Josh Duhamel, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in the Transformers franchise and the film Ransom Canyon, is revealing the tranquil and private life he has cultivated for himself and his family in the woods of Minnesota. At 52 years old, Duhamel has spent 15 years transforming his plot of land into a serene escape from the fast-paced world of Hollywood. This retreat gives him the opportunity to tap into family, community and a quieter existence.
Though he was born and raised in North Dakota, Duhamel has always been deeply rooted in the natural world. He has great memories of growing up and learning to ride horses, which got him hooked on being outside. Today, he finds tranquillity driving his tractor on his home turf in Minnesota. He described how this way of life is just at the very core of who he is. There’s just something about it that feeds the spirit in so many ways.
The uniquely designed retreat, built by Duhamel himself, has become an important sanctuary for the actor, where Duhamel and his family can tune in to the beauty of nature. He and his wife, Audra Mari, recently welcomed a son, Shepherd, just one year old now. He has an 11-year-old son, Axl, with his ex-wife, singer Fergie. Duhamel wants to give his kids memories that will stay with them long after they’ve left Minnesota.
“My son is going to have memories of this place forever. He’s not on his iPad when he’s out there,” – Josh Duhamel
Duhamel’s relationship with the land goes beyond just appreciating the great outdoors. He welcomed the rigors of life in the sticks. It took so long for his house to have plumbing, so he washed dishes in the lake next door. Having enjoyed the previous experiences, his newfound gratitude for an existence more focused on kinship and fellowship than luxury and technology enriches the experience.
He constructed his home remote in the black woods of Minnesota very purposely. It’s the ideal antidote, completely off the grid. This retreat from the world provides him the time to engage with nature while nurturing the bonds with his family and friends. The closest store is roughly a 40-mile round trip. That distance allows all of us on the ground to agitate and encourage all of us to support each other.
Duhamel’s outlook on life in Minnesota is marked by a sense of simplicity and honesty. When not at work he likes boating, soccer, and playing other sports on the beach with his kids. These moments are a reminder of the deep value he has for creating a legacy that future generations can keep.
“And then I have a little baby who’s going to experience the same thing. Someday, I hope to pass this on to them [so] they’re able to share it with their kids. It’s really important to me that they have this. It’s not just about having all the amenities and all the luxuries that we become so used to. It’s really about family. It’s about legacy,” he reflected.
Duhamel has recently adopted a simpler lifestyle, in a move to live more intentionally. It’s important to him to build an environment that supports growth, builds relationships and deepens roots for his family. His dedication to creating a more peaceful existence couldn’t be more opposite to the chaos usually linked to Hollywood.