Gardenwood Resort & Motel

Fun, fabulous family-owned resort with easy access to Lake Superior at McQuade Harbor! Many cabins have Lake views! Nightly community bonfires, grills and picnic tables, dog friendly, air-conditioned and heaters provided. Larger cabins have stovetops and full-size refrigerators. Reasonable prices and great location for exploring Duluth and heading further up the North Shore!

What a great place to stay if you wanna be out of the hustle and bustle of Duluth and in the Neature. This is far from luxury but it's exactly what they posted on there website so we knew what to expect and that's not common. The owners were very helpful and so kind they even came and offered me there personal grill when they seen me struggling to beat the weather and cook. We booked because they are pet friendly right across the road from the Lake and they have complimentary fire wood because you gotta have smore but after that experience we will definitely be back and back again to Harbor some more Superior memories.

I LOVE Gardenwood! I visit here at least once a year. You couldn't find a more charming place or nicer proprietors. This is my favorite getaway - the place I go to relax and enjoy the north shore.

My Hubby, Our dog Doc Holiday & Myself stayed in Cabin 2 for our first time at Gardenwood Resort from June 29th --July 3rd 2023. We were pleasantly greeted by Owner Dan as We pulled up to the Cabin and later by Owner Darcy. Upon opening the door to the Cabin We were smitten by how adorable it was. From a fully equipped kitchenette to the most comfortable bed, the Cabin was immaculately cleaned for a most truly relaxing vacation. We enjoyed taking many walks every day to McQuade's Park & small boat landing that was literally just across the street with spectacular views of Lake Superior. Even more awesome is that there's a mowed path from the resort that leads to a paved underpass that brought us safely to McQuade's without needing to cross the busy road. From the very moment We arrived at Gardenwood Our stay was very splendid and most memorable. We will indeed be back at Gardenwood next year as the go to place for Our Summer vacations along Lake Superior here on out. Thank you Dan & Darcy.

I came up for an event and was very impressed! The cabins are simple so don't expect some crazy "Hilton" gold faucet experience. The owners are very good people and enjoyable to talk to. If you are fortunate you'll get a visit from their dog Lucky! The cabins were clean and the sheets had obviously been cleaned before arrival. I will be back for sure.

The most excellent place to stay! We had cabin #2 with a King bed and kitchenette and it was well worth it. We grilled ribeyes for supper and made sausage and eggs for breakfast. And, the cabins are located right across the highway from Lake Superior where there's a marina and beach nearby. We plan on making Gardenwood our new go-to spot to stay when coming up to The North Shore!

I really enjoyed the cute, rustic, comfortable cabin (we stayed in Cabin 1). I would definitely stay again. Close to several state parks with many hiking/walking trails. Pet friendly which is great and hard to find! Gardenwood is family owned and they were great hosts.

The cabins are super cute, clean and cozy! We loved it! We had a fire pit at our cabin and the resort provides free firewood, a definite plus. The location is great, 10 minutes from Duluth and the boat launch is right next store. Would definitely recommend! Also a nice view of the lake.

My husband and I loved our stay! Dan and Darcy were so nice and helpful. Very cute little cabin and very clean and furnished (towels, mini fridge, etc.) Loved that a few cabins were dog friendly. We really enjoyed having our own grill, picnic table, and the having bonfires at night. Excellent location and perfect relaxing getaway. Definitely planning on returning every summer!

The rooms are very clean and well kept. The rooms are dated but I wasn't expecting a modern room nor did I intenend to book one for my trip. I was later than expected checking in and the owner called me just to make sure I was still planning on staying there. I ended up arriving after dark and a light was on in my room waiting for me.

They provide wood for you to have a bonfire on the grounds. I would've used it had I not arrived so late. I will plan on staying there again sometime in the future.

Absolutely enjoyed their hospitality.
We were 18 people on the tour. On our 2nd day, there was a storm coming, we were worried how to complete our grilling since we were using coal. The owner came himself willingly to find out if we need anything. They provided a big umbrella and a gas griller which was in great help and we did prepared our food before the rain/storm. They did not charge us anything for that. Location wise I think this resort is one of the best on the scenic road highway and its cheap too. I highly recommend this resort.

Let's start this off with some background. My family and I were looking for a place to stay when we were not out sight seeing and such. We stayed here because of what they offered and the price. We show up to cabin 2 toward the evening. We unpack our car and head out to get some supplies. When we arrive back the owners greeted us and we're very nice and welcoming. We unpack and check out what we got for the weekend. Heated water, single shower, small kitchen with some utensils and basic supplies. Fresh towels, a fridge, AC, heat if needed. Microwave and a 4 burner stove. Sleeps 3-4. King size bed which was pretty comfy and a futon. Community bonfire as well. We were so close to Superior that I'm sure if I through a stone hard enough I'd have made it in. Quiet little camp site and a warm feeling all around. Chatted with the owners a little bit on day two. You get more than what you pay for here. It's exactly what we were looking for and more. If you want some rustic, family owned and operated with a welcoming feel then this is the place to go. I'll be coming here more in the future. 5/5 for sure.

New owners are very friendly, and it's obvious they are working hard to restore the property! Needs a little updating, but considering they haven't owned it very long, they are doing great. Has a rustic and cozy feel, the location is fantastic, and it has all the basic needs for a quiet and budget friendly vacation. Would definitely stay again!

Clean and cozy! The new owners are working hard to get this place looking good again! It worked great for us. We toured the north shore by day and enjoyed the stars and the fire ring in the evening. We walked over to the beach a couple of times, very easy to get to from Gardenwood. Thanks so much! 😊

We loved staying here. It was a great little cabin, it's right across from the lake! We will stay here again! Easy access to downtown Duluth, but far enough away to be in your own cabin with easy access to the lake with a walking trail. The sunrises are breathtaking too.

First off, this quaint little North Shore resort offers an excellent location — just across North Shore Scenic Drive from a lovely small craft marina, close to both Duluth and Two Harbors, and a very comfortable drive away from Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, and Tettegouche State Parks. Several cabins and motel rooms offer great Lake Superior views, while others feel nicely nestled among the pines.

The new owners are preserving the resort's tradition of friendly, personal service, while also sprucing up the place. The latter is a welcome development, since the cabins have been showing their age in recent years.

Affordability is definitely high on the list of this resort's positives, with the rates being especially attractive on weeknights. My friend and I were able to get a studio cabin + one of the motel rooms for about the same total price as many resorts charge for a single one-bedroom suite or cabin. Both the motel room and the cabin were *immaculate* upon our arrival, which is hugely reassuring during a pandemic.

Our favorite aspect of the resort, however, is the peace and tranquility, especially on weekdays/nights. In spite of being just ten miles from central Duluth, the spacing of the cabins from each other and from the road really give you that "getting away from it all" feeling that traveling Up North is all about. Having dinner at the picnic table outside the cabin was one of the most relaxing experiences we've had during the whole, crazy year of 2020. Yet if you must keep in touch, wifi is easily accessible and phone reception is good.

If you're looking for either a deep wilderness experience or a posh, modern resort, then this really won't be the place for you. But for exceptional balancing of lovely natural surroundings, affordability, convenience, friendliness, and quiet relaxation, Gardenwood Resort is tough to beat!

A very nice dog friendly row of cabins. Ours had a small kitchenette The staff is friendly and the cabins are clean. The cabins are older, but it is clear the owners are improving and upgrading the cabins.

They have wifi that is available in the main office, which forced my kids to put down phones and devices.

Stayed in cabins a few times now, and our experience has been wonderful. The cabins are small and are older units, but they are accurately described as "simple" cabins. If you know that going in, you will be pleasantly surprised.

5 stars for what it is. You get what you pay for folks. With that said, this is perfect for a weekend getaway with the family. The people writing bad reviews are obviously used to mommy and daddy paying for their nice fancy places. This is a great place for the price, and we are planning on staying here again.

Nice little cabins with heat and AC, fridge and microwave, outdoor grill and fire pit, right across the street from Lake Superior. Nice place to stay.