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Mountain Cabin in Colorado – read more below!
Travel across the U.S., and you’ll find cabins in every corner of the country. From nostalgic A-frames in Michigan to modern masterpieces in Washington, there are a wide variety of shapes and styles, but a common thread connects all these remote escapes: the allure of quieter, slower living.
Rural homes, whether for use as primary homes or weekend retreats, provide respite from the din of day-to-day life in the modern world. And, more simply, cabins are just plain enchanting. They’re places for families to escape to and hike, hunt, swim, read, ski and/or just generally enjoy each other's company. (Or perhaps, for some, they’re a way to finally get some time alone.)
According to a 2020 report from Redfin, “the seven-day average year-over-year change in pageviews of homes in rural areas and small towns were up 115% and 88% respectively.” In short? People are increasingly interested in rural living. Countryside cottages and rural cabins are calling.
So if you’re considering where to build your rustic retreat, consider one of these 9 popular destinations. From the beaches of Hawaii to the ski slopes of Vermont, here are 10 cabin-ready locales.
1. Whitefish, Montana
Whitefish, Montana is a ski resort town located just an hour from the US-Canada border. Proximity to the Whitefish Range, as well as to Glacier National Park, has made the town a popular tourist destination, and like many alpine areas, cabins dot its landscape. Here are two of our favorite cabin rentals in the area:
Whitefish Log Home
"The home has a lodge-like feel with a huge vaulted common area that is
30 feet tall and also boasts a very large deck on three of the four
sides of the home." Check in here for luxe log home living!
Rent it here: vrbo.com
2. Denali National Park Region (Alaska)
It's no surprise Alaska is home to some seriously stunning and rugged cabins, but Denali takes it up another notch. Mount Denali claims the title of the highest peak in North America, and Denali National Park is the perfect location to spot wildlife, seek adventure and find solitude. The surrounding area is brimming with cabins, but here are two worth a peek:
Aurora Cabin
Just 12 miles north of the Denali National Park entrance, this cozy, one-bedroom cabin offers heat, A/C, a microwave, a mini fridge, a bar sink, coffee, wireless internet and satellite television for a getaway that's rustic but not too off-the-grid.
Rent it here: vrbo.com
3. Oahu's North Shore (Hawaii)
Hawaii may not be the first place that comes to mind when you hear the word "cabin," but don’t let its tropical climate fool you. North Shore has plenty of cabin rentals, even A-frames. Get your cabin fix while enjoying the beautiful weather and gorgeous sandy beaches of Hawaii. Here are two cabins to get your vacation planning started:
Secluded A-Frame
This spacious four-bedroom home sits right on the sands of Sunset Beach and boasts a jacuzzi on the deck overlooking the beach and a private volleyball and badminton court.
Rent it here: vrbo.com
4. Harbor Springs, Michigan
Harbor Springs is located in northern Michigan near several ski hills. There are plenty of vineyards and breweries nearby, making this a perfect vacation hub. Visitors will find no shortage of cabins in the area, including A-frames, octagon houses and chalets, like these two: Forest Cottage
This spacious chalet is perfect for a weekend family ski trip or a summer getaway. The chic decor is icing on the cake!
Rent it here: vrbo.com
5. Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge is a beloved ski town with no shortage of cabins, and many are conveniently situated within walking distance to the ski gondolas. The downtown area has a thriving restaurant and shopping district. Here are two charming cabins in Breckenridge.
Log Home
It will be hard to leave the luxurious comforts of this ski-in/ski-out cabin (think: hardwood and slate floors with radiant heat, queen-size pillowtop mattresses...) but with the slopes so close, time on the mountain is a must!
Rent it here: vrbo.com
6. Idyllwild, California
Technically a "census-designated place", Idyllwild boasts the atmosphere of a small town with nothing but locally owned shops and restaurants. Located within the San Jacinto mountains, this area enjoys all four seasons but is only an hour's drive down to the desert. Idyllwild provides excellent access to iconic rock climbing areas and offers plenty of outdoor adventure for non-climbers alike. Check into these cabins for a weekend of quality time spent outside:Sundance Spa
This cabin boasts the best of both worlds: guests can walk to the charming town of Idyllwild for dining and provisions yet the cabin feels secluded and private.
Rent it here: vrbo.com
7. Packwood, Washington
With Mount Rainier National Park to the north and Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument to the south, Packwood is a charming mountain town with plenty to explore. It’s a well-known cabin community, and it's hard to narrow down the choices! Here are two rental retreats to start:
Cozy Cabin
With a hot tub, fireplace and wifi, what else could you need in this woodland escape? This cabin sits on a corner lot full of ferns, cedar trees and rhododendrons in the High Valley neighborhood.
Rent it here: vrbo.com
8. Stowe, Vermont
Called the "ski capital of the East," Stowe is a charming town nestled at the foot of Mount Mansfield in northern Vermont. Famous for trails and ski slopes, it's no wonder the area is home to so many cabins. Here are two to check out:
A-Frame Cabin
Self-described as a quintessential Vermont experience, this cabin boasts recently renovated interiors and a large wraparound porch with a grill for summer barbecues.
Rent it here: vrbo.com
10. Grand Marais, Minnesota
Residents of Minnesota have a deep sense of pride in their cabin culture. You're sure to find this in Grand Marais, a waterfront town on Lake Superior where there are plenty of gorgeous cabins to admire. Here are two that really stand out.
A-Frame Cabin
This rustic retreat features cozy, on-theme interiors and all the amenities you need for an easy, entertaining family vacation.
Rent it here: vrbo.com
What do you think? What did we miss? Tell us on social about your favorite cabin destinations!
Gina Valente lives in Ferndale, Michigan and runs the cabin blog, Moody Cabin Girl. She has a love for unique dwellings, adventures, and all things whimsical. Follow her cabin adventures on Instagram here. When not running around renting cabins, she is trying new restaurants in the Detroit area and posting about them on her Instagram account, Girls Gone Hungry.