Peter Smothers - Owner

Smothers Family Vacation Rentals

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Family Vacation Memories to Last Lifetime

Meet your hosts,

Peter and Jackie Smothers! We said "I do" in 2004 at Caribou Highlands in Lutsen, and after fifteen years and three kids, we couldn’t resist making this special place our family’s getaway by purchasing our first vacation home here. Now, we’ve added stunning retreats on Gull Lake and the charming Colby Cottage in our hometown, Taylors Falls, MN. These aren’t your average rentals—they’re our "Family Cabins," packed with homey touches you won’t find in any hotel, ensuring your stay feels cozy and unforgettable.


Want a glimpse of the fun we have here? Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/S....

We’re not just hosts—we’re your local insiders, ready to make your up-north adventure epic. From insider tips on skiing, golfing, hiking, fishing, or mountain biking, we’ll help you plan a trip that’s tailored just for you. Book with us and tap into our years of experience to unlock the best this area has to offer.

Spots fill up fast—secure your stay now and let’s make your getaway one for the books! We can’t wait to welcome you!

ABOUT OUR PROPERTIES

Say goodbye to bland hotels and overpriced resorts—book direct with us and unlock a Minnesota vacation that’s next-level awesome!

These are our family cabins—plus a few handpicked gems from our clients. These aren’t just rentals; they’re passion projects we use and love, tricked out with extras you won’t find anywhere else. Big enough for families or groups, each spot is parked in a year-round adventure zone. Cut out the middleman, save serious cash, and score a stay that’s all about comfort, fun, and lasting memories.

Hibernation House @ Lutsen (Sleeps 15)
685 Moose Mountain Drive, Lutsen, MN 55612
A slopeside legend at Caribou Highlands Resort, this ski-in, ski-out stunner sits at the end of Moose Mountain Drive with VIP access to the runs, total seclusion while still in the resort and Lake Superior Views. It’s arguable the nicest ski-in / ski-out logging at Lutsen and it books up fast.

Moose Mountain Escape @ Lutsen (Sleeps 14)
650 Moose Mountain Drive, Lutsen, MN 55612
The North Shore’s ski-in, ski-out kingpin—a 2,000+ sq ft luxe hideaway with Moose Mountain views that’ll stop you in your tracks. Three levels of pure wow: a 6-person sauna, game room with arcade classics, multiple BBQs, a killer deck, and dual fireplaces. The king suite with a jacuzzi tub? Pure royalty. This one is another of the very best at Lutsen!

The Blue Ox on Gull Lake (Sleeps 17)

#175 8066 Lost Lake Rd, Nisswa, MN 56468
A 3,250+ sq ft lakefront titan in Causeway on Gull Resort, with 5 beds, 5 baths, and space for 17. Your boat slip, private fire pit, and full resort perks—pools, hot tubs, arcades, sports courts—are just the start. Steps from Zorbaz, Bar Harbor, and Lost Lake Lodge, this is lake life dialed to 11. Mulitple master suites, gas bbq, 2nd oversized fridge, bicycles and full resort access all within walking distance to the best hot spots on Gull Lake.

The Loons Nest on Gull (Sleeps 15)

#180 8066 Lost Lake Rd Nisswa, MN 55648
2021 Built, 3,250 sq ft beauty with 5 beds, 5 baths, and room for 15 guests—complete with two master suites! Free boat slip, pools, hot tubs, sauna, arcade, sports courts, bikes, games, even a guitar—plus Smart TVs and a chef’s kitchen. Walk to Zorbaz, golf, and Nisswa hotspots. Family reunion or epic friend trip? 

Colby Cottage in Taylors Falls
418 Colby St, Taylors Falls, MN 55084
A magazine-worthy 4-bedroom, 3-bath retreat stacked across four levels, perched above the St. Croix River with ravine views that scream “wow.” Steps from Interstate Park and downtown Taylors Falls, it’s your VIP pass to St. Croix Valley action. Style, space, and scenery—secure it quick!

Why Book With Us?

These cabins are your golden ticket to an epic escape: plush beds, fully loaded kitchens, cozy fireplaces, and WiFi that flies. We’re obsessed with these places every season, and when we’re not here, we’re handing you the keys to live it up. No faceless managers—just us, delivering top-shelf toiletries, luxe linens, pro cleaning, and local know-how you won’t get from a resort. Best part? Booking direct gets you owner-only discounts—more bang for your buck, period.

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