Nestled in the heart of the Cuyuna Lakes region, Cuyuna Lakes Stay in Deerwood, Minnesota, offers more than just a place to rest your head. It’s a thoughtfully renovated, adventure-friendly lodging hub designed to keep your focus on exploring—not logistics. In this post, we’ll walk through what makes Cuyuna Lakes Stay special, how to plan your visit, nearby highlights, tips for the seasons, and how it fits into your trip. Think of this as a trusted guide for guests and outdoor enthusiasts.
Cuyuna Lakes Stay was once the Deerwood Motel (and earlier, Roy’s Café). Since its acquisition and relaunch in late 2022, owners completely refreshed the facility: new siding, wood-laminate floors, updated lighting and furniture, and modern touches like mobile key entry. Today the property blends its historical character with modern amenities.
With sixteen total guest rooms, the retreat can be booked short-term or longer stays (nightly, weekly, or monthly).
Its address—23688 Forest Rd, Deerwood, MN—puts you right in the thick of things. The property sits almost adjacent to the Cuyuna Lakes trailhead, giving you rolling access to biking, hiking, and paved trail networks.
Beyond trails, the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area (CCSRA) is your playground. Over decades of reclamation, the region has developed a striking landscape of forest, mine-pit lakes, trails, and natural features.
One particularly special nearby water body is Portsmouth Mine Pit Lake, recognized as Minnesota’s deepest lake — ideal for fishing, scuba diving, or scenic kayaking.
Cuyuna Lakes Stay offers a variety of room categories to match your travel style:
All rooms include essentials like free high-speed WiFi, private bathrooms, blackout drapes, flat-screen TVs, and climate control.
The mountain bike network is a standout — over 70 miles of singletrack developed in the reclaimed iron-mine terrain. Trails range from beginner to expert, including flowing segments, technical rock gardens, and ridge lines.
In addition, expansive paved and gravel routes traverse the area, offering scenic connections between towns and ridges.
The mine-pit lakes are often clear, deep, and alluring. Paddle, fish, or snorkel in their cool waters. Portsmouth Mine Pit Lake is a favorite for deeper-water exploration.
Fishing is also strong throughout the region — walleye, bass, panfish, and other species inhabit the waters.
Deerwood and nearby Crosby provide coffee shops, local dining, craft breweries, and boutique shops — ideal for evening strolls or post-adventure respite.
Consider attending local events, farmers’ markets, or trail-based festivals (such as the Cuyuna Crusher) depending on season.
| Season | Highlights | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | Trails come alive, fewer crowds | Pack for variable weather; check trail reopenings |
| Summer–Fall (June–Oct) | Prime for biking, paddling, fishing, fall colors | Book ahead for weekends; warm early starts |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Snowy landscapes, quiet pace | Gear for cold, plan for limited trail access |
Understanding seasonal patterns lets you tailor your trip: spring and fall can feel sublime, summers are active and vibrant, and winters offer calm, restorative escapes.
When booking a stay with pets at Cuyuna Lakes Stay, you must call the hotel to add your pets to your reservation.
Pets must not weigh more than 50 pounds, with a limit of 1 dog per room.
Dogs ONLY no cats allowed.
Dogs cannot be left unattended in the room.
You must provide your pets vaccination records if asked for them.
The hotel will charge additional $30 per night throughout your stay with your pet.
You will be held financially responsible for pet damage to your room.
Pets must be on a leash whenever they are out of your room.
If you receive two (2) noise complaints you will be asked to leave. (No refunds)
You must pick up after where ever your pet goes potty. You must have your own potty bags, we do not provide them.
Thank you.