Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 2, 2025 · Entertainment

Josh Duhamel's 'Doomsday Cabin': A Rustic Retreat in Minnesota

It's been over 15 years since Josh Duhamel transformed an empty half-parcel of land he bought 'deep in the woods' of Minnesota into his idyllic 'doomsday cabin' (pictured in 2020)

Josh Duhamel's Doomsday Prepping Secrets Revealed: Actor's Off-the-Grid Abode is 70% Apocalypse-Ready!

It's been over a decade since Josh Duhamel, the ruggedly handsome actor known for his roles in Transformers and Las Vegas, embarked on an ambitious project to create his very own doomsday cabin in the woods of Minnesota. And, as he celebrates his eldest son Axl Jack's 12th birthday with his ex-wife Fergie, it seems like the perfect time to catch up with Josh about his off-the-grid lifestyle.

The 52-year-old Daytime Emmy winner, who has been busy shooting and directing various projects, including the upcoming action comedy London Calling, took some time out to dish about his doomsday prepping endeavors. When asked if his secluded lakeside property would be able to withstand a catastrophic event, Josh replied with a hint of humility, "Well, I have enough. Not 100 percent. Probably 70 percent." Ouch! It seems like Josh still has some work to do to become the ultimate survivalist.

Last Saturday, the 52-year-old Daytime Emmy winner gave an update on how well his off-the-grid lakeside property would hold up in a potential apocalypse while 40 minutes from civilization (pictured in 2023)

But don't worry, folks; this isn't your average, run-of-the-mill doomsday prepper story. According to Josh, his off-grid abode is more about reconnecting with nature and preserving traditional skills than preparing for the apocalypse. "People want to call it a doomsday prepper thing, but it's really not that," he explained. "I'm really more of a guy who wants to stay true to my roots, get back to the basics, hone whatever basic skills I need." Ah, we see what you did there, Josh!

As it turns out, building and expanding on his 26-acre property has been a labor of love for Josh, despite the occasional mouse infestation. "It's been a calling," he confessed. "I make movies and TV shows, and I love it, but I had this need to go back to doing things with my hands again — fix things, make things, and just do the basic things that we take for granted." Who wouldn't want to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood and reconnect with nature?

But don't think for a second that Josh's off-the-grid lifestyle has made him forget about his family. His ex-wife Fergie, who is celebrating their son Axl Jack's 12th birthday on social media, shared an adorable slideshow of never-before-seen moments from their preteen's special day. "I am so proud to see how independent you're becoming and what a kind human you are," she gushed. Aw, sweet Fergie!

Josh told People: 'Well, I have enough. Not 100 percent. Probably 70 percent...I could be a better hunter, I could be a better fisherman. I could stockpile a little more food supply'

Josh, however, is now married to his second wife Audra Mari, with whom he shares an adorable 19-month-old son Shepherd Lawrence. The happy couple will be celebrating their third wedding anniversary on September 10th. And guess what? Josh and Audra share a special connection – they're both from North Dakota! Talk about love in the time of doomsday prepping!

When not busy building his off-grid empire, Josh can be seen working behind the camera as a director and producer. His third feature directorial effort, Preschool, is currently in post-production, while he's also set to star in London Calling alongside Aidan Gillen, Jeremy Ray Taylor, and Rick Hoffman. Not to mention his upcoming projects, including Joe Carnahan's survival thriller Not Without Hope, David Lipper's serial killer thriller The Neglected, and Patrick Brice's drug comedy Full Throttle Mindset.

As one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood, Josh Duhamel has built a lucrative brand, with paid partnerships for top brands like CarGurus, Airbnb, Bobcat Company, Original Penguin Sports, and Gatlan. With over 10 million social media followers, it's clear that this off-the-grid enthusiast is more than just a pretty face – he's a bonafide influencer!

Duhamel continued: 'People want to call it a doomsday prepper thing, but it's really not that. I'm really more of a guy who wants to stay true to my roots, get back to the basics, hone whatever basic skills I need' (pictured in 2022)

In conclusion, Josh Duhamel's doomsday prepping secrets have finally been revealed, and we must say, we're impressed! Who knew the rugged actor from Las Vegas had such a green thumb (or should we say, survivalist skills)? As Josh would put it, "It's all about getting back to basics and reconnecting with nature." Now, if you'll excuse us, we're off to stock up on canned goods and build our own doomsday cabins – wish us luck!

The Off the Grid producer-star described his slow process of building and expanding upon his rustic 26-acre property 'a calling' despite the mice problem: '[I needed] to go and really do things with my hands again' (pictured in 2019)

Last Saturday, Josh celebrated the 12th birthday of his eldest child - son Axl Jack - from his eight-year marriage to eight-time Grammy winner Fergie, which ended in 2019

The 50-year-old retired pop star posted an Instagram slideshow of never-before-seen moments she's shared with her 'preteen'

On September 10, Duhamel and his second wife Audra Mari will celebrate their third wedding anniversary, and they're proud parents of 19-month-old son Shepherd Lawrence (pictured July 1)

Last July, the Dakota Media co-founder put the 'final touches' on his third feature directorial effort Preschool, which is in post-production

But first, Josh executive produced and stars as hitman Tommy ward in Allan Ungar's action comedy London Calling - hitting US theaters September 19 - alongside Aidan Gillen, Jeremy Ray Taylor (L), and Rick Hoffman