THE LAKE is callingThe Timber Bay Houseboat Fleet
Captain Your Own Vintage Accommodation on Birch Lake in Minnesota
Imagine It. One of the most secluded lakes in the Northwoods, all to yourself.
The morning sun is just starting to burn the mist off Birch Lake. The coolers are iced down, the tackle boxes are stacked on the aft deck, and your mighty houseboat is idling at the shoreline, waiting for you to throw the lines.
Dozens of campsites, stunning cliff-sides, untouched forest all await. Whether you’re out to reel in trophies or spend your lazy days adrift with a book and some friends… Untouched natural beauty awaits.
We’ll get you supplied and trained before you head out. Every boat is fully equipped with full kitchens kitchens, comfortable beds, barbecues, microwaves, and more.
The Houseboat Experience
Cousins in the Water. Grandma on Deck.
The Ultimate Family Reunion
Turn 'remember when' into 'let's do it again' with a reunion that satisfies every generation. Our large-capacity houseboats and cabin clusters allow the cousins to bond on the water while the adults reconnect on the deck, giving you the perfect balance of togetherness and personal space.
Captain Your Own Expedition
A New Basecamp Every Morning
Don’t settle for one view when you can have them all. Your houseboat isn't just a place to sleep—it’s a mobile trailhead. Paddleboard at sunrise in a glass-calm bay, hike a remote ridgeline at noon, and park your floating basecamp on a brand new island in time for sunset. This is the wilderness on your terms.
Sleep on the Structure
Wake Up with the Walleye
Stop burning daylight running back to the dock for lunch. Park your houseboat directly on the structure and keep your line wet from the morning gray light until the last slip of the bobber at dusk. You aren't just fishing the spot; you’re living on it.
Your Private Floating Cabin
Just You, the Water, and the Silence
Escape the noise of the world and drift into your own private rhythm. On your floating tiny home, there are no neighbors but the loons and no schedule but the sunset. It’s just you, the water, and the luxury of silence.
Change of Plans?
We want to see you on the dock. But if you can't make it, we want you to be whole so you can come back when the timing is right. Please review our cancelation policy and protection options carefully before finalizing your booking.
The Houseboat Fleet
The Sportsman Series: Your Backstage Pass to Birch Lake
As the only boats with full walkaround decks, the Sportsman series lets you fight a Pike from bow to stern without missing a step.
Agile and easy to captain, these vessels slip into the secluded bays easily.
Whether you’re a couple seeking a private escape or anglers chasing a personal best, this is your basecamp—complete with a hot shower, full galley, and the best views in Minnesota.
The 30’ “Minnow”
Size: 30’ x 13’
Capacity: Sleeps 2-3
Value
The "Honeymooner." Our most agile, intimate vessel. Think of it as a floating tiny home designed for couples or solo anglers.
The 35’ “Turtle"
Size: 35’ x 13’
Capacity: Sleeps 4
The Value
The "Buddy Boat." Drives like the 30’ but adds a dedicated bunk room, so you don't have to assemble your bed every night.
The 40’ "Bass” & “Walleye"
Size: 40’ x 13’
Capacity: Sleeps 4-6
Value
The "Angler’s Flagship." The largest boat in the fleet that still allows you to fish 360 degrees around the deck. Perfect for two couples.
The Getaway Series: Your Wide-Open Cabin on the Water
Maximize your indoor footprint with the fleet designed for gathering. The Getaway Series trades side walkways for a "Wide-Body" cabin, creating a spacious, secure interior that feels less like a boat and more like a floating lodge.
Perfect for active families and groups, it offers a safe "playpen" for toddlers and a roomy salon for rainy-day card games.
Park on a sandy beach, claim your private island, and enjoy the room to breathe with the freedom to roam.
The 38’ “Mallard” & “Seagull”
Size: 38’ x 16’
Capacity: Sleeps 4-6
Value
The "Toddler Safe" choice. The enclosed wide-body cabin acts as a giant playpen, keeping little ones safe inside while maximizing living room space.
The 44’ “Northern" & “Muskie”
Size: 44’ x 16’
Capacity: Sleeps 8
Value
The "Bunkhouse Beast." Features a unique rear hallway with split bunks (over/under). The absolute best value for two families splitting the cost.
The Birch Lake Series: Your Own Floating Lodge
Upgrade your reunion with the only boats that refuse to compromise. This is where wilderness meets residential comfort: built-in generators, air conditioning, and full-size galleys capable of feeding an army.
Whether you choose the Queen suites of the Beaver or the 12-person capacity of the Otter, you get flybridge views and the luxury of seamless power.
Keep the cousins together, keep the coffee hot, and captain the ultimate family flagship.
The 50’ “Beaver”
Size: 50’ x 16’
Capacity: Sleeps 6-8
Value
The "Comfort Cruiser." Prioritizes adult comfort with private Queen beds and a spacious "Great Room" layout. The floating condo.
The 52’ “Otter"
Size: 52’ x 16’
Capacity: Sleeps 10-12
Value
The "Reunion HQ." The only boat with Two Bathrooms and maximum bunk capacity. If you have a dozen people, this is your only option.
Things to Know
Amenities
Each houseboat comes with
Kitchen with refrigerator/freezer, stove/oven
Cooking utensils and dishes
Super-quiet Honda generators
Electronic navigation console with depth finder
Framed navigational map
Bathroom with marine-style toilet and shower
Cabin Area with Screened Windows and Doors
AM/FM, CD player stereos with bluetooth
Cabin Heaters, Electric and Gas lights
Deck Area with Chairs and Table
BBQ Gas Grill, Ice Chest
Life Jackets, Swim Ladders
Upper Sundeck with slide
Things to Bring
Bed linens, pillows and/or sleeping bags
(Note: A linens package is available for purchase.)Bath and beach towels
Cell phone
(Reception is good throughout the lake)Portable radio/speaker
Camera
Cards, games, reading material
Suntan lotion
Insect spray
Rain gear
Fishing equipment
Dish/bath/beach towels
Quick Reference Fleet Comparison
30’ '“Minnow
Solo Anglers & Honeymoons.35’ “Turtle”
Small Families (Parents + 2 Kids).40’ “Bass” & “Walleye”
Two Couples or Fishing Groups (The "Angler's Flagship").38’ “Mallard” & “Seagull”
Wide cabin, no side walkways. Best for Small Families & Toddlers.44’ “Northern” & “Muskie”
Larger wide cabin. Best for Medium Groups & Reunions50’ “Beaver”
Luxury style (Built-in Gen & AC), Queen beds. Best for Comfort & Adult Groups.52’ “Otter”
The "Bus." Max capacity (Sleeps 12), 2 Bathrooms. Best for Large Reunions.
Common Questions
[ FAQ ]-
You must be 25 to rent and captain your own houseboat. We will review lake information/navigation and tie up procedures in the office upon your arrival.
Then dock staff will review the operation of the houseboat, mechanicals, and ensure you are comfortable to operate the houseboat before leaving dock.
The state of Minnesota is beginning to roll out boat licensing requirements based on the operator’s age for those born after these dates:
June 30, 2004 (started July 1, 2025)
June 30, 2000 (starts July 1, 2026)
June 30, 1996 (starts July 1, 2027)
June 30, 1987 (starts July 1, 2028)
For additional details, please review the MN website here.
If needed, take the test and get your license here.
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If you can drive a car, you can captain our houseboats. Before you leave the dock, our expert staff (our legendary "Dock Boys") will give you a complete orientation. We’ll show you how to steer, how to read the lake map, and most importantly, how to "beach" the boat securely for the night. You don’t leave until you feel comfortable.
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You are required to "beach" rather than anchoring.
Birch Lake is full of designated campsites and sandy coves. You gently drive the bow onto the sand, tie off to sturdy trees on shore, and you have your own private island for the night. It’s stable, secure, and lets you step right off the boat onto the shore for a bonfire.
You do not need any permits to dock/camp on Birch Lake.
There are suggested tie up sites indicated on the lake map you will receive upon arrival. These are Forest Service campsites, so they are wilderness sites. No docks or signs. But most will have a fire ring and are more easily accessible. You must tie up your houseboat in the evening before dark. You may not anchor in the middle of the lake overnight.
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All our houseboats are equipped with marine toilets and hot showers. It’s not a hotel plumbing system, but it’s clean, private, and functional. (Note: We use biodegradable TP only!).
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We suggest bringing the following: cell phone, portable radio, camera, binoculars, cards and games, reading material, suntan lotion, insect spray, rain gear, fishing equipment, sleeping bags, dish/bath/beach towels. We sell ice and bait at the marina, should you need it.
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No, we do not require an additional small boat with the houseboat. If you’d like to bring or rent a boat for fishing or exploring you can launch it at the resort.
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On the first day of your house boat trip please plan for departure between 1:00pm and 5:00pm. On your last day, please arrive back at the marina before 9:30am.
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Fuel usage averages 4-6 gallons/day on most boats. The larger 50’ and 52’ averages 7-10 gallons/day. Fuel will be provided and charged based on consumption when you return the boat.
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This is the Timber Bay difference. You don’t have to drive the houseboat all the way back to the marina.
A Hospitality/Service Boat carrying ice, bait, gas, firewood and call ahead grocery items will be out on the lake Sunday and Wednesday morning. Along with delivering items they will check your gas, pick up garbage and assist you if needed.
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AT&T and Verizon will give you the best coverage while out on the lake.
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The refrigerator and stove are run by propane along with battery operated lights. The 30’, 35’, 38’, 40’ and 44’ houseboats have 12Volt electricity. This means you have the power to use the cigarette plug with a car phone charger to charge phones etc. If you need 110 V, household electricity we will add a generator at no charge. You will then have two outlets to do your charging or use a blow dryer, blender etc. The 50’ and 52’ houseboats have built in generators to run when you need electricity.
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The refrigerator is a typical RV propane style. The 30’ houseboat is 5 cu ft. The rest of the boats are 8 cu ft plus a 2cu ft freezer. We also supply a large cooler on your front deck for pop, beer, water etc.
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Yes, each boat has a fresh water faucet. We do suggest bringing some bottled water to keep cold. The fresh water is not refrigerator cold.
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Yes, we do allow dogs. They should be kept off the furniture. A pet charge will be applied at booking or during check-in.
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Yes, all of our houseboat have slides.
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You sure can. There’s nothing better than waking up, walking out to the back deck in your pajamas, and casting a line before the coffee is even ready.
However, for serious fishing, we highly recommend towing a smaller fishing boat (yours or one of our rentals) behind the houseboat. This allows you to park the "mothership" and take the small boat into the shallow bays where the big Walleye hide.