{Big Timbers} Lodging next to North Entrance of Itasca State Park

Hotel in Lake Itasca, 4-minute walk to Mississippi River

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Experience the perfect blend of nature and comfort at Big Timbers, located less than a 1/4 mile from Itasca State Park's North Entrance. Enjoy all the park's amenities and explore nearby Bagley, Bemidji, or Park Rapids within a 30-mile radius.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Map
Shevlin, MN

What's nearby

  • Itasca State Park - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Lake Itasca - 5 min drive - 3.6 km
  • Mississippi Headwaters - 5 min drive - 3.3 km
  • Itasca State Park - 7 min drive - 4.7 km
  • Heart Lake - 14 min drive - 9.4 km

Getting around

  • Bemidji, MN (BJI-Bemidji Regional) - 41 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Lobo's Bar and Grill - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Douglas Lodge Restaurant - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪itasca junction cafe - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Mary Gibbs Café - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Bad 2 The Bone - ‬2 min drive

About this property

{Big Timbers} Lodging next to North Entrance of Itasca State Park

Hotel near Mississippi River
{Big Timbers} Lodging next to North Entrance of Itasca State Park provides everything you need. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Additional perks include:
  • Smoke-free premises and barbecue grills
Room features
All guestrooms at {Big Timbers} Lodging next to North Entrance of Itasca State Park have comforts such as air conditioning, in addition to amenities like free WiFi.
Other amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with shower/tub combinations and hair dryers
  • Outdoor lighting, refrigerators, and microwaves

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Internet access

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • On a lake

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair accessibility

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Heating

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total pets

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

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
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Cashless transactions are available
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a deadbolt lock
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

Frequently asked questions

Is {Big Timbers} Lodging next to North Entrance of Itasca State Park pet-friendly?

Yes, this hotel allows dogs (limit 1 total).

What time is check-in at {Big Timbers} Lodging next to North Entrance of Itasca State Park?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at {Big Timbers} Lodging next to North Entrance of Itasca State Park?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is {Big Timbers} Lodging next to North Entrance of Itasca State Park located?

Situated on the waterfront, this hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Mississippi River, Itasca State Park, and Mississippi Headwaters. Lake Itasca and Itasca State Park are also within 3 mi (5 km).

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{Big Timbers} Lodging next to North Entrance of Itasca State Park Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 50 out of 53 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 53 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 53 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 53 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 53 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very nice place would stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jack W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Vacation

Property was nice, room was clean, bed was comfortable. It is right across the road from the NorthEntrance to Itasca state park
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved the cabin!

We had a great time during our stay! The bed was extremely comfortable, the cabin (and the bathroom especially) were very clean, and the owners were great with text communication. I wish they had properties next to *all* of the Minnesota State Parks.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeromy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely spot!!

We loved it! It was so nice being in the woods and near Itaska state park to go to during the day, but yet having a air conditioned room with a smart tv in the evening! I would highly recommend staying here. We will be back! Much better than any hotels I had seen in the area.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Scott G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Itasca visit

Booked the property only a week before our visit. Super convenient access to the north entrance of Itasca State park.Some items of note: the bathroom door latch did not latch. The pillows kept falling down in the space under the headboard. The water pressure in the shower was only so-so at best. The temperature was very good. Lots of space in the unit - girlfriend suggested a small chest of drawers to unpack stuff into. We did have great interaction with Christine (owner) at the next door ice cream gift shop. Thank you Christine!Scott & Sara
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zach G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Log Cabin

The host was awesome and extremely responsive. They have a gift shop right beside the motel / log cabin. This was convenient as there was times I was not able to make food on the grill and I was able to pick up a pizza or hot dog. I was also able to get ice cream when I was craving some which was awesome. I highly recommend Big timbers as it is a repeat spot that my family will go to each summer!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lee D., Elk River

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great find!

This was our second stay in 2023. We enjoyed it the first time and just as much the second time. We'll be back again. Great service. Always available when and if you need something. Oh and you have to go to their ice cream shop! Right by the building.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Margaret

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
The property is at the north entrance of Itasca. Quality stay. The property is new, so everything is up to date and comfy. Great bed and linens, nice bathroom and towels. Solid core doors, so very quiet and safe. Loved the view of the pines outside the window. Communication with the owners was great. They were working on what seems to be a gift store/ice cream shop by the cabins. Looks like it will be a nice addition. Would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mike H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The bed is wonderfully comfortable. We loved the spacious bathroom. Plenty of natural light. Great location right outside the park entrance. We recommend it!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Betty

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, communication
Liked how close it was to Itasca State Park!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jill

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property was nicely kept. Would definitely recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chad R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Top-notch accommodations!

I have nothing but good to say about the host and the lodging! I hope this property is available if I find myself in the area again soon! Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Ric B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication

Nice room

Very nice place. Sparsely furnished. Needed a small dinette instead of only one tv tray. I hope it survived the storm without damage last weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

John L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A wonderful place, even in the off season

My wife and I (and our 16-year old dog) came. My wife and I wanted to see the headwaters of the Mississippi. Our dog, blind and deaf, just wanted to be with us. It is a great location, and we really enjoyed the flock of wild turkeys that visited. This was the last trip our dog took with us (we had to put him to sleep shortly after we returned home). I think of Big Timbers with fondness as the last really good memory of our time with the dog.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Karen W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication

Winter weekend

It’s great place to stay….love the location …love the decor. I have stayed here in the summertime and now in the bitter cold ( -10 degrees/29 below windchill) and still had a fabulous time.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christian H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay!

This was a great place to stay over the weekend. The property was clean and nice and its location was great for a visit to Itasca State Park. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heidi B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just what we were looking for!

New, well done log home room with superb bathroom! Nice view of pine trees! Super close to all the adventures at Itasca State Park with convenience store nearby and Lobo's Restaurant down the road was amazing! Great area close to Mississippi Headwaters
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sheryl K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice place to stay

First off, Christine was very quick to answer any communication you sent her. Big Timbers was clean and welcoming. It was close to the North entrance of Itasca State Park, so we didn't have to drive to far. If we go back to that area again, we would definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Molly K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place

The unit was clean, modern and larger than expected. The bathroom was also very large. The bed was comfortable. It is very close to Itasca state park if that is your destination. We only used the room to sleep as we were visiting friends at a near by cabin. We rented it twice in 3 weeks and wouldn’t hesitant to book it b again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Annett P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome getaway!

We had a very nice stay! Very close to Itasca State Park for hiking. Very quiet and management was awesome! Would highly recommend checking it out!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very Clean and great location

This is our second stay at the Timbers. I like the updated accommodations. The decor has the up north feel.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jack W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Itaska vacation

Our room Was right across the road from Itasca state park North entrance. There are. 2 restaurants within a short drive of the room and a convenience store located right across the road for drinks and snacks and gas and an ice cream shop. Right there at the cabin that also serves pizza.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Big Timbers

WE THOROUGHLY ENJOYED OUR STAY. EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT. OUR ROOM WAS CLEAN AND COMFORTABLE, AND SURPASSED OUR EXPECTATIONS.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kurt C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Itasca State Park and Big Timbers

Location was right outside the north gate of Itasca State Park. Everything was set for us in advance and we were able to check in without any issues. Our stay was great.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

One-week Fall Stay

This was a well appointed authentic Northwoods themed motel room. Brand new. Modern decor. Very comfortable. Christine, the host, was responsive and very friendly. It is obvious she and her family have taken great pride to make a first class property. We will definitely recommend it to others and stay there again.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023