First Ride in Cuyuna: Family Trails, Lake Picnics, and the Dragonfly Cabin in the Pines

This was our family’s first time exploring Cuyuna, and we made the most of it, riding green trails together, paddleboarding on Yawkey Mine Lake, and staying at the Dragonfly Cabin tucked in the pines above the wetlands. With smooth trails, quiet evenings, and time outside as a family, this week gave us the perfect adventure to kickstart our summer.

To learn more more about this cabin or book it for a future trip, head to the Dragonfly Cabin.

This was our first trip to Cuyuna, and we were excited to finally explore a place we’d heard so much about. We’d talked about coming for a while, and this summer felt like the right time to make it happen. The whole family came, bikes in tow, with plans for several days outdoors.

We were especially stoked about where we’d be staying: a custom-built cabin tucked just outside Ironton that looked quiet, comfortable, and perfectly placed for trail access. The plan was simple. Ride bikes, enjoy the time outside together, and settle into an awesome cabin for a few days. No big itinerary, just a new adventure doing something we all love.

The Dragonfly Cabin: Tucked in the Pines, Perched Above the Wetlands

We stayed in the Dragonfly Cabin, a small, custom-built space just outside of Ironton. Set up on a hill and surrounded by tall white pines, it overlooks a wide stretch of wetlands and feels peaceful and private, while still being just a mile from town.

Designed and built by a husband-and-wife team, the cabin is compact but well laid out, with a wood stove, a spiral staircase to the loft, and large windows facing the marsh. The space is cozy, quiet, and intentional, perfect for slowing down between rides and spending time in an inspired space.

We spent evenings building small fires, sitting out on the patio, and making meals in the kitchen. Nothing fancy, just the kind of simple routines that feel especially good when you’re away from home. The cabin made it easy to settle in without a big agenda. Just ride, eat, relax, repeat.

We stayed in the Dragonfly Cabin, but it’s one of a few lodging options on the property. In addition to the two cabins, the owners also have a set of simple camp A-frames nestled in the woods, offering a variety of ways to experience the space depending on how you like to travel.

Riding Cuyuna: All Ages, All Smiles

This was our family’s first time riding in Cuyuna, and the trails were a perfect fit for our kids. We stuck to the green loops and rode together, but what stood out was how much they were able to do completely on their own power, even at a pretty young age.

We did several laps around Huntington Mine Lake and Pennington Mine Lake via the Galloping Goose Trail. It was smooth, scenic, and just the right amount of challenge for little legs. We also loved the wide adaptive trails at the Sagamore Unit, which felt made for families, and the short, intimate loops around Yawkey Mine Lake gave us some great low-key laps as part of our day’s riding.

One of my favorite parts of the whole trip was taking a one-on-one ride with each of my kids during the week. Riding at their pace, and just getting that time with each of them on the trail was something I absolutely loved.

The kids were all about the pump track and skills park at the Miners Mountain Rally Center, which gave them a chance to ride laps, try new features, and burn off the last bit of energy before heading back to the Dragonfly Cabin to wind down.

Paddleboarding, Donuts, & Outdoor Meals

Off the bike, we found plenty to enjoy. One afternoon we paddleboarded on Yawkey Mine Lake. The water was crystal clear and calm, perfect for floating, swimming, and hanging out. We packed a picnic and made a full afternoon of it, with nowhere to be and nothing to do but enjoy the lake and each other’s company.

In town, we stopped at High Wheel Confectionery for ice cream and candy, and grabbed custom donuts from MacDaddy’s. Each kid picked their own frosting and toppings, which made it a fun treat. Our kids also loved playing at the nearby Sea Serpent Park and managed to squeeze in several playground visits over the week.

One evening, we had a night out in Crosby. Drinks at Cuyuna Brewing Company were followed by dinner just across the street at the Iron Range Eatery. We ate outside on the patio, and the warm summer night made it one of those meals you don’t forget.

Everything was easy, close by, and low key. Exactly the kind of pace we were hoping for.

Already Talking About Next Time

By the end of the trip, none of us were ready to leave. The kids loved the trails even more than I expected, and seeing their confidence grow on the bike was a highlight of the whole week. My wife and I came away just as grateful for the chance to all be outside while riding Cuyuna's amazing trails.

We’re already talking about coming back. It’s the kind of trip that leaves you tired in the best way, and already looking forward to next time.

Note: Our stay at The Dragonfly Cabin was generously hosted as part of a creative trade with the owners. All experiences and opinions shared here are entirely our own.