Today we’d like to introduce you to Heidi Royle
Hi Heidi , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My family has owned this land for years that it is right across from Glendalough State Park. I have always loved the woods, creeks, and lakes here. Something has always felt magical and inviting about this place.
(2013) I was living in AZ and missing Minnesota when I first saw a picture of a glamping site in Europe. I texted my dad that picture and told him he should add tents to their land and rent them out, he never bit on my idea because he is a contractor and bought the land mostly for the pole barn to store all his equipment.
Fast forward to 2020. I was now living back in MN as a solo parent of two amazing kids. I had worked very hard for the last five years to rebuild my life after my (ex)husband became addicted to prescription pain meds (2014) and threw our family into a whirlwind and devastated us financially. Life was now settled, I had bought a home, and I was working two jobs to support the kids and myself. Everything was slowing down during COVID-19 and I remembered my dream of the glamping site and shared it with some friends and my boyfriend (now husband, Bryan). Bryan and I kept talking about the idea that winter and he encouraged me to start it. With the 10K I had managed to save over the years I decided to take the risk and go for it! I talked with my parents and they were supportive of letting me give it a try. My dad jumped all in as a recently retired contractor and helped us turn an old shed on the property into a stunning bathhouse! By July 1st, 2021 we were ready to go! We had two tents finished, the bathhouse complete, and guests coming to stay.
That first year I made the 10k back that I had invested and saw how much our guests loved this unique stay so I decided to keep it going. They loved going into the quaint town of Battle Lake to shop and eat, and they loved the State Park and all it offered like the bike tail across the road from us that goes through the whole park and into town. The next year we decided to expand to be able to offer the experience to more people. Every year we are making improvements to the property and the experience our guests get. I absolutely love hosting! It is a delight to care for people in this way and to create something that helps them connect with nature and connect with the loved ones they come here with.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There are always obstacles in running your own business but for the most part, it has been a very rewarding process.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Short description: Glamping is like a boutique hotel room in a large canvas tent
The Grove Glamping is a luxury glamping site on the edge of the coveted Glendalough State Park, where you will find many a wooded oasis, rushing creeks, and the clearest water you’ve ever seen. Not to mention bike, canoe, paddleboard, and boat rentals as well as fine-crafted eateries (& drinkeries) in the nearby town of Battle Lake.
The space:
The property is 5 wooded acres and a short walk to a creek that leads into Molly Stark Lake in Glendalough State Park, so you can portage your paddleboard or kayak and be on your way to paradise. Other local lakes include Annie Battle Lake, Battle Lake, Blanche Lake, and Ottertail Lake. Glendalough State Park is nearly 2000 acres and more than 9 miles of undeveloped shoreline and 6 lakes. It is a gorgeous oasis well worth the trip.
Each Tent is an Avalon Bell Tent, a premium, high-end tent that goes above and beyond with features and functionality. It is 16’5″ in diameter and the center height is 9’8″ which gives you a feeling of spaciousness and luxury for your Glamping experience. Each tent is equipped with windows surrounding the bottom of the entire tent so you can easily add some fresh air whenever you want.
Fitted with a luxury queen bed frame and memory foam mattress, two beautiful modern chairs, a desk with games, coffee & tea equipment, a mini-fridge, and more, you will feel like you’re away at a well-appointed retreat!
The tents also have their own picnic table, fire pit with a metal grill top for the fire, and two chairs around the pit, with a lovely view of the wetlands.
What sets us apart from other glamping and camping spots? Besides the best-kept-secret location, this place is run by someone who was born and raised here in Battle Lake. So she knows how to help you have the best experience you can!
Go to thegroveglamping.com for more info and to find links to our other tents.
What is included:
Queen size bed with a lush mattress
Bedding
Bath towels
Electricity
Indoor seating
Beautiful décor
Calm lighting
Mini fridge/freezer
High-powered fan
Kettle & French press coffee maker
Picnic table
Firepit
Outdoor twinkle lights
Luxury bathhouse
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
To rent tents go to thegroveglamping.com
To collaborate email me at [email protected]
Phone: 218-321-6550
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thegroveglamping.com/
- Instagram: @THEGROVEGLAMPING
- Facebook: THE GROVE GLAMPING
