Cabin Culture in Northern Minnesota
While cabin culture is not implicitly associated with canoeing, or even the canoeing culture of the North Woods, it is a phenomenon in the Midwest that adds to the culture of the North – the relaxing vacation atmosphere that so many people seek in wilderness. Cabin culture moved city dwellers north where they discovered the serene retreat it afforded them. Ever since Minnesotans colonized the north woods with their cabin retreats, there have been conflicts between farmers and sportsmen, land developers and lovers of wilderness (Larson, 1998).
Picture drawn by Francis Lee Jaques, obtained from "Canoe Country" by Florence Page Jaques (c.1938)
Minnesotans have been going to the lake for more than a century, a phenomenon that shows no signs of slowing down, in fact, prime lake real estate is in higher demand than ever. It was the railroad and automobile industries that initially provided transportation into remote wilderness areas. The lakes offered refuge from the tensions of urban life (Larson, 1998).
It is difficult to imagine the Minnesota before it was known as the land of ten thousand lakes. But it was not until the mid-1800s when Henry Schoolcraft began searching for the headwaters of the Mississippi that Minnesota was put on the map. After some searching, Schoolcraft determined that Lake Itasca was indeed the source, and also, in 1851, proposed the first estimate of how many lakes really were in Minnesota. After his guess, the state was immediately immortalized as, “the land of ten thousand lakes,” and shortly after became a tourist destination for people from all over the United States (Larson, 1998).
It was the depiction of the wilderness by painters such as George Caitlin and Edwin Whitefield, and the birth of journalism in Minnesota that helped spread the word about the majesty of the northern forests and the beauty of the wildlife. To the average citizen, however, these places still appeared wild and untamed, and even the promise of great beauty was not enough to initially entice travelers. In response, resorts with modern amenities of the 1850’s, sprung up over the north to provide city dwellers with a comfortable retreat in which they could experience the splendor. Grand hotels attracted aristocratic summer tourists who took in the scenery in a way that was agreeable to their comfortable lifestyles (Larson, 1998).
One by one, resorts fell out of mainstream business as the environment around them became degraded by traffic and commercialism. Although the wilderness experiences were initially tailored for fashionable east coast dwellers, in the end, the scenic qualities of the lakes won over the travelers. Tent colonies became a staple of the north as did summer cottages on the shores of lakes. Dwellers maintained closer ties to their natural surroundings. The early 1900’s marked the beginning of the stage of bungalows and wood cottages – which were made with the resources available in the area. Eventually, these cottages did not boast enough space, starting a movement of cabin buildings as more of a smaller retreat, a second home (Larson, 1998).
The incredible splendor of the area is what kept visitors coming back, and what beckoned them to stay. Today, cabins are still very much a reality, though it is becoming more difficult to find land that provides the same kind of isolated wilderness experience. Businesses have responded to demands of consumers and move into areas heavily inhabited by cabins creating small northern towns. Cabins are also typically passed down through generations, creating strong familial ties to the wilderness experience, and the cabin culture.
“Going to the lake” perpetuates the connection that Minnesotans have with nature. They embrace natural surrounding and find peace, relaxation, and family, all of which keep alive memorable experiences in wilderness, and encourages people to pursue more adventures.
Larson, Paul Clifford. 1998. A Place at the Lake. Afton Historical Society Press: MN.
