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View of Lake Superior from The Pumphouse, a Duluth Vrbo Rental
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  • DestinationsUnited StatesMinnesota

    10 Serene Duluth Vacation Rentals Near Lake Superior

    William Stupp
    September 14, 2022

    From the beaches and docks of Duluth, Minnesota, Lake Superior looks as infinite and mighty as any sea. In fact, it isn’t all that different from the ocean. Thousand-foot cargo vessels do, after all, cross entire oceans to reach these waters, and they are certainly sights to see.

    Videos by TravelAwaits

    The lake, woods, and bluffs that surround Duluth make it a scenic spot for a quiet vacation. Whether you come to walk trails, take to the snow on skis or snowmobiles, or simply sit and watch the water rolling in, Duluth is a hub of rewarding activities.

    The town sits on the edge of the North Shore, a particularly scenic corner of the Great Lakes region. Every autumn, the normally placid waters of the North Shore are frequently transformed into a frothing maelstrom due to high winds. This phenomenon, called the Gales of November, is truly something to behold.

    These are just a few of the attractions in Duluth. To discover the intoxicatingly relaxing atmosphere of the North Shore, one must first find a fitting home. Here are 10 fine examples of Duluth rental properties near the water.

    The Captain’s Quarters$355/nightly avg

    A wonderful mix of modern comforts and classic design, the Captain’s Quarters is an excellent base from which to explore Duluth. Located a few miles inland, the property is surrounded by precious natural wonders. There are trees of all sorts, a pond, and various bluffs and rocky outcroppings. Though built in this century, the home’s design gives it certain airs of old-world distinction. The brushes of luxury include radiant heating, the bluestone fireplace, and a spa bath attached to the master bedroom. 

    Dreaming of Duluth – your dream vacation awaits you
    158 reviews
    Cottage
    8 Guests
    3 Bedrooms
    2 Bathrooms
    Top guest reviews
    We have never stayed in a VRBO that was stocked and taken care of so good as this one. Every item that may be needed was either in the cupboard or closet. We had to do some grocery shopping but other than that spices, flour, sugar, etc. was at our fingertips. Doug was such a gracious host and explained the workings of the various appliances, fireplace, thermostats, etc. that might need explaining. I just cannot say enough about this VRBO–Fantastic. Close to downtown and various sightseeing activities as well. Beds slept wonderful too! Thanks for the perfect stay!
    Wow, what an amazing home and property for your stay in or around Duluth. Doug greeted us on arrival and gave us a tour of the home and amenities. He gave us recommendations on places to eat, buy groceries and hike on trails on his property and surrounding areas. The home has everything one would need and more. The location in the woods is close to everything in Duluth yet you feel like you’re in the north woods. So quiet and peaceful. The grounds are amazing with the pond and gazebo. I would highly recommend this home and location
    Perfect place! We will return hopefully in winter! The house is even more beautiful than the VRBO pictures show! I would highly recommend this awesome place!
    Wonderful property! My husband and I are architecture buffs, so we appreciated all of the small and not-so-small details here. Everything we needed to do some cooking, magnificent setting. Beds were so-so, but otherwise everything was very nicely appointed.
    Beautiful home and surroundings – loved the 2 mile hike from the property, the pond and all of the wildlife that graced our presence. Was a great place to retreat to after a day by the shore and in the city. Thanks for opening up your home – would love to come again.
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    from USD 355
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    Hawthorne Manor$631/nightly avg

    From the sunroom’s wood-burning fireplace to the grand piano in the living room, Hawthorne Manor has all the trappings of a grand home of yesteryear. The dining room is suitably extravagant and most rooms have fireplaces — relics of an age before central heating. On the other hand, the kitchen is fully modernized and topped with countertops of beautiful granite. Lake Superior is visible from many of the windows and reachable via a footpath. The manor has seven bedrooms and sleeps up to 14 guests, making it an ideal location for reunions of all kinds.

    Dreaming of Duluth – your dream vacation awaits you
    218 reviews
    Private vacation home
    14 Guests
    7 Bedrooms
    4 Bathrooms
    Top guest reviews
    Very easy thanks
    A perfect spot for a family and location was, as advertised, perfect. An added bonus was hiking the creek that runs adjacent to the property.
    We stayed at Hawthorne Manor with family and friends and everyone was very comfortable. We prepared many meals together in the beautiful kitchen and found the kitchen stocked with all the utensils and cookware we needed. Having a second refrigerator was really helpful, too. We especially enjoyed hiking Tischer Creek and those who had some difficulty walking appreciated that a paved trail runs right along the creekside dirt trail. We had some rainy days during our stay, but we had fun chatting the morning away with our coffee cups in hand in the sun room, building puzzles and playing cards at the provided card table, and just simply admiring this historic home. Rain or shine, our visit to Hawthorne Manor was memorable.
    The house is ideal for a large group. We had 8, and everyone was able to enjoy his/her own space. It’s an older home with lots of interesting spaces to explore. We really appreciated the large dining room table and big table on the deck. It’s hard to find vacation rentals that can seat a big group comfortably.The location is ideal. Tischer Creek is beautiful, and it is only a couple of blocks from the Lakewalk. The property manager Theresa responded immediately to questions and concerns. Our group included a pianist, and upon our request she got a piano tuner to the house within less than 24 hours. Knowing she was there to resolve any issues made a huge difference to us.
    Amazing property with everything you could possibly need and more, they have thought of everything. Our daughter was getting married in Duluth and the girls all got ready at the house which made for lots of room to accommodate us all and the bridal party. We couldn’t have asked for a better place to stay.
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    from USD 631
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    The Pumphouse$756/nightly avg

    Built in 1860 to serve as a water pumping station in Duluth, this historic property is not for those afraid of getting their feet wet. Located right on the water because of its original purpose, the structure is no stranger to watery gales. Put out of service long ago, The Pumphouse is now a two-bedroom Vrbo rental with over 200 feet of lakefront property. The deck hangs over the lake and is an excellent spot to take in the water with your eyes and, when winds are high, other body parts. Other outdoor areas include a lakeside fire pit and dining area. This old brick building has been thoroughly modernized and can comfortably sleep five guests.

    Dreaming of Duluth – your dream vacation awaits you
    163 reviews
    Cottage
    5 Guests
    2 Bedrooms
    3 Bathrooms
    Top guest reviews
    This peaceful, beautiful haven is my favorite of 100s of places I’ve stayed. The home is gorgeous, showcasing Lake Superior in an amazing way. Spacious inside and out, thoughtful small touches make it like home, only better. The variety of outdoor spaces doubles the pleasure. We can’t wait to return with friends – they’ll be blown away!
    The view, right…but then this house and its beauty! Just perfection!
    This is a beautifully decorated rental located right next to Lake Superior. The neutral decor has Restoration Hardware vibes which doesn’t distract from the amazing views. The beds and pillows are comfortable and the house is well appointed with plush towels, toiletries, kitchen supplies, etc.
    Everything was easy. No Issues.
    Incredible property. Absolutely perfect.
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    from USD 756
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    Beach House At 7-Mile Beach$639/nightly avg

    Seven Mile Beach is a lovely stretch of shoreline, as fine a beach town as any on the Great Lakes. This large home on the lake is likewise as good as any (and better than most). It is to be found on Minnesota Point, a long sand spit connecting two states. Just two blocks from Canal Park and the marvel that is Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge, this house is an excellent spot to observe the ocean-going ships that traverse the lake. Guests will be tempted to join the lake’s traffic by renting a kayak or boat from the nearby marinas. The home has a large kitchen, splendid outdoor areas, and direct access to the beach. There’s room for the whole family (and then some!) across the building’s four bedrooms.

    Dreaming of Duluth – your dream vacation awaits you
    67 reviews
    Private vacation home
    12 Guests
    4 Bedrooms
    4 Bathrooms
    Top guest reviews
    This is a lovely house that has been nicely updated. There is lots of space that would work well for a larger family. I normally cook alot (and bring a large box of equipment) while on vacation but this trip I didn’t cook at all. I did check out the kitchen and it is very well equipped to meet most of my culinary needs. The spaces were many and comfortable. The rooftop deck was an ideal location to enjoy the evening and the propane firepit up there made it perfect. The home is only a couple blocks from the lift bridge so a car wasn’t needed to enjoy all that canal park has to offer. It was the perfect “home base” and we really enjoyed this stay!
    Beautiful property! Tucked away, yet close to everything. Great to relax and unwind.
    Awesome house and location
    The property was just as advertised. We love the location and the availability. It was an exceptionally great location with everything we expected. Thanks for the great weekend!
    Close to everything. We were able to watch the ships come in.
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    from USD 639
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    Grand Cabin On The North Shore$622/nightly avg

    This large log cabin overlooking Lake Superior is an excellent spot for groups looking to enjoy the pleasures of the upper Midwest. The three king bedrooms (and one double) are spread out across three different floors, providing privacy and comfort. The great room has high ceilings and broad windows from which to gaze out upon the lake. The cabin has many a comfortable corner, from the sun room to the traditional wooden sauna.

    Dreaming of Duluth Township – your dream vacation awaits you
    42 reviews
    Private vacation home
    10 Guests
    4 Bedrooms
    4 Bathrooms
    Top guest reviews
    This was a lovely property for 3 couples who are retired and have been friends for over 40 years to relax and reconnect. This is a lovely home with a well stocked kitchen (better than our own at home). The view was spectacular and the beds were extremely comfortable. The home was immaculate! The fireplace gave us heat in the evenings and a comforting glow.
    This house with a log cabin vibe overlooking Lake Superior was fantastic. Big windows with a beautiful view. Kitchen extremely well stocked, and top notch appliances etc. comfortable beds and amazing leather recliners that were so comfortable. We loved this house and had a great stay!
    Very nice place and a good location.
    Loved jumping into the lake after sauna.
    This is a fantastic property. Our extended family spent the week here after a family wedding. This is the best VRBO we have stayed in! Works well for a large group. The accommodations are top notch. There are fantastic sites to see nearby. The kitchen is stocked better than any other property we have been to and it is great for preparing meals for a large family or group. Monika is a gracious host and she communicated well with us! I hope to be back one day!
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    from USD 622
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    The Carriage House$266/nightly avg

    Couples that share a love for water, woods, and each other will doubtless enjoy this splendid home on the shores of the lake. Even when occupied by four people, the home is quite roomy. Though extra guests will have to forgo the comforts of the beautiful master bedroom on the third floor, the pull-out sofa in the living room is nonetheless cozy. Take in the water from the terrace or walk two blocks down the road to Brighton Beach. There is also a ground-level terrace complete with a firepit just a few feet from the water.

    Dreaming of Duluth – your dream vacation awaits you
    110 reviews
    Cottage
    4 Guests
    1 Bedroom
    3 Bathrooms
    Top guest reviews
    What a beautiful property. We were a little hesitant when we booked knowing one couple would have to sleep on a pull out sleeper but it was very comfortable. A memory foam topper was provided which made that bed very nice. All the little extras, ie snacks, coffee, etc made it even more special and relaxing. Great job Tabitha making us feel right at Home!
    We had a great time. The Carriage House was the right size for us, and we really appreciated the amenities. It was chilly, but the patio heater and firepit made it possible to enjoy the awesome view of Lake Superior. We highly recommend this location to anyone looking for a getaway weekend.
    A quaint cottage with great ambiance. They provide the right tools in the kitchen, soft towels and soaps in bathroom, and the hosts have the just the right touch in each room to make you feel at home. I especially enjoyed the quality, cozy throws provided. These hosts have made it easy to travel light! We will be back!
    Adorable little place nestled on the north shore. Really enjoyed the views, all the outdoor spaces, and the overall feel of the place. It was the perfect getaway for a couple – close to all Duluth and the surrounding attractions.
    Everything about the listing was accurate and have a good sense of the property. It was a beautiful, relaxing stay, right up against Lake Superior. I spent many hours on the deck, reading, while listening to the waves.
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    from USD 266
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    Wildwood Cottage$295/nightly avg

    This single-story cottage offers a woodland respite from the pressures of the city. The 1-mile walk to the lake takes you through an 80-acre patch of forest. Another shorter path leads directly to the Sucker River and its succulent trout. Wildwood Cottage is a new construction built with accessibility in mind. It is decorated with the creations of local artists and has a calm atmosphere which matches that of the forest. Pleasant as the forest is, guests would be remiss not to take in the charms of Duluth, 20 minutes away by car.

    Dreaming of Duluth – your dream vacation awaits you
    93 reviews
    Private vacation home
    6 Guests
    3 Bedrooms
    2 Bathrooms
    Top guest reviews
    One of the best equipped kitchens we have utilized at a cabin. my wife is fragrance sensitive, and this property did a great job eliminating fragrance sources. The trails back to the river were wonderful! It is a beautiful setting.
    We have stayed 3 times at this property. It is a perfect quiet and secluded spot, with great hiking options nearby. The cottage is obviously well cared for and beautifully furnished. This is a favorite spot for our family to come and stay.
    Lovely cozy cabin. Super clean and decorated so beautifully!
    This is one of the best VRBO’s I’ve ever stayed at!! Photos do not do the home and property justice. Everything was clean, updated, organized, and well taken care of. The surrounding land was gorgeous and fun to explore! It was a perfect spot for my 30th Birthday weekend getaway, we will definitely be back, already looking at a winter trip up there!
    Quiet, comfortable, and well cared for. Our experience here was just what we wanted. The home is newly built and very well equipped. The furniture is new, the kitchen has everything you need. There is a great campfire ring and plenty of wood provided for lots of fires. The beds are very comfortable. Lake Superior’s lakeshore drive is near as is Duluth and all it has to offer. Being a guest here is “no worries.”
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    from USD 295
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    Waterfront Oasis At Park Point$390/nightly avg

    Another excellent home on Minnesota Point (the razor-thin strip of land connecting Duluth to neighboring Wisconsin), this waterfront house has been host to innumerable memorable beach vacations since its completion in 1899. With a deck facing the lake and the waters of Superior Bay lapping right into your backyard, this home is perfect for those enamored with the lake lifestyle. The property includes a private dock and comes with kayaks and canoes. Inside, the building has the homey atmosphere of a 100-year-old cottage but has been fully modernized.

    Dreaming of Duluth – your dream vacation awaits you
    34 reviews
    Private vacation home
    7 Guests
    3 Bedrooms
    2 Bathrooms
    Top guest reviews
    We loved everything about our stay. The pictures of the house and property don’t do it justice. Mia and Steve thought of everything. We can’t wait to return. We highly recommend this location!
    Steve and Mia are most excellent hosts and their bayside cottage is cozy, comfortable and beautiful inside and out! We enjoyed our 3-night’s stay so much! We were celebrating me and my twin sister’s birthday with family from Amsterdam, Brooklyn NY and the twin cities. We were all impressed with beautiful surroundings. One had only to think of something we needed (like a bandaid), and it would be found in short order. Nine of us fit around the big dining room table for dinner each night. We canoed in the bay. Slept in the hammocks. Sat on the dock to watch the sunset. Sat in the lovely shad garden admiring the driftwood and reading our books. The lift bridge camera was a favorite to view on the big screen TV. We listened to Bob Dylan on the sound bar. The 2 bathrooms came in handy for the 7 of us staying at the cottage. The shower was excellent and there were plenty of towels. My son and his girlfriend joined us directly from camping in Grand Marais and were very thankful for the washer and dryer. Plenty of parking in the driveway or in the street. We spent an afternoon at the beach across the street and even took a walk after dark to hear the waves and view the Big Dipper! It’s was so splendid. Such a special place to gather with our family. Thank you Steve and Mia!
    Look no further, staying here is a slice of Lake Superior paradise. The house is more lovely in person and has the best sunset viewing. Our wedding took place at Park Point Beach House – we booked this property for my (the bride) parents to enjoy with family and friends. They had a magical time & loved every minutes of their stay! The craftsmanship and decor that Mia and Steve have carefully placed in their home, makes it so welcoming, cozy, and well appointed with every amenity you could imagine. We cannot say enough wonderful things about Mia & Steve – they’re communication was prompt, kind, and flexible. We loved working with them and hope to stay again very soon. Thank you!
    This was the first time to Duluth and this property was so charming. From the beautiful landscape to the great view of the lake, Mia and Steve have created a gem. We could not have asked for a better location and more hospitable hosts. Mia’s talent for decorating and Steve’s creativity with the drift wood and photography, made this a wonderful place for all 7 of us adults to relax and enjoy Duluth!
    We loved the property and will stay again!
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    from USD 390
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    Little Cabin In The Woods$500/nightly avg

    The small treasures found at this wooded property include a river, a private waterfall, and a sauna. Take advantage of all this while enjoying proximity to Duluth (the town is just a few minutes down the road). The home is just as inviting as the Talmadge River, which flows through the property before conjoining with Lake Superior. It has wood-paneled ceilings and pristine walls. Best of all, there’s room for the whole family across four bedrooms and a loft.

    Dreaming of Duluth – your dream vacation awaits you
    224 reviews
    Cabin
    11 Guests
    4 Bedrooms
    2 Bathrooms
    Top guest reviews
    Great place to stay in a great location. Very close to Duluth and other North Shore Destinations!The loft with two twin beds was a hit!
    Great property. Loved feeling like you were in the middle of the woods. Great space for larger gatherings. Often times occupancy is based on couples sharing beds. Hard to find larger spaces for single friends. This space worked great for singles and couples.
    We had three generations staying in the cabin to celebrate Grandpa’s 80th birthday! There were plenty of areas to hang out in. We also enjoyed the fire pit and large dining table for food and games!
    We ended our time in the North Shore. Overall we enjoyed everything the house had to offer. The house had everything we needed for a long weekend. We would stay again!
    The cabin was very clean. Loved the location because it gave us the outdoor experience we love but quick access to Duluth or Two Harbors. The kitchen was so well stocked. Communication with Morgan was quick and easy. She was very accommodating!! There is only one thing that could be improved… a bigger coffee pot instead of the 5 cup one. With 8 adults in our group we just went and purchased one instead of making multiple coffee pots. She does provide a Keurig but our group did not like it. But overall a great experience and house!!!
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    from USD 500
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    Serenity Lodging$532/nightly avg

    Ten miles from the heart of Duluth and the (usually) gentle waves of Lake Superior, this three-bedroom cabin is a welcome escape and a portal to the serenity that all travelers seek. The property is connected to hiking trails leading to the lake and nearby bluffs; similar trails are open in the winter for snowmobilers. The cabin has a welcoming atmosphere both inside and out, from the vaulted great room to the fire pit beneath the trees. There are two main bedrooms and a lofted area packed with five beds.

    Dreaming of Duluth – your dream vacation awaits you
    15 reviews
    Private vacation home
    10 Guests
    3 Bedrooms
    4 Bathrooms
    Top guest reviews
    Well done
    We really enjoyed staying here for our family vacation. We had young children but there was plenty of room for them and the sleeping arrangements were great.
    Perfect, peaceful weekend in nature. They thought of everything. Couldn’t ask for better!
    Beautiful home with lots of space! Great location with an easy drive back into Duluth!
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    from USD 532
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    To discover even more things to do in and around Duluth, check out:

    • Duluth, Minnesota: How To Enjoy A Perfect Weekend
    • 7 Beautiful Michigan Towns To Visit On Lake Superior
    • 9 Scenic Stops On Minnesota’s North Shore Drive

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