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Frequently Asked Questions

We're happy to provide any information that may be useful as you consider a stay at The Tamarack!
If we don't answer your questions here, please reach out.

What time is check in and check out?

Standard check in is at 4 p.m. on the day of your arrival. Check out is at 11 a.m. on the day of your departure. Other arrangements may be possible, but MUST be verified with The Tamarack first, since we may have other guests before or after your stay.

Do you allow pets?

Unfortunately no. Pets are NOT allowed (inside or outside). (Family allergies. Ugh!!)

Describe the lake's natural shoreline.

From the house, guests will stroll across the boardwalk and over the spruce bog, to the edge of Cranberry Lake’s natural shoreline and our floating dock. Instead of a sandy, walk-in beach, Cranberry Lake offers a beautiful waterfront typical to a bog lake. The lake is 3-5 feet deep along the shoreline and 5-7 feet deep at the end of the dock area. Please refer to the many pictures that highlight the shoreline on “The Property” webpage to get a better idea of the unique natural area. (NOTE: Use of the waterfront area and lake is at one’s one risk.)

How big is the lake? Is it good for swimming?

Spring-fed Cranberry Lake covers 38 acres, and is typically 15 to 20 feet deep. Having the only private access to the shoreline, the lake might be all yours. It is typically a clean and clear lake all summer long, and great for swimming. Access to the lake is available off of our floating dock.

Do you have kayaks or canoes available for guests to use?

Yes, we are happy to offer our guests the use of 2 single kayaks, a canoe, a paddleboard and rowboat. Life jacket use is mandatory at all times for both children and adults.

Should be bring our own life jackets?

Although we do have a few life jackets available for guest use, we highly recommend that you bring your own, in order to ensure the best fit and safety.

How's the fishing on Cranberry Lake?

The fishing is great! Cranberry Lake has a healthy stock of large-mouth bass. (And we’ve spied a few perch in the last year too!) Please bring your own fishing gear. If you don’t already have a license, you can get one nearby at Fred’s Grocery in Goodland. In order to sustain a healthy supply of fish, guests are welcome to catch and enjoy a meal or two at The Tamarack. But then, please fish as “catch and release.”

Does Cranberry Lake have a public access? Can we launch our own boat?

Cranberry Lake does not have a public access or boat launch. Also, given the natural bog shoreline, guests are not able to launch a boat from our property either. However, there are many lakes in the area that do have a public access and good fishing. The Minnesota DNR Public Water Access webpage is a good place to find maps with area lakes and amenities.

What supplies do you provide?

We are pleased to provide the basic necessities for a wonderful getaway. The Tamarack will provide a beginning stock of cleaning supplies and paper products. Bed linens and towels are provided. The kitchen is fully equipped with dishes, utensils, cookware and bakeware. Guests are responsible for bringing their own toiletries. We do have ice trays in the freezer, but not an ice maker.

About a month prior to your stay, The Tamarack will provide a Welcome Guide with a more complete inventory of what we stock, so you can plan accordingly. Of course, we’re also happy to answer questions at any time..

Do you have a firepit?

Yes we do. Located in the backyard! It’s one of our favorite places to gather! (NOTE: MN DNR regulations or other restrictions may impact wood-burning fires, including guest use of the firepit, sauna, and wood-burning oven. Contact us for more information.)

Do we need to bring our own firewood?

No. In fact we ask that you DO NOT bring any firewood onto our property, to best avoid bringing in any unwanted pests. Instead, we’ll provide plenty of firewood for your entire stay.

Will there be mosquitoes and ticks? What about poison ivy?

Because this is Minnesota, there will likely be mosquitoes and possibly ticks to contend with in summer at The Tamarack. However, their numbers will vary widely depending on the particular year and weather. Please come prepared with repellent, light-colored clothing, and any other “family tricks” to ward them off! And speaking of pests, we have not encountered any poison ivy, poison oak, itch weed or other similar irritants on the property. However, caution is encouraged, particularly if you venture off-trail.

May we pick the apples or berries on the property?

Please do! When in season, guests are welcome to pick apples from the trees, or to forage for wild blueberries, raspberries and cranberries throughout the property. Our only request is that you pick what you plan to eat during your stay. Please do not pick extra to take home with you. That way, we’ll be sure there is plenty for other guests and our family to also enjoy. And be sure to adhere to the #1 forager’s rule: know EXACTLY what you are picking and eating, for safety’s sake!

What is the "Sugar Shack?"

Along the far end of the Deer Trail, you’ll notice several trees marked with pink ribbon. Those are our maple trees. The “Sugar Shack” is our lean-to shack among the maples where we boil the maple sap into syrup. So, if you happen to be around in early spring, you just might catch us in maple syrup season.

Where is the nearest gas, ice and groceries?

Fred’s Grocery & Gas is located 6 miles away in Goodland. The store has gas, ice, basic groceries, fishing licenses, and the best homemade smoked jerky, bacon and sausage. Floodwood also has a small grocery and other amenities. Hibbing is 20 miles to the north and Grand Rapids is 30 miles to the west. Both have several large grocery stores, as well as most other necessities. Duluth is also 60 miles to the east, perfect for a day-trip to Lake Superior.

Do you have internet service?

The Tamarack was just connected to high-speed internet. It should be suitable for all your needs. The wi-fi code will be provided upon check-in. Depending on the strength of your cell service, your personal hotspot might provide a service option, too.

Is cable or satellite television available?

We do not have cable or satellite television. However, we do have a digital antenna that receives a few area stations. The 55-inch 4K television is also Roku-enabled, so feel free to bring along your Firestick or streaming passwords. For those who prefer “old-school” options, we also have a blu-ray / DVD player, a collection of favorite movies, and a classic Wii gaming system.

Do you have phone service? What about cell service?

Because everyone travels with their own phone these days, we do not have a land-line phone available at The Tamarack. Overall, we do have decent cell phone coverage from most major carriers. Prior to your arrival at The Tamarack, we encourage you to check with your carrier to confirm phone service during your stay.

Does the cabin have air conditioning?

The cabin at The Tamarack DOES NOT have central air or air conditioning. However, the house is well insulated, keeping it warm in winter and cool in summer. Portable fans are located in each of the bedrooms. Overhead ceiling fans are also available in several rooms to help circulate the air. On the warmest summer days, we find that closing all the windows and drawing the front room curtains in the morning while it is still cool, makes a big difference. And of course, if it gets too warm, you can always go jump in the lake. ;)

Is The Tamarack ADA accessible?

Although The Tamarack isn’t certified as ADA accessible, the house layout is quite open and accessible. There is a ramp from the parking area to the front door. Additionally, the first floor contains access to all basic living necessities, including a bedroom and bathroom.

How do I check availability or book a reservation?

The Tamarack’s up-to-date booking calendar is available on our VRBO webpage (Vacation Rental By Owner). To best ensure an easy and reliable reservation process, rentals are only accepted through the VRBO booking system. Visit our “Rates & Availability” webpage for a link to our VRBO listing (www.vrbo.com; Listing #1544461).

What is your cancellation policy?

Guests who cancel at least 60 days before check-in will receive a full refund of any deposit. Cancellations after that point are not eligible for refunds or credits.