It’s time.

Immerse yourself
in one of the most stunning
get-aways in the country.

Latitude: 47.720966    Longitude: -91.920166
Babbitt, MN USA        1440' Shoreline

Timber Bay Lodge & Houseboats:
The Premier Birch Lake Resort Near Ely, MN

Deep in the Superior National Forest, where the road ends and the water begins, you’ll find Timber Bay.

We are the intersection of rugged adventure and refined comfort. Situated on the pristine shores of Birch Lake, we offer the only hybrid vacation experience in the region: choose the grounded tradition of our traditional log cabins and private lodges or the mobile freedom of our fully-equipped houseboats.

Whether you are here to map structure for trophy Walleye and Northern Pike, paddle the silent edge of the Boundary Waters, or simply trade screen time for the warmth of a crackling fire and the smell of pine, Timber Bay is your basecamp.

Just minutes from the outfitters of Ely and the trails of Babbitt, yet entirely secluded, we are "Accessible Wilderness."

Come for the fishing, stay for the solitude, and leave with a family tradition that will last generations.

Two people dressed in winter clothing stand on a snowy path in a forest, with a small dog nearby. An inner tube labeled 'TOEIN SPORTS' lies on the ground, and tall trees surround the scene.
Special Offer: Your Winter Getaway
Aerial view of a house surrounded by a dense forest of tall green trees.
Explore: Traditional Cabins
A houseboat named Timber Bay on a lake with a woman lounging on the top deck and a water slide, surrounded by green trees and blue sky with scattered clouds.
Explore: Vintage Houseboats
Aerial view of a house surrounded by a dense forest of tall green trees.
Explore: Private Lodges

The Marina

Aerial view of a marina with several houseboats and boats docked along a wooden pier, surrounded by a dense green forest under a cloudy sky.

Enjoy all the benefits of the only full-service marina on Birch Lake.

Everything you need to launch, refuel, and explore is right here — so you can enjoy your time on the water without ever leaving the resort.

We’re staffed with experts who know every campsite, every fishing inlet, everything you could possibly need to make an afternoon reeling in Walleye or a week relaxing on a houseboat a wild success.

The Grounds

Grab a paddle board, shoot some hoops, or challenge friends to a rousing game of pickleball. We have it all, just steps from your cabin.

Our lighted SportCourt offers activity day or night. Flanking the court, traditional shuffleboard, bocce ball, archery, cornhole, and horseshoes deepen the good natured competition.

Strolling the grounds with your four legged friend or chillin’ in a hammock with your favorite book — it’s your call. Our private 20+ acres of wooded paradise — horseshoed by 200+ acres of Superior National Forest land and trails — provide endless options every day you’re here.

Get lost in the moment…

A rustic wooden building with a porch and stairs, surrounded by trees and a landscaped area with flowers, rocks, and small garden lights. A sign reads 'The Trading Post Office'.
People at a lakeside, woman sitting on a chair reading, two kids by the water, one on a paddleboard, the other standing near a slide.
A woman wearing glasses, a red and black trucker hat, and a gray T-shirt with "Timber Bay Lodge Fishing Tradition" is speaking to a customer at a wooden lodge reception desk. The woman is smiling and holding her hands near the counter. The customer, with reddish hair tied back and wearing a black cap and blue jacket, is listening. The background features a window with green foliage outside and some decorative cutouts of bears and the word "Welcome".
A girl paddleboarding on a lake near a floating trampoline with a paddleboard and paddle nearby, surrounded by trees and boats docked at a marina in the background.
Child paddleboarding on a lake with an inflatable blue and yellow buoy in the background.
A man mid-air performing a flip on an inflatable water slide that is on a lake with trees in the background.
People playing volleyball on a sand court surrounded by green trees in a forested outdoor area.
A park scene with a paved game of hopscotch on the sidewalk, benches, a trash can, and a row of bicycles parked among trees.
Person lying in a green hammock reading a book in a wooded park.

Kidz Club

Make memories that last a lifetime.

Every Monday through Friday during the summer months, kids ages 5-12 enjoy structured activities with trained staff, engaging crafts, challenging hikes, fun games, and much more.

Teens enjoy weekly adventures and lakeside cookouts.

… And parents enjoy a little time on their own.

A young boy wearing a gray cap, red jacket, and patterned shorts stands on a wooden dock, holding a fishing rod with a large fish caught on the line. The fish is hanging over the water near the dock, and the boy has a surprised expression.
Children using plastic scoops to fill containers with water outdoors.
Three children exploring and playing in a sandy creek bed, using their hands to dig and find water.

Pet Friendly

At Timber Bay, we know dogs are part of the family - and we love welcoming your four-legged family members! Our resort is dog-friendly (sorry, no cats) and offers plenty of space for your pup to enjoy the great outdoors.

For everyone’s safety and comfort, we do ask that dogs be kept on a leash while on the property.

Pet fees apply at booking or check-in, so your furry companion can enjoy the full Timber Bay experience right by your side!

A woman sitting on a couch with a dog beside her, sharing a snack and holding a cup.
Small dog with a serious expression, wearing a shark-shaped floatation device on its back, standing on a dock near a lake with green trees and a wooden shed in the background.
Three dogs standing together indoors on a patterned rug. The dog on the left is a light-colored dog with a blue harness, the middle is a curly-haired cream-colored dog, and the right is a white dog with a collar, partially in shadows.

Family Owned

Drew & Janet, Molly & Jim
Four friends sitting on steps in front of a log cabin, smiling at the camera.

It’s probably an understatement to say it’s a dream come true.

Like so many families who make the trip north year after year, our story started with our kids splashing around on a lake.

We soon realized we shared the same roots - growing up on lake resorts, returning to them summer after summer. When Timber Bay became available, it sparked big conversations and even bigger dreams.

Today, we’re so lucky to carry on enduring traditions while adding a few of our own. Whether Timber Bay has been part of your story for generations or you’re just discovering it for the first time… We can’t wait to welcome you, swap stories, and make new memories together.

It’s your love for this place that inspires and fuels everything we do!

⤷ Let's Connect

5- Star Reviews

  • Lisa S.

    FIVE STARS

    “We had an amazing time spending 3 nights on a houseboat. The highlight of the trip was meeting local fisherman Hag who is affiliated with Timber Bay and available for hire. My son and nephew caught 14 walleye in 3 hours...”

  • James B.

    FIVE STARS

    "I could say so many wonderful things about our time at Timber Bay… Checking in we were greeted by Janet… who was extremely knowledgeable and very, very friendly and then Drew… who was equally as accommodating... As someone who has never driven a houseboat before I felt more than prepared after speaking with him…”

  • Joe R.

    FIVE STARS

    "Loved our stay at Timber Bay! Gorgeous setting and a beautiful lake. I've fished all over the Midwest and this is one of my new favorites. It's easy to find comfortable places to target walleye and pike no matter what the conditions are. Great cabins and staff..."

  • CHRIS V.

    FIVE STARS

    "We love spending a week each summer at the Bear Trap Cabin at Timber Bay Lodge and Houseboats! The resort has many great outdoor options for the whole family- our favorites include the swimming beach, kayaks and paddle boards, hiking trails, and the docks for great sunsets. We rent a pontoon and enjoy exploring all that Birch Lake has to offer. The kids enjoy going on adventures with the Kids Club. Janet and Drew are amazing hosts!…"

Unforgettable

Moments

Common Questions

[ FAQ ]

  • We are the best of both worlds. We are located in Babbitt, MN, nestled deep in the Superior National Forest on the shores of Birch Lake. We are about 15-20 minutes south of Ely. This gives you the perfect balance: the quiet solitude of the wilderness (Birch Lake is 85% undeveloped federal land) without the heavy traffic of the main tourist strips. You get the stars, the silence, and the trees, but you’re a quick drive from the International Wolf Center or the shops in Ely.

  • Birch Lake is the water that flows into the Boundary Waters, but with one major advantage: Motors are allowed. You get the pristine, rocky shorelines and islands typical of the BWCA, but you can explore it in a pontoon or fishing boat. It’s "Accessible Wilderness"—rugged beauty without the portaging.

  • We have 14 log cabins ranging from cozy 1-bedrooms to our massive 6-bedroom "Bear Trap" (in the Private Lodge class) You can view photos, layouts, and amenities on our Private Lodges or Cabins Pages.

  • It’s the ultimate adventure—being the captain of your own floating vacation. For details on driving, sleeping capacities, and rates, please visit our Houseboats Page.

  • Within 60 days of your reservation, your deposit becomes non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance during the booking process. If you have any questions about the types of insurance offered or strategies for booking, just reach out. We’re happy to help. The insurance option is easy and affordable (about 10% of your total booking). If your deposit is made over 60 days before arrival we’ll even offset the cost of the insurance ourselves.

  • Yes! While summer is legendary, our winter season is a well-kept secret. We offer access to snowmobile trails (the Taconite Spur), cross-country skiing at the nearby Birch Lake Plantation, and cozy cabins with fireplaces for when the snow flies.

  • Only during our peak season, which runs from June 22 through August 15. During this time, we ask all guests in cabins larger than 2+ rooms to book Saturday through Saturday. This is primarily in deference to generations of families who have booked their week year after year. Of course, if special accommodations are needed, just call us and we’ll work out whatever we can.

    During other times of year, booking dates are entirely flexible.

  • Most of our guests enjoy the scenic drive "Up North." We are about 4 hours from Minneapolis/St. Paul and roughly 2 hours from Duluth. If you are flying, you can land at Duluth International Airport (DLH) and rent a car, or fly into Range Regional Airport (HIB) in Hibbing (about an hour away). The drive up Highway 1 or 169 is part of the decompression process—watch for deer and moose!

  • Absolutely. Birch Lake is a "stained water" fishery known for Walleye, Northern Pike, and Slab Crappies. It can be technical, so we highly recommend hiring a local guide for your first day to learn the structure and safe routes. Ask us about booking a day with local legends like "Hag" to get on the fish fast.

  • Absolutely. If you have connections to make for the last leg of your trip, if you want to explore fly-in/fly-out options, or if you just have questions about overall logistics, give us a shout. We’re here to help make your travel a breeze!

  • We like to say we offer a "Digital Detox with a Safety Net."

    Cell service is strong with the primary carriers (Verizon & WT&T). Coverage is generally strong on the lake but can be spotty in the bays.

    WiFi is very fast. Most locations on property are 100Mps+, far more than you’d need for high definition video. You shouldn’t be on your devices though… unless your capturing some epic shots yourself… or maybe a little live stream to jealous relatives ;o)

  • Generally speaking, check-in is between 3:00p and 6:00p. Check-out is at 10:00a.

    Timing for Houseboats and some cabins may differ. We’ll confirm the details with you upon confirmation of your reservation and of course during your check-in.

  • You do not need any permits to park at Timber Bay or to dock or camp on Birch Lake.

  • We know dogs love the lake as much as we do. Pets are allowed in specific cabins and on houseboats with prior approval and a pet fee. We just ask that they remain on a leash on resort grounds and that you respect your neighbors. (Ask us which cabins are best for furry friends!)

  • The Trading Post is the heart of the resort—it’s where you’ll find snacks, frozen treats, drinks, souvenirs, and that sweatshirt you’ll want for the cool evenings.

    For full grocery runs (steaks, produce, etc.), Zup’s Food Market in Babbitt is just a short drive away. We recommend stocking up there on your way in.

    We are rolling out grab & go sandwiches and salads this year along with meal kits. We’ll share more information on that as it comes available to our guests.