When we drive 5 hours up to the northern country, we do so for a variety of reasons. Some folks like to get up early and fish, some like to commune with nature and spend time swimming and hiking, and some folks just like to sleep in.
Well, 2 out of three isn't bad.
We enjoyed our cabin at Northern Lights, and most of the staff we met were SO helpful and kind, but the retreat is setup for folks to spend a week there, and if you deviate from this by - oh, wanting to stay over on Saturday - you'll pay with loud mowers and leaf blowers outside your window at 7am.
Apparently 7am on Saturday is the only time they can do the mowing and leaf blowing, or so I was told by one staff member who replied to my low-key complaint, "I shall direct your comments to our management..." in an 'offended concierge' accent which was meant to relay his contempt for the slovenliness of down-stater city folk who can't get with the 7am lawn manicure program.
We had a great time, but it's pretty sad when our busy street in St. Paul city proper is quieter than Voyageurs National Park (and has less gas-fueled noise, at that!)
- Northern Lights Hotel Outfitting
