Frequently asked questions, answered...

BOOKING & PAYMENT

How do I book The Grenquist Farmhouse?

The easiest way is to book directly through our website and save 10% compared to Airbnb or VRBO — same property, same 5-star experience, no platform fees. We're also listed on Airbnb and VRBO if you prefer to book through those platforms.

When is payment due?

100% of your stay is due at the time of booking. No security deposit is required for direct bookings — a $75 non-refundable damage waiver fee is included in your reservation, which covers accidental damage during your stay and means no large holds on your credit card.

What is your cancellation policy?

We want you to feel confident booking with us. Here's our policy for direct bookings:

• Cancel 60+ days before arrival: 100% refund
• Cancel 30+ days before arrival: 50% refund
• Cancel 14+ days before arrival: 25% refund
• Cancel less than 14 days before arrival: No refund

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for added peace of mind, especially for weekend bookings during peak season.

What is the minimum stay?

Minimum stay varies by season — check our availability calendar for current requirements. We typically require 2 nights for weekday stays and 3 nights for peak weekend and holiday bookings.

Do you offer a discount for direct bookings?

Yes — booking directly through our website saves you 10% compared to Airbnb or VRBO. You get the exact same property and host experience with no third-party platform fees added to your total.

THE PROPERTY

How many guests can stay at The Grenquist Farmhouse?

The maximum overnight occupancy is 4 guests. This is a Polk County regulation based on our current septic capacity and is strictly enforced. The property sleeps more physically but the legal overnight limit is 4 guests.

What bedrooms are available?

The Grenquist Farmhouse has 3 bedrooms plus loft bonus sleeping:

• Loft Primary Bedroom: King bed, 65" smart TV, private loft bathroom, sound machine, blackout curtains, closet with hangers
• Main Level Bedroom 1: Full bed, 40" smart TV, sound machine, blackout curtains, chest of drawers
• Main Level Bedroom 2: Full bed, 40" smart TV, sound machine, blackout curtains, in-unit washer/dryer behind sliding barn doors
• Loft Bonus Sleeping: Twin-over-twin low-profile bunk beds in the game room area

[Link: Gallery]

How many bathrooms are there?

Two full bathrooms — one on the loft level (tub/shower combo, private toilet door, lake views from the shower) and one on the main level (tub/shower combo). Both are fully stocked with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hair dryer and toothbrushes.

Do I need to bring towels or linens?

No — everything is provided. All beds are made with fresh quality linens and extra blankets are in closets/chests. All bathrooms are stocked with fresh bath towels, hand towels and washcloths. Just bring yourselves and your groceries.

Is there air conditioning?

Yes. The loft has a mini split system that provides both heating and air conditioning year-round. The main level has central heating with a thermostat in the main floor living room near the bathroom. Portable fans are also available in the loft closet for extra airflow in summer.

What is the WiFi situation?

High-speed WiFi throughout the property at 300+ mbps — fast enough for remote work, video calls, and streaming on multiple devices simultaneously. Cell service is also strong (Verizon and T-Mobile tested with no issues). The WiFi network name and password will be included in your check-in instructions.

Is the property suitable for people with mobility needs?

The main level bedrooms and bathroom are accessible without stairs. The loft requires a staircase and is not accessible for guests with significant mobility limitations. Please reach out to us before booking and we'll walk you through the layout honestly.

Is the property licensed and compliant?

Yes. The Grenquist Farmhouse operates in full compliance with all state and local regulations:

Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House License #2025-1062 (Wisconsin DATCP)
Polk County Tourist Rooming House Land Use Permit
Inspected and licensed by Polk County Department of Health Services
All applicable Wisconsin state sales tax and local room taxes included in rates

PETS

Are pets welcome?

Absolutely — all well-behaved pets are welcome at The Grenquist Farmhouse. We have dogs ourselves and designed this property with pet owners in mind. The mudroom entry is perfect for cleaning muddy paws before heading inside. Waste bags are provided in the mudroom.

What is the pet policy?

Our pet policy:

All pets welcome (must be accompanied by owners at all times)
Maximum 3 pets per stay
$75 pet fee per stay
No pets on furniture
No pets in beds
Pets must be house-trained
Keep pets leashed outside the property boundaries
Clean up waste immediately — bags provided in mudroom
Wipe muddy paws before entering
up-to-date vaccination records appreciated
Guests are responsible for any damage caused by pets

Service animals are welcome with no fee and no weight restriction as required by federal law. Please notify us in advance.

CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT

What time is check-in and check-out?

Check-in: 4:00 PM | Check-out: 11:00 AM. Early check-in or late check-out may be available depending on surrounding bookings — request at least 24 hours in advance and we'll do our best to accommodate at no additional charge.

How do I get in? Is there a key?

No keys, no lockboxes, no coordinating with anyone. The Grenquist Farmhouse uses a Schlage Encode smart lock with a unique access code generated exclusively for your stay. Your code activates at check-in time and expires at check-out — giving you complete privacy and peace of mind. Self check-in means you can arrive anytime after 4pm without coordinating with us.

When will I receive my check-in instructions and door code?

Check-in instructions including your unique door code, WiFi password, parking details and property guide are sent at least 72 hours (3 days) before your arrival — via Airbnb or VRBO message if you booked through those platforms, or via email from Lodgify for direct bookings. Can't find it? Check your spam folder or contact us directly.

What do I need to do at checkout?

We keep it simple. Required (takes about 3 minutes):

Load and run the dishwasher (or stack dishes in sink)
Take out trash to the outdoor bins
Lock all doors and windows
Turn off mini split
Turn off all lights

Please DON'T do laundry, deep clean anything, or stress about perfection. Our professional cleaning team handles everything else. We want your last moments to be relaxing, not stressful.

What if I leave something behind?

Contact us as soon as possible and we'll check the property. We hold items for 30 days. If found, we're happy to ship items back at your expense or hold them for your next visit.

PARKING & GETTING THERE

Is there parking at the property?

Yes — one covered carport parking spot is included with your stay at no charge. Additional vehicles can park on the gravel pad beside the carport. Please do not park on 13th Street or block neighbors' driveways.

Is there EV charging available?

Not currently — this is something we're exploring for a future upgrade. If EV charging is essential for your stay, please reach out before booking.

What is the property address?

Your check-in instructions will include detailed arrival directions.

How far is the Grenquist Farmhouse from Minneapolis / the Twin Cities?

Approximately 90 minutes from the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area — a perfectly sized road trip where your weekend starts the moment you pull out of the driveway. Nearest airport is Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP). Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) has limited availability in Cumberland — we recommend requesting in advance or renting a car.

How far is it to downtown Cumberland?

10 minutes. Cumberland's main street has a full grocery store (Nilssen's Foods), restaurants, bars, boutique shopping and local events year-round.

THE LAKE & OUTDOORS

How far is Grenquist Lake?

A 2-minute walk — approximately 100 yards from the front door via 13th Street (public access). There is parking at the bottom of the street if needed to haul equipment.

What water equipment is included?

The following is included with your stay — available summer season:

2 kayaks
1 paddleboard
Life jackets for all sizes
Beach towels
Kayak carts (to help transport to the lake)

Paddles and life jackets are stored in the shed. Please rinse and return kayaks to the shed after each use. Wisconsin boating laws apply — life jackets required for children under 13 in any watercraft.

Can we swim in the lake?

Yes — Grenquist Lake has a designated swimming area near the public dock. The lake has natural tea-colored water from tannins in the vegetation — this is completely natural and safe, not a sign of pollution. The bottom has a gradual slope with a mix of sand and vegetation. Water is warmest July through August.

Important water safety guidelines:

Never dive without checking depth first
Always use the buddy system
Supervise children at all times
Get out of water immediately if you see lightning or hear thunder
No lifeguard on duty — swimming at your own risk

Can we fish from the lake?

Absolutely. Grenquist Lake has good populations of panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. A Wisconsin fishing license is required — available online at dnr.wisconsin.gov. Ice fishing season runs December through March (check current DNR regulations). Catch and release encouraged.

Is there a fire pit?

A fire pit, gas grill and outdoor barrel sauna are all coming summer 2026. Follow us to be notified when these are live.

Is there a hot tub?

Not currently — a hot tub is not available at the property.

Is there a grill?

A gas grill is coming summer 2026 as part of our outdoor upgrade. In the meantime, the fully equipped indoor kitchen is stocked for real cooking.

What yard games and outdoor activities are available?

Outdoor yard games available year-round:

Cornhole
Lawn jenga

Summer seasonal (at the lake):

2 kayaks, 1 paddleboard, life jackets, beach towels
Public dock — great for fishing or dangling your feet
Swimming area with designated zone near dock
Merry-go-round near the beach (please supervise children)

Winter at the lake:

Ice fishing on Grenquist Lake (December–March)
Beautiful winter walks to the frozen lake

ENTERTAINMENT & AMENITIES

What entertainment is available at the property?

The Grenquist Farmhouse is stocked for serious fun:

Loft Game Room:

Marvel vs. Capcom 2-player arcade cabinet (6 games, no quarters needed)
Vintage 1970s pinball machine
Wall-mounted giant Connect 4 and Tic-Tac-Toe
Board games, cards and puzzles
2 chaise lounges, full couch and nested game table seating

Throughout the property:

Smart TVs in every room with Disney+ and Hulu bundle (living room 50", loft bedroom 65", main bedrooms 40" each)
Sound machines in every bedroom for deep, restful sleep
Blackout curtains in every bedroom
Bluetooth speaker in living room — perfect for indoor ambiance or outdoor gatherings

Yard:

Cornhole
Lawn jenga

Is there a washer and dryer?

Yes — a full in-unit washer and dryer is located in Main Level Bedroom 2 behind modern white sliding barn doors. Detergent provided. An iron, ironing board and steamer are also available. Pack light — laundry is handled.

What is stocked in the kitchen?

The fully equipped kitchen includes:

Gas stove/oven, dishwasher, full-size fridge/freezer, microwave, toaster
Keurig with multiple roast options (regular & decaf K-Cups)
Electric tea kettle and hot cocoa
Variety of teas, sugars and creamers
Full set of dishes, glasses, mugs
Pots, pans, baking sheets, mixing bowls, sharp knives, cutting boards
Cooking utensils, dish soap, sponges, dish towels
Basic spices (salt, pepper), napkins, paper towels, trash bags

The dining table seats 6. DoorDash is available from select Cumberland restaurants. Instacart delivers from Nilssen's Foods (1170 2nd Ave, Cumberland — 10 min away).

Is there a pack n play or high chair?

Yes — both a pack n play and high chair are available upon request. The high chair is stored in the upstairs closet. Outlet covers and safety gates are also available if needed for young children. Please mention at booking so we can have everything ready for your arrival.

Is the property suitable for young children?

Yes. The main level is open-concept and easy to navigate with young kids. The loft has low-profile bunk beds and a spacious game room. The mudroom entry is great for sandy or muddy little feet coming in from the lake. Please supervise children outdoors and at the dock at all times.

SUPPORT & HOUSE RULES

How do I get support before or during my stay?

Phone/text: (612) 201-7472
Email: [email protected]
Response time during stay (8am-9pm): Within 1-2 hours
Check-in day (8am-9pm): Within 1 hour
True emergencies (fire, flood, major injury) during stay: Call anytime
Before/after stay: Within 24 hours

Can we have visitors during our stay?

Social visitors during daytime hours (8am–10pm) are welcome. Please respect parking limitations — only 1 carport spot is available, so additional vehicles should park on the gravel pad. Maintain reasonable noise levels and comply with quiet hours (11pm–7am). All overnight guests must be registered on the booking (maximum 4 overnight guests per Polk County regulations).

What are the house rules?

Our house rules are simple — we want you to enjoy the property fully while helping us maintain it for future guests:

Maximum 4 overnight guests (Polk County regulation — strictly enforced)
Quiet hours: 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM (please move indoors or lower voices after 10 PM)
No smoking or vaping inside ($250 violation fee if smoked indoors)
No parties, weddings or events (no gatherings of 15+ people)
No pets on furniture or in beds
Lock up when leaving the property
Treat the space with care — this is our home
Use coasters for drinks, clean up spills promptly
No shoes on furniture
If something breaks or malfunctions, tell us right away — we're always fair and reasonable

Can we smoke or vape at the property?

Smoking and vaping inside the property is strictly prohibited — a $250 fee applies for indoor smoking violations. Outdoor smoking is permitted away from doors and windows. Please dispose of all materials responsibly and not in the yard or lake.

What are the fire pit rules?

A fire pit is coming spring/summer 2026. When it arrives, Wisconsin DNR rules apply:

Firewood must be purchased within 10 miles of the property — do NOT bring firewood from home (prevents invasive species). Available at Kwik Trip and local gas stations.
No fires when winds exceed 15 mph
Check for burn bans at dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/forestfire
Never leave fire unattended
Fire must be FULLY extinguished by 11:00 PM per Polk County regulations
Fire must be FULLY extinguished before bed or leaving property
Drown with water, stir, drown again — ashes should be cool to touch

What if something isn't working during our stay?

Message us immediately — we take issues seriously and respond quickly. For genuine maintenance emergencies, we have local contacts who can assist. We'd always rather know about a problem and fix it than have it affect your stay and review.

What if I leave something behind?

Contact us as soon as possible and we'll check the property. We hold items for 30 days and are happy to ship them back at your expense.

SAFETY & EMERGENCY

What safety equipment is at the property?

The Grenquist Farmhouse is equipped with:

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on each level — if alarm sounds, evacuate immediately and call 911
Fire extinguishers on each level (loft closet, kitchen counter)
First aid kit in bathrooms on each level
Life jackets in shed — can be used as flotation in water emergencies

Emergency exits:

Front door: out through the mudroom
Back door/deck: French doors
Bedroom windows can be used as emergency exits

Severe weather: If tornado warning, go to the basement. You will need a code as that is generally off limits

What are the emergency contacts?

Emergency contacts for your stay:

Emergency services: 911
Property manager (Nicole): (612) 201-7472
Nearest hospital: Cumberland Healthcare, 1705 16th Ave, Cumberland (715) 822-7500 — 5 minutes
Polk County Sheriff (non-emergency): (715) 485-8300
Power outage: Xcel Energy 1-(800) 895-2999
Propane emergency: United Ag Cooperative 1-(877) 407-2132

What should I know about winter ice safety?

If you plan to ice fish or walk on the lake in winter, please follow these Wisconsin DNR safety guidelines:

NEVER assume ice is safe — check thickness before venturing out
Minimum 4" for walking/ice fishing
Minimum 5-7" for snowmobile/ATV
Minimum 8-12" for small vehicles
Ice thickness varies across the lake — check multiple spots
Early and late season ice is most dangerous
Carry ice picks, rope, and tell someone where you're going
When in doubt, stay off the ice

Guests are solely responsible for assessing ice safety.

LOCAL AREA

What restaurants do you recommend in Cumberland?

Our favorite local spots:

Louis's Finer Meats — local institution, best deli sandwiches and cheese curds in the area
Hilltop Retreat — great cocktails and prime rib on Saturday nights
Nezzy's Sports Bar & Grill — best Bloody Marys around
Corner Bar & Restaurant — broasted chicken and huge salad bar
Peter & Annie's — fresh pastries, donuts and coffee
Kwik Trip — seriously good hot food and coffee, convenience items

Where is the nearest grocery store?

Nilssen's Foods (1170 2nd Ave, Cumberland) is a full-service grocery store 10 minutes away. Kwik Trip (1530 Elm St, Cumberland) has convenience items and surprisingly good food. Instacart delivers from Nilssen's Foods directly to the property.

What events happen in Cumberland throughout the year?

Cumberland punches well above its weight on events — great reasons to plan your trip around something special:

May: Wisconsin Fishing Opener — one of the most anticipated weekends on the WI outdoor calendar
June: Louie's Bacon Run/Walk — only-in-Cumberland 5K
August: Rutabaga Festival — 4-day community celebration with live music, carnival, run/walk, hot pepper eating contest and more
October: Peak fall foliage mid-October
November: Island City Sipper — beloved local gathering during deer opener weekend
February: Wisconsin State Ice Fishing Contest on Beaver Dam Lake — 10 min from the farmhouse

What day trips do you recommend?

Great day trips from The Grenquist Farmhouse:

Gandy Dancer State Trail — 30-60 min away. 98-mile trail for hiking, biking, ATV. Open year-round.
Apple River Tubing — 50 min. Float the Apple River — one of Wisconsin's most popular summer activities
Taylors Falls / St. Croix Falls — 40 min. Shopping, Interstate State Park, great food
Cable, WI — 1 hour. Mountain biking, hiking, skiing
Rice Lake — 36 miles. More dining and shopping options
Duluth, MN — 2 hours. Lake Superior, great restaurants and shops
Twin Cities — 90 min. Mall of America, museums, sports

REVIEWS & DIRECT BOOKING

How do I leave a review?

After your stay, we'd love an honest review on Airbnb or VRBO through whichever platform you booked. You can also share photos of your stay on Instagram — tag us @grenquistfarmhouse or use #grenquistfarmhouse. Your feedback helps us improve and helps future guests make great decisions.

Why should I book direct instead of through Airbnb or VRBO?

Booking directly through our Lodgify website saves you 10% compared to Airbnb or VRBO — the exact same property, same 5-star experience, same hosts, no third-party platform fees. You also get direct communication with us from day one.