Why choose Northern Lights Lodge and Resort?

Choosing the right resort property for your vacation can be an overwhelming process with so many resorts to choose from. Here at Northern Lights Lodge we are committed to ensuring that your vacation here is enjoyable and memorable.

We own and operate one of the few classic resorts remaining in the Ely area. A stay at Northern Lights Lodge means that you WILL find us at home here at the resort throughout your entire stay. You won't be dealing with a site or property manager or even a front desk employee - we are here to personally provide the best level of service and customer care possible.

Gary, Gary Jr. and Marie
Your Hosts, Owners and Managers

The resort's location has much to offer:

• great location on 30 acres of property
• natural wilderness setting-just 10 miles from Ely
• our accommodations span across nearly 2,900' of lake shore
• a well maintained private driveway nearly a mile off of the highway adds to a peaceful wilderness experience
• all accommodations offer a view of the lake
• classic 1, 2 and 3 bedroom cabins with modern updates
• large group cabin accommodations (10 persons) (#11 & #12)
• spacious and luxurious 1 and 2 bedroom suites (#7-#10)
• new luxury cabin (#3)
• surrounded by pine and birch trees for extra privacy
• plenty of parking for your automobiles, trailers and boats
• well maintained docks with lights and electricity for charging batteries
• amazing cold, clear and great tasting water right from the tap
• large swimming area with sandy bottom and beach
• clear water lake, great structure for exciting fishing opportunities
• no motor restrictions
• no fishing slot restrictions
• fish cleaning facility with commercial waste grinder so there is NO GUT BUCKET in our fish house AND there is NO MESS and NO SMELL!
• full service, lake side marina-no gas cans to haul, tie right up to the dock

Outdoor services and amenities are available on site:

• NEW guest laundry facility
• NEW cedar sauna
• 11-person, 22' pontoon boat
• 16' fishing boats with motors
• canoes
• solo kayaks
• 20' RAVE Water Bongo
• NEW swim raft
• 4 campfire sites, with complimentary firewood
• NEW water bikes and pedal boat
• shuffleboard and ping pong
• horseshoe pit
• basketball and tether ball
• volleyball and badminton

Amenities unique to Northern Lights Lodge and Resort:

• complimentary gourmet coffee each day in the lodge
• large reading library-many new titles
• 250+ title video library
• large collection of games and puzzles
• inviting and comfortable lodge
• on-site northwoods gift shop
• wireless high speed internet in the lodge
• summer children's programs and activities
• summer campfire nights with fresh hot treats
• annual scavenger hunt
• fish licenses and on-site bait
• fish specie variety and angler options
• complementary lake maps and fishing tips
• pet friendly property welcoming your friendly pet

The Resort: We offer guests the perfect setting to experience a classic Minnesota resort vacation experience. Each of our cabins is generously spaced from the next cabin Every cabin and suite offers a view of the lake. Guests can relax in our new sauna, enjoy our sandy swimming and beach area or just relax in a hammock with a book from our library.

Our Accommodations: We have something for everyone with five traditional northwoods cabins dating back to the mid '40s, two large 2-story cabins with fireplaces, a new 2-bedroom luxury cabin, and four new luxury suites with fireplaces, whirlpool baths and dishwashers you'll find everything you need for home-away-from-home comfort. With 30 acres of property and nearly 2,900 feet of frontage guests are assured space, privacy and a view of Bear Island Lake.

Kids Come First: During the summer, we "do more than a little extra" to make sure that everyone in the family enjoys their vacation. The kids love to take part in our scavenger hunt, compete in kayak races, cook over the open fire during our weekly campfire night and painting our arrows. Parents especially enjoy our movie and popcorn night in the lodge with the kids.

No summer vacation is complete unless you get in the water and everyone loves to play in the lake on our Bongo® and ride our 2 and 4-person hydro bikes. Explore the lake with our pedal boat; canoes, solo or tandem kayaks, fishing boats and pontoon boat. Everyone has a great time at Northern Lights Lodge, even the family dog!

Pet Friendly Resort: With three dogs of our own, it's obvious that we love dogs. The resort is very pet friendly and we encourage our guests to bring along their friendly pets.

On the Water: While Bear Island Lake is best known for its walleyes and crappies but it also contains northerns, large and smallmouth bass and, of course, plenty of pan fish. There are no fishing or motor restrictions on this clear water lake and it is a structure fisherman's dream with more than 20 islands and over 20 miles of shoreline and bay fishing opportunities. While many guests prefer to explore and learn the lake on their own, fishing guides are available. The Minneapolis Star Tribune called Bear Island Lake "one of the prettiest lakes in the North County."

Winter is Best: While Minnesota is famous for its summer vacations at the lake, we confess that we love winter best! Here at Northern Lights Lodge we're passionate about winter and we take advantage of everything that it has to offer with personalized dog sled outings into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and introductory dog sled rides right here at the lodge. The Bear Island Ski trail offers a secluded wilderness trek for skiers and snowshoers with plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings. We can even step up the pace with snowmobile rentals and customized day trips across the Tomahawk or Taconite Trails and on countless spur trails.

What won't you find at Northern Lights Lodge and Resort:

• camping sites
• RV sites
• rustic or remote cabins
• BWCA permits or outfitting
• canoe towing
• restaurant (we'll recommend our Ely favorites)
• bar