Journey Inn, an eco-retreat — Hotel in Town of Salem

Less than 90-min. from Maple Grove, MN (easy beautiful drive yet far enough to feel a world away), you will find the Journey Inn nestled alongside a small stream with a view of a quintessential river valley bluff.  You can easily choose to be ‘off-the-grid’ but can also take advantage of WiFi if necessary.

Fiona, the sweetest Aussie, will likely greet you.  Loved playing with her, having her on walks with me and talking to her believing she could understand my doggie gibberish.  Shortly thereafter, Jenn or Brett, the owners, will invite you in with warm welcoming hugs and will gladly help unload your bags if you wish.  For those who like to trade stories of their own, short or extra long, they are great listeners.  They have their own ‘journey’ to share about how they came to start this haven / eco-retreat.

They’ll relax with you in the commons area for a moment, help you get settled into your room and, when you are ready they will have a wonderfully prepared “welcome” charcuterie for your first night.  The rooms are cozy and crisp. Cloudlike bedding with perfect pillows, soothing bedside lighting, robes and slippers if you forgot your own.  I slept soundly and long; perhaps even better than in my own bed.  They provide eco bath and body products, tub pillows and there are beautifully cared for live plants.  Cozy candles.

The atmosphere throughout and around is highly inviting and comfortable… think Pottery Barn but with a higher end, unique vs cookie cutter feel, that is seriously inviting. The lighting is perfect at all times, whether it be provided by their perfectly set lighting or the phases of day and evening light that soak through all the windows which lead you out to views of the commanding bluff one way and the garden and wooded streamside the other.  Plenty of trails to enjoy all the different trees, predominantly evergreen to one side of the road and more deciduous or blended to the other.  There are maintained (mowed) trails, a meditative labyrinth and gravel or low-maintenance roads to walk or bike as you will see many birds, perhaps a deer or two and wildflowers all around (we were there late May 2025).

You can come and go through the commons area or through your own private external entrance - to a lovely private area for each room - to sit and sip your coffee, wine or whatever else you want to bring.  Perfectly sized small fridge in each room.  (Their coffee is the best I’ve had in the United States; ask them where it is from and they miiiiight tell you.)

After we settled in and came out to enjoy our welcome night charcuterie (my favorite “food group”), we were pleasantly surprised they brought our their Scrabble game (knowing we liked to play) and also that Jenn had set us up with all the right details for a perfect sisters’ spa night (she knew we were going to do facials and enjoy some new almost-all-natural products).  Details far beyond what we needed and certainly didn’t expect… head wraps, towels, heated towels, “24K” eye masks, self-heating eye masks, facial brush, jade facial rollers…. Aaaaah.

Now.  Brace yourself for the farm-to-table 4-course breakfasts each day.  Perfectly delectable yet healthy, fresh and natural. Thoughtfully prepared and plentiful such that you can eat like a lumberjack or a lady (or a lady who eats like a lumberjack with this selection that is nearly impossible to resist).  Each course made with love that you just might feel with every bite.

This was the perfect 2-night retreat for 2 sisters.  Massage available; and if you are fortunate enough to book Gwen Scott, your first time likely won’t be your last.  Incredible TLC, knowledge, and ability to work through individual needs. There is a sauna, Japanese soaking tub and a small gift shop + many books!

I will be back, ideally once w/ spouse, also with girlfriends for different trips and would be happy going solo.

Tons to do in the area that you can't in a metro area. Everyone, go! Please just not on the dates I might want, okay?  More to share but I’ll leave that for Jenn and Brent… and...

If you’re reading this, please read the entire review. It is long but worth it to you to know what to expect on your weekend/weekday getting away. We visited Journey Inn for a memorial service for a family member. The drive there was spectacular. Hills, valleys, river and lake views made the distance feel closer. The Inn is located just off the most inquisitive & quaint country road ( great for bike rides and walks). As we approached we saw nature at its finest. Gorgeous hills, Birds, wild flowers, sun glistening everywhere and nature’s beauty. Our surroundings gave us a sense of calm for this emotional gathering. There are three buildings (cabin, garage and main house with rooms and dining). The red well pump (which provided fresh cold water)caught my eye as did the outskirts of the property having long blowing grass and flowers. The most important observation on this June day was minimal to no mesquites and no deer flies. The owners shared the gardening scents were created to reduce the bugs but eco friendly to protect & support the nature around them. The new owner’s, Jen and Brett, greeted us at the driveway. Their welcoming felt sincere with genuine smiles. It was a soothing serenity at a difficult time. The inside of the Inn had a feeling of luxury and yet, a pleasure of home. The adorable decor, coffee nook, snacks, furniture and tranquil setting we saw when we entered the main door of the Inn made me warm inside. The Inn offers breakfast and snacks. Each room guest completes a menu checklist which provides choices for breakfast. The breakfast and snacks were fresh, home made and delicious. The modern amenities (fast Wi-Fi, spa tub, patio grills, outdoor games, outdoor chairs, balcony patios, flower gardens, mini refrig in each room, central air conditioning and trails to name a few) were available for use and all worked perfectly. Cleanliness is a priority to me. This Inn is very clean. The bathrooms, the beautiful hard wood floors, the rugs in the bedrooms were so soft and warm to the touch, the hand rails upstairs and even the door knobs, all felt clean. Sleep is another priority to me. The queen bed mattresses were all new and were perfect. All of the bedding was soft and cozy. It felt so fresh! Amazing! Words cannot explain the bedrooms. They are adorable and each are individually decorated with a natural, tranquil beauty which gives you a sense of peacefulness. Loved all of the details of each room including the balconies with their new chairs to watch nature from above. It is pleasantly clear, Jen and Brett, have compassion, commitment, and have provided their own personal touches in this new adventure. It is not just about their financial success. They truly cared about their guests experience, happiness and comfort. We will visit again. Maybe even a girls visit for scrapbooking and relaxation in their adorable cottage. Thank you Jen and Brett, you get five...

Some kind folks local to the Maiden Rock/Stockholm, WI, area told us last year about neighbors of theirs who were buying, renovating, and opening The Journey Inn. This summer we had occasion to visit and stay a night to experience this exceptional Spa/Inn ourselves. Brett and Jenn greeted us so warming it was like staying in someone’s home. This personal welcome signals how restful and pleasant the stay will be.

Nested in a picturesque Driftless secluded coulee, it is a gem worth traveling off the beaten path to reach. We were delighted as views of the Inn expanded as we crept up the driveway. Upon arrival, we were served a charcuterie board of exceptional cheeses. Deli meats, pickles, olives, and fresh nuts. Later that evening a fantastic, whole pumpkin bread was set out for guests, along with fresh white frosted chocolate cupcakes. Everything is extraordinary. Guests will immediately feel the thoughtfulness and care behind reach preparation for our stay.

There are several restful outdoor seating areas to dine, read a book, or converse at leisure.

The accommodations are comfortable, clean, eco-friendly and well-thought out. From heated floors, fresh lavender wafting in from the garden, daylight-support halogen lanterns for seeing your way to the outdoor spa, to relaxing music, to a best-ever mattress and bedding, this place deserves a 5-Star rating and more.

Fiona, their lovely dog, adds to the charm, comfort, and enjoyment of The Journey Inn. We took brief walks down the wooden path and in both front and back yards. A pleasant library is on the premises, as well as a gift shop with truly exceptional items for sale. We will be back to taste more of their amazing food and leisurely go...