Make some memories at this unique and family-friendly place. Enjoy a unique repurposed 1920's school. Rivers Bend Bunks is located within an old school that has been transformed into a non-profit community center in rural Cotton, MN. Not only can you stay in the old school, but you can shop at the Mercantile Gift Shop, Second Chances Thrift Store, get a latte from the Whiteface Coffee Counter, and enjoy fresh baked breads and rolls from Rivers Bend Eatery and more!
The space
Rivers Bend Bunks is located within Old School Lives, a non-profit that has repurposed the Cotton School. This room has one full size bed and enough twin bunk beds to sleep 16 people. Includes a little living room space, mini fridge, microwave, coffee pot, bedding, pillows, towels, etc.
The bathrooms are just down the hallway and are public bathrooms. There are also men and womens locker rooms located at each end of the gym. There are separate shower stalls and the door can be shut and locked when in use if you prefer.
Across the hall from Rivers Bend Bunks is a youth room with a TV, pool table, ping pong, and more for use!
What was a K-12 school from 1920's-2011, is now a popular community location for rural St. Louis County. Located right off highway 53, you can't miss it! Old School Lives is about 30 miles north of Duluth, and 30 miles south of Virginia, MN.
Within Old School Lives you will find a 'something for everyone'. Our shops; Mercantile Gift Shop, Whiteface Coffee Counter, and Second Chances Thrift Store are open Mondays, and Wednesday-Saturday 10am-3pm. There are also artist studios, a textile studio, pottery studio and resident sculptor.
You won't want to miss out on freshly baked breads, rolls, and cookies from Rivers Bend Eatery. Baked fresh on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Rivers Bend Eatery also serves healthy affordable lunches on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11am-1pm.
There are two gymnasiums with equipment for use (basketballs, scooter cars, pickleball, etc). A fitness center available to guests for use (treadmills, ellipticals, weights, etc). For the littles, our Children's Discovery Center is a must stop and play on the climbing wall, tree fort, or put on a show on the stage.
Cotton, MN is a central location between the Iron Range and Duluth. Surrounded by tons of lakes and rivers, and don't forget to check out the Sax-Zim Bog and Boardwalks.
Check out our website for more information or to view upcoming events (art and craft shows, lawn mower races, Christmas Dinner Theaters and more).
Guest access
Guests have private access to the Rivers Bend Bunks during their stay. The Old School Lives building is open to guests, the public, and other residents for access to the gym, fitness center and shops (open during certain hours)!
The grounds are great for walking or throwing a few balls on the baseball field out back.
During your stay
Please arrange a meet-up time if you are able to check-in. This is a second floor apartment in the middle of the building, making directions a bit difficult. Guests will receive self check-in directions and a video for clarification if an arranged check-in does not work.
There are residents and other rentals in the building.
