Top 5 Reasons Northern MN is Perfect for a Winter Family Reunion 2019

Trying to get the family together this winter? We’ve got a few good reasons to put Ely, Minnesota on your radar!

1. It’s gorgeous. The pine trees against the white snow is the perfect back drop to see the sun set – and rise.
2. There’s room for everyone. With plenty of rooms and beds, there’s a configuration that’s perfect for you.
3. It’s fun. Snowmobile, ski, build a snowman and have hot cocoa back at the cabin.
4. There are stars everywhere. You won’t believe the night sky in the Northwoods in winter.
5. It’s quiet. Read a book, have a game night or a family dance off. No one here to disturb or be disturbing!

We have two large cabins (Bear Trap and Bent Paddle) that are open all year and are perfect for a large or extended family and we’re open all year, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, President Day weekend and Valentines.

Bear Trap

Check out our four season, like-home but bigger and better for all of the cousins or grandkids or siblings, cabin in the woods. Great for outdoor activities all day – then a nice dinner, marathon card game or watching football at night.

Main floor – 4 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms

1. Queen
2. Queen
3. Two twins
4. Two sets of bunk beds

Lower Level – 2 Bedrooms; 1 Bathroom

1. Queen
2. Queen and a single bed

Loft

1. 2 double size beds
2. Bathroom

There are 13 separate beds and will sleep up to 19 people in beds.

Special Winter Rates for Bear Trap: 
Nightly Rate: $600
3 Night Weekend Rate (Sat. Pm -Tues. AM): $1750
4 Night Midweek Rate (Tues. PM – Sat. AM): $2100
Weekly Rate (Sat. – Sat.): $3150

Great Ice Out Video

Here’s a video of Ice Out in & around Ely & Babbitt MN on 10 May 2013. We thought folks would enjoy it…

The Answer to your New Year’s Resolutions

I recently read an article about New Year’s resolutions. It said “Nearly 41 percent of Americans are making resolutions this year, and 35 percent of people will break them by the end of the month”, according to a  survey conducted by MedPage Today and revealed by Everyday Health.

After reading the article it occurred to me that taking a trip to Timber Bay can assist you in keeping to your resolutions. Here are some of the top resolutions for 2012 and how we can help.

*Exercise More

• Take a walk or run on the trail thru the woods
• Canoe or Kayak Birch Lake
• Take a bike ride

*To Stop and Smell the Roses

• Ok, so we don’t really have any roses growing, but you can certainly enjoy the wonderful smell of pine trees
• A campfire or crisp leaves in the Fall
• The smell of fresh walleye frying.

*Set aside some time for yourself

• Send your kids to Kids Klub. Enjoy your alone time reading, golfing, fishing, sleeping or whatever you want to do

And lastly, but probably the number one resolution of the year..

*Spend more time with my Family and Friends

• I think you get the picture

Come visit, it’s good for you!

Hope to see you soon! The Rykken’s

We’ve got two fun events coming up in the area:
Fun Run- Babbitt, Ely Jan 2012
Ely Winter Festival – Feb 2012

2012 Winter pictures

This winter has been different. Not as much snow as we had last year –and we have mixed feelings about that. We love snow. We don’t love shoveling. But it’s been cold – and there has been enough snow to have some fun. We’ve been skating and we’ve taking sledding to a new height.

And our favorite part of winter – warming up by the fire is as satisfying as ever!

September Newsletter

According to the calendar, we have a few more weeks of fall but for most of us it feels like autumn. The kids are back in school. The mornings are getting cooler. The sunset is happening earlier. Now is a perfect time to think about how you’re going to celebrate the season.

Fall Colors

The trees aren’t quite turning colors yet – but it won’t be long. Soon we’ll be tracking the fall color progression. We’ll try to post updates on Facebook for you. If you plan to bring a big group, it’s not to early to let us know you’re plans; otherwise you can always check online for availability. It’s always nice to get a long weekend in before winter hits.

Speaking of Winter

The Bear Trap

The Bear Trap is a fantastic place to take your family (and/or friends) for the holidays. With 6 rooms it sleeps 12-18. There are 4 bathrooms for privacy and a great room for community. The view of the lake is spectacular. If you are thinking about the Bear Trap for the holidays, please let us know. It usually fills quickly for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. It’s also great for an extended family vacation, hunting weekend or girls getaway retreat – so again please check online for availability other weekends. Learn more:http://www.timberbay.com/bear_trap.html

Hope to see you soon! The Rykken’s

Ely Winter Festival Feb 3-13

We’re getting excited for the Ely Winter Fest! It’s right around the corner. There are a wide range of activities from the big Winter Fest dance on February 5 to the Mush with the Dogs, Howl with the Wolves on February 11-13. Here’s a quick description…

Discover winter in Minnesota by steering a team of strong and eager sleddogs through the snow-covered north woods, tracking wild wolves using real scientific radio telemetry equipment and spending an afternoon searching for sign of these elusive animals while snowshoeing in the Superior National Forest. A hot cup of cocoa at the end of the day will be the perfect complement to each day’s invigorating activities.

Begining to look at lot like Christmas

Remember we have one big cozy winter cabin waiting for you!

Winter in Ely, we’re here for you

Remember we have one big cozy winter cabin waiting for you!

More winter

More pictures of out our window near the BWCA. Remember we have one big cozy winter cabin waiting for you!

Winter Wonderland

It’s beautiful up here in the northwoods! We wanted to share some pictures of the area and the cabins. So we’re goign to post pictures over the next week or so. Remember we have one big cozy winter cabin waiting for you!