NEW! Off-Season Weekend Flexibility: Checkout on your terms

This Fall/Winter enjoy complementary flexible check out at no extra cost. This means if you stay Thursday-Sunday, you can check out anytime Sunday, the whole day is yours to enjoy with the option to extend your stay into Monday morning if you’d like at no extra cost! Take your time!

Flexible check-ins are also a possibility! Just message us when you book!
*Holidays are exempt unless during your stay the date after is open :)

A Bit of History...

Our house was part of the former Big McDonald lake resort, which had a long, & rich history of being the highlight of many families summer's together. Now we've updated, designed and filled the house anew with things to facilitate the best kind of quality time and fun.

Our dream? We want our house to be a place you look back on for creating some of your best memories with your family and friends.

Unique Fact: Our home's proximity to the water is grandfathered in; you can no longer build a house this close to a lake (a mere stone skip away). Nowadays new building codes restrict such things, so pull up a lawn chair and come appreciate this piece of history.

Now....The House

A designer open-concept accented with hand hewn beams, a beautiful gas fireplace, and easy-to re-arrange kitchen island/table—ideal for large groups, family reunions & friend getaways. (Fully renovated inside and outside in 2026.)

Sleeping Arrangements

Sleeps up to 15 guests in 5 bedrooms (4 king beds - 3 full sized beds) and 3 bathrooms (2 showers + 1 tub/shower combo to avoid morning lines).

• 2 private king bedrooms (including master)
• 1 private full bedroom
• 2 fun bunk rooms: a king bunk (spacious and grand! + full-over-full which is great for kids, or adults)

We also have kid toys, books and lots of games!

A bright sunroom adjoins the king bunk room, perfect for games or morning coffee. There is also a fully equipped laundry room with a washer and dryer.

About The Lake

With crystal clear water and a nice sandy bottom, Big McDonald Lake has amazing fishing and swimming. The gently graded lot is ideal for easy access to the lake and watching the kids play in the yard or from the dock. The beachfront includes:

• Aluminum dock
• Automatic Boat lift (fits regular size boats and smaller pontoons)
• Paddle boards x4,
• Kayak
• Paddle boat
• Pool noodles
• Sand toys
• Corn hole game
• A swimming raft (shared with community)
• A Charcoal BBQ grill is right outside for easy outdoor cooking
• A Pellet Grill that can be used for normal grilling or smoking

Want to bring a bigger group? We have a cute 2 bedroom cabin called "The Cozy Beach Cabin," just a mere 100 feet away which you can also rent for greater flexibility and fun.

Other Details

This home is located on a paved road, 0.1 mile to boat launch and 1 mile of paved road to a beautiful county bike path that runs from Perham to Maplewood State Park.

Enjoy additional first-come, first-served access to a small community recreation area right across the street with:

• Pickleball court
• Basketball court
• Beach volleyball
• Horseshoes
• Swing set
• Playhouse
• Merry go round
• Fish Cleaning Building to make things easy

And a beautiful elevated patio overlooking the fun. There is also a convenient fish cleaning building with two stations. Everything you need for unforgettable days on, and around the water.

There is a lovely walking path that curves around a marsh area on the other side of our land, perfect for that post dinner stroll or morning jog.

Nearby Attractions

Coffee shops in Perham (15 minutes away)

The Gathering Grounds is a great family coffee shop, lattes are nice! Also try one of their milkshakes.

The Nest: Good tasting coffee, friendly service!

Grocery Stores: Central Market or Service Food Market have all you'll need. There is also an Aldi in Detroit Lakes (farther away though).

Restaurants: Set in an old church building 1894 has good burgers and sides. Brew Ales + Eats is another good contender for burgers.
Willing to drive a bit farther? Detroit lake's Wood Fire Pizza & Catering is very good, personal favorite is their Margherita pizza.

Shopping: North Threads in Perham is a stye forward place.
Into thrifting? Re-Use-It Thrift Store right in Perham always has a deal on.

State Parks

Glendalough State Park is wonderful and scenic. Has great swimming and you can rent these multiple passenger bikes. They also have a river connected to the farthest lake, so bringing a tube to float down is very fun, pack a picnic and make it a day trip!

Owners and Co-Hosts

This property is proudly owned by Jack & Heather, and professionally managed by Suzanne. Suzanne is your primary point of contact for all questions prior to and during your stay!