Ely, Minnesota · Gateway to the Boundary Waters
A family resort in a calm bay of White Iron Lake, under towering old-growth cedar and pine. Wake to loons, paddle before breakfast, and watch the sky go to fire. Sunsets free of charge.
Scroll to wander down to the lake
"There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness, that can reveal its mystery, its melancholy, and its charm."
Theodore Roosevelt, on the country that became the Superior National Forest
A quiet, protected corner of White Iron, with a sandy beach and shallow water made for kids and long swims.
Bald eagles overhead, the rat-a-tat of pileated woodpeckers, and a family of loons calling across the water at dusk.
One of the darkest skies in the country. On a clear night, the Milky Way, and sometimes the northern lights.
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area begins minutes from your dock. A million acres of pristine lakes and forest.
The whole resort, mirrored in a still morning bay.
Start with a few favorites, then browse all eleven. Every cabin is smoke-free, pet-friendly, and fully equipped, with free kayaks and canoes, dock space, and a campfire waiting.
Renovated 2025 · Lake-view deck
2 bedrooms · sleeps 4 · refreshed for 2025
Sip your coffee from a large deck over the water while the loons do the talking. Dock your boat right out front, ten feet from the door, and watch eagles soar over the island.
$2,000 / week
The flagship lodge · sleeps 13
4 bedrooms · 2 baths · panoramic wrap-around deck
The lodge that anchors the Retreats, perched above the bay with a breathtaking view. A big kitchen and living room, a gas fireplace, and a Veteran-friendly welcome. When you picture the warm comfort of a lake lodge, this is it.
from $2,499 / week
Custom lake home · sleeps 12
4 bedrooms · 2 baths · sauna & two fireplaces
The peace of the North Woods with the comforts of a custom lake home. A gourmet kitchen and great room, a screened room facing the water, and a sauna for quiet evenings. Nature and luxury, the best of both worlds.
from $2,499 / week
Lakeside, ten feet from the water. Expansive pine living room and a lower-level screened fun room, with the sandy beach at the door.
Coffee on a large deck over the water, eagles over the island. Renovated in 2025. Dock your boat right out front.
Perched on ledgerock under shady pines, with an elevated lake view and a bright sunroom opening to a new deck.
Updated under new ownership in 2022. A wrap-around deck, three-season porch, and a fire ring nearly at the water's edge.
Anchors the Retreats from its perch above the lake. A breathtaking wrap-around deck, gas fireplace, and a Veteran-friendly welcome.
A gourmet kitchen and wraparound deck with awesome lake views. Step-free access throughout, and a lower level that expands it to sleep 11.
A custom lake home with a sauna, two fireplaces, and a screened room facing the water. Nature and luxury, the best of both worlds.
Half-log siding and vaulted pine ceilings, an elevated deck, and a three-season room. Local books, vintage games, and a guitar to enjoy.
A spacious two-story home with a balcony and wrap-around deck under old-growth pines and century-old cedars. Pick blueberries by the deck.
Built in 2019, a bright open floor plan with many windows, cozy pine interior, and a large deck for outdoor dining among the trees.
White Iron is part of seven miles of clear, connected lakes and rivers, known for walleye, smallmouth, crappie, and pike. Beyond the bay lies Ely, the friendly Northwoods town that has been the gateway to the Boundary Waters for a century.
Free kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats. Rent a motor boat or pontoon, or bring your own. Free dock space.
Over a million acres, 1,200 miles of canoe routes, minutes from your dock. Day permits are free.
Dozens of marked trails in the Superior National Forest, from family-friendly to rugged. Eagles, loons, and the occasional moose.
Three miles to dining, shops, outfitters, the International Wolf Center, and the North American Bear Center.
Our rate is our rate, plus tax. No resort fees, ever.
No surprise service charges at checkout. Kids under 10 stay free. Just bring your bath and dish towels, and be ready to relax.
Check live availability for any cabin and book online in a minute, or send us a note and we'll help you plan.
