218-370-7993 info@gardenwoodresort.com 5107 N Shore Dr, Duluth, MN 55804

Your Up At The Cabin Experience.

Gardenwood Resort

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Gardenwood Resort

Harboring North Shore Memories

Right now, vacations are more important than ever. Create happy memories of the North Shore with a visit to Gardenwood Resort & Motel.
Located on majestic Lake Superior, we offer you an “Up at the Cabin” experience in Duluth, Minnesota.

Conveniently Located

Gardenwood Resort & Motel is located 10 miles from Downtown Duluth, MN on the Scenic North Shore Drive. Our cabins have all the comforts of home and we are located near many attractions. Catch a train ride from Duluth to Two Harbors on The North Shore Scenic Railroad, visit Duluth’s historic Glensheen Mansion Estate, cruise historic Old Highway 61, hike Gooseberry Falls State Park for breathtaking waterfalls, and more. Minnesota family resorts like Gardenwood Resort & Motel are a special find.

Lake Access

Gardenwood Resort has a wonderful view of Lake Superior. The Lake is also very accessible thanks to being adjacent to the McQuade Safe Harbor. This DNR operated small craft harbor has paved sidewalks along the Lake and along the peninsula that makes the breakwater. There are 4 ramps and docks, a kayak launch, and public restrooms. Gardenwood has a mowed walking path from our property to the Safe Harbor since its right next door. You can then take their sidewalk under North Shore Drive.

Dog Friendly Cabins

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at the resort. Gardenwood is the perfect retreat for your family and your dogs. For most people, dogs are part of the family. Why leave your dog at home when you can bring it along and create family vacation memories? A top dog-friendly activity is Duluth’s Lakewalk – all of which is dog friendly. There are several dog-friendly restaurants in Canal Park with outdoor seating for four-legged patrons if you want to catch a bite before or after your walk.
Pets cannot be left unattended on the resort property. A fee of $50 is charged per dog. Two dog maximum per unit.

Our Cabins

Over a dozen cozy cabins conveniently located right across from Lake Superior. We strive to carry on the traditions of unmatched customer service with exceptional value that has been helping create family vacation memories since 1929. To some vacationers, the North Shore of Lake Superior brings back memories of waves, campfires, and a cozy cabin.
For your next family vacation, look no further for your perfect “Up at the Cabin” experience in Duluth, Minnesota.

Cabin 1

Sleeps 4

Cabin 2

Sleeps 4

Cabin 3

Sleeps 4

Cabin 4

Sleeps 2

Cabin 5

Sleeps 2

Cabin 6

Sleeps 2

Cabin 7

Sleeps 2

Cabin 8

Sleeps 5

Cabin 11

Sleeps 5

Cabin 12

Sleeps 2

Motel 22

Sleeps 3-4

Motel 23

Sleeps 3-4

Motel 24

Sleeps 3-4

Motel 25

Sleeps 4

Ready for your stay at Gardenwood Resort?

Book Now!

Guest Policies

Check-in, Check-out Times
  • Check-in: 3:00pm
  • Check-out: 11:00am

Early check in or late check out may result in an additional $50 charge.

Availability

For the 2024 season we are making some changes to our availability. We hope this will allow for work on projects while providing a better and consistent guest experience. Our seasonal units will be available Grandma's Marathon (June) through MEA (October). Our base package is Friday and Saturday night. If you would like to come a day early on Thursday or stay an extra night on Sunday that is available.

Cancellation Policy

A 14-day cancellation notice prior to reservation is required. If the 14 days are not met you are required to pay for all nights requested. You will be charged for one night to help offset the cost of rebooking.

Rates are subject to change and may vary over holidays and special events. Rates do not include tax.

Must be 18 years old to reserve a room with us.

Please call 218-370-7993 to cancel or modify your reservation

Visitors and Extra Guests

Please make prior arrangements with management. Thank you.

Quiet Time

11:00 p.m. each night: meaning voices lowered, music off, fires out. This is out of respect for others enjoyment of their visit. Thank you.

Firewood

Complimentary firewood is available at the resort.

There is a large community fire pit in the center of the property for those that do not have a fire pit.

All fires should be out by 11:00PM for the respect of other guests. Thank you.

Charcoal Grills

There are park-style charcoal grills throughout the property. Please bring your own charcoal and lighter fluid as we do not have any for purchase.

No Smoking

All our units are non-smoking units. Electronic cigarettes are prohibited in cabins. A $100 cleaning fee will be assessed for any smoking damage in a unit.

Cleaning

Our cabins are "housekeeping" we do not go in to clean each morning, but are happy to provide any additional supplies.

If you have a kitchen please clean dishes before checking out. Uncleaned dishes upon check-out will accumulate a $25 charge. Thank you.

Rate Changes

Rates are subject to change and may vary over holidays and special events. Rates do not include tax.

Method of Payment

Payment is required when making a reservation.

We accept:

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Discover
No firearms or fireworks

Thank you.

About Us

Learn more about this family owned resort.

  • Meet the Motschenbachers

    Dan and Darcy Motschenbacher and their daughters Nola and Lillian took over ownership of Gardenwood Resort May 1st, 2020. Given the prime location and rich history of the resort, they felt that this was an opportunity too good to pass up. Dan is primarily responsible for overall resort operations as this is his full-time job. Darcy gets the final say on interior design and decoration while working full time for the Duluth school district. Everyone helps out with housekeeping and keeping things tidy. Being native to the area they have experienced most of the things the area has to offer and would be more than happy to help plan your itinerary. Gardenwood is a great base camp for exploring further up the North shore, Ely, Iron Range, South shore, and of course Duluth! Don’t forget to bring your bikes. You can ride from the resort all the way to canal park and park point on bike paths. They are dog friendly and have a yellow lab named Lucky.

  • Our Vision

    Gardenwood Resort has been a destination for people looking to make memories in a low-key at the cabin atmosphere for over 90 years. Being outdoors, having fires and outdoor cooking are all part of the experience. TV and Wi-fi have been removed from the property. The owners feel that as new stewards of the property maintaining that connection to the past is vital. However, time does take its toll and northern Minnesota is a very harsh environment; general maintenance and functionality continue to be our primary focus. During the offseason when the resort is closed, bigger issues like painting and infrastructure projects will be tackled.
    Dan and Darcy hope to provide you with a cozy space that provides everything you need to re-charge for your next day of exploring the region. The cabins are small and the features are quirky but they are doing their best to make sure things are clean and inviting.

  • Come and stay with us!

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Testimonials

Adam Elling

 

What a great place to stay if you wanna be out of the hustle and bustle of Duluth and in the Neature. This is far from luxury but it's exactly what they posted on there website so we knew what to expect and that's not common. The owners were very helpful and so kind they even came and offered me there personal grill when they seen me struggling to beat the weather and cook. We booked because they are pet friendly right across the road from the Lake and they have complimentary fire wood because you gotta have smore but after that experience we will definitely be back and back again to Harbor some more Superior memories.

Ryan Murra

 

I came up for an event and was very impressed! The cabins are simple so don't expect some crazy gold faucet experience. The owners are very good people and enjoyable to talk to. If you are fortunate you'll get a visit from their dog Lucky! The cabins were clean and the sheets had obviously been cleaned before arrival. I will be back for sure.

Dorothy Peterson

 

We were pleasantly greeted by Owner Dan as We pulled up to the Cabin and later by Owner Darcy. Upon opening the door to the Cabin We were smitten by how adorable it was. From a fully equipped kitchenette to the most comfortable bed, the Cabin was immaculately cleaned for a most truly relaxing vacation. We enjoyed taking many walks every day to McQuade's Park & small boat landing that was literally just across the street with spectacular views of Lake Superior. Even more awesome is that there's a mowed path from the resort that leads to a paved underpass that brought us safely to McQuade's without needing to cross the busy road. From the very moment We arrived at Gardenwood Our stay was very splendid and most memorable.

Lisa Eberhart

 

Fun, fabulous family-owned resort with easy access to Lake Superior at McQuade Harbor! Many cabins have Lake views! Nightly community bonfires, grills and picnic tables, dog friendly, air-conditioned and heaters provided. Larger cabins have stovetops and full-size refrigerators. Reasonable prices and great location for exploring Duluth and heading further up the North Shore!

Ilsa Victor

 

I LOVE Gardenwood! I visit here at least once a year. You couldn't find a more charming place or nicer proprietors. This is my favorite getaway - the place I go to relax and enjoy the north shore.

Lance Akovenko

 

The most excellent place to stay! We had cabin 2 with a King bed and kitchenette and it was well worth it. We grilled ribeyes for supper and made sausage and eggs for breakfast. And, the cabins are located right across the highway from Lake Superior where there is a marina and beach nearby. We plan on making Gardenwood our new go-to spot to stay when coming up to The North Shore!

Beth Carver

 

I really enjoyed the cute, rustic, comfortable cabin. I would definitely stay again. Close to several state parks with many hiking/walking trails. Pet friendly which is great and hard to find! Gardenwood is family owned and they were great hosts.

Laura Hogg

 

The cabins are super cute, clean and cozy! We loved it! We had a fire pit at our cabin and the resort provides free firewood, a definite plus. The location is great, 10 minutes from Duluth and the boat launch is right next store. Would definitely recommend! Also a nice view of the lake.

Rachel Davis Scherf

 

My husband and I loved our stay! Dan and Darcy were so nice and helpful. Very cute little cabin and very clean and furnished. Loved that a few cabins were dog friendly. We really enjoyed having our own grill, picnic table, and the having bonfires at night. Excellent location and perfect relaxing getaway. Definitely planning on returning every summer!

Nat See

 

New owners are very friendly, and it is obvious they are working hard to restore the property! Needs a little updating, but considering they have not owned it very long, they are doing great. Has a rustic and cozy feel, the location is fantastic, and it has all the basic needs for a quiet and budget friendly vacation. Would definitely stay again!

Matt Wodziak

 

The rooms are very clean and well kept. The rooms are dated but I was not expecting a modern room nor did I intenend to book one for my trip. I was later than expected checking in and the owner called me just to make sure I was still planning on staying there. I ended up arriving after dark and a light was on in my room waiting for me. They provide wood for you to have a bonfire on the grounds. I would've used it had I not arrived so late. I will plan on staying there again sometime in the future.

Lance Akovenko

 

Most excellent place to stay! We had the cabin with King bed and kitchenette and it was well worth it. We grilled ribeyes for supper and made sausage and eggs for breakfast. And, they are located right across the highway from Superior where there's a marina and beach nearby. We plan on making Gardenwood our new go-to.

Naqib Hossain

 

Absolutely enjoyed their hospitality. We were 18 people on the tour. On our 2nd day, there was a storm coming, we were worried how to complete our grilling since we were using coal. The owner came himself willingly to find out if we need anything. They provided a big umbrella and a gas griller which was in great help and we did prepared our food before the rain/storm. They did not charge us anything for that. Location wise I think this resort is one of the best on the scenic road highway and its cheap too. I highly recommend this resort.

Terrie Dignan

 

Nice cozy little Cabins. Perfect distance from Duluth and Two Harbors. Cabins are in need of TLC but were still okay for a weekend getaway and very reasonably priced. Dan (resort owner) and family just purchased the resort this year. The family seems very nice. They even made a special trip to the cabin one evening to deliver us towels. I recommend this place if you need a little getaway and luxury is not one of your necessities.

Contact Us

We are excited to have you stay with us! If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call or send an email.

218-370-7993

info@gardenwoodresort.com

5107 N Shore Dr, Duluth, MN

Check Availability