Surrounded by 456 acres of parkland, the camper cabins at the Whitetail Woods Regional Park in Dakota County, Minn., offer visitors a chance to get back to nature – if only for a night or two.
The cabins, designed by HGA, won a 2016 Housing Award from the American Institute of Architects, in part for the thoughtful siting of the structures in an undisturbed habitat. Each of the three cabins is available for nightly rental and nestle into a hill in a grove of pine trees. The cabins have level access at the top of the hill and perch out over the slope for a treehouse-like view.
See also A Nature Inspired Minnesota Cabin
Although the cabins measure just 227 square feet each, they offer two full-size bunked beds and a sitting area with seating that converts to a bed. Up to six people can sleep comfortably and, during the day, enjoy a dining area, a covered deck that faces the trees and an outdoor firepit area. Red cedar lines the walls, providing a natural feel. Visitors use bathhouse facilities that are located nearby.
Students in a high school trades program built the cabins under the supervision of the county. Eventually, the park plans to build an additional 17 cabins on the site. These first three are the perfect home base for enjoying all the activities of the park, including hiking, cross-country skiing and sledding.
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