Cabintimers, this one’s built for gatherings. On the sunny north shore of Pleasant Lake in Hackensack, Hackensack Reunion Cabin sleeps up to 18 with six bedrooms and two baths. Pets are considered, there’s a sandy swim area with a raft, and you’ll have two docks plus an optional pontoon rental—a rare combo that keeps everyone on the water from sunrise to s’mores. Weekly Sunday–Sunday stays keep check-in smooth for large families. (rentminnesotacabins.com)
Inside and out, the cabin is dialed for groups: three queens, five doubles, two twins, and a crib; a huge deck setup that seats around 30 people for meals; and a 16-foot burn pit just off the shoreline for those long Northern nights. Anglers get a fish-cleaning station, fish fryer, and grills; winter folks get a heated garage for thawing gear (and a comfy TV corner for the game). There’s also a paddle boat and a kayak waiting at the beach.
Why Cabintimers love this spot
Bring the boats, the ATVs, and the snowmobiles—this property is ready year-round. Two docks accommodate up to three boats, and Pleasant Lake is known for sandy bottoms and classic Northwoods scenery. When you book directly with the owners, you skip service fees and unlock local know-how about where to fish, float, and find the best ice-cream cones. (rentminnesotacabins.com)
Explore the Leech Lake area
Ten minutes down the road in Walker, you can launch adventures on Leech Lake or try your luck at Northern Lights Casino. Prefer pedaling? Hop on the paved Paul Bunyan State Trail for miles of smooth riding through forests, lakes, and wetlands. In town, stretch your legs at the lakefront park on Birch Lake and snap the must-do photo with the 17-foot Lucette Diana Kensack statue.
For deeper woods and wildlife, day-trip into Chippewa National Forest for hiking, birding, and fall-color cruises. In winter, this whole corner of the North Country lights up with hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails, and the cabin’s heated garage makes staging easy.
Cabin notes for planners
Large groups appreciate the easy parking (including trailers), the furnished kitchen, washer/dryer, and air conditioning. The owners even offer electric hookups if a couple of relatives roll in with campers. That flexibility—plus the family-sized sleeping layout—makes reunions here effortless. Book direct via the listing to connect with the owners and get your dates on the calendar without the middleman. (rentminnesotacabins.com)
Ready to plan? Head to the rental’s page to message the owners, confirm availability, and ask about adding the pontoon.
Cabintimers, remember: booking direct with owners or local managers means no service fees and real local tips you won’t get anywhere else.
Looking for a true Minnesota resort with space to spread out, a sandy beach for the kids, and serious fishing right out front? Hyde-A-Way Bay Resort checks all those boxes for Cabintimers chasing lake time and low-stress travel. This family-run spot sits on Birch Lake in Hackensack and delivers the easygoing rhythm we crave: mornings on glassy water, afternoons at the beach or on the trail, and evenings around the lodge swapping stories.
Why Cabintimers love Hyde-A-Way Bay
Hyde-A-Way Bay is built for groups. Bring your crew for a long weekend or gather the whole family for a reunion week. There are 16 clean, modern housekeeping cabins (from cozy one-bedroom to roomy four-bedroom layouts) plus a seasonal RV park with 14 sites. Interiors feature knotty pine character and practical comforts: kitchens with ranges and microwaves, refrigerators, dishes, and bed linens provided. You bring the towels and favorite snacks.
The new log lodge is the social heart: food and treats, laundry, games, gift shop, and comfortable seating. Kids love the pool table, arcade games, and jukebox. Parents love the convenience. Everyone loves the ice cream.
On-the-water perks
Birch Lake is a beauty with two connected basins and clear water that invites all-day play. Bring your own boat or rent from the resort — from basic fishing rigs to luxury boats and pontoons. There’s a protected dock area and a well‑equipped fish‑cleaning house with stainless tables, so the walleye-to-fish‑taco pipeline stays humming.
Non-anglers score plenty of lake fun too: free use of kayaks, canoes, hydro‑paddlers, and paddleboats. The beach has lounge decking for sun‑soaked reading sessions, and the volleyball and basketball courts keep the friendly rivalries alive.
1–3 BR waterfront cabins that sleep 4–8, smart for families.
Big-group favorites: 4‑bedroom cabins (including options with 1.5 or 2 baths) that handle friend groups and reunions.
Cozy escapes: 1‑bedroom Cabin 16 for a quick couple’s retreat.
Smoke‑free cabins. Parking by each unit.
Seasonal RV Park
If your cabin has wheels, Hyde-A-Way Bay’s seasonal RV park sits on three acres just south of the resort. Sites include water, sewer, and internet; metered 50/30/20‑amp electric. Dock space and pets are available for an additional cost. RV guests enjoy the same resort amenities: beach, paddle craft, lodge concessions, coin‑op laundry, and plenty of room for lawn games. A Rainbow playground dedicated to the park keeps little ones busy.
About Birch Lake
Birch Lake spans 1,267 acres with two distinct basins (Lower Birch is shallower; Upper Birch reaches 45 feet and includes Hyde‑A‑Way Bay). Water clarity averages around 14 feet, with about 15 miles of shoreline and a 13‑acre island in the west basin. Translation for Cabintimers: space to roam, structure for fish, and great scenery from the dock.
What to do nearby
Hackensack punches above its weight. Snap the classic photo with Lucette Diana Kensack, Paul Bunyan’s sweetheart, then hop on the paved Paul Bunyan State Trail for miles of biking and strolling. Anglers seeking bait and local intel should swing by Swanson’s Bait & Tackle downtown. Time your visit for community festivals:
Sweetheart Days (July): parades, live music, and lakefront fun.
Back to Hack (January): winter games, ice fishing, a bonfire, and fireworks.
Craving a day trip? Head north to Walker for shops and Leech Lake views, or cruise to Brainerd and Bemidji along the trail corridor for breweries, parks, and galleries. This corner of the Laurentian Mixed Forest stays active all four seasons. Winter adds groomed snowmobile corridors that link Hackensack to Walker, Backus, and beyond along the Paul Bunyan and Heartland trail systems, plus fat‑tire biking, Nordic skiing, and festival fun when Back to Hack lights up January.
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Winter at Hyde-A-Way Bay: ice fishing & sled miles
When the lake locks up, Birch turns into a quiet little city of pop‑ups and portables. Cabintimers chase walleye, northern pike, crappie, bluegill, and perch over classic mid‑lake structure and weed edges. Early and late ice can be hot for panfish; mid‑winter evenings are a steady walleye grind. Bring your favorite jigging spoons, tip‑ups, and a flasher. The resort’s protected shoreline makes a calm launch for walkers and sleds when conditions allow. Always check ice thickness daily and follow Minnesota DNR safety guidance—conditions change fast.
Snowmobilers get easy access to Paul Bunyan State Trail’s winter corridor with connections to the Heartland Trail. This gives you day‑ride loops to Walker/Leech Lake, Backus, and the lakes‑and‑pines country south toward Pequot Lakes. Expect well‑signed routes, club‑groomed flats, and plenty of places in town to fuel up and warm up.
Pro winter moves:
For panfish, hole‑hop shallow weed flats during sunny afternoons, then slide to the first break before dusk.
Walleye roam saddles and points near deeper basins; set a deadstick just off bottom while you jig.
On sled days, start early for fresh corduroy, then swing back to the resort before dark for a fry‑up.
Trip-planning tips for Cabintimers
Pack beach towels, life jackets for small kids, and your favorite spices for the fish fry.
Reserve boat rentals early during peak summer weeks.
Morning is prime time for calm paddles and wildlife sightings.
Fall color is huge here; late September into early October brings fiery shorelines. Winter brings quiet cabins, trails, and that satisfying crunch of fresh snow.
Winter kit: insulated boots, face buff, hand warmers, and a reliable headlamp. Bring an auger, spud bar, and ice picks. A small sled makes gear runs painless.
Before riding, check trail reports from local clubs and county groomers; carry a paper map as phone batteries fade in the cold.
Book direct and keep it simple
Cabintimers get the best value when they book direct with the owner/manager. No service fees. No middleman. Real, local advice on cabins, boats, and the best time to chase walleyes or explore the Paul Bunyan Trail. Click through to Hyde‑A‑Way Bay Resort’s listings to see current cabin availability, RV park status, and specials.
Explore more cabin regions on It’s Cabin Time®
Prefer a different state for your next trip? Browse these regional sites and book direct with local owners and managers:
Cabintimers, ready to get your toes in the sand and your line in the water? Visit the Hyde‑A‑Way Bay Resort cabins directly to check dates, view cabin photos, and lock in your stay.
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