Entire home·Private host

Minneapolis/Lake Nokomis/Minnehaha Park "THE COTTAGE" Your Scandinavian Oasis

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Photo gallery for Minneapolis/Lake Nokomis/Minnehaha Park "THE COTTAGE" Your Scandinavian Oasis

A modern kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a backsplash of small tiles.
A garden with potted plants, a metal fence, and a white wall.
A modern hotel room with a large window, a mirror, a desk, and a chandelier.
A house with a clock on the wall, a covered porch, and a garden.
A house with a white exterior, a compass sign on the front, and a garden with white flowers and a tree.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 256 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View in a map
Minneapolis, MN
  • Place, Lake Nokomis
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, Minnehaha Park
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Place, Minnehaha Falls
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.)
    ‪8 min drive‬

Room options

Similar properties

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Minneapolis/Lake Nokomis/Minnehaha Park "THE COTTAGE" Your Scandinavian Oasis


Lake Nokomis * Minnhaha Falls * Private * Safe * Sparkling Clean * 5 Stars

1 Bedroom I 1 Bathroom I 2 Guests I One-Level Living

OVERVIEW:
Welcome to Minneapolis' The Cottage, the city’s premier standalone rental, backed by a Top 10% VRBO Host with hundreds of 5-star reviews. Featured on HGTV for its creative layout, this private, ONE-LEVEL Scandinavian home features a stunning garden patio and a separate heated studio ("The Nordic Nook"). Tucked away in a safe South Minneapolis neighborhood with a small town vibe, The Cottage is just steps from our beloved Lake Nokomis & Minnehaha Falls at The Mississippi River - one of the very most popular areas in Minneapolis/St Paul. Close (but not too close) to MSP and major highway thoroughfares, makes getting around Minneapolis/St Paul & surrounding suburbs (almost) effortless. Walking distance to wonderful local restaurants, bakeries, coffee cafes, library and fun popular shops. Grocery and liquor store are just blocks away. Walk to metro transit & the light rail (blue line). Perfect for couples, professionals, and solo travelers - especially women.

ABOUT:
Discover a meticulously clean, secure, and uniquely Scandinavian "hygge" experience. Freshly updated for 2026, Minneapolis' The Cottage is a fully standalone one-level home offering complete privacy with no shared walls, a private entrance, its own private driveway. It is NOT a condo, duplex, or apartment. The Cottage is ideal for every guest - especially those with physical limitations.

Perfectly "sandwiched" between the Twin Cities' most iconic natural landmarks, Minneapolis' The Cottage offers effortless walkability. An easy, beautiful walk to both Lake Nokomis and Minnehaha Falls at the Mississippi River.

Book with absolute confidence because we are ranked in the Top 1% on VRBO with hundreds of 5-star reviews. Nestled in a quiet South Minneapolis neighborhood with a charming small-town vibe, Minneapolis' The Cottage provides a flawless home-away-from-home experience paired with authentic "Minnesota Nice" hospitality.


HOW WE FEEL ABOUT HOSTING:
We realize people may not remember everything we do as hosts - but they will remember how we made them feel as guests. Welcome!

INDOOR SPACE:
Vaulted ceilings provide an open spacious feeling in the living areas and sun tunnels flood the room with beautiful natural light. Soft thoughtful lighting, cozy touches and attention to every little detail help create a warm welcoming "home away from home" experience you will never forget.

Plush sofa and chair with large Samsung Smart TV and complimentary Netflix & Amazon Prime Video will make guests feel right at home. A BOSE speaker enhances your entertainment experience and allows guests to stream your own music.

Ultra-comfortable Queen bed with built in drawers for maximum storage of guest's belongings. Reading lights and optional heated mattress for cozy winter nights.

A fully equipped kitchen with island seating, Keurig coffee maker, dishwasher, microwave, range, refrigerator/freezer and all the cooking & dining essentials are there. Napkins, paper towels, dishwasher pellets, salt, pepper, spices, soap and "welcome coffee" are provided so guests can pack light.

Meticulously clean spa-inspired bathroom with a luxury bidet, rainfall shower, and heated fan. In-unit washer and dryer. Quality towels, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, hand soap, toilet paper, "Kleenex" and detergent are provided.

OUTDOOR LOUNGE & NORDIC NOOK:
Private patio featuring a pergola, canopy, mature organic gardens and propane fire table. Guests are welcome to pick fresh strawberries, herbs, and flowers. Guests also have exclusive use of our studio, "The Nordic Nook", which is a heated/cooled separate living space adjacent to The Cottage and outdoor lounge. The Nordic Nook is perfect for guests who enjoy yoga or crafts or just want a "change of space" to read, watch a movie, nap - or just hang out.

PARKING:
Private driveway parking next to The Cottage with space for multiple cars. One car garage available for longer stays (negotiable). Free safe on-street parking is also available.

QUICK FACTS:
- Complimentary cleaning: provided every other week for longer stays +10 nights.
- Winter ready: professional snow removal triggered at 1 inch of snow.
- Garage: available for +1 month stays (negotiable).
- Discounts: price reduction applied automatically for weekly and monthly stays.
- Special requests or questions? Just ask!

HOUSE RULES:
- No Animals: no pets allowed.
- Adults: not suitable for children.
- Age Limit: 29+.

HEADED UP NORTH? Experience our outstanding 5-star Lakeshore Cottage on Lake Superior!
www.vrbo.com/396237
Our customers tell us they can't get enough of this vacation home's great location. During your stay, you'll be within walking distance of Mississippi River. Features include laundry facilities. Free WiFi and a kitchen are available in the vacation home.
  • Air-conditioned home with kitchen, washing machine, and fireplace
  • Free WiFi (speed: 500+ Mbps (good for 6+ people or 10+ devices))
  • Amenities include laundry facilities
  • Onsite recreation includes tennis courts
  • Guests have great things to say about the overall condition of the property and the location
  • 7 minutes by car from Mall of America and 10 minutes from U.S. Bank Stadium
As a guest of this vacation home, you'll find barbecue grills, a garden, and laundry facilities. The front desk is open around the clock.

Property amenities

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby
  • Snowboarding nearby

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car not required
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Bidet
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Music library
  • Smart TV
  • Stereo
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • No lift (single-level property)
  • Single level property
  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Visual alarms in hallways
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: This is a 100% smoke-free property.

Services and conveniences

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Housekeeping on request
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Meal delivery service

Location highlights

  • In the city centre
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • Near an outlet shopping centre
  • Near the marina
  • On a river

Things to do

  • Bicycles
  • Boat
  • Golf
  • Kayak
  • Snow sports gear
  • Tennis
  • Water sports equipment
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Spelunking nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Theme park nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Bed sheets changed on request
  • Bicycles
  • Bulk dispensers for toiletries
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • Property does not allow children
  • Recycling
  • Reusable coffee/tea filters
  • Some LED lighting used
  • Towels (changed on request)
  • Unit size: 600 square feet
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 29

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

A signed lease agreement is required.

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • This property does not allow children.
  • Note from host: No children under the age of 18.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
This is a 100% smoke-free property.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking.
Property Registration Number RLIC108019

Property is also known as

Mpls' 5-star Nordic Affordable Fresh Lake Nokomis Mnhaha Falls

Minneapolis/Lake Nokomis/Minnehaha Park "THE COTTAGE" Your Scandinavian Oasis Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 250 out of 255 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 255 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 255 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 255 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 255 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Donald W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
it was great
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

connie h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cottage is so charming and warm and comfortable. Carolyn in a great hostess.
Stayed 20 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Melissa S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great communication with Carolyn, our host. Enjoyed it even more the 2nd time now that we were familiar with what came in the unit and how everything worked. Like an Ikea showroom, small but very comfortable and has everything you need. Will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lynsey B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay

We loved our stay at The Cottage! Very comfortable, appreciated the amenities and the beautiful garden space.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jane M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A very walkable neighborhood, great breakfast place just a 5-mi walk. The rooms were spotless. Had everything we needed and then some!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Florian F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was so clean, and a totally adorable cottage and patio. So peaceful! I would stay there time and time again! Great location!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Katherine A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cottage was spotless and very efficient. The decorations were lovely. Everything was just as we would’ve wanted it.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Chris A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The 242 reviews before mine were not wrong. "The Cottage" was spotless & provided everything I needed for a 20 day stay. It was also close to nearby conveniences, peaceful, bright & beautiful. The furniture & bedding were very comfortable. I really appreciated the washer & dryer !!! The garden looks like it will be amazing during the warm weather. Caroline was the best host ever !!!!!!
Stayed 20 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was a great little spot to relax and retreat. But close to good walking trails and lakes.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nancy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home with all the extra added things I love about a nice VRBO, careful decorating, welcoming treats and notes. Little touches that make it feel like someone is glad to host you.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Darlene S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely cottage in a nice neighborhood. Very convenient and comfortable.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kathy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Carolyn is a great host, quick to respond to all communications. The cottage is in a great area with a small town feel. Local grocery store, hardware store, coffee shops and restaurants all in walking distance. There is even a bowling alley! Cottage is cost and well stocked. The Nordic Nook is an additional perk.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Victor O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place.

It was a pleasure to stay. Quite place, very clean and many little lights
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nathan C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Enjoyable lodging

A repeat boarder, a delightful property!!
Stayed 11 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jason's S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing!

Best VRBO I’ve ever stayed at
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kendra M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect!

Absolutely perfect place! Great area, beautiful place to stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

John B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Visit to family

Very nice location and excellent host.
Stayed 10 nights in Feb 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Brianna K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very nice place

We loved our visit. The cottage is clean and adorable and so close to many things to see and do. We loved the ease of having many keys to use while we stayed and the Nordic nook was a very nice additional setting.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

monica f.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect place to stay in Minneapolis!

We loved this cottage! Carolyn was a wonderful host!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Alan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

46th wedding anniversary

Beautiful little cottage, great communication with host. Highly recommend! We enjoyed staying there.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jayne C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent spot to recover from a surgery. Clean, cozy and quiet.

Would highly recommend!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Patricia H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful property good location

Everything you need, it was there. Very clean, would definitely stay again.
Stayed 11 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jenafer A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Adorable place!

This studio had everything we needed and was perfectly decorated and stocked! Very clean! We enjoyed our stay very much! Quiet location and near many great activities and amenities!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kathy and Al C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming Cottage

We enjoyed every minute in this tasteful, comfortable, spotless, well appointed cottage. Thank you for a wonderful stay.
Stayed 11 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Allen & Liz M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute cottage

My husband and I had a wonderful stay. Nice neighborhood. The cottage was the perfect size for us. Great coffee shop and bakery within walking distance. Highly recommend this property.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025