We believe nature & movement can change everything.
Growing up in Minnesota, we were outside as much as we possibly could be as children in any and all kinds of weather... soaking in the warmth of sunshine, feeling the rain on our faces, enjoying the sounds of birds singing, leaves rustling and breathing in the rich scent of a snowy pine forest. Now, as adults we often find that we can easily spend too much time indoors and in front of screens... and we wanted to change that.
Cuyuna Cove was built on the edge of the electric & historic mining town of Crosby, MN with over 5 years of grit, hard work and determination. We opened our outdoor hotel to our very first guests in July of 2020 and are incredibly lucky to have direct access to globally ranked Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area which offers the most breathtaking year round adventures. Explore over 70+ miles of single track mountain bike trails, the gorgeous paved trail winding through the entire rec area, additional gravel routes, pristine mining lakes and so much more. It truly is a remarkable and one-of-a-kind destination.
It is our hope that you will be able to experience putting your phone down, breathing deeply, detoxing in our redwood sauna, trying something new outdoors and simply allowing your body and mind to move in nature followed by deep rest and rejuvenation. Cuyuna Cove's vacation rental cabins are a guest favorite for a romantic getaway in MN!
Our Story
Chris and Kelsey’s journey started as childhood friends who reconnected in their 30s, driven by a shared love for design, unique experiences, coffee, food, travel, dogs, family, the healing power of the great outdoors, and, of course, physical movement for mental and physical health. Combining Kelsey’s passion for home renovation and real estate—sparked in Austin, TX, in 2013—and Chris’s hard work ethic and ‘can-do’ attitude, they turned their dream of creating unique, nature-inspired getaways into reality.
Their adventure began in 2018 with a move back home to northern Minnesota in a 1990s motorhome. Then, while renovating a 1920s mining home in Crosby, they built Cuyuna Cove from the ground up, doing most of the work themselves with the help of Kelsey’s dad, Phil, opening their iconic stilted cabins and custom redwood sauna to guests in 2020. Since then, Cuyuna Cove has become a sought-after retreat, offering year-round cabins and seasonal glamping bungalows with a beautiful outdoor shower experience.
Inspired by the power, dark sky and raw beauty of the North Shore, they developed Tofte Trails on 17 stunning acres overlooking Lake Superior several years after Cuyuna Cove was completed. They opened their doors to their first guests in the fall of 2023. With custom designs, reclaimed materials (they sought out and refinished 140-year-old barn wood from a single barn in southern MN), and modern amenities (Kelsey’s dad built all the solid oak custom cabinets), the cabins offer an unparalleled escape for adventure and relaxation, just minutes from trails, skiing, and Lake Superior’s breathtaking beauty.
In 2024, they expanded their vision to Florida, renovating a 1930s beach property with a tropical yard and pool, blending their signature design and hospitality with Gulfport’s historic charm.
Chris and Kelsey’s creations are filled with thoughtful, unexpected touches inspired by their travels. Passionate about welcoming guests and fostering deep connections with nature & ones self, they’ve created spaces where everyone—dogs included—feel at home.
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Adventures create the best stories to share for a lifetime
Thank you for choosing to stay with us. We hope your getaway with us at Cuyuna Cove, Tofte Trails or in sunny St. Petersburg, Florida lights a fire of inspiration and allows you to rest, play and reconnect.
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The next adventure: Tofte Trails on Minnesota's North Shore
We are thrilled to share our newest cabin getaway in Tofte , MN with our guests! Come experience the power and magic of the North Shore in our 5 cabins nestled on 17 private acres just above the mighty Lake Superior called Tofte Trails. Visit us and book at www.toftetrails.com
With the support from family and friends, Cuyuna Cove's 5 cabins were built in just over 2 years. It took endless hours and a heavy dose of grit, determination and hard work.
We are always continuing to work on our property and have since added 5 seasonal bungalows, an outdoor shower/bath house and a gorgeous sauna within the first 5 years of being open. Thank you for supporting our small business and all the other local small businesses throughout Minnesota and beyond!
Cuyuna Cove
The five cabins at Cuyuna Cove were completed on June 27th 2020 in the midst of the pandemic. The redwood sauna was finished in October 2021 with new seasonal bungalows and our gorgeous outdoor shower/bath house launched in the Spring of 2024.
What a journey it has been! The best part of it all? Getting to know and meet so many amazing guests.
A Note from Chris & Kelsey
“We cannot thank you enough for coming to stay in our unique & cozy cabins a beautiful Cuyuna country. We’re so lucky to call this unique area of MN ‘home’. Our goal in building Cuyuna Cove is that you’ll have a rejuvenating getaway filled with adventure, nature and connecting to yourself and loved ones. Memories made in Cuyuna will truly last a lifetime and beyond! Enjoy every moment.”
