Northwoods Retreat on Bad Medicine: Prime swimming, watersports and snowmobiling | Cabin in Ponsford

9.6 (73 Reviews) |   Pet Friendly   2 Bedrooms  1 Bathroom  6 Guests
Ponsford Cabin | Northwoods Retreat on Bad Medicine: Prime swimming, watersports and snowmobiling

2 Bedroom Cabin in Ponsford

This is a unique property on pristine Bad Medicine Lake! Once the owner's cabin of 'Red Top Resort,' a three-cabin property active since the 1930's, it has been converted into a northwoods-style year-round lakehouse while retaining its rustic charm.
The house features two bedrooms and two bathrooms, two fireplaces, a full kitchen, a living room, and an all-season porch. The all-season porch has a pull out couch for additional overnight guests (this is practically on the water and the best opportunity to hear the loons while you sleep!). The unfinished basement has a washer and dryer for your use, and a ping-pong table for those not-so-nice days or evening entertainment. There is also a pool table.
The kitchen includes an oven, stove, microwave, and refrigerator/freezer. Other small appliances and cookware, serveware and eating utensils are also included. Guests must bring their own food and life jackets.
**Part-time on-site caretaker**
Lake Information
Bad Medicine Lake is consistently one of the clearest, cleanest lakes in Minnesota. Minnesota Monthly rated it as the best lake for swimming in 2008! It's not uncommon to catch snorkelers and even scuba divers around the lake! Watersports such as tubing, waterskiing, and even sailing are very popular.
Bad Medicine Lake is a great spot for Rainbow Trout and Walleye fishing! It's stocked with Rainbow Trout every year! A public boat launch is only 10 minutes away. Other excellent fishing lakes are easily accessible and close by.
Excellent snowmobile trails are located just off the lake! The trails are groomed, well-maintained, and connect directly to many restaurants, gas stations, and Lake Itasca State Park.
Nearby Activities
Lake Itasca State Park is an approximate 20 minute drive away. Walk across the headwaters of the Mississippi or enjoy excellent biking or hiking trails. Snowmobiling here in the winter is also a lot of fun!
Nearby towns of Park Rapids, MN and Detroit Lakes, MN offer a lot of entertainment for both kids and adults. Fun shopping and good restaurants are easy to find. Park Rapids offers 'Evergreen Fun Park' for the kids, complete with bumper boats, laser tag, mini-golf, and more. Detroit Lakes offers family-friendly activities nearly every weekend.

Northwoods Retreat on Bad Medicine: Prime swimming, watersports and snowmobiling is located in Ponsford. Northwoods Retreat on Bad Medicine: Prime swimming, watersports and snowmobiling provides accommodation, featuring Barbecue/Outdoor Cooking, Child Friendly, Internet, among other amenities. This Cabin features Barbecue/Outdoor Cooking, Child Friendly, Internet, to make your stay a comfortable one.

Northwoods Retreat on Bad Medicine: Prime swimming, watersports and snowmobiling has 2 Bedrooms , 1 Bathroom, and max occupancy of 6 people. The minimum rental for this property is 1 nights, but this can change depending on the season you plan on staying. Previous guests have given good rated it, and VRBO labeled it a top-rated Cabin because of the excellent services rendered by the owner or manager of this Cabin, and has consistently provided great experiences for their guests. Most families or guests that use it recommend it to their friends and some of them are repeat guests. Cabin has a friendly neighborhood, and the Ponsford has interesting places to visit. If you want to learn more about the Cabin in Ponsford, such as places to visit and things to do nearby, you can check below to learn more.

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Amenities

Parking
Pet Friendly
TV
View
Ocean View
Balcony/Terrace
Security/Safety
Sports/Activities
Bedding/Linens
Wellness Facilities
Fireplace/Heating
Entertainment
Barbecue/Outdoor Cooking
Child Friendly
Internet
Kitchen
Laundry

Policies

Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 pm contactless check-in available minimum check-in age: 25
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 am
Child Policy
Children are welcome.
Pet Policy
2 total pets note from host: dogs only. max of 2. additional pet fee applies. pets allowed service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees welcoming dogs only

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 host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed 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

Reviews

Erik M.
Aug 10, 2025 12:10:01 AM
Review Score:   10
Summary: The lake and cabin are amazing!
See All Reviews

FAQ's

Is this Ponsford cabin pet-friendly for guests?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Check the guest reviews to learn what guests had to share.

Does the Ponsford cabin have a swimming pool?

No, this Ponsford cabin does not have a swimming pool. Check the Facility Overview section for details about the pool and other available facilities.

How much does it cost per night to stay in Ponsford cabin?

Best-rates for the Ponsford cabin starts from $268 per night with includes Parking, TV, View, Security/Safety, Ocean View, Balcony/Terrace, Wellness Facilities, Entertainment, Sports/Activities, Bedding/Linens, Barbecue/Outdoor Cooking, Child Friendly, Internet, Kitchen, Laundry, Pet Friendly, Fireplace/Heating with all other facilities. matches every traveler with their perfect accommodation, whether you are traveling with a group, friends, family, or pets.

Is Ponsford cabin a family-friendly place to stay?

Based on the information we have received from the owner or our partner, this is considered to be a family-friendly property. Families have rated this cabin Good or guests have recommended them suitable for families. As reported by the owner or manager, the cabin has specified that children are welcome. Please see details about suitability for your family or inquire with the property to learn more.

Is the Ponsford cabin wheelchair accessible or offer services for disabled guests?

Based on the information received from our partner, the Ponsford cabin has not specified they are wheelchair accessible. Likewise, there is not an elevator specified as being available at the property. Specific accessibility details may be addressed in the property details section of this page.

What is the minimum night stay policy for the Ponsford cabin?

Based on the information reported by the owner or manager, the Ponsford cabin indicates 1 day stay policy at this cabin. Guests are cautioned that the minimum stay policy may differ based on seasonality or availability and may be at the discretion of the owner or manager.

What cancellation policy is in place for Ponsford cabin?

Guests are cautioned that the cancellation policy may differ based on seasonality, availability, or current travel restrictions. Guests should also be aware that this policy may be subject to change and should be confirmed prior to booking. More details may be available on this page in the property description. However, early check-in or late check-out can sometimes be negotiated between the guest and the owner or the manager of this property.

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