Frequently Asked Questions

What is a housekeeping cabin?
The term "housekeeping" means that you and your family rent a fully furnished and equipped cabin for the entire period of your stay. You "set up house", cook your meal - wash your dishes, relax and enjoy! We do not provide maid services during your stay and guests are expected to leave the cabin as they found it at the beginning of their stay. If extensive cleaning is required after your departure, a hourly cleaning charge will be charged.

Do you have smoke-free cabins?
Yes, since the fall of 2001 all of our cabins have been non-smoking units. Smoking guests are encouraged to step outside when they need a break. As per Minnesota Statute we will charge your account the maximum fee allowable by law if this smoking policy is not adhered to.

Do the cabins have running water and electricity?
Yes. We have a complete well water system - in fact we added a second well in 2002. The water is very soft, cold and clean-we love it!! Our wells are tested each year by the St. Louis County Health Department as required by law. Our guests frequently comment about the quality of the water - it really is cold, clean, clear and tastes great.

Do the cabins have bathrooms?
Yes, in fact cabin 3 has a large whirlpool bath, cabins 11 and 12 have a shower/tub upstairs with a 1/2 bath downstairs and the rest of our cabins each has a shower in the bathroom. Each of new suites offers a LARGE bathroom with a luxurious whirlpool bath.

Do you have camping or RV sites?
No, we only offer cabin and villa-style accommodations. We would be happy to recommend someone in the area who does.

How close are the cabins to each other and the water?
Northern Lights Lodge and Resort is a small resort with only 8 cabins and we are a unique property because our cabins are spread out along nearly 1/4 mile of shoreline and every cabin and suite offers a view of the water! The resort itself sits on 30 acres of land and is nearly a mile off of the main highway-not to worry, the road is well maintained! Because of our size and the lack of other accommodations we are able to provide our guests with a serene and secluded vacation destination. During the summer, we focus on the classic northwoods summer vacation experience-the fishing on Bear Island Lake is a bonus!

What kind of appliances are in the cabin?
We provide all of the traditional comforts of home: microwave ovens, electric refrigerators, gas or electric stove with an oven, automatic coffee maker (and we provide the filters), a crockpot, toaster and popcorn popper. Each seasonal cabin has an electric fan and cabins 3, 5, 11, 12 and the villas each has at least one ceiling fan. Outside each cabin has its own charcoal kettle grill AND picnic table!

What extra items should we bring along for our stay?
Our guests should bring along the following personal items: towels (kitchen, bath and beach), soap (dish, bar, hand and shampoo), camera and extra film, bug spray in the summer/fall and a radio. We will provide life jackets (the over the neck, orange style) with our water equipment rentals - but if you have a personal preference, please feel free to bring your own from home! Be sure to check out our WHAT TO PACK PAGE!

We provide the rest: fresh bed linens, cooking and eating utensils, etc. If you prefer not to bring along towels, we can provide towel service at $3.00 per person. Guests will be charged $6.00 per item that is not returned at the end of your stay. Towel service should be requested in advance as there is a limited supply. Here is a what to pack checklist for you to review that you might find helpful.

Can we bring our pet!
Yes, well-mannered pet friendly and people friendly pets are welcome here. Click here to review our complete policy. This policy is subject to change as needed.

Do you sell fishing licenses and carry live bait?
Due to changes in Minnesota licensing procedures it is no longer practical for us to sell fishing licenses. Minnesota has just launched an on-line license form. We do carry live bait throughout the summer season - generally we will always have nightcrawlers in stock and occasionally we will carry leeches and minnows. Please give us a call if you would like us to recommend a local store for your bait and license purchases.

Can we swim at Northern Lights Lodge?
Yes! In fact, we think that we have the best beach on the lake. We have a large marked and dedicated swimming area that has a sandy bottom and NO drop-offs. In 2002 we added a 20' RAVE Bongo and in 2006 we added a 12' x 12' swim platform. We also have a FREE pedal boat and water bikes available for our guests. So, bring your suits and swim with the loons and the fishes! No life guards are on duty at any time and parents or guardians must supervise their children.

Televisions, Cell Phones and Internet Access?
Thinking about bringing along the TV? Don't bother, it won't come in this far North. If you are looking for a bit of down time on a rainy day we do have an extensive video collection. Cellular services vary by carrier, however, generally cell phones do work with limited access. We suggest that you leave our front desk telephone number with family, friends or the office in case of an emergency: 218-827-2501. Free wireless internet access is available in the lodge or on the lodge deck.

Can we buy groceries nearby?
Yes, both Babbitt (5 miles away) and Ely (10 miles away) have full line grocery stores (Zups or Ely New Market). We recommend that you stop for groceries BEFORE you arrive at Northern Lights Lodge since our stores are open with limited hours of service. Here at the lodge we can supply you with ice, ice cream, sodas and candy.

Can we pick berries at the resort?
Yes, when in season. Wild berries can usually be found in mid-July and last until early August. Guests may find wild strawberries, raspberries, blue berries, juneberries/huckleberries and chokecherries. Gary (JR) knows where to find them but you have to beat him to the berry patches!

Can we see the Northern Lights?
Here in the Northwoods we enjoy the Northern Lights throughout the year, however, due to the many variables associated with the phenomenon there is no way to predict its appearance. "Usually" the Lights are most active in the spring and fall but the Lights have been spotted throughout the summer and winter. Typical viewing is between dark and 2:00am. Even if you miss the lights during your stay the night sky is breathtaking and something to behold!

What is the weather like here in the Northwoods?
We enjoy each of the seasons here at the resort and every season has its own splendor! Spring rejuvenates us all, summer is nature at its best, fall colors are amazing and glorious, but winter is our favorite season of all! In the winter this area averages an average snowfall of 80". Listed below is the Average high temperature for each month: