first off, what do you consider glamping?

For me, glamping is staying in anything without a hard roof. If the roof is made of canvas or another flexible material — like a yurt, dome, or wall tent — that’s glamping.

Once you move into a hard-sided structure like a cabin, A-frame, or camper, it becomes a different experience. You have running water, insulation, maybe a fireplace or bathroom. With glamping, you’re still close to nature and can feel the wind, rain, or snow around you — which is part of what makes it exciting.

The best thing is camping, glamping and cabins all provide different ways to slow down and enjoy nature. For anyone who hasn’t camped before, glamping can be the perfect middle ground. You get that outdoor experience, but still have a warm bed and a few comforts that make it easier to enjoy.

what advice would you give folks who are hesitant about a winter vacation? 

If you live in Minnesota, you can’t avoid winter, so you might as well celebrate it. The key is being prepared and making it comfortable. Pack more layers than you think you’ll need, bring hand (and foot) warmers and plan cozy meals like soups or chili. 

You can also book a stay with a sauna, wood-burning fireplace or hot tub, so you can warm up after being outside. Those things create such a comforting sense of hygge — that cozy, content feeling that makes you actually look forward to the cold. 

When you’re layered up and prepared, you can do just about anything outdoors in the winter — hiking, snowshoeing, even biking — and stay completely warm. Once you realize that, it changes your whole mindset about the season.

any standout cabins or properties you’ve stayed in that capture minnesota hygge? 

Huut Haus in Grand Marais comes to mind right away. It’s a Scandinavian design lover’s dream — minimalist, modern, and intentional in every detail, surrounded by forest just a few minutes from town. The wood-burning fireplace and warm lighting make it the perfect place to slow down. 

Klȧrhet near Lutsen is incredible. It’s a set of glamping domes with fireplaces and views of Lake Superior — the perfect romantic winter getaway for two, especially if you like to ski.

what makes a cabin “photo-worthy”? 

Intention makes or breaks a property. You can have a simple cabin that feels incredible because every choice was intentional. It’s about how the light comes through the windows, the texture of the wood, the colors and textures of the furnishings, the view out to the trees or lake, and how all of those things make you feel when you’re there. 

I always appreciate when a place has a connection to nature — being deep in the woods or overlooking a quiet lake. That connection is something people crave, especially those coming from the city. I love when design choices nod to the local area through the furnishings, art or materials used. It doesn’t have to be perfect or overly styled — it just has to feel thoughtful and true to the place.

what makes glamping in minnesota unique compared to other states? 

It’s our lakes and our cabin culture. Minnesota’s connection to the outdoors runs deep, and you see that reflected in how our glamping sites and cabins are designed to make you feel close to nature.

And honestly, the people. Minnesotan hosts are some of the kindest and most genuine people you’ll meet. Most of them do this because they love hosting, not just because it’s a business. You feel that in the way they set up their spaces, in the handwritten notes, the local coffee they stock or the firewood stacked outside the door. There’s a real sense of hospitality that feels different here.

do you have a favorite winter activity to pair with your stays? 

Skiing, hands down. I love the rush of gliding down fresh powder in the middle of winter. When I can, I’ll plan trips around ski areas like Lutsen or Spirit Mountain, so that I can combine adventure during the day with a cozy fire in the evening. 

has your perspective on minnesota’s winters changed since you started photographing winter stays? 

Absolutely. I’ve learned to embrace the winters instead of dreading them. When you spend time at these cabins or glamping sites in the snow — sipping coffee by a fire, stepping outside into the quiet woods, watching the sunrise over a frozen lake — it makes you realize how beautiful this season really is. 

Once you shift your mindset from “survive winter” to “enjoy winter,” everything changes. It becomes something to look forward to.

do you have any tips for winter vacations with kids in minnesota? 

As a dad of two under four, I know exactly what it feels like to take a “relaxing” trip with little ones — the extra bathroom breaks, the endless snacks, and the creative attempts to keep everyone happy in the backseat. 

My biggest tip is this: you don’t have to drive four hours north to have a memorable winter getaway. There are so many charming towns, cozy cabins, camping opportunities, ski hills and unique Airbnbs within an hour of the Twin Cities. You can still get that sense of escape and adventure without the long drive and logistics. 

For families in other parts of the state, the same idea applies. Open the Airbnb app and look within an hour radius of home and you’ll be surprised what hidden gems you’ll find. There are so many glamping domes, tiny cabins and family-friendly stays with space for the kids to play in the snow. 

Sometimes the best winter vacations aren’t about how far you go, but about finding a simple, cozy spot close to home where everyone can slow down and actually enjoy it.