Cabintimers who crave quiet water, big pines, and star-splattered skies—Big Lake Wilderness Lodge near Ely, Minnesota delivers the full Northwoods package. This is a true “road-in” outpost wrapped by Superior National Forest and within easy paddle distance of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. You roll in, switch off, and start counting loons instead of unread emails.

Why Big Lake works for Cabintimers
Big Lake spans about 1,800 acres with 14 islands and a maze of bays and inlets. The Minnesota DNR rates it as a standout walleye fishery, with regular action for northern pike, smallmouth bass, and perch. With no motor-size restrictions and a convenient public launch, you can bring your own boat or rent on site. Even better, canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, and stand-up paddleboards are complimentary—so the morning glide is literally built into your stay.
Families get easy wins here. Little ones splash at the wading beach, older kids bounce on the water trampoline, and everyone winds down with board games on gray-sky afternoons. The lodge team shares fresh fishing reports, route ideas, and local tips that make planning a breeze.

Cabins, specials, and boat perks
Cabins line up for couples, families, and friend groups, with wooded views and quick access to the docks. Watch for seasonal specials that stretch the budget: a free pontoon is included with weekly stays in select cabins (Horizon, Call of the Loon, or Vermilion), and there’s a popular “Family & Friends” bundle that pairs Greenstone + Vermilion for one weekly rate—complete with a pontoon and a boat/motor. These promos are cabin-specific and run during the 2025–2026 season, so Cabintimers planning a summer week should lock dates early.
If you’re building a fish-first itinerary, the watercraft lineup covers everything from 14–16′ fishing boats up to 18–21′ pontoons, plus upgraded rigs with live wells, fish finders, and trolling motors. Gas and tax are extra, life jackets are included, and dock space for personal boats is available.

Boundary Waters day trips made simple
You don’t have to stage a full wilderness expedition to taste the BWCA. From Big Lake, you can paddle easy to moderate day routes and be back for fish fry o’clock. The resort offers partial canoe outfitting—lightweight Kevlar canoes, paddles, PFDs—and can assist with drop-offs to surrounding BWCA entry points. Ask about current discounts at the edges of the season and the free drop within 10 miles on longer rentals. It’s a savvy way to test a route before planning a multi-night loop.
Pet policy and dates
Quiet, well-behaved pets are welcome with a nightly or weekly fee and must stay leashed around the resort. Service dogs are welcome, including retired service dogs, and only service dogs may enter the lodge. Summer operations run mid-May through early October for 2026, which lines up perfectly with peak fishing and paddling conditions.

Nearby things to do in Ely
Ely is small but stuffed with field-guide energy. Build a day in town around these favorites:
- International Wolf Center – education, exhibits, and a chance to learn from the pros.
- North American Bear Center – up-close insights into one of the Northwoods’ icons.
- Dorothy Molter Museum – stories from the legendary “Root Beer Lady” on Knife Lake.
- Soudan Underground Mine State Park – descend into Minnesota’s mining past.
- Trails like Bass Lake (with a scenic waterfall), Angleworm, and the Sioux-Hustler system offer berry picking, birding, and broad-shouldered overlooks.
Trip-planning tips
- Aim for shoulder weeks (late May–early June, or late Aug–early Oct) for cooler nights, lower bugs, and strong walleye action.
- Bring binoculars—the aurora puts in surprise appearances on clear, dark nights.
- Ask the lodge for current bait recommendations, lake maps, and which bays are hot this week. Their on-the-water intel beats any forum thread.
Book direct and keep your dollars local
Skip third-party fees and algorithms. Contact Big Lake Wilderness Lodge directly for the best cabin fit, up-to-date availability, and local insights you won’t get from a call center. Direct booking means no service fees, no middleman, and real conversations with the folks who live and fish here.

Cabintimers, start mapping your Northwoods week and reach out to the lodge to claim those boat and pontoon perks. See you on the dock at first light.
Explore more regional cabins and book direct:
RentWisconsinCabins.com • RentMichiganCabins.com • RentMinnesotaCabins.com • RentTennesseeCabins.com • RentNewYorkCabins.com • RentMontanaCabins.com • RentKentuckyCabins.com • RentTexasCabins.com • RentColoradoCabins.com • RentOklahomaCabins.com • RentNorthCarolinaCabins.com • RentAlabamaCabins.com
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