About the owners, Kelsey & Chris
Kelsey and Chris are international travelers, adventurers, nature-lovers, and proponents of moving your body through space and time. They believe in physicality on the fly followed by the healing that only nature can provide.
It’s their hope that others will experience the exhilaration and relaxation of a true outdoor retreat.
Our Story
Chris and Kelsey grew up knowing one another but went their separate ways after high school. They reconnected at age 30 while Chris was practicing Physical Therapy and Kelsey was in real estate. Their love for good coffee, amazing food, travel, wilderness exploration and of course friends, family and animals brought them together and they began to get excited about making their dreams come true. Kelsey's very first home renovation was in Austin, TX in 2013 and from then on, she was hooked.
Kelsey had adopted her dog Enzo in 2013 in Austin, TX and then they adopted their second 100lb dog, Vuk together in 2018. Their third pup, Otter entered their pack in February 2024 during their Florida home renovation. They passed an adoption event and just couldn't say no.
Combining their decade-long expertise in home renovation and hospitality, ventured into creating nature-immersed getaways that foster both mental and physical rejuvenation. They are fully hands on and most of their accommodations are dog friendly so you don't have to leave your best friend behind on your adventures outdoors. The spaces they create are inspired from their personal travels and are filled with some of the most unique and thoughtful, unexpected touches. You truly feel warm, welcomed and at home in all of their properties.
Their journey began in 2018 with a bold move North in their 30ft Georgie Boy Swinger 1990s motorhome which led them to finding and purchasing the land which eventually became Cuyuna Cove. They worked on remodeling a 1920s mining home right in Crosby while building Cuyuna Cove themselves from the ground up. After 2 years of non stop work, they opened their custom cabins on stilts at Cuyuna Cove to guests in 2020 during the midst of the pandemic. Cuyuna Cove is a commercial property in Crosby, MN with a sauna, 5 year round cabins and new seasonal Bungalow glamping cabins which opened in Spring 2024. They have hosted thousands of guests at Cuyuna Cove and are passionate about being creating the most unique and memorable guest experience.
Their love for the North Shore led them to finding the perfect 17 picturesque acres in Tofte, MN overlooking mighty Lake Superior and just 5 minutes to Lutsen, MN. Their location is perfectly located to hike Oberg Mountain, Superior National forest, mountain biking, paved trail biking/walking, skiing at Lustsen Mountain, day trips to Grand Marais, the Boundary Waters, Gun Flint trail and so much more! Committing to intricate design details, they lived in a tent while envisioning their custom Tofte Trails cabins. They cleared the land themselves and designed every aspect of the property and the cabins. With gorgeous custom glass, one of a kind reclaimed barn wood and stunning modern amenities throughout, you cannot find another upscale cabin experience like Tofte Trails anywhere. It truly is a getaway for the soul, mind & body.
In 2023, as they finished up the new Bungalows at Cuyuna Cove they they made the decision to purchase a charming 1930s beach home with a massive 1/3 acre tropical, fenced in yard and pool in St. Petersburg, Fl. The home is nestled off a red brick road and is walking distance to the beach and the historic Waterfront District of Gulfport, Fl. They spent months remodeling the home & guest house themselves and opened the home to guests via Airbnb Spring 2024.
Passionate outdoors enthusiasts who cherish connections, both with nature and guests, they continually seek inspiration from their travels, always eager to bring unique experiences to their cabins, all while enjoying great food and coffee and inspiring designs on all of their adventures.
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Adventures create the best stories to share for a lifetime
The Next Chapter
Follow along as Kelsey and Chris dive into their next adventure via social media and join their email list to be the very first to stay with them at @toftetrails www.toftetrails.com
With the support from family and friends, Cuyuna Cove was built in just over 2 years. It took endless hours and a heavy dose of grit, determination and hard work.
Cuyuna Cove
The five cabins at Cuyuna Cove were completed on June 27th 2020 in the midst of the pandemic. The redwood sauna was finished in October 2021 and additional bungalow cabins are coming soon!
What a journey it has been! The best part of it all? Getting to know and meet so many amazing guests.
A Note from Chris & Kelsey
“We cannot thank you enough for coming to stay at all of our unique properties. Our goal in designing and building Cuyuna Cove, Tofte Trails and sharing our homes in both Austin, TX and Crosby, MN with you is that you’ll have a rejuvenating getaway filled with adventure, nature and connecting to yourself and loved ones. Memories made in these special destinations will truly last a lifetime and beyond! Enjoy every moment.”
Fly through Cuyuna Cove with us!
A special thank you to our friends at Blaze Air for this amazing drone fly through video at Cuyuna Cove. Enjoy the tour!
