Property Description

It's hard to talk about Gem House without first pointing out why it's called Gem House. Sure, the home, located near Naniboujou Lodge just a few miles outside of Hovland, Minnesota is truly a gem. It is a lovely home located on a sandy stretch of Lake Superior shoreline and located just down the street from two of the North Shore's most unique destinations. But, that's not why it's called Gem House. Nope, it received that name because of the incredibly beautiful amethyst fireplace that acts as the centerpiece to this Lake Superior home.

Gem House is not just the one-of-a-kind fireplace, though! Even though we do believe the amethyst fireplace is, in fact, one-of-a-kind! The home features two spacious bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, two living rooms, a kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and it sits on a large stretch of sandy Lake Superior shoreline (a rare find along the North Shore).

Gem House is located near Naniboujou Lodge, offering what is arguable the most unique dining room in all of Minnesota. The home also sits just across Highway 61 from Judge C.R. Magney State Park, which features the famous Devil's Kettle Waterfall. Clearly, unique does not just describe Gem House's fireplace! The entire area is filled with so much beauty you might find it overwhelming.

But, don't worry! After a long day of exploring the North Shore, you can return home to Gem House, and relax your worries away in the private sauna or in front of the lakeside firepit.

Gem House is open year-round, so you can enjoy everything the area has to offer in different seasons and have a truly unique North Shore experience no matter the time of the year.

Oh, yeah... did we mention that this home is pet-friendly? That's right! For a small cleaning fee you can bring up to two pets with you for your stay at Gem House! Please contact us before you book if you plan on bringing your pet.

Note: The pictured garage is not for guest use.

Note: More interior photos coming in August! The home has all new furniture and bedding and is still being put together for the first guest. Opening August 15!

Bedrooms/Bed Sizes/Locations
First Bedroom - King Bed* - Upper Level
Second Bedroom - King Bed* - Upper Level
Family Room - Queen Sleeper Sofa - Lower Level

*The king beds are two extra-long twin beds that have been joined together.

Bathrooms/Locations
First Bathroom - Separate Shower and Tub - Upper Level
Second Bathroom - Shower/Tub - Upper Level
Half Bathroom - Lower Level

Area Information
Gem House is located just down the street from Naniboujou Lodge, a unique lodge built in the late-1920s as a private social club with famous members like Babe Ruth, Jack Dempsey, and infamous gangsters like John Dillinger. The dining room is truly beautiful and unique, painted with inspiration from the ornate Cree Indigenous style. We consider visiting the Naniboujou dining hall a must-do during your stay.

Just across the street, you will find Judge C.R. Magney State Park. With miles of hiking trails and several waterfalls, the park is a great place to visit. But, a state park in this area would not be complete without an ecological mystery of its own. That's where the Devil's Kettle Waterfall comes in. This waterfall splits into two parts- one part flows over the cliff's edge as waterfalls usually do. However, the other half falls into a mysterious formation known as The Devil's Kettle and simply disappears. To date, no one knows for certain exactly where the water goes, though many have tried to find out!

If that wasn't enough, at Gem House you are just a short drive to many other North Shore attractions. The town of Grand Marais is just under 15 miles away. Grand Marais is home to many ma and pa style stores and restaurants not found elsewhere. Going up the shore you are just a short drive from Grand Portage which is home to both the Grand Portage National Monument and Grand Portage State Park (as well as the Grand Portage Casino!).

There is so much to see and do you can easily stay at Gem House for a week or even two and not even see half of it! So come on up and enjoy an adventurous stay at one of the most unique homes on Lake Superior's North Shore.