Josh Duhamel Finds Peace in His Minnesota Cabin
Josh Duhamel has shared that he experiences immediate physical relief after leaving Hollywood and returning to his secluded cabin in the Midwest. While he owns a home in Los Angeles, his main residence is now Fargo, North Dakota, and he frequently escapes to a 50-acre cabin in Minnesota.
During a recent episode of Dana Carvey and David Spade’s podcast, “Fly on the Wall,” Duhamel opened up about how cabin life has influenced both his physical and mental well-being.
“Getting outside lowers my heart rate by about 25 percent,” he mentioned, noting that his priorities have shifted. “I feel like I have a purpose,” he added. He joked that he’s always engaged in something, even if it’s just maintaining the lawn.
He expressed that there is “absolute freedom” in his cabin life. Duhamel reflected on how he built his cabin over 15 years, purchasing the land long ago for a relatively low price before slowly developing it into a retreat for himself.
“I bought about half of a 12-acre parcel for almost free,” he recalled. “Then the other half of the lot was up for sale.” His first cabin was simple, lacking electricity and running water—a bit rustic, but he appreciated that quality.
Interestingly, he compared property prices in Minnesota to those in Southern California, noting the stark contrast. “I paid $189,000 for 26 acres,” he said, reflecting on the affordability of land there compared to what he might spend in California. Initially, he just wanted a getaway, but now he has expanded his property unexpectedly.
He described his ongoing passion for building and improving the place, which has become a significant part of his life. Originally, he aimed for simplicity, but his vision grew over time.
Duhamel’s life has evolved since he first acquired land in Minnesota. Previously married to singer Fergie, with whom he shares a son, Axel, he remarried model Audra Marie in 2022. The couple welcomed a son named Shepard and have a daughter who was born recently.
Reflecting on his early cabin experiences, Duhamel recounted how he adapted to life without many modern conveniences. “For the first few years, there was no water. We were washing dishes at the lake,” he said, describing it as a homesteading experience that he loved.
Living off the grid has its challenges. He explained that they had to construct a well and rely on solar panels and propane tanks for day-to-day needs.
As for leisure, Duhamel indulged in a pontoon boat and a few old jet skis, highlighting one boat that starred in a film with Jennifer Lopez. Buying that boat turned into a bit of a saga, but it ultimately made its way to him after some negotiation.
Now, he and his family enjoy spending time at the Minnesota cabin but primarily reside in Fargo, which he appreciates for its slower pace compared to Los Angeles. “It’s also a very fun city,” he mentioned, relishing the lifestyle people have there.
In a lighthearted twist, Duhamel joked about being “72% ready” for a hypothetical zombie apocalypse, acknowledging the ongoing preparations he makes at his cabin. “We can always turn off our devices and shut ourselves off from the world if we need to,” he said, reflecting on the changing nature of concerns in today’s world.
Ultimately, living in North Dakota keeps him grounded. “Hollywood can be a very seductive place,” he admitted. He values his close friendships, some dating back to childhood, which help him stay centered.
In conversations about his cabin life, Duhamel sees it as a beneficial balance for his children, allowing them to explore different lifestyles. He’s grateful for a place that roots him, combining elements of his past with his current life.
