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The Best Places to Build a Log Cabin in 2021

From an outdoorsman's paradise to an artisan's retreat (and everything inbetween), these are some of the best spots to build a log cabin:


Photo by Morgan Lane on Unsplash
 

Which is why publishing our picks of the 20 best places in America to build your log home feels so good. We believe we've unearthed some of the nation's most desirable locales, covering everything from an outdoorsman's paradise to an artisan's retreat and everything in between. We're confident you'll find that our list offers something for everyone and at least one great find for you.

One last note: We thought about ranking these places from the 20th to number one, but it's nearly impossible; all live up to our criteria for a great locale. So, here are the 20 best place to build a log home from A to Z, or at least A to W.
 

1.  Big Sky, Montana

Best Places to Build a Log Home - Big Sky, Montana

ThierryDehove / fotolia.com
 
No matter your outdoor sport of choice—skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, hunting, fishing, or cocktail-sipping on a scenic patio, this famous Montana region has it. With the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park just an hour away, adventure is always on the agenda.

Population:

3,058 (2019)

Build here if you love:

skiing, Yellowstone National Park, wildlife, whitewater activities

Get inspired: 

A Perfectly Customized Cabin in Montana
 

 

2.  Berea, Kentucky


R. P. Jennings / fotolia.com
 
With a stunning historic campus in town, breathtaking wilderness steps away, and a creative, college-town atmosphere, Berea is one spot where you can both totally escape and find a close community at the same time.

Population:

15,474 (2019)

Build here if you love:

creative small towns, Appalachian foothills wilderness, easy access to big Southern cities
 
 

3. Davis, West Virginia


Igor / fotolia.com

This southern town is described as the “gateway to nature’s playground,” and a quick glance at the map shows why. Davis is perched just on the edge of Monongahela National Forest which provides 900,000 acres of camping, hiking, and skiing. And if you end up needing a respite from the outdoors, just head a little further south to the historic Greenbrier resort.

Population:

674 (2019)

Build here if you love:

easy access to a wide variety of outdoor environments, undisturbed wilderness, quirky small towns
 
 

4. Douglas County, Minnesota



Located in the heart of the Central Lakes Region, Douglas County, Minnesota is all about woods, water and winter. With 250 lakes and rolling hills, it’s a log home dreamland.
 

Population:

38,141 (2019)

Move here if you love:

lake life, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, mild summers

Learn more:

 

5. Dubois, Wyoming


Julia / fotolia.com
 
This town’s own website describes itself as “remote, yet remarkable,” and that’s spot on. Located right outside Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park, this area has easy access to some of the country’s greatest wilderness, and plenty to do in both summer and winter.
 

Population:

842 (2019)—though fluctuates significantly with tourism

Build here if you love:

wide open spaces, starry night skies, any outdoor activities
 

6.  Estes Park, Colorado


Chris Adams / Unsplash

You’ll be in good company in Estes Park, where a rich history of log homes runs all the way back to the early days of the town, more than a century ago. With Rocky Mountain National Park as your back door, what more could you want?
 

Population:

6,377 (2019)

Build here if you love:

Rocky Mountain National Park, historic log homes, visitors

Learn more: 

 
 

7.     Eureka Springs, Arkansas

 
 
A historic city in the Ozark Mountains, this spot is known for its quaint buildings, a creative community, and absolutely stunning fall foliage. Whether you’re a hiker, biker, artist who appreciates the mountains, or all of the above, this little Arkansas town and its surrounding regions could be quite the backdrop for a log home.
 

Population

1,991 (2019)

Build here if you love:

Stunning fall foliage, river activities, mountain biking
 

8.     Fairhope, Alabama


Rhand McCoy / Unsplash
 
Charming shops, a Mayberry vibe, and salty coastal air make it a favorite among those looking to slow down and get away from it all. Sounds like a match for the log home lifestyle.
 

Population

21,083 (2019)

Build here if you love:

the beach, saltwater fishing, hot summers and mild winters
 
 

9.     Fannin County, Georgia


Laura Ballard / fotolia.com
 
Located in the North Georgia Mountains, southernmost of the Appalachians, Fannin County, Georgia is a hot spot for log homes — especially log cabins — and attracts flatlanders seeking a change of scenery and relief from summer heat.
 

Population:

25,395 (2019)

Build here if you love:

hiking densely wooded trails, road trips, Appalachia

Learn more: 

 
 

10.  Garrett County, Maryland

Sherman Cahal / fotolia.com
 
Sparsely populated (47 people per square mile), this area boasts open land and relatively high peaks, including the state’s highest, Hoye-Crest, a ridge along Backbone Mountain, 3,360 feet. Annual snowfall averages 72 inches. The county has only eight towns, with Mountain Lake Park being the largest.
 

Population:

29,235 (2019)

Build here if you love:

four distinct seasons, small town culture, waterfalls

Learn more:

 

11.  Grafton County, New Hampshire

mandritoiu / fotolia.com
 
Home to a portion of the White Mountain National Forest, this rural New Hampshire county has all the idyllic scenery you’d expect from preserved forest land in New England. Build a log home here and find yourselves neighbors with the highest peak in the northeastern U.S., Mt. Washington.

Population:

89,886 (2019)

Build here if you love:

historic regions, hardwood forests, challenging hikes

 

12.  Greene County, New York

Robert Bye / Unsplash
 
In this county, home to the Blackhead Mountain Range, Hunter Mountain, and Indian Head Mountain, unspoiled scenery abounds. The area is so scenic, it inspired many a painting by artists of the Hudson River School. Head here to get outside and to get inspired.

Population:

47,470 (2019)

Build here if you love:

picturesque views, a laid-back community, early American history

Learn more:

  

13.  Gunnison County, Colorado


Photo courtesy of cottonwoodpass.net
 
Blessed with wondrous natural beauty, Gunnison County, Colorado is in the western half of the state, roughly equidistant from Grand Junction, Durango and Colorado Springs—and is the perfect place to build your dream log home.

Population:

16,802 (2019)

Build here if you love:

remote wilderness, open space, hiking, winter sports

Learn more:

 
 

14.  Hendersonville, North Carolina


digidreamgrafix / fotolia.com
 
Located down the road from Asheville, this town has all the beauty of Western North Carolina paired with the robust culture of a charming mountain town. Oh, and a little Southern culture too. Head here for mountain adventures, wineries/breweries/cideries, and local festivals.
 

Population:

13,908 (2019)

Build here if you love:

local brews, live entertainment, mild mountain climates

Get inspired: 

 
 

15.  McCall, Idaho


Carl / fotolia.com

In this area it’s all about recreation—ski resorts, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and Nordic skiing are just a few of the many activities the town’s tourism organization boasts. The scenic mountain views make the perfect backdrop for a log home.
 

Population:

3,347 (2019)

Build here if you love:

summer water sports, winter snow sports, hot springs
 
 
 

16. Shenandoah County, Virginia


Photo courtesy of National Parks Traveler
 
Home to several charming small towns, each one just a scenic drive away from the other, this location is the best of both worlds. Whether you’d rather spend your day on the river or at a local winery, this area has something for everyone.
 

Population:

43,224 (2019)

Build here if you love:

fall color, local wineries, artisan goods 
 
 

17.  Stone County, Arkansas

 
Located in the state's north-central region, this county boasts some of the South's most scenic uplands. With no nearby metro areas, this remote Ozarks outpost is prime log home country.

Population:

12,475 (2019)

Build here if you love:

lots of personal space, scenic mountain vistas, folk music

Learn more:

 
 

18.  Waldo County, Maine


Galusha Photography / fotolia.com
 
This region comes with a rich history of log homes, so a new one would fit right in. Stunning land, multiple trusted and talented log home companies, and a laid-back lifestyle make this area a sure choice.
 

Population:

39,539 (2019)

Build here if you love:

historic regions, easy access to many getaway spots at once, fall foliage

Learn more: 

 
 

19.  Walla Walla, Washington


russ1959 / fotolia.com
 
An inspiring mix of shops in town paired with its reputation as sought-after wine country makes it easy to see why this area is a favorite. With more than 120 wineries, you’re going to want to include a wine cellar in those log home floor plans.
 

Population:

32,793 (2019)

Build here if you love:

log homes with wine cellars, good food, art

Get inspired: 

 
 

20. Whistler, British Columbia


Photo courtesy of Whistler Real Estate
 
While visitors flock here from all over the world to ski, this area actually has more visitors in the summer than winter on average. Clearly no matter the time of year, this is the spot to be for anyone who loves an outdoors-oriented lifestyle. And don’t fear a tourist population, there’s still a reliable community of full-time residents to create a community feel.
 

Population:

11,854 (2016 estimate)

Build here if you love:

skiing, mountain biking, resort options

Learn more:

Editor's Picks

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