Rose Lake Glamping

This year, for the Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener, I had the opportunity to explore Ottertail County while staying in a noteworthy, refurbished covered wagon. Yes, you heard that right. Imagine Oregon-trail-meets-spacious-Airstream.

Just off Highway 4 in Frazee, tucked into an unassuming lakeside neighborhood are Rose Lake Glamping’s two, huge, cozy glamourous Conestoga wagons. The wagons are the kind you would have seen used extensively during the late eighteenth century, and the nineteenth century, in the eastern United States and Canada. You can pretend you are a traveling settler, heading out on the open frontier without having to experience the realities of pioneer life during westward expansion.

Fun fact: The Oregon Trail educational computer game series used in schools was created in 1971 by Don Rawitsch, a senior at Carleton College in Northfield, MN, and was produced by the Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium (MECC) in 1974. How cool is that?!

It was so fun taking in the juxtaposition of these huge wagons whole enjoying modern conveniences like a spacious “room,” plush beds, heating, air conditioning, and other “glamping” extras. Aside from the wagons, there are other amenities like a nearby kitchenette, bathroom, clubhouse, pontoon, and a unique firepit. It is worth noting that there is no tv or WIFI but I found them unnecessary given the experience. I spent most of my time with a book near the fire and in the kayak on the lake. I did, however, take the 4-minute drive to visit the world’s largest loon in Vergas.

I could go on and on about the place but what makes it worth checking out is Josh, the owner. A phenomenal host who is extraordinarily attentive, he thoughtfully left a beautiful charcuterie board in the wagon that I was thankful for after a long drive and homemade popovers in the kitchen the next morning!