Timber Bay Lodge & Houseboats

Timber Bay Lodge and Houseboats is located on Birch Lake near Ely Minnesota and the Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Area (BWCA). We are a completely modern resort located deep in the heart of the Superior National Forest in Minnesota among towering Norway pines, birch, and spruce trees, designed to satisfy the vacation dreams of your entire family or fishing group.

Here in a park-like setting you will find comfortable log-sided cabins with wood burning fireplaces, large decks and beautiful lake views. We feature a full service marina, safe sandy swim beach, a variety of recreational opportunities as well as organized children’s activities and naturalists programs.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow and stay cozy in the Bear Trap - it sleeps up to 18!

Timber Bay is the perfect place for your spring fishing trip, summer family vacation or fall getaway. Whether it’s a houseboat vacation or a stay at our family resort, you’ll always be surrounded by the peacefulness of Northern Minnesota and Birch Lake.

Timber Bay Houseboats offers you the unique opportunity to escape into the Minnesota wilderness and add adventure to your vacation. Fish, swim, and relax as you pilot your own houseboat on beautiful 20 mile long Birch Lake. While renting a houseboat you will be surrounded by beauty and solitude similar to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area while having the convenience of motor use and the comforts of home. Explore forested shorelines, rocky islands, and sheltered bays. Watch for eagles, loons, and bears.

Birch Lake near Ely, MN is never crowded and is ideal for boating, camping, fishing, canoeing, swimming or just plain relaxing. At the end of the day enjoy a starlit sky from the deck of your log cabin or from the top of your Timber Bay houseboat.

When you’re ready for a change of pace, you can always take in a round of golf at one of the areas three championship golf courses.

Explore 20 mile long Birch Lake with its many miles of forested shoreline and rocky islands. Take your small boat to the base of the foaming rapids of the Stony River or paddle a canoe up the Kawishiwi River into the Boundary Water Canoe Area. At night anchor in a safe, secluded bay and sleep to the subdued sounds of the wind in the pines and gentle motion of your floating home.

Fish for prize Northern, Walleye and pan fish. Take a small boat and try a likely bay or troll along the miles of shoreline. Drop a line over the side of your houseboat while you grill a steak or sleep in the sun. In case of bad weather step inside your warm, dry cabin for a cup of hot coffee or a quick game of cards.

Swim the clean, pure waters of Birch Lake. Tie up to a sandy beach or a rocky shore, or drop anchor in the middle of a quiet bay and swim or sunbathe off your floating home. The refreshing water of Birch Lake makes swimming fun and enjoyable at any time from mid-June to the end of August.

Relax .. set your own schedule, choose your own course, be the captain of your own ship. Here a complete rest awaits you. No time tables to be met, no TV’s or telephones to distract you. Watch for wildlife, read a good book, teach the kids to fish or play a game. Whether with a group of fishermen, a family with small children, or two or three couples on a holiday, you will enjoy houseboating on Birch Lake.