THE COTTAGE
Relax and enjoy the comfort and charm of The Cottage; a family friendly vacation rental on scenic Lake Pokegama.
THE COTTAGE
Relax and enjoy the comfort and charm of The Cottage; a family friendly vacation rental on scenic Lake Pokegama.
Welcome to The Cottage!
Welcome
We are happy to share our special place with you. Our goal is to provide a comfortable and relaxing stay so that you can focus on creating your own memories at The Cottage just as our family has since 1946.
About Us
The Cottage
Perfect for those interested in history or nature, couples, and families. Ideal for lakeside getaways and relaxing vacations.
Getting to Know the Area
Located in east-central Minnesota, Pine City is also the county seat of Pine County. Founded as a railway town, it quickly became a logging community and the surrounding lakes made it a resort town. Today, visitors enjoy the downtown's specialty stores and restaurants as well as a nearby casino and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Our Family
Welcome to The Cottage! We are Luke and Deanna Steiner and we are happy to share our special place with you. Our goal is to provide a comfortable and relaxing stay so that you can focus on creating your own memories, just as our family has since 1946. Luke is a business consultant and Deanna is a first grade teacher. We have two amazing sons, Harrison and Sebastian, two dogs, Frisbee and Kelpie, and a bearded dragon named Rex. We love spending time together at The Cottage especially searching for agates, hiking, swimming, boating, and fishing. Please reach out to us with any questions that you might have about the property. We are happy to help!
House Rules and Security
House Rules
- CHECK IN after 4:00 p.m. Early check in may be available upon request if back to back bookings are not scheduled.
- CHECK OUT before 11:00 a.m. Late checkout may be available upon advanced request. Please review the check out procedures at the end of the guidebook prior to leaving. Late check out without prior approval will result in additional fees.
- Respect our neighbors and their property.
- Please be mindful of the noise you are making. Quiet hours start at 10pm.
- Please feel free to use any of the supplies you can find in the kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, and cupboards. If something is used up, please let us know so that we can replenish it for the next guest.
- Please do not leave minors unattended. We recommend all minors wear life jackets while in or near the lake. Please make sure to lock up the canoe, and shed when you are finished using them and return all items to their proper place.
- Absolutely no smoking or vaping on or in the property. Smoking tobacco, marijuana, e-cigarettes (vaping), or smoking any other substances is strictly prohibited anywhere on the property. Smoke smells or other evidence of the above will result in extra fees or loss of security deposit.
- Absolutely no illegal activity is allowed on the property.
- Garbage and recycling are collected from the bins alongside the garage. When the bins inside The Cottage are full please transfer the bags to the outdoor bins. Please make sure to close the lid. Garbage collection is on Mondays. If your stay includes a Monday, please have the large bins on the curb by 6:50 am for pick up on Monday morning.
- Up to 2 dogs allowed with prior homeowner approval and paid $100 dog fee. Additional dogs may be considered with payment of an additional $100 dog fee. Prior approval must be given by the owner for additional dogs.
- Please clean up after your dog both inside and outside and keep your dog on a leash or in the fenced yard at all times. Leashes and tie outs are available for your use in the front room credenza.
- Events, parties, and large gatherings are prohibited
- Only registered guests are allowed on the property. No additional visitors are allowed on the property at any time without prior approval from the owner
- Must be at least 25 years old to book
- Additional fees and taxes may apply during booking
- NOTE: The property sleeps 4 guests in beds, with space for 2 guests on the full sleeper sofa, and 1 more guests on the twin sleeper sofa, bringing the maximum occupancy to a total of 7.
Security
- Security cameras are used in the outside areas of The Cottage property. This includes a Ring doorbell system. As we live off site, we may occasionally check the recorded video footage for security purposes.
- Electronic key code lock entry on the front door
Required Paperwork
- The Cottage rental agreement as well as other required paper work must be returned within 24 hours of booking for the reservation to be valid.
- Photo ID may be required upon check-in
Things to Do in the Area
Snake River Fur Post
East Central Craft Beverage Tour
East Central Craft Beverage Tour
The Snake River Fur Post is a reconstructed fur trade post on the Snake River west of Pine City. The post was established in the fall of 1804 by John Sayer, a partner in the North West Company, and built by his crew of voyageurs. The site operated for several years, although its exact period of operation is unknown. It was later destroyed by fire. The discovery of artifacts in the 1930s revealed the site. Excavation in the 1960s added to knowledge about it, enabling accurate reconstruction of the post. The site is operated as a state historic site.
East Central Craft Beverage Tour
East Central Craft Beverage Tour
East Central Craft Beverage Tour
The East Central Craft Beverage Trail is an opportunity to visit eight, unique craft beverage makers located throughout East Central Minnesota: Isanti Spirits in Isanti; North Folk Winery in Stark; Northern Hollow Winery in Grasston; Sapsucker Farms Yellow Belly Cidery in Quamba; Ann River Winery in Mora; BeerClub Brewing in Mora; Three Twenty Brewing in Pine City; Boondoggle Winery in Pine City.
Pick up a map from any of these places, and once your map has been stamped at each location, your map is entered into a drawing for a basket of wine, beer, spirits, and cider from these craft beverage makers.
Chengwatana State Forest
East Central Craft Beverage Tour
Eugene H. Wynn Jr. Memorial Wildlife Management Area
The Chengwatana State Forest is a state forest located in Pine and Chisago counties in Minnesota. Its name is derived from the Ojibwe: Zhingwaadena, meaning white-pine town, after the nearby ghost town and township. Chengwatana State Forest has hiking, ATV, and snowmobile trails as well as views from the beautiful “Million Dollar Bridge” that crosses the Snake River
Eugene H. Wynn Jr. Memorial Wildlife Management Area
Eugene H. Wynn Jr. Memorial Wildlife Management Area
Eugene H. Wynn Jr. Memorial Wildlife Management Area
Just minutes from The Cottage is the Eugene H. Wynn Jr. Memorial Wildlife Conservation area. Named after Pine County conservation officer Eugene H. Wynn who was killed in the line of duty in 2019, this wildlife management area is full of various wildlife habitats and miles of groomed trails. This hidden gem is the perfect place for a short hike between lake activities. This is one of our personal favorites due to its location only a mile or so away from The Cottage.
Pine City Flea Market
Eugene H. Wynn Jr. Memorial Wildlife Management Area
Pine City Farmers' Market
One of the largest and best small town flea markets in Minnesota. Come see what you can find every Wednesday from 6:00 AM – NOON during April – October weather permitting.
Pine City Farmers' Market
Eugene H. Wynn Jr. Memorial Wildlife Management Area
Pine City Farmers' Market
The Pine City Farmers Market is held every Friday and Saturday from 11 am – 1 pm during the months of June-October except for Freedom Fest & Pine County Fair weekend. The Market is held on the Pine County Fairgrounds property along Old Hwy 61.
Banning State Park
Willard Munger State Trail
Willard Munger State Trail
Banning State Park is just minutes off I-35 near Sandstone. Hike along the Kettle River amid dramatic sandstone rock formations with lush lichens, liverworts, and mosses. Visit Wolf Creek Falls and take in the historic ruins of Banning Sandstone Quarry. The park is known for camping, picnicking, cross-country skiing, beautiful trails for hiking, and the study of natural history
Willard Munger State Trail
Willard Munger State Trail
Willard Munger State Trail
The Willard Munger State Trail is a collection of multiple-use trails between Hinckley and Duluth. It consists of interconnecting trails offering hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, and snowmobiling. It highlights the picturesque scenery and rich history of East Central Minnesota. The trail follows the route of the railroad that saved many lives in the historic Hinckley and Cloquet fires in the nineteenth century
St. Croix State Park
Willard Munger State Trail
St. Croix State Park
St. Croix is Minnesota’s largest state park with over 33,000 acres of forests, meadows, marshes, and streams. Established in 1943, the park was originally developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps as a recreation demonstration area. This location has been valued for thousands of years, from the first nations to Dakota and Ojibwe tribes, fur traders, loggers, settlers, and modern recreationists. The park also offers a great paved bike trail!
Changing Gaits Horseback Riding
St. Croix State Park
Changing Gaits Horseback Riding
Changing Gaits Horseback Riding
Changing Gaits Horseback Riding
Changing Gaits is a faith-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that partners with horses for equine therapy with a healing bond to educate, mentor, empower behavioral changes, and enhance life skills for all age groups with mental, physical, and emotional disabilities. Changing Gaits offers horse trail rides. The suggested donation is $45 an hour per person (No double riding). To book a ride, call their office at 320-438-4001.
East Central Craft Beverage Trail
Three Twenty Brewing Co.
Three Twenty Brewing Co.
Three Twenty Brewing Co.
Makes no matter if you are a local or just passing through, this brewery needs to be part of your Up-North trip! Take a growler to go! Unique beer names with fabulous flavors to match. The owners have also kept some vital pieces of the history of the building, which give it a cool vibe. You can bring in your own food or walk to town to grab food to go. Lots of board games and cards to play too!
Ann River Winery
Three Twenty Brewing Co.
Three Twenty Brewing Co.
Ann River Winery proudly produces, bottles, and pours their own unique creations. Family owned and operated (by relatives of Deanna) we encourage you to sample all of their wines in their newly built tasting room, enjoy a glass of your favorite on their patio, or take a stroll through their beautiful vineyard.
Northern Hollow Winery
Three Twenty Brewing Co.
Northern Hollow Winery
“Making wines from cold-hardy vines” - Northern Hollow Winery is an award-winning winery with a large selection of wines, an intimate tasting room, and a friendly atmosphere. Try their fruit-based wine and a cheese platter!
Boondoggle Winery
Sapsucker Farms Yellow Belly Cidery
Northern Hollow Winery
A boondoggle is a project that is considered a useless waste of time and money. But it sure has been fun! This winery has great food, unique wines, and friendly owners.
North Folk Winery
Sapsucker Farms Yellow Belly Cidery
Sapsucker Farms Yellow Belly Cidery
North Folk Winery is located in east-central Minnesota, approximately 40 miles North of the Twin Cities. Our award-winning wine is well received and poured in a unique and inviting timber-frame tasting room. We are dedicated to providing the best of everything local in one place including the fruit made to produce our wine the ingredients for our menu, the display of art in the tasting room, and the best of live entertainment.
Sapsucker Farms Yellow Belly Cidery
Sapsucker Farms Yellow Belly Cidery
Sapsucker Farms Yellow Belly Cidery
Sapsucker Farms currently offers eight different varieties of hard cider. All of these flavors are available on tap in the cider barn and in 4-pack cans or bottles to go.
Our trophy case includes awards from consumers and cider judges alike
BeerClub Brewing
BeerClub Brewing
BeerClub Brewing
In 2014, we five home brewers decided to brew together for fun and called it "BeerClub.” BeerClub Brewing was born! BeerClub Brewing is a microbrewery and taproom, specializing in brewing small-batch classic European Lagers and Ales. We offer Czech Pils, Imperial IPA, Oktoberfest, Belgian Tripel, along with other American, seasonal and experimental varieties. We’re in a former metal-fab shop with an industrial vibe in Mora, MN.
Isanti Spirits
BeerClub Brewing
BeerClub Brewing
Isanti Spirits was inspired by the reckless heart and punk rock soul of Rick Schneider, 1980's punk rock musician. Using primarily grains grown and barrels coopered in Minnesota, as well as a high-quality Kothe still from Eislingen, Germany, Rick makes Isanti Rye Whiskey, Sunken Bobber Bourbon, and Tilted Cedars Gin with creative mash bills and flavor profiles all their own
Beomead Meadery
BeerClub Brewing
Beomead Meadery
Beomead is a family owned meadery committed to using only the best ingredients raised and gathered on the farm. Mead is unpasteurized, unfiltered -raw from the hive -crafted to preserve the intrinsic value of honey to produce a mead unique to the area
Our History
Humble Beginnings
The Great Depression Through WWII
The Great Depression Through WWII
The building that is today "The Cottage" began its life as grain storage and a chicken coup located on the original Stumne family farm in the 1800s. The Stumne family owned the majority of the land surrounding the east side of Lake Pokegama. As the story goes, Mr. Iver Stumne and his brother decided to build a large boat in the building. They worked all winter on it and when it was done they didn't know how they would get it out. They decided to cut one end of the building off to remove the boat then rebuilt the wall afterward.
The Great Depression Through WWII
The Great Depression Through WWII
The Great Depression Through WWII
Later the home was passed down to Mr. Stumne's daughter Bertha. During the 1930s and the great depression, Bertha and her husband (Peterson) wanted to help a relative that had fallen on hard times, lost their family farm in Iowa, and had moved back to Pine City. The outbuilding was not insulated and when the wind blew off the lake in the winter the family would almost freeze to death. Bertha shared her food and supplies with the family until they could get back on their feet. To pass the time through the long winter, they used to roll up the rug and dance. Later, it was converted into a one-room schoolhouse to teach local children.
Harold and Hortense in 1946
The Great Depression Through WWII
Harold and Hortense in 1946
Right after returning from battle in WWII, Deanna's great uncle Harold Ek purchased a plot of land on lake Pokegama from Bertha (Stumne) Peterson, and the existing outbuilding was converted into a cabin. Harold enjoyed having his family from St. Paul join him at The Cottage. He spent this time fishing with his next-door neighbor Charlie in his wooden rowboat.
June and Vernon Ek in 1965
June and Vernon Ek in 1965
Harold and Hortense in 1946
In 1965 Harold and his wife Hortense decided to build a bigger, more modern home on the lake. Deanna's grandparents, June and Vernon Ek, loved the area so much that they also purchased a plot of land from Bertha. They had the small cabin moved from Harold's property to the new property down the road for a whopping $2,000. There was no running water or bathroom so they needed to carry water from Harold’s well down the road and built an outhouse on the property. It was rustic, to say the least. Deanna's grandparents and their children spent summer weekends and vacations there. They would load up their Chevrolet with six kids, a dog, their food, bedding, and supplies, with no AC and head up HWY 61 to the two-room cramped cabin. My grandmother lovingly referred to the property as "The Cottage," giving it a name that has stuck to this day.
A Match is Made
June and Vernon Ek in 1965
A Match is Made
In 1972, on one of those weekend getaways, Deanna’s mother Jackie Ek (second from left in white shirt) met her father, Dale Pangerl (first on left in pink shirt), who lived on a local farm, as she was leaving the Pine Camp Ballroom on Cross Lake. Her friends bet her a nickel each to ask him out on a date for a total of 15 cents. She invited him to an impromptu party. He agreed and they all moved the party back to The Cottage where the group woke up Jackie’s parents, Vernon and June, sometime after 1:00 in the morning. Vernon, a musician, pulled out his accordion and began to play old-time polka music. The whole neighborhood was there and they continued the party, dancing until the sun came up.
A New Addition
June and Vernon Ek in 1965
A Match is Made
Later in 1972, Dale helped Jackie’s parents build an addition to the building which added the two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a hand-dug basement. In 1973, Deanna’s parents, Jackie and Dale, were married.
The Next Generation
The Next Generation
The Next Generation
In 1979 Deanna’s parents purchases a plot of land across the lake and began building their own cabin. It was finished in 1980 and Deanna (middle) spent her summer’s and weekends there as well as visiting her grandparents at The Cottage. June and Vernon decided to retire at The Cottage and added another addition onto the backside of the house in 1985. Vernon passed away in 1989 and June lived in The Cottage until she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2006.
New Updates
The Next Generation
The Next Generation
After June’s diagnosis, Jackie and Dale decided to purchase the cottage from her and move her closer to their home in the twin cities. With their seven children all beginning to marry and have grandchildren, they needed more space for the family to stay when visiting. With that, came some new updates to the property. New siding and paint began the transformation.
Today
The Next Generation
Today
In 2016 Jackie and Dale decided to sell The Cottage in preparation for their own retirement. Deanna and Luke purchased The Cottage from her parents making The Cottage family owned for over 70 years! Deanna and Luke then set out to make The Cottage their own with many DIY renovations. The addition of new flooring, a remodeled bathroom, updated furniture, refinished kitchen cabinets, and countertops and fresh paint lead to a new vintage-inspired identity for The Cottage.
In 2020 they decided to begin renting out The Cottage as a short-term vacation rental so that others could experience the joy of "lake life" in-between their own stays. With that decision came the newest update to The Cottage, a 220 foot deep well to replace the 75-year-old original sand point well. Now, they wish to share this family heirloom with you so that you can make memories of your own at this magical place.