Why should you rent a cabin in Ely, MN?
There are literally hundreds of cabin rentals in Ely, MN. And for good reason! Ely is Minnesota’s adventure headquarters. There is no better way to experience the area’s over one million acres of pristine forest and waterways than from the comfort of a cozy cabin rental.
Who doesn’t love walking out their cabin’s front door and taking a dip in the cool, fresh waters of northern Minnesota, especially if a traditional sauna (pronounced Saw-na) is involved! Or stepping onto the ice in winter for some wild ice skating, ice fishing, snow shoeing, or cross-country skiing?
The question is not whether you should stay in a cabin or now, the question is “which cabin?”
We’ve spent years renting cabins in Ely, MN and know a thing or two about what to look for. Below is a list of our top 20 cabins that will make your next vacation an unforgettable experience.
What types of cabins are available for rent in Ely, MN?
There are two basic types of cabin rentals available in Ely, Minnesota:
- rental by owner
- rental by resort
The first category includes Airbnb and VRBO. These are cabins owned by individuals or small businesses that are rented out either directly or via websites like Airbnb and VRBO.
The second category are cabins managed by local resorts. The Ely, MN area is full of resorts that specialize in rustic cabin rentals. One benefit is the resort often provides many of the amenities you will be looking for on a vacation from the comfort of your temporary home.
We have broken down our list into two sections, representing these two different experiences. If you favor one over the other, then focus your attention on that section!
Cabin Rentals in Ely MN – Airbnb and VRBO
There are a ton of cabins for rent that are owned by individuals and are available on Airbnb or VRBO. We focused our attention here on quality lodgings that we have personal experience with, are run by super hosts, or offer something truly unique.
If you own a cabin and feel like it should be on the list, let us know!
1. Sundew Cabin – A Rustic Cabin Experience
Sundew Cabin is our favorite. It is a true rustic cabin experience located north of Ely, MN and surrounded by county land. Heaven on earth! You really feel secluded. It comes with a nice cabin that sleeps 9 and a wood-fired sauna.
The cabin has no running water, so water is pumped by hand and there is an outhouse for you-know-what. There is a small solar panel for lights, but other than that, modern conveniences are left behind. We love staying here in the winter, when we can cozy up next to the fire.
You can read about our trip in 2022 here, including awesome local activities like the International Wolf Center! It even has its own private hiking trail. It’s the perfect vacation home.
2. Ely Log Cabin – Ely Cabin Collective
Ely Log Cabin is tucked away on 40 acres of land. It is solar powered, has a gas fireplace, and is super cute. Its the perfect opportunity to unplug and relax away from it all.
We love that it comes with workout equiptment like yoga mats, foam rollers, and kettlebells, so you can get a good sweat on as you unwind.
3. Aurora Modern Cabin – Ely Cabin Collective
Aurora is a Luxe modern cabin with a wall of windows, in-floor heat, luxury tiled shower, fireplace, and a skylight for stargazing. It sits on 22 acres and has a full kitchen.
We love the modern touches, large windows, and skylight over the bed.
4. Pet-Friendly Loony Bin
This pet-friendly vacation rental in Ely on Shagawa Lake can comfortably sleep 6 people. The cabin has a television, internet and a grassy area for your pups to enjoy! Linens are provided. We love the pine accents and the full-sized washing machine and dryer!
Shagawa Lake is in close proximity to downtown Ely and is full of great fishing and water-based activities.
5. Wolf Point Cabin – Remote Access Retreat
Wolf Point Cabin is on White Iron Lake, a scenic lake, not far from Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge. It is a true rustic experience. There are no roads to the cabin, so in the summer the owners will shuttle you over in their john-boat or on the ice in the winter. It has a wood burning stove, propane lights and a gas stove and refrigerator. There is also a separate sauna. Dogs Welcome.
Now this might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but this is our version of a real cabin experience. Is it harder work? Yes. Is it worth it? 100%!
Read More: 16 Amazing Breweries Near Grand Rapids, MN
6. White Iron Heritage Haus Cabin Rental
This cabin reminds me of the many deer shacks I’ve slept in over the years. It is weathered, but in a beautiful, nostalgic way. It is located on White Iron Lake which offers excellent canoeing, boating, and fishing opportunities.
We love the rustic fireplace and I know many will love that it has a full bathroom. It is pet friendly too.
7. Peaceful Lake Cabin with Pool
This A-Frame rental cabin sleeps 10 and is located on White Iron Lake, just minutes from downtown Ely. The cabin has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a large kitchen stock for cooking meals, and modern and thoughtful furnishings throughout. White Iron Lake provides convenient access to downtown Ely.
We LOVE the heated infinity pool overlooking the lake and the cozy bathtub with a private fireplace.
8. Pet Friendly Boundary Waters Lake Home for Rent
This three-bedroom one-bathroom rental cabin sleeps 8 and is dog friendly. It is located on Fall Lake, 5 miles north of Ely, MN. Fall lake provides easy access to the BWCA. It has a huge kitchen and dining area sotcked with kitchen utensils, a great deck, and a wood burning fireplace.
We love the fact that it is on a Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness lake and includes access to a canoe and kayak.
9. Private Island on Burntside Lake
It doesn’t get much cooler than a handmade log cabin on a private island on Burntside Lake in Ely, MN! Like our favorite Sundew Cabin, this cabin is rustic and has an outhouse. It does however have a small vanity and a shower, wood burning stove, and beautiful old-growth red pine trees! You would need your own boat OR the owners can help arrange a lift.
We love the rustic nature of the cabin, the private island, and the pine trees that were spared from logging!
10. Beautiful Echo Trail Cabin for Rent
This amazing cabin is located on the Echo Trail outside of Ely, MN on Everett Lake. The cabin is located on five acres of private land with 700 feet of lakeshore. It has three bedrooms, sleeps 10, and comes with a fully equipped kitchen.
We love that you can canoe/portage from the cabin all the way to Burntside Lake. We also love the finish sauna in the basement and would love to stay in the winter.
11. Big Pine Cabin – Remote Access Retreat
Another rustic option. This one is so cute. It is located on White Iron Lake and only sleeps two. Perfect for a romantic weekend getaway. The only access to the cabin is via the lake, so bring your own boat or the owners will transport you.
We love the remoteness of the cabin, its coziness, and the traditional sauna. We are a bit biased toward rustic cabins.
12. Cozy Lakefront Log Cabin for Rent
This cute cabin on Shagawa Lake has three bedrooms and sleeps. There is a new dock, two kayaks, and a large canoe. It also has a hot tub and a sauna
We love the hot tub and sauna combo. It’s truly one of the best cabins and is a very special place.
13. Bright and Warm Rental Cabin in Ely
This cute little cabin sleeps four and has beautiful windows. The bedroom is a loft with a hot tub and a private balcony. What’s not to love?
Cabin Rentals in Ely MN – Resorts
Resorts offer a different, but equally as enjoyable, experience as cabins being directly rented out by owners. Cabins that are part of a resort system come with amenities and services that are rarely offered on Airbnb or VRBO.
If you are looking for a more turn-key experience and would like to mingle with the owners and other guests, then renting a cabin at a resort is a great choice.
Below are some of the best resorts in the Ely area that rent individual cabins.
14. Moose Track Adventures – Cabin Rentals in Ely
Moose Track Adventures sits on beautiful Farm Lake and offers 6 fully-equipped cabins. Each comes with a private dock, charcoal grill, fire pit, and Wi-Fi. All are dog-friendly, and the resort can provide everything from fishing guides to swimming docks and a beach. This is a great Ely Minnesota resort.
15. Vosburgh’s Custom Cabin Rentals in Ely
Vosburghs Custom Cabin Rentals offers beautiful cabins on Moose Lake near Ely, Minnesota. The cabins are located atop a high ridge overlooking this beautiful lake. Weekly rental include a boat rental. There are 8 cabins accommodating up to 10 people and all come with full amenities.
16. Deer Ridge Resort – Ely Cabin Rentals
Deer Ridge Resort offers Luxury Lake View log cabins for rent. There are 11 cabins in total, and pets are allowed in most. The resort also has a sauna, laundry, disc golf, badminton, and horseshoe courts, play area, campfire area, and more. It is located right on Garden Lake, just outside of Ely, MN.
17. Riverpoint Resort – Ely Cabin Rentals
Riverpoint Resort is located south of Ely on Highway 1 on Birch Lake, a long lake known for walleye fishing. They offer a number of cabins for rental, as well as villas and chalets. It is a pet-free facility, so no dogs. There are 11 cabins for rent and all provide full amenities.
18. Garden Lake Resort – Lake View Cabins for Rent in Ely MN
Garden Lake Resort in Ely, MN offers four cabin rentals. Al are newly remodeled, are fully equipped, and come with a free canoe rental. You’ll love the north woods charm, but keep the pups at home. Garden Lake Resort is pet-free.
19. Timber Bay Lodge – Cabin Rentals and Houseboats
Timber Bay Lodge is unique in that it offers cabin rentals AND houseboats. The resort sits on Birch Lake deep in the heart of the Superior National Forest. They offer 12 cabins for rent, two of which are huge, and full amenities. They also offer equipment rentals and a small shop/trading post.
20. White Iron Beach Resort
White Iron Beach Resort offers 27 beautiful cabins on White Iron Lake, just outside of Ely, MN. They require weekly rental, from Saturday to Saturday, but do offer some options for short-term rentals. These vacation homes come with a fire pit, plenty of space, boat docks, all on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Conclusion
Ely, Minnesota is one of our favorite family vacation destinations, regardless of the season. We love its proximity to Minnesota’s only true wilderness area. It is the perfect destination for hiking, canoeing, skiing, snowmobiling, and pretty much every other outdoor activity.
But if you are going to visit, then consider renting a cabin. Cabins offer a sense of charm and coziness that fits right in with the world around you. Ely has hundreds of cabins available for rent, both direct from the owner and from resorts.
And if you rent one of the cabins, let us know how it went!
FAQs related to Renting a Cabin in Ely, MN
Where is Ely, MN?
Ely, Minnesota is located in northern Minnesota, a mere 17 miles as the crow flies, from the Canadian Border. It is home to 20 entry points into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW or BWCA) – with over 1 million acres of pristine forest and waterways.
Is Ely, MN kid-friendly?
Yes! Ely is full of kid-friendly activities. Our kids love hiking, biking, skiing, and canoeing. They also love visitng the International Wolf Center and the International Bear Center.
What is Ely, MN known for?
Ely, MN is best known for being the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The main street downtown is full of outfitters renting gear and guiding services to canoists from all around the world.
