Shady Rest Acres

Hey there, fellow Minnesotans! Are you longing for a truly unique and deeply rejuvenating escape into the countryside, a place where peace, nature, and genuine kindness converge? Then look no further than Shady Rest Acres in Brownsville, Minnesota. This isn't your typical bustling campground; it's a special hobby farm and protected woodland offering a serene, private, and utterly heartwarming experience for those looking to reconnect with themselves and the simple joys of life.

Shady Rest Acres is celebrated by its visitors for its profoundly positive atmosphere and the incredible hospitality of its hosts, Patty and Michelle. As one glowing review attests, "Kindness and compassion are hard to find in most places, but not here! Patty and Michelle are wonderful people with tons kindness and compassion." This sentiment is echoed consistently, with another visitor stating, "Total peace, a place to refind yourself. You leave with a new sense of goodness. Patty and Michelle are amazing people who will renew one's faith in the power of love. Their home is more than a home. It's a place that rights wrongs and rekindles a closeness lost in time." Such heartfelt endorsements speak volumes about the unique, almost therapeutic, experience offered here.

Beyond the exceptional human connection, the physical environment at Shady Rest Acres is equally captivating. The "camping area is relaxing and private," providing the quiet solitude many seek. It's described as a "beautiful yet rustic" setting, home to "twenty-three acres of beautiful woodlands and pasture that are protected forever in the Minnesota Land Trust." This commitment to conservation means guests can immerse themselves in untouched nature. A delightful highlight for animal lovers is the presence of numerous friendly farm animals, including Scottish Highlander cows, miniature donkeys, sheep, goats, honey bees, chickens, dogs, and cats. These well-cared-for creatures roam the property, offering charming interactions (with guided introductions to pasture animals available). The remnants of a historic 19th-century brewery, including foundation walls and a deep cave accessible by canoe, add a fascinating historical dimension. Whether you're looking for stargazing from a pasture campsite, a peaceful stroll through unique woodlands, or simply a place to relax and be greeted by "lots of furry faces," Shady Rest Acres promises a truly special and soul-nourishing retreat in southeastern Minnesota.

Shady Rest Acres is located at 2168, Brownsville, MN 55919, USA. This address places it in the southeastern corner of Minnesota, specifically in the scenic bluff country along the Mississippi River. Brownsville is a small, charming town situated directly on the Mississippi, known for its picturesque river views and proximity to various state parks and natural areas.

Accessibility to Shady Rest Acres is quite convenient for Minnesotans, particularly those from the Twin Cities or Rochester. It's positioned near the Minnesota-Wisconsin border, making it easily reachable for a peaceful escape. The campground is about an 18-minute drive from La Crosse, Wisconsin, which offers a broader range of services and amenities. Its proximity to major roadways in the region means that while it offers an "off the road" peacefulness, it's not overly remote. The area itself is part of the beautiful "rolling hills and flatlands of southeastern Minnesota," offering scenic drives on the way to the property. This combination of seclusion and reasonable accessibility makes Shady Rest Acres an ideal spot for locals looking to enjoy a quiet natural retreat without venturing too far from home.

Shady Rest Acres, as a hobby farm and unique camping destination, offers a more intimate and personalized set of services, emphasizing connection with nature and animal interaction.

• Campsite Options: The property offers two distinct campsites. One is located "in the middle of the pasture," perfect for stargazing (with larger animals penned up if guests stay there). The other is "nestled in the woods" beside a creek, ideal for a more secluded experience. Tent sites are available with a fire pit.
• Cabin Accommodation: A "delightfully lovely" cabin is available for rent, attached to the main house but free-standing. It features two full-sized beds, space for kids, small kitchen items (microwave, mini fridge, coffeemaker), a wood stove for cool nights, and some A/C for warm days. Guests also have access to deck chairs and a gas grill.
• Indoor Studio Rental: The "Bee Relaxed Studio" offers an indoor stay with a wood-burning stove and vinyl record player.
• Bathroom Access: For campers, bathroom facilities are provided inside the main house, described as "very close and private," with the hosts using a separate bathroom when guests are present.
• Fire Pits: Each campsite and the cabin come with an outdoor fire pit for traditional campfire enjoyment.
• Wildlife Interaction: Guests are welcome to observe the numerous farm animals (Scottish Highlander cows, miniature donkeys, sheep, goats, honey bees, chickens, dogs, and cats). Guided tours with the host to meet pasture animals are offered.
• Hiking and Nature Exploration: The 23-acre property, protected by the Minnesota Land Trust, offers opportunities for walks in the forest and by the creek.
• Eco-Friendly Practices: The hosts are described as "earth conscious, eco friendly in many ways and fully aware of their food sources," reflecting a commitment to sustainable living.
• Basic Amenities: Trash disposal is available, and Wi-Fi is provided.

Shady Rest Acres stands out with its truly unique features and highlights, offering an experience that goes beyond typical camping, focusing on personal well-being and connection with nature and animals.

• Exceptional Hospitality and Kindness: The "wonderful people with tons of kindness and compassion," Patty and Michelle, are consistently highlighted as the primary feature. Their welcoming nature creates a "therapeutic" and "comforting" environment that truly "renews one's faith."
• Hobby Farm & Animal Interaction: The presence of a variety of well-cared-for farm animals (cows, donkeys, sheep, goats, chickens, bees, dogs, cats) is a major draw. Guests can observe these animals, and guided tours are available to meet the pasture residents. This offers a charming and unique farm-stay experience.
• Protected Woodland and Natural Beauty: The 23 acres are protected by the Minnesota Land Trust, ensuring a pristine natural environment with unique tree species (like yellow birch and blue beech) and opportunities for birdwatching (e.g., barred owls).
• Historic Brewery Remnants & Cave: The site of a 19th-century brewery, with visible foundation walls and a 67-foot-deep cave (accessible by canoe), adds a fascinating historical and adventurous element to the property.
• Private & Relaxing Camping Areas: Campsites are designed to feel private and relaxing, allowing for true peace and quiet, whether you choose the open pasture for stargazing or the secluded woods by the creek.
• Eco-Conscious Approach: The hosts' commitment to being "earth conscious" and "eco friendly" aligns with growing desires for sustainable travel, providing a responsible and mindful place to stay.
• Stargazing Opportunities: The open pasture site offers a "marvelous sight" for viewing the night sky, perfect for astronomy enthusiasts.
• Unique Accommodations: Beyond tent camping, the "delightfully lovely" cabin and "Bee Relaxed Studio" provide cozy indoor options, each with its own charm and amenities.
• Proximity to Outdoor Recreation: Located near a Mississippi tributary, Root River State Trail, Beaver Creek Valley State Park, and Great River Bluffs State Park, the area is excellent for hiking, fishing, kayaking, and swimming.

To experience the unique charm and hospitality of Shady Rest Acres, here's how you can get in touch:

Address: 2168, Brownsville, MN 55919, USA

Phone: (507) 450-3041

Mobile Phone: +1 507-450-3041 (This is the same number, provided with the international dialing code.)

While direct booking via their own website isn't immediately evident from the provided snippets, their presence on platforms like Hipcamp suggests that online booking and detailed information might be available there. Given the intimate nature of the property and the personalized experience, calling ahead to speak with Patty and Michelle directly is highly recommended to discuss availability, specific site preferences, and any unique requests you might have. Their direct contact will ensure you get the most accurate and up-to-date information for your stay.

For us Minnesotans, Shady Rest Acres offers a truly exceptional and deeply personal camping experience that perfectly aligns with our love for genuine hospitality, nature, and peaceful retreats. Its location in southeastern Minnesota, near the beautiful Mississippi River Valley and its bluffs, makes it an accessible yet wonderfully secluded escape from our everyday lives. It's close enough for a convenient weekend trip from the Twin Cities or Rochester, yet feels miles away from any urban hustle.

What truly sets Shady Rest Acres apart for locals is the unparalleled kindness and compassion of its hosts, Patty and Michelle. Their genuine warmth creates an atmosphere that is not just welcoming, but genuinely therapeutic – a rare find in today's world. This personal touch fosters a sense of being cared for and truly "at home," making it a perfect spot for Minnesotans seeking to "refind yourself" and recharge their spirits.

The unique hobby farm environment, with its friendly resident animals (donkeys, goats, cows, chickens, and more), offers a charming and engaging experience, especially for families with children or anyone who appreciates the simple joys of rural life. This isn't a sterile campground; it's a living, breathing farm where you can interact with nature in a truly authentic way. The commitment to preserving the beautiful woodlands through the Minnesota Land Trust also resonates with our state's appreciation for conservation. Whether you're looking for a private, relaxing campsite under the stars, a cozy cabin stay, opportunities to explore unique forests, or simply a place where kindness abounds, Shady Rest Acres provides a soulful retreat that is perfectly suited for any Minnesotan seeking a unique and deeply satisfying outdoor adventure. It truly is a "bliss in the middle of the country" that "just what the soul ordered."

Shady Rest Acres

2168, Brownsville, MN 55919, USA