Glendalough Yurts

- 88FV+3C, Battle Lake, MN 56515

For Minnesotans seeking a blend of rustic outdoor experience and cozy comfort, the yurts at Glendalough State Park offer one of the most unique and sought-after overnight lodging options in the state park system. A true hidden gem located in the heart of Otter Tail County’s picturesque lake country, Glendalough is known for its pristine waters and non-motorized Annie Battle Lake—a designated Heritage Fishery. The experience of staying in one of the park’s two exclusive yurts is often described by locals as an “awesome adventure” and a fantastic way to immerse yourself in nature without fully roughing it.

A yurt is a round, insulated, all-season canvas structure with a wood floor and a wood-burning stove, modeled after the traditional nomadic dwellings of Central Asia. These structures provide a warm, sturdy, and furnished base, making them ideal for year-round exploration, whether you are enjoying a summer canoe trip or a crisp winter snowshoe trek. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the Glendalough yurts are specifically positioned to enhance your sense of remoteness and adventure. They are not in a central, drive-up area; rather, they are set right on the water’s edge and are only accessible by hiking, biking, or canoeing, ensuring a secluded, tranquil stay that truly allows you to disconnect. This unique accessibility requirement is part of what makes the Glendalough Yurt experience so special and popular among seasoned Minnesota outdoors enthusiasts.

The Glendalough Yurts are located within the stunning Glendalough State Park, a cherished natural retreat situated near Battle Lake, Minnesota. The park itself is a transition zone between the hardwood forest and the prairie, offering incredibly diverse landscapes and ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. While the park is easily reachable by vehicle, the yurts themselves are deliberately secluded to offer a premium, private camping experience.

The general geographic area is identified by the following address:

Glendalough State Park, 88FV+3C, Battle Lake, MN 56515, USA

It is crucial for visitors to note the unique accessibility of these accommodations. The yurts are positioned on the southeast side of the pristine, non-motorized Annie Battle Lake. To reach them, you must travel without a car from the parking area. Your gear must be transported via:

• The paved bike path loop that circles the park.
• Hiking a scenic distance along the park trails.
• Canoeing or kayaking across Annie Battle Lake, as they are designated as "canoe-in" or remote sites.

This requirement is a highlight for adventure-minded locals, as it guarantees a quieter, more immersive stay than a standard drive-up campsite. The yurts' location right off the paved trail also makes them highly desirable for bicyclists who want a comfortable overnight stop right on the route.

The yurts are designed to provide a comfortable, protected base while you enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. They offer more than a tent, but still require campers to bring many of their own supplies to maintain the rustic atmosphere.

• All-Season Structure: The yurts are insulated, round canvas structures with wood floors, making them available and comfortable for reservation year-round.
• Heating: Each yurt includes a wood-burning stove to provide heat, which is particularly vital for comfortable winter stays. Firewood is often provided during the winter months.
• Basic Furnishings: Inside, guests will find essentials such as bunk beds, a table, and chairs or benches, offering a place to sleep and eat off the ground.
• Outdoor Amenities: Each yurt site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring for outdoor cooking and enjoying campfires.
• Nearby Facilities: While yurts do not have internal plumbing or electricity, clean vault toilets and drinking water are available a short distance away.
• Water Access: A key feature is the private, small dock or water access point right at the yurt site, perfect for launching a canoe or kayak onto Annie Battle Lake.

Note: Guests must bring their own bedding/sleeping bags, cookware, and a light source, as there is no electricity inside the yurts, and cooking is not permitted indoors.

The Glendalough Yurts stand out among Minnesota state park lodging options due to their exceptional features and unique setting:

• Pristine Waterfront Location: Situated directly on Annie Battle Lake, known for its crystal-clear water and status as a Heritage Fishery, guaranteeing a motor-free, quiet paddling and fishing experience.
• Private Water Access: Each of the two yurts has its own dock or small water access point, providing immediate, exclusive lake use.
• Direct Bike Trail Access: The yurts are conveniently located right off the Glendalough Trail, a well-maintained paved bike path that loops around the park and connects to the nearby town of Battle Lake.
• Secluded Camping Experience: The limited accessibility (hike-in/bike-in/boat-in) ensures a high level of privacy and solitude, distinguishing this from the park's main cart-in campground.
• Year-Round Adventure: The woodstove heating allows locals to utilize the yurts in all seasons, perfect for winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the park's groomed trails.
• Exclusive Availability: There are only two yurts in the entire park, making them a coveted, reservation-only lodging type that must be booked well in advance.

The yurts are managed by Glendalough State Park as part of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) lodging system. Reservations are highly recommended due to the limited number of units and their popularity.

Park Address: 24869 Whitetail Lane, Battle Lake, MN 56515

Park Office Phone: (218) 261-6900 or (218) 864-0110

Reservations: Yurts must be reserved through the Minnesota State Parks Reservation System online or by calling the DNR Call Center at (866) 857-2757. It is advised that reservations be made up to 120 days in advance, as these popular spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Note that a daily or annual Minnesota State Parks vehicle permit is required for park entry.

For Minnesota residents, the Glendalough Yurts represent the ultimate local "glamping" opportunity. They offer a unique, comfortable, and highly adventurous way to experience the best of the state’s pristine lake country, particularly in the quiet, unspoiled environment of a motor-free Heritage Fishery. This is a camping experience that caters to the local love of biking, paddling, and enjoying nature's solitude. The requirement to hike, bike, or boat in transforms a simple overnight stay into a memorable mini-expedition, setting it apart from standard car camping. Whether you are looking for a summer base camp right off the paved bike trail, a serene spot to kayak fish on the clear lake, or a cozy, heated retreat for a winter getaway, the Glendalough Yurts deliver an unparalleled and uniquely Minnesotan outdoor escape. This combination of seclusion, comfort, and direct access to some of the state’s most beautiful trails and lakes makes it a truly special destination for those in the region.

Glendalough Yurts

88FV+3C, Battle Lake, MN 56515, USA