Minnesota’s landscapes are transforming into a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with glamping gaining popularity among travelers seeking to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort or luxury.
On Lake Superior’s picturesque shores in Beaver Bay, Jamie Tatge, a partner with North Shore Camping Company, has helped establish a 20-site glamping resort spanning 190 acres. The resort provides an immersive nature experience while maintaining modern comforts.
Tatge explains, “You get to go camping but you don’t have to bring any of the gear to go camping. All the cooking utensils, the fire pits, all the things you need to camp and really enjoy the outdoors we supply for you.”
The resort’s offerings include canvas tents, solar power stations, saunas, and bathrooms, along with a central cabin for relaxation. This combination has attracted a broader audience than initially anticipated. Young families exploring outdoor living, retired couples seeking less labor-intensive camping, and groups of friends on weekend getaways have all found appeal in these amenities.
Across Minnesota, unique accommodations are emerging to meet the growing demand for glamping experiences. The Skygazer Dome near Grand Marais offers a clear view of the night sky, while the A-Frame Bunks near Cross Lake provide a cozy retreat in the woods.
One notable location is Aefintyr, a glamping site in Elba. Guests can choose between heated treehouse cabins at the base of a bluff, complete with lounge hammocks and plumbed bathrooms, or more adventurous canvas bell tents atop the bluff.
Chelsi Low, who founded Aefintyr with her husband in 2019, explains the inspiration behind the name: “Aefintyr is an old Norse word that means to venture.” The site’s proximity to Whitewater State Park makes it an ideal base for hiking, camping, and fishing enthusiasts.
Aefintyr also offers a unique outdoor sleeping experience. A king-sized mattress, set on a platform and protected by bug netting and a fiberglass roof, allows guests to sleep under the stars while remaining sheltered. Low advises, “It’s a quarter-mile hike up the top. I encourage people to pack light.”
As the glamping market becomes more competitive, operators are innovating to stand out. Industry trends indicate that amenities such as Wi-Fi, kitchens, and private bathrooms are becoming increasingly important to guests, reflecting a desire for a perfect balance between nature and comfort.
According to Grand View Research, as cited by Kare11, the U.S. glamping industry brought in $670 million dollars in 2022, and it’s expected to grow 12% yearly.
