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Timber Trail Lodge

Timber Trail Lodge in Ely, MN offers rustic cabins, free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly rooms, and lake access near Boundary Waters. Rated 4.8 with 101 reviews.

629 Kawishiwi Trail, Ely, MN 55731, United States View on map
9.6/10
Exceptional Based on 101 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free parking Accessible Air-conditioned Pet-friendly
What recent guests emphasize

Comfortable lakeside stays with thoughtful hospitality and year-round activities

Guests appreciate the peaceful location by Farm Lake, cozy and well-equipped accommodations, and the attentive service from the owner and staff. This informal lodge provides a rustic yet comfortable base for exploring nearby nature and outdoor activities.

Guests often praise

  • Warm, attentive, and helpful hospitality from the owner George and staff, enhancing the overall experience.
  • Well-maintained, clean, and thoughtfully equipped cabins and lodge rooms, including full kitchens and cozy interiors.
  • Beautiful, tranquil lakeside setting with direct access to fishing, hiking, skiing, and paddling opportunities.
  • Wide variety of year-round outdoor activities available, such as fishing, dog sledding, ice skating, and canoeing.
  • Family- and pet-friendly atmosphere with accommodations suitable for groups and children.

Worth knowing

  • No onsite restaurant or breakfast service, so guests should plan to cook or dine offsite.
  • Free Wi-Fi and parking are available, but no fitness center, pool, or airport shuttle provided.
  • Remote location offers peacefulness but requires driving about 8 miles to reach downtown Ely amenities.
  • Winter temperatures can be very cold; cabins provide good shelter but come prepared for harsh weather.
  • Lodge and cabin style is rustic and no-frills, focusing on nature and simplicity rather than luxury.

Best for

  • Travelers seeking a quiet lakeside retreat close to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
  • Outdoor enthusiasts interested in year-round adventures like fishing, hiking, dog sledding, and snow sports.
  • Families and groups needing spacious cabins with kitchens and pet-friendly amenities.
  • Visitors wanting a down-to-earth, informal setting with friendly, personalized service.
  • Those looking to disconnect from urban life while remaining within reasonable reach of local attractions.
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About this property

Welcome to Timber Trail Lodge

Timber Trail Lodge offers a rustic and informal lakeside experience on Farm Lake, part of the remote White Iron lake chain in Ely, MN. The property features no-frills lodge rooms alongside cozy cabins, each equipped with full kitchens and air-conditioning, providing a comfortable base for visitors who want easy access to outdoor activities. Guests can make use of docks and boat rentals directly on site, with free parking and Wi-Fi adding practical convenience to the stay.

Set within a natural setting that appeals to adventure seekers and nature lovers, the lodge is located just 8 miles from downtown Ely and provides direct access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Its accessibility and pet-friendly approach support a range of travelers, including families and groups looking for a quiet retreat near Superior National Forest and local attractions such as the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center.

The property’s service style is straightforward and focused on self-sufficiency, as it does not offer on-site dining or a fitness center but does maintain smoke-free premises and accessible facilities. Guest reviews consistently highlight the attentiveness of the owner and staff, who contribute to a welcoming environment through their helpfulness and maintenance of clean, well-prepared accommodations. The presence of kitchens in all rooms allows visitors to enjoy independence in meal preparation during their stay.

Year-round appeal is notable, with summer activities like boating and canoeing complemented by winter opportunities including ice fishing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding. Visitors have praised the lodge for balancing proximity to nature with the comforts needed for a relaxed getaway, although it retains a simple charm without luxury extras. Timber Trail Lodge suits guests looking for a practical, scenic base for exploring the region’s wilderness and cultural points of interest.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Accessible
Air-conditioned
Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly
Kitchen in all rooms
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Breakfast
Pool
Restaurant
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

GP
Graham Pond Mar 09, 2026
10

Near Ely, MN and setup on farm lake, Timber Trail Lodge feels remote while still offering plenty of activities within walking distance of the resort. There are great ice fishing opportunities on the lake. We caught a ~28” walleye after some patience. Further, we enjoyed skating and snowshoe/xc skiing trails steps from our cabin. Visited in January 2026, do bundle up for the cold temps! But the cabins are a nice reprieve from the cold at night and we found them to be well cleaned and maintained. TTL is also setup well with activities we did not get to this time around, such as a dog sledding operation which departs from the lodge. Will have to check it out on the next visit. Lastly - the friendly staff made our visit easy and enjoyable.

JR
Jane Rosenwinkel Mar 06, 2026
10

Fantastic resort very close to Ely. The cabin was really perfect. Two bedrooms, 1 full bath (roomy), living room, well appointed kitchen, and a screened in porch. A look out the window captured the lake, and a firepit out back for nightly s'mores. My family of 4 adults, 2 infant twins fit perfect. The bedroom was adjusted for two pack 'n plays to fit. George, the owner, was super helpful.

PH
P H Feb 28, 2026
10

George and the staff were most excellent. We stayed in motel. Cute, rustic full kitchenette. Large bathroom. Free parking. George had it shoveled off for us and a large bonfire outside. Has electric sauna. He offered us his fishing gear as lake wasn't frozen completely due to mild weather. Lots of skiing, hiking, ice fishing, outdoor things to do!! Ely downtown is 8 minutes away. Lots do see and eat there too this was our first couples get away in many years. We will come back in summer and in winter. Has a rustic lodge and large cabins to rent as well. It's nice to get dis connected and George waited on us hand and foot!

LT
Leah Taylor Feb 23, 2026
10

George was a great host. We seen him and his staff working hard on maintenance and keeping the grounds nice. The cabins are beautiful and the campsites are right by the water. George seen us out cooking dinner and stopped by to say hi and see how our stay was. Close paddle to boundary waters.

KE(
Kiarash Ehtiatkar (Kia) Feb 18, 2026
10

Timber Trail Lodge is a true gem, perfectly located on the quiet shores of Farm Lake with direct access to the Boundary Waters. It's an ideal base for year-round adventure, offering everything from motorboats, canoeing, and hiking in the summer to unique winter experiences like ice fishing, dog sledding, and aurora watching. But what truly makes this place exceptional is the owner, George. He greeted us with warmth and, despite our late check-in and his tight schedule, went above and beyond to get a canoe ready for us and then instruct us how to use it, a generous gesture we deeply appreciated. His passion as an architect is evident in every detail of his cabins and lodges; our cozy couple's room was spotless, with charming touches like pine walls and antler light switch frames. It was perfectly equipped with a full kitchen and everything we needed for a comfortable stay. We loved our conversations with George, his sister Meg, and Cameo, whose friendliness made us feel right at home. This lodge is more than just a place to stay; it's an experience in genuine kindness and thoughtful hospitality. We can't recommend it enough.

IY
Irina Yakusheva Feb 11, 2026
10

It was our first time at Timber Trail Lodge in Ely We chose this place to bring back the memories from our annual camping trips at the BWCA many years ago. And we were not disappointed! This place is right on the Farm lake with pristine water and it feels like a perfect mix of wilderness and comfort. We stayed in cabin 3, adjacent to the office and it was cosy, spotless, and thoughtfully stocked with everything we needed: there were three beds and fully equipped kitchen. It was perfect for the two of us and our dog! What truly sets Timber Trail Lodge apart, is the hospitality. George, the owner, makes you feel welcome and at home and gives great recommendations for exploring the area around Ely. For the younger crowd there are are endless activities here: fishing, kayaking, swimming, or just enjoying the beauty of the Boundary Waters. Whether you’re looking for adventure or simply a peaceful getaway, this place delivers it all. We left this place feeling refreshed, reconnected with nature, we are thinking already planning our next visit. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 stars

CN
Courtney Nagle Feb 07, 2026
10

We stayed here on our dog sledding adventure in early March. Fun activities even in the winter! Wonderful location, lodging is beautiful and George, the owner couldn't be more attentive and efficient. The lake is beautiful and there is easy access.

B
Bri Feb 01, 2026
10

I absolutely loved our stay here. It was perfect. We had one of the twin bed rooms. It was just enough for what we needed. The property is beautiful. I stayed with my toddler. The staff is so nice and they have great recommendations. The kitchenette had everything we needed to cook. The bathroom was well stocked. The fire pit outside was perfect at night. The price was affordable. It's in a great location and a quick drive from all trails and town. Everything was clean. It was great. Stay here. It was well worth it.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Timber Trail Lodge

Ely, Minnesota, USA

Overlooking Farm Lake, part of the remote White Iron lake chain, this informal, year-round resort provides direct access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and lies 8 miles from downtown Ely.

  • Range Regional Airport 1 hr 27 Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Minnesota. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

International Wolf Center 1,507 reviews

International Wolf Center

1396 MN-169, Ely, MN 55731, United States

4.6 · Wildlife Refuge
Superior National Forest 2,340 reviews

Superior National Forest

8901 Grand Ave Pl, Duluth, MN 55808, United States

4.8 · National Forest
North American Bear Center 1 reviews

North American Bear Center

1926 MN-169, Ely, MN 55731, United States

4.8 · Wildlife Park
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