What is your name?:
Kim Bowen

Email:
relax@crowwing.com

Phone:
(218) 652-3111

What is the city and state of your property?:
Akeley, MN
United States

If you have a link to an external site that renters can learn more about your property, please put it here. (Optional):
https://www.crowwing.com

Are you a short-term, mid-term or long-term rental?:
Short-Term

Please feel free to provide any more information on the length of rental. (Optional):
Crow Wing Crest Lodge is a 19 cabin, four campsite seasonal resort on 11th Crow Wing Lake (voted top 10 clearest, cleanest lakes in MN by discoverthecities.com) in north central Minnesota. The historic lodge, built in 1898 as part of a logging camp, provides a central gathering space for group activities. Guests may use coin-op laundry area, arcade room, gift shop, snack counter, lending library with books, puzzles and board games, or rent one of our motorized fishing or pontoon boats. Non-motorized aquatic items are free to borrow as a guest: kayaks, canoes, SUP, peddle boats, etc. On-site hiking trails, lakeside sauna, campfire rings complimentary. We also specialize in spa amenities: healing retreats, on-site massage, reflexology, facials, ionic detox foot baths, aromatherapy, etc.

Traditionally a family resort in summer (mid-June through late August) with WEEKLY cabin stays (7 days/6 nights.)

In May, September and October we rent cabins on a TWO NIGHT MINIMUM stay basis. (Couples, group and retreat rates a great deal during these timeframes.)

Resort is closed down for winter. (Resort opens for season to match MN Fishing Opener dates each year, typically around May 10ish.)

Are fragrance free products used in home?:
Yes

Floors:
Cleaning staff typically use our handmade Glass Cleaner & Carpet Spotter (water with a bit of Shaklee’s Basic H2)

Kitchen:
Cleaning staff typically use either Force of Nature spray or a handmade PEPPERMINT spray (water and Dr. Bronner’s castile soap blend. Because it’s diluted down and cabin windows are typically open to the lake, any odors from peppermint cleaner evaporate well before arrivals. We buffer at least 24 hours between all cabin bookings.)

Shower:
Cleaning staff typically use either Force of Nature spray or a handmade PEPPERMINT spray (water and Dr. Bronner’s castile soap blend. Because it’s diluted down and cabin windows are typically open to the lake, any odors from peppermint cleaner evaporate well before arrivals. We buffer 24 hours between cabin bookings.)

Carpet:
If we need to steam the carpets, we use ONLY VINEGAR and water. More often we use our handmade Carpet Spotter (water with a tiny bit of Basic H2 – a Shaklee product) to address stains.

Windows:
In-house Glass Cleaner & Carpet Spotter (water with a bit of Shaklee’s Basic H2 only)

Furniture:
Staff use whichever spray bottle is handiest: either the Glass Cleaner or Peppermint Cleaner. (For spring cleaning once a year, I will often use a handmade scratch remover made from vinegar and iodine. Yes, it works!)

Laundry Detergent:
NO dryer sheets used. ALL sheets are washed in-house with an UNSCENTED natural detergent: we’ve used 7th Generation, Ecos, etc.

Shower curtains:
We wash these between every reservation with BORAX and a dash of Sol-U-Guard in the rinse dispenser of washing machine (a Melaleuca product with thyme essential oil, as it helps prevents mold/mildew. The scent only seems to be prevalent if you’re standing next to the washer when it’s washing. After hitting high heat dryer cycle, any scent has seemed to dissipate.)

Dishwasher Detergent:
Only three of our 19 cabins have a dishwasher and we do provide an eco-friendly version of detergent under kitchen sinks for guest use (typically 7th Generation, Ecos, etc. along with a plastic box of Borax and scoop.)

Hand Soap:
Spray foam soap bottles provided at each bathroom sink. Water with diluted Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint castile soap. (Traditionally, guests bring their own soaps with them. We added the dispenser bottles 20 years ago to supplement and offer an alternative.)

Shampoo/Conditioner?:
N/A – guests bring their own

Other cleaning supplies:
Kitchen sinks all have a pump dispenser of Sal Suds (a Dr. Bronner product) diluted in water for hand washing dishes. (Traditionally, guests bring their own soaps with them. We added the dispensers 20 years ago to supplement and offer an alternative.)

Keep in mind that we have many ‘mainstream’ guests who bring their own soaps and sprays which we cannot control. Our staff is advised to throw away or take home any air fresheners and soaps found in cabins that we haven’t provided, but of course we cannot prevent their usage during the previous guest stays. We do our best to remove lingering odors and air out cabins, then clean and disinfect with our products. Occasionally we’ll use an ozone machine in a room with issues. On the plus side, because these are lake cabins, most guests will naturally air out their cabins because they enjoy the windows open. If you find yourself uncomfortable in any room, just come down to lodge and talk to us (we have little plug-in ozone air purifiers to borrow.)

Do you thoroughly clean after each guest?:
Yes

Are air fresheners used (plug-ins, sprays, toilet sprays, etc.)?:
No

Are candles used in home?:
No

Are essential oil diffusers used in home?:
No

Is this house fragrance free to best of your ability?:
No, but we do avoid synthetic fragrances.

Please add any details you can. (Optional):
Keep in mind that we have many ‘mainstream’ guests who bring their own soaps and sprays which we cannot control. Our staff is advised to throw away or take home any air fresheners and soaps found in cabins that we haven’t provided, but of course we cannot prevent their usage during the previous guest stays. We do our best to remove lingering odors and air out cabins, then clean and disinfect with our products. Occasionally we’ll use an ozone machine in a room with issues. On the plus side, because these are lake cabins, most guests will naturally air out their cabins because they enjoy the windows open. If you find yourself uncomfortable in any room, just come down to lodge and talk to us (we have little plug-in ozone air purifiers to borrow.)

Is it a smoke-free residence?:
Yes

Are animals permitted on the property?:
No

Are pots and pans ceramic, stainless steel, cast iron or glass?:
Ceramic
Stainless Steel
Cast Iron
Glass
A combination of two or more

Additional information about pots and pans: (Optional):
We have 19 cabins, so there is a mix and match of pots, pans, bowls, etc. We try to get a combination of mixing bowl types, as example, glass/steel/plastic/etc. so that hopefully you can find something that works for your meal. We are a traditional MN family vacation resort and it took me a number of years to eliminate out all the aluminum pots and exchange ’em for stainless steel, copper, ceramic, cast iron or glass. We get many compliments on how well equipped the cabins are. Don’t be shy to come down to lodge and ask for different material item or additional cookware pieces. We have LOTS of extra stuff stored of various materials.

Are plates glass, plastic, ceramic, stainless steel, bamboo, etc?:
Ceramic

Are utensils glass, plastic, ceramic, stainless steel, bamboo, etc?:
Stainless Steel

Are cups glass, plastic, ceramic, stainless steel, bamboo, etc?:
Glass
Plastic

Additional information about cups: (Optional):
Most cabins have plastic tumblers (as we do not allow glass in the beach area.) They all also have glassware and ceramic mugs.

Type of Fuel for Stove/Oven:
Electric

Please let us know any other details about your stove/oven. (Optional):
Depending on the cabin, our 19 cabins have EITHER an electric or propane stove/oven range.

Are garbage bags- scent free?:
Yes

Do you have city water or well water?:
We get our water from a well or underground spring.

Do you have a Faucet Filter?:
No

Please add any additional details here. (Optional):
Both wells supplying water to our 19 cabins get tested annually by MN Department of Health. (For all 24 years we’ve been here, we’ve never had an issue, phew! Previous owners have informed me they never had issues either. We’re blessed in location, I suspect, on the crest of the Crow Wing chain of lakes and rivers. We’re the headwaters, spring-fed.)

Water from both wells is safe to drink. The newer well is on a huge softening system so if you’re in one of those cabins you’ll soap up more easily. The older well has the best tasting water – we’ve actually discussed the possibility of bottling and selling it in years past. (We’re too busy to tackle another endeavor at this point.)

Do you have a Refrigerator Filter?:
No

Do you have a Shower Filter?:
No

Do you have a Whole House Filter?:
No

Do you have another water filter not mentioned above?:
I think Retreat Cabin #19 has a Brita water pitcher guests can use if they like.

Does your home use an air-cooling system?:
Window A/C Unit(s)
Mini-split Unit

When was your unit last cleaned, or how often?:
Our cabins are rented for four months of the year. We cleaned ALL a/c units & filters in September of each year.

When was the filter last cleaned?:
Our cabins are rented for four months of the year. We cleaned ALL a/c units & filters in September of each year.

When were the HVAC ducts cleaned?:
N/A – no ducts

What heat source(s) are used in your home?:
Electric Base Board
Wood Stove
Propane

Please explain further. (Optional):
Our 19 cabins have a mix of heating systems. Some have baseboard electric heaters. Some of the older cabins have one centrally located propane heater. Cabin #19 has an additional wood stove. Cabins #9 and #10 have additional propane fireplaces with thermostats. The cottage has a simple plug-in electric heater.

How is heat distributed in your home?:
Baseboard
Other

Please explain further. (Optional):
9 of our older cabins with one central propane heater have no duct work, just a pilot light and thermostat. I guess it could be called “forced air” as the heat radiates out of the vent on the heater? Some of those cabins have supplemental baseboard heaters in bedrooms, some do not. 10 of our cabins are heated primarily with electric baseboard.

Bedding Information:
We have 83 beds in our 19 cabins. All queen and full beds are brand new within last 3-10 years (remember the cabins only get rented for about 4 months of the year, so not as much usage as home. We flip the mattresses during spring cleaning.) All cabins have at least two beds and at least one new queen or new full bed. Some of the king beds have an extra pillow top mattress pad.

Pillow Information:
Standard medium-hard pillows purchased from either a “Walmart” or in bulk from hotel supply company. No specialty material. All 83 beds have TWO sets of pillows on them for more choice of softness.

Sheets and Pillowcases:
All sheets, cases and pillow protectors are a cotton/polyester blend (50/50.)

Comforters and Blankets:
We have a mix of 100% cotton woven weave blankets and plush fleece polyester blankets.

Since Covid, we have NOT used any quilts, comforters or bedspreads. We leave a sanitized pile of neatly folded sheets, two blankets, and four pillows so that you can make up your own bed with our sheets, or bring your own if you prefer.

Most mattress pads have been upgraded since Covid to 100% Bamboo pads.

Please tell us some general information about the furniture in your home. Example, If you use furniture covers and approximate age of furniture:
With 19 cabins, we have quite the variety of furniture, for sure. We have upgraded to futon sofa beds in living rooms during last two decades. Attempted to get at least one rocking chair and one recliner in each cabin. As I update recliners, I only get non-fabric styles now (but there are a lot of cabin recliners with fabric at moment.) There are many scattered vintage metal and wooden end tables, etc. We’ve been updating bedside tables to simple pine wood shelves to hold reading lamps, etc.

Please check the different types of flooring you have in your home:
Carpet
Laminate
Vinyl

What other information would you like to tell us about the flooring in your home?:
Our 19 cabins have a mixture of low-pile carpet and vinyl or laminate flooring. See photos on website, and feel free to ask for more details any time.

Do you have Ethernet Cables?:
No

Do you have a Wifi Router Guard?:
No

Can the WiFi be turned off?:
No

Do you have another EMF protection system not mentioned above?:
Our main WIFI system is wired directly into the lodge with a dish on roof projecting to resort. There are repeaters located around the grounds in three locations (a well and two telephone poles). Because of its distance from lodge, Retreat Cabin #19 has a parabola dish to catch signal mounted on side of cabin, wired to second router in living room loft area.

Do you have a smart meter (we understand that many of us do not have a choice)?:
No

Have you used any pesticides, insecticides, herbicides and/or fungicides on your property in the last year?:
Yes

Please list any chemicals, approximate date and area of application:
We do not spray or fertilize the grounds with chemicals.** Our sprinkler system recycles lake water onto our lawns and we use natural corn gluten as a pre-emergent herbicide. (Occasionally we will use a phosphate-free natural fertilizer for new grass seed patches, and existing piles of leaf mulch and sawdust as weed repellents.) So yah, expect a few dandelions, but hey! they’re safely edible: try the greens for salads, roast the roots as a detox tea or soak the buds for homemade wine! Pick all you want, hehe.

(Except for poison ivy, once or twice a year precisely controlled as advised by MN DNR, in which the mixture is absorbed within 24 hours.)

Mosquito Control
We found an organic alternative that seems to work great on reducing mosquitoes – garlic oil! Sprayed on lawn and around cabins once in May and once in June (if possible.) It’s a pain in the patootie to mix and lug and spray around – but the effect has been working well, thank goodness. For more info on this product: https://idealmosquitocontrol.com

Please list any new construction within the last year (e.g. dry wall, new floors, new cabinets, painted, etcetera).:
View cabin details on our website: with 19 of them, we are always working on a spring, fall or winter project (e.g. kitchen remodel, or floor covering replacement. Cabin #11 is our next ground-up full rebuild project for winter of 2025/26.)

Do you own a pool or hot tub that can be used by guests?:
No

Are you aware of any mold in the residence?:
No

Do you conduct regular, visual mold checks in high-risk areas, such as the bathroom, basement, attic, washing machine (gasket on door), garbage disposal, HVAC system, Mini-Splits, fireplaces, around pipes and under sinks and appliances?:
Yes

Do you use a dehumidifier?:
No

Do you use an air purifier?:
No

Does each of your bathroom(s) have an exhaust fan and/or a window that can open?:
Yes

Was a mold test ever done in your home?:
No

Do you recycle?:
Yes

Do you use LED lights in any part of your home?:
Yes

Do you use/own any energy efficient appliances?:
Yes

Do you use water-saving appliances?:
Yes

Do you compost food scraps and/or other organic materials?:
Yes

Do you use and/or purchase reusable soap or shampoo containers?:
Yes

Do you use solar energy to partially or fully power your home?:
No

Do you utilize plant-based and/or biodegradable garbage bags?:
No

Is any of the lighting in your home automated to reduce electricity usage?:
No

Please tell us any other ways you believe your home has been made more eco-friendly.:
N/A

Is there any other information your guests should know, such as mold tests, air quality monitors, EMF readers, dehumidifier/humidifier or any other pertinent information not captured previously?:
N/A