Frequently asked questions.

General FAQs

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General FAQs //

  • As of right now, yes. Polaris is the first cabin in our Chronicle of Dark Star Cabins. We figured why not manifest the dream while we can. You’ll be the first to know when our second cabin comes online. Follow us on Instagram for all the updates @DarkStarCabins

  • Not exactly… We want to be clear that this is an off-grid cabin experience that was built to be used as a rustic retreat. We know that not everyone digs an outhouse to do their business so please note that there’s no indoor plumbing, which means there's no running water, no shower, and no fresh drinking water.

    We’re not trying to be the no, no, no kinda people but life is simpler here. Bring the basics and you’ll have a good time.

  • There is some cell signal. Verizon tends to get about two bars. There is no WiFi… some say for an even better connection ;)

  • The cabin is easily accessed just off Hwy 2 on a maintained gravel/dirt road. Your views are woods, nature, and the wilderness at large. While this cabin is nestled on 20 completely private acres, there are neighbors to the North, West, and East but you'll never see them when at the cabin. You're only 5 miles from the heart of Two Harbors. A short 10min drive to the banks of Lake Superior.

  • The cabin is open year-round during all four seasons of life.

    We recommend AWD/4WD vehicles from Oct to May. If you have a 2 wheel drive vehicle and are coming durning the snowy season, please note this will be at your own risk. If you need a tow or for someone to get you out of the ditch, you can message us to see if we are avail to help but please note we are not responsible for any 2WD matters. Due to plowing shortages we cannot guarantee that the road will be plowed on a daily basis but will let you know during your stay if and when plowing will happen.

  • Not officially, no. There is no lake access on the property but we’re only 10min North from the big Lake Superior.

  • Dogs are part of the adventure! We charge a simple one-time $50 dog fee that covers your entire stay, with a maximum of three (3) dogs. No nightly fees, no surprises—just plenty of room for tails to wag on our 20 wooded acres (poop bags & towels for drying paws provided).

    You will be charged for any damages incurred by your dog(s). We want to keep our cabin dog friendly, so please be mindful to only bring your dog if know they will be stewards of the land, just as you are.

    What about cats? Sorry, no other pet friends are welcome besides dogs. With love, your chocolate lab dog host.
    –Rudder

  • We open our calendar a few months at a time. If you are wanting to plan ahead for a trip you’re taking, a week long stay, or would like to discuss dates outside of our current availability, send us a message!

  • Before your stay we will provide you a code to the entry door keypad

    If you forget your code (you won’t because it’ll be easy to remember) or it doesn’t work for some reason, there’s a lock box on the wall next to the door that we can provide you a different code that will give you a key to enter the cabin.

Inside the Cabin FAQs

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Inside the Cabin FAQs //

  • We have a vault privy (or outhouse) that is compliant with Lake County, MN. It has a 1500gal tank below the latrine (toilet for you city folk) that is pumped annually. It’s clean. It’s private. It’s a stones throw from the front door of the cabin.

  • We provide non-potable water at the battery operated sink/faucet for washing hands and dishes (the water is quality, as it’s from our home but we can’t permit you to drink it). Please keep an eye on the grey water 5 gallon bucket below the sink. Be sure to chuck the water in the woods when it's close to full so it doesn’t overflow (don’t forget to put the bucket back under the sink drain, or you’ll have a mess to clean up).

    You’ll need to bring your own drinking water for tea, coffee, etc. We do provide a couple extra gallons of factory sealed water jugs if you need them.

  • Well, you are completely off-grid. So, the solar-powered lighting & charging, etc is all dependent on the sun. However, with the current setup, one could last 7+ days without sunshine and charge almost anything you could ever imagine. In other words, you should never run out of solar power.

  • We have a stainless steel, 12-cup carafe-style coffee maker. Which means it stays hot longer than a traditional glass coffee pot maker as it's insulated and takes less power to run (think solar energy conservation).

  • Official occupancy is 4 humans. With that being said, there is a queen bed in the back room and there is a futon in the main room.

    Note that the only divider between the rooms is a black curtain. There is no door or lockable partition.

  • Yes! We have enough solar battery banks and solar panels that you should never have to worry about running out of power to charge/use lights, laptops, phones, the bedroom fan, night lights, record player, coffee maker, CPAP machine, etc, etc.

  • Vinyl record player, board games, cards, coloring books, reading books, and most importantly no internet… because who really needs internet when you’re at a cabin in the wilderness?

Outside the Cabin FAQs

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Outside the Cabin FAQs //

  • Yep! This is the wilderness way. We have a vault privy (or outhouse) that is compliant with Lake County, MN. It has a 1500gal tank below the latrine (toilet for you city folk) that is pumped annually. It’s clean. It’s private. It’s a stones throw from the front door of the cabin.

  • Yes, both! We have a gas Weber Grill for you to cook to your hearts content. We supply the propane and utensils. There is a outdoor fire pit. You are free to use the fire pit year round but are responsible for snow removal if you wish to do so in the winter months.

    There is enough wood outside just past the ring for you to use. If you need to chop any wood, grab the axe in the wood shed behind the cabin, be careful swinging, and please replace the axe after use.

  • Wildlife seen on the property includes but is not limited to bears, wolves, bobcats, porcupines, racoons, coyotes, and deer. For your safety and theirs, do not approach them. No garbage or food should be left outside unattended and especially overnight.

  • OHV’s (including all-terrain vehicles, utility terrain vehicles, four-wheelers, three-wheelers, dirt bikes, motorcycles, trail bikes, and snowmobiles) cannot be used on the property.

    There are trails and trailheads near by if you want to trailer your toys to and from the land.

    For the safety of our neighbors, we ask that you are respectful of this rule. You are welcome to bring your OHV on a trailer and use off the property.

    The road is tight and turning around a big rig with more than two machines can/will be difficult. Please message us if you want to know more about this.

The Fine Print FAQs

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The Fine Print FAQs //

  • Direct booking: If you cancel 14+ days* before check-in, you will be refunded 100% of your original booking payment.

    Airbnb booking: If booking through Airbnb, please refer to the cancellation policy associated with your booking on that platform

    *We don’t offer refunds for cancellations under 14 days.

  • Direct booking: 100% of the payment will be charged when your reservation is made.

    Airbnb booking: If booking through Airbnb, refer to the payment term options associated with your booking on that platform

  • Yep! Reservations are accepted instantly without requiring us to approve your booking. This means you can book and pay for your stay immediately.

  • Check-In = 3pm

    Check-Out = 11am

  • We have a 2-night minimum; however, always feel free to ask about an exception if there’s a need to fit for your travels.

  • Reservations require payment in full at the time of booking. Local lodging fees and taxes and will be added to the published rate prior to check out.

    You can also add on the $50 one-time dog fee at check out if you’re bringing your pups (3 max allowed) with you.

  • The state of Minnesota and Lake County charge separate lodging tax for all rentals.

    Minnesota State General Sales and Use tax = 6.875%
    Lake County Accommodations tax = 4%
    Lake County General Sales and Use tax = 0.5%

    These will be added in on your Reservation Summary when you check out. There’s no other hidden fees though. We promise you that.