Josh Duhamel Details 'Calling' to Leave L.A. Life for Minnesota Cabin

Josh Duhamel had an epiphany that contributed to his decision to, ultimately, leave Los Angeles behind.

“I make movies and TV shows, and I love it, I truly do love it,” the Ransom Canyon star, 52, told People in an interview published on Sunday, August 10. “But, I had this calling to go and really do things with my hands again — fix things, make things and just do the basic things that we take for granted.”

He continued, “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 in this world of massive technology, to do the basic things to provide for my family. That’s really what it’s about for me.”

The North Dakota native recently built a cabin in Minnesota, telling the outlet that the compound is situated “deep in the woods” and is a place for his family to gather. The actor shares son Axl, 11, with ex-wife Fergie and son Shepherd, 19 months, with wife Audra Mari.

Why Josh Duhamel Built Cabin for Family ‘Deep in the Woods’ in Minnesota

“It’s so back to the basics,” he explained to People. “We get so accustomed to all these luxuries and these amenities that we have, and I think that’s what this is for me. It’s an opportunity to get back to the basics and really enjoy the simple things in life, and that’s family, that’s friends, that’s making memories.”

Duhamel also enjoys how isolated his family cabin is.

Josh Duhamel and wife Audra Mari with his sons. Courtesy of Josh Duhamel/ Instagram

“Part of the reason I built my place out in Minnesota, deep in the woods, is it’s removed from everything,” he told Parade in an April profile. “The closest store is 40 miles away. Once we get there, it’s really about everybody taking care of each other — making memories, spending time with family and friends. You really get a chance to get back to the basics.”

He added at the time, “You’re not consumed by all these other distractions. When you’re out there, it’s really about having fun, making sure everybody’s warm, everybody’s got food and water.”

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Moving to Minnesota also allowed Duhamel to get “a lot closer” to his own parents.

“My dad absolutely loves coming out there to hang out,” he told Parade, crediting his dad with picking out the acreage itself. “We’ve spent more time together in these last five, 10 years than we ever did growing up. I’m much closer to my dad. My mom now loves coming out there. It’s become a real, central hub for all of us.”