Itasca Adventures

07/02/2026

It all started with a stubborn stay at home mama with a crazy idea…

One spring, we took the leap and bought a brand new camper. 4 kids in a tent, and then a popup, just wasn’t doing it for me. We took a couple of trips in the new rig (Bears’ Den 1.0, now retired), and then it sat. Not because we didn’t love it, because…work, life, expenses, you know.

Insert crazy idea. Why not rent it out while we aren’t using it?! Here we go… Itasca Adventures, as I lovingly refer to as my “5th baby,” was born. It was so busy the first year, we didn’t even use Bears’ Den again!

We bought our second unit that summer and ran 10 in the following years.

This year, I planned to run 15 campers. But here’s life again, the sneaky old thing, throwing a wrench in that idea. Instead, we had to move out of state for work. (Grateful for the opportunity, not complaining)

Stubbornly, again…I committed myself to running the business remotely so I wouldn’t have to cancel on people’s treasured vacations. It would’ve been SO much easier to just sell things off and cancel on people, but that is just not how I roll!

That idea went…okay. But it’s totally different when someone needs something or something breaks when you’re 12 hours away. I had wonderful people who helped, but handling all the things, big and small, that come up when you can’t be right there to help was very hard on me.

Don’t worry, this has a happy ending I swear…

You all know what I refer to as “my favorite MN island.” Campers’ Paradise in Nevis. The nicest families, total 90’s kids can ride their bikes on the road vibes, amazzzing renters, beaches that brought me back to our cherished days living in Florida…heaven.

Where am I going with this? Well, I am writing to announce the sale of Itasca Adventures to the Cochrane family of Campers’ Paradise! They will be taking on all the same campers, consignment campers, and honoring and continuing all reservations!

Don’t worry! I know you’ll miss me and my long winded posts. 😉

I am sticking around for as long as they need me to help with the transition. Even though it’s not “mine” anymore, I am still committed to helping families make memories and have a comfortable vacation.

I’m so excited for the Cochrane family and their new adventures. They’ve lived and breathed hospitality their whole lives and I know they’ll take great care of this too.

I feel incredibly honored to have met every single one of you. Hearing your stories made my day every single time. I feel like I didn’t create just a business, but a big ol’ super fun family of campfire story lovin’, adventure driven, loving life bunch of folks. So thank you. Adventure on, my friends. I’ll miss you all! Maybe I’ll even get to sneak back to the island and camp with you all some day! 😉

PS, as I said, ALL 2026 reservations will be honored so no need to worry about any changes in that regard. I will be sending a more formal emails with details and you can still email or call/text me!

Thanks in advance for all of your support during this transition! 🤗

06/28/2026

Lumberjack and Big Dipper are kicking off their big week on the island! It’s snowing here in Montana, can someone explain to me how it’s almost 4th of July?! 😂🫣😑 Hugs my friends. Stay cool!

06/22/2026

Hi friends! I just had a guest with a slight change in schedule, so I have a VERY rare opening July 25-August 2nd for the Loon’s Nest. 7 night minimum plus $150 delivery to Campers’ Paradise. (Site sold/booked separately)

This week typically books up a year in advance, so don’t miss your opportunity!

Loon’s Nest is a 17 foot camper with a front (comfy) queen bed, u-shaped dinette slide that turns in to a bed, and then a back full bed nook. It has a kitchen, bathroom, and an outdoor kitchen with a griddle and fridge!

Send me an email to sn**ch up these special rates! [email protected]

06/16/2026

✨ The Dippers are out on the island for a week in the sun. It’s been a little cooler at night, perfect to run the fireplace and cozy up by the campfire! 🔥 😁

06/15/2026

Campground updates from Yellowstone! They’ll be on recreation.gov next year so you can book six months in advance!

06/06/2026

✨ Big Dipper is all set up on my favorite Minnesota Island! Awning out, AC rolling, fully stocked, cleaned, and might I say, stunning?! Hope you all have a FANTASTIC week! 🏝️ 😎 ☀️

06/04/2026

Bears’ Den 2.0 is all set up and ready to party for a long weekend at Stompin’ Grounds in Akeley. Thanks so much for your reservation, and I hope you all have a blast on the trails!

06/02/2026

The house is officially on the market. Bittersweet for sure. I am so grateful for everyone who helped me get it ready and for those same people who are helping keep Itasca Adventures up and running. Make sure you all be extra sweet to them for me! 🤗 🥹

This 3960 square feet Single Family home has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. It is located at 17079 Paw Print Dr, Laporte, MN.

05/29/2026

I know a few of you might like this idea as much as I do! 😋 🔥

05/28/2026

Hi friends! I just wanted to say again how incredibly appreciative I am of all of you!

I’ve always tried to be transparent, even when it may not be the “best business move,” because this business was built by me from the ground up over the last four years and it means so much to me. Honestly, my favorite part has always been the people. Meeting so many wonderful families and being part of your adventures is what fueled me to keep growing.

As many of you know, our family recently had to move out of state due to some big life changes. While it has been incredibly difficult personally, I made the decision to keep the business running because I truly did not want to cancel trips or let people down.

I’m doing everything I can to keep things operating smoothly from afar, and I’m beyond grateful for the amazing support from people back home who have stepped in to help. That said, there have definitely been some growing pains along the way.

Please know I’m doing my absolute best behind the scenes. I’m currently managing the business remotely while also raising and homeschooling our four kids, supporting my husband through a new career transition, and selling our home in Minnesota. It’s a lot to juggle, but I care deeply about this business and the experience our renters have.

Thank you to everyone who has shown kindness, patience, and support through this transition. It truly means more than you know. ❤️