traffic. Both cabins were clean and to David’s (the host) description. David was incredibly detailed and did a great job communicating- he’d occasionally send a text just to check in and see how things were going. We all had the impression that David truly cared about our experience as it was evident that the property is special to him and his family. We’re already planning our next trip... FIVE STARS! ”
— Skip, Englewood, CO.
“Exactly as described if not better. We made excellent use of all the amenities to include walking along the trails, swimming in the lake and jumping off the dock, paddle boards, kayaks, the canoe, nightly fires next to the big fire pit, and everything else during our week long stay. The nights were cool and quiet - a great escape from the city and daily stressors, and the days were warm and welcoming. The lake’s temperature was cool enough to be refreshing but warm enough for an entire afternoon in the water. Initially, there were questions regarding the layout of the bedrooms and the distance from one cabin to the other for a monitor to hear if the kids needed anything or were horse playing rather than sleeping. David provided excellent communication prior to the trip and afterward. He answered all of my questions and even checked in once during our stay to see if we needed anything. His responses were prompt, and he never hesitated to answer his phone in case I needed to call and ask a question. His customer service was fantastic! We put all the kids in the little cabin to allow the adults some time at night together in the big cabin. The big cabin’s kitchen accommodated the 14 of us for all meals. The cabins had a homey atmosphere in which we all felt comfortable and at home. Check-in and out was foolproof. This was a great experience for my entire family! We all agreed that we would like to come back again next year.”
— Jon, New York, NY.
“As lovely as the photos. Cleanest, clearest lake water I’ve ever seen. Shallow to the end of the dock made for easy kid watching and use of the kayaks, floats and paddle boards. We loved the cabins, the volleyball and the duffer golf course. For an active family with kids age 1-14 we had plenty to do and it was just perfect! We will be coming back for sure...what a gem! David was so responsive when I had questions and I’d recommend this property to anyone. (Or I might keep it a secret for myself ) Thanks, Carrie”
— Carrie & Ben, Edina, MN.
“My husband and I had the distinguished privilege to be the first couple wed at Sugarcrest. We could not be more grateful for finding this place and having Dave and his family’s willingness to work with us, as we were able to create a unique, one-of-a-kind wedding on this beautiful lakefront property. We were able to capture stunning pre-ceremony photos in the rustic cabins of Sugarcrest and have the amazing Caribbean teal-colored lake in the foreground of the ceremony and reception. The open landscape provided a perfect venue to host the reception after the ceremony, while still having privacy due to the tall, lush Minnesota cedar, pine and maple trees. Our description and the photos provided do not do justice as to how breathtaking this place actually is. We were fortunate enough to create some of the best memories that will last our entire lifetime. We could not be happier to recommend Sugarcrest to anyone who is looking for a hidden gem that gives the feel of a private retreat with a rustic feel.”
— Jenna & Joe, Thornton, CO.
“This place was absolutely perfect! Amazing cabins and views. David was informative and always available. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to have a great trip!”
— Kyle, Minneapolis, MN.
“We had great time with family. Grandparents hosted families. 13 of us and 3 dogs! We skied, tubed, fished, paddle boarded, canoed, had bonfires, cookout, hikes, yard games, races....so much to do! Great fishing. Sugar Lake is the prettiest lake I have ever seen. Water looks like the Caribbean. Water sports were popular with the grand kids. One skied and one surfed for their first time. So many great memories. Would highly recommend for your family vacation. ”
— Sara & Chuck, Red Wing, MN.
“These two beautiful cabins provided a wonderful respite for our theater troupe during a three day tour of the Grand Rapids area. The large living room with fireplace is extremely comfortable with beautiful lake views, many late night discussions hanging out around the big fireplace. The kitchen is bright and spacious and perfect for community cooking. The hosts were very friendly and responsive — got the driveway plowed out after the big snow storm in fairly good time.”
— Michelle, Minneapolis, MN.
“For my wife’s 30th surprise birthday party, I had to search around very long and hard to find the perfect place. Let me just start off by saying how great the host was. He took care of everything from A through Z. He kept us informed and gave us a lot of useful information to make the best of our stay. If the host wasn’t enough to impress you, the property will. We were all so impressed with the property, especially with the view of the lake. It was absolutely breath taking. The lodge was amazing with lots of sleeping spaces. The place had a cozy and homey feel. There were a lot of activities that we did including, paddle boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, playing volleyball and mini golfing and even hiking. I had friends who have done trips like this before and they told me this place impressed them a lot more. In fact they are thinking about it as their next family get together. The space will definitely bring your friends and family together. I can not recommend this place enough. If you are even thinking twice about it, book it. You won’t regret it.”
— Peter, Minneapolis, MN.
“What a special weekend we had at Sugarcrest this summer! Our family so enjoyed our time, we are already discussing a return trip. The expansive, private property enabled us to enjoy long walks along the shore and through the woods, fun rounds of “chipper” (as we called it) on the 9 hole short course, a bonfire, and lots of canoeing. From the music playing when we arrived, to the quintessential cabin fireplace, the ambiance can only be understood if you’re a visitor. How at home we felt in the fresh, modern, yet cozy cabin allowed us to really kick back and enjoy our time together. It seemed like a lot of thought had gone into the place, the kitchen was a great size for a big meal to be cooked in and every bed in the cabin was incredibly comfortable. The listing is described accurately and the owners have been a pleasure to work with.”
— Kristen, Edina, MN.
“Couldn’t have asked for more, it was a dream vacation. Our family of seven + two dogs spent all of our time swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, sitting by campfires, playing yard games, and relaxing. The massive property is set up perfectly for a large group to run free and enjoy the woods and water. Ideal for a group gathering as well as finding private spots for unwinding. Aside from being incredibly accommodating, the owners have turned the cabins into modern/rustic works of art. Can’t say enough great things about the entire experience, from top to bottom it was an A+!”
— Dan, Delano, MN.
“Eight of us met at Sugar Lake to celebrate our 50th high school graduation and had a spectacular time. The two houses are larger than they look on the website, providing both privacy and room for everyone to gather together. All expected amenities (and more) and comforts are included while still maintaining a rural cabin ambience. We kayaked, canoed, paddle boated, swam, golfed, campfired, ate, drank, and laughed. Perfect venue in a beautiful setting. David and his family really thought of everything and provided terrific service.”
— Susan, Oakland, CA.
“We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Sugar Lake!! You can feel the pride the family has in the property from the moment you arrive. The charm and character of the cabins is very special as well. We were able to enjoy the lake, the duffer golf course, fire pit, and surroundings for the week. The shallow entry to the lake was perfect for our group, including all 10 children who we couldn’t keep on dry land even if we wanted too. The owners provided so much in terms of kitchen utensils, games, water sport options. We all spent time kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding and fishing. Additionally, to our pleasant surprise we had access to water skis!! Dave and his family were accessible to our group as needed. We even endured a pretty wicked thunderstorm during our stay which resulted in lost power and trees down.....That didn’t affect our time at all and we were still able to enjoy the lake. Dave arranged for a generator to arrive for a back up power and kept us informed of power status as much as possible. Also, the town of Grand Rapids is easily accessible for all of your grocery and other needs. We rented a Pontoon from Grand Rapids Marine and they too were so friendly and helpful!! I would highly recommend Suger Crest - we hope to visit again!!”
— Jennifer, Boulder, CO.
“This entire property is phenomenal. It really is a retreat as stated in the description. It was the perfect place to get away from it all for a night. Our group took full advantage of the space to sleep 11 people and we had more than enough room for everyone. Making breakfast was easy and delightful to sit at the table and overlook the lake. We had a couple of questions at the beginning of the process, but Dave responded very quickly by email or by text, which made the entire process smooth and effortless, which is exactly what I needed to organize such a large group! By day we went swimming and enjoyed wandering the lake property. Dinner at the nearby golf club and bar was fantastic; try the wild rice salad for a true northern Minnesota dish! At night, we sat around the fire, making s’mores and enjoying the stars and loon calls over the lake. This is the ideal location for a corporate retreat, family reunion, or a group of friends looking to get away from the city without all the maintenance of owning their own cabin. We didn’t bring our pup this time, but I would definitely go back and bring her with this time! I love that pets are encouraged, but even though there were pets here before as (see pictures), the cabin was very clean and did not smell of animals (a plus for the less animal friendly people in our group). All in all, I would love to go back again and enjoy both the entertainment and the solitude of this delightful spot.”
— Sarah, Roseville, MN.
“We loved our stay at Sugarcrest. Park-like lawns surrounded by massive white pines and towering sugar maples, acres and acres of woods, all set high on a hill overlooking a lake whose color turns aquamarine on a sunny day. What could be better? We swam, canoed, set up music by the beach and baked in the sun. At night we put a blanket out under the stars and found constellations...easy to do, because the stars in the sky this far away from the city are so very bright. And it’s quiet! Not a sound to be heard except for mournful loon calls and the lapping of waves. One chilly evening we made a roaring fire in the stone fireplace. We walked the trails in the woods and found the eagle’s nest high above the shoreline, and watched the eagle soar over the lake as he fished. We played games on the lawn and did whatever we pleased, just enjoying the incredible beauty and solitude of this unique property.”
— Laurel, St. Paul, MN.
“Staying at Sugarcrest was like nothing we have experienced before. Having the opportunity to be with friends in this private north woods setting is priceless. Our host Dave was accommodating in every way. We received a detailed welcome letter upon our arrival listing everything we needed to know about Sugarcest. He also gave us information on things to do in the surrounding community. Dave was available to answer any questions that we had during the course of our stay. He was always just a text away. Our group has been meeting every summer for over 35 years. Here are some impressions shared about Sugarcest. Time spent at Sugarcrest is time spent in Heaven.( Mary Ann ). Sugarcrest is the perfect getaway. I am not sure what is better- the beautiful surroundings, the turquoise water, or the awesome accommodations. I would recommend it to anyone. ( Lisa). It has all the things accommodations you need. Two cabins on a beautiful lot, a huge wooded area with walking trails, an awesome dock to do all the fishing you would want, and most of all the wildlife is endless to watch, ( my favorite). (Anita). Sugarcrest is truly a little piece of heaven. The memories we made will stay with us forever! ( Laura) I have told my friends that the privacy here is perfect for any group. The clear clean water is amazing. ( Ann). I love nature and photography. I walked the trails and got pictures of fawns, and owls and eagles. It was all so very beautiful. At night we sat around the fire and the stars were too numerous to count. We made use of the canoe, the paddle boat, and the pontoon on our daily excursions around the lake. Unbelievable turquoise water! ( Tracy). Among all the places we have stayed in the last 35 years, Sugarcrest is our unanimous favorite! Thank you Dave.”
