This South Dakota Airbnb With a Wood-Barrel Sauna Redefines Cozy Season

The older I get, the more my vacations are transforming from “go, go, go, getaways” to a time to unwind and enjoy some peace and quiet. One way I’m seeing this happen is my ever-increasing draw to accommodations with saunas. For me, nothing beats taking in the dry heat of a sauna while looking out through a glass pane onto some magnificent view. Luckily, I’ve found the coziest winter getaway in South Dakota to fuel my fantasy.

Six Pines Lodge is a two-bedroom cabin in the remote town of Lead, South Dakota. Tucked away in the northern region of the Black Hills, the luxury cabin is truly a place where the mind can come to rest. First and foremost is the star of the show: the wood-burning sauna. The ember wood-burning barrel sauna looks out at the surrounding ponderosa forest. In my travels, I’ve found a wood-burning sauna to be a bit atypical in Airbnb properties, so this find is a true treat. In addition to your opportunity to get your sauna on, Six Pines Lodge offers an outdoor hot tub for guests. Amongst endless views of trees, the hot tub is a snug spot on the edge of the home’s patio.

Adding even more to your visit, the property even offers a game room. The game room is stocked with nostalgic favorites like an air hockey table and a Pac-Man console. The game room is located in the lower level of the house and features a large TV and garage doors. In the warmer months, guests can open the garage doors and enjoy a round of cornhole while grilling on the patio.

Inside, you’ll find two proper bedrooms. Both bedrooms offer a comfy king-sized bed. There is a third sleeping space in the game room that includes a set of bunk beds. All in all, Six Pines Lodge accommodates up to eight guests. Additionally, there is a spacious living room, dining space, and a full kitchen.

If you enjoy relaxing around a crackling fire, you have a few options at this property. In the living room, you’ll find a wood-burning fireplace. On the patio, you’ll find a tabletop fireplace, and a short walk from the house, you can access a traditional camping fire pit that’s perfect for roasting s’mores and gazing up at the stars. 

As far as location, you couldn’t be in a better spot. Six Pines Lodge is a short drive away from classic Black Hills tourist sites like Spearfish Canyon, Deadwood, Terry Peak Ski Area, and Sturgis. The historic town of Lead itself is also worth exploring. Swing by the Black Hills Mining Museum, Dakota Shivers Brewing, or the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center to get a taste of the local culture. 

Six Pines Lodge perfectly balances the chance to get lost in nature with the opportunity to still enjoy all the luxurious creature comforts of home. Between its beautiful sauna, huge entertainment space, and multiple fireplaces, this property is truly the coziest winter getaway in South Dakota. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own South Dakota trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.