Hilltop Cabin: Panoramic Boundary Waters Views & Direct Moose Lake Access
DIRECT BOUNDARY WATERS ACCESS
Stay at one of Ely’s few cabin resorts located directly on a Boundary Waters entry lake. From our shared docks on Moose Lake—Entry Point 25—you can paddle or boat directly into the BWCAW without driving or shuttling to another launch.
Hilltop Cabin sits at the highest elevation on our property, offering panoramic views across Moose Lake toward the Boundary Waters wilderness. Its remarkable setting, handcrafted character and easy access to our resort waterfront make it an ideal retreat for families, anglers, paddlers and groups of friends.
THE CABIN
Hilltop sleeps up to eight guests and includes:
* One private main-level bedroom with a queen bed * An open split loft with six twin beds—three on each side * One-and-a-half bathrooms * A full kitchen * Comfortable living and dining areas * A wood-burning stove * A large screened porch with a vaulted ceiling
The screened porch is one of Hilltop’s best features. It’s a wonderful place for morning coffee, family meals, evening card games, listening to the loons or watching the light change over Moose Lake.
HISTORIC NORTHWOODS CHARACTER
Many of Hilltop’s windows and doors were reclaimed from Ely’s historic Lincoln School. Along with the cabin’s handcrafted woodwork, these details give Hilltop a sense of history and character rarely found in a typical vacation rental. It is a cabin full of stories—and a wonderful place to make new ones.
WATERFRONT AND BOATS
Hilltop is perched above the shoreline rather than directly at the water. Guests can walk or make the short drive down the resort driveway to our shared waterfront, which includes:
* Multiple docks * A boat launch * A boathouse * A fish-cleaning house * Boat and canoe areas * Starlink Wi-Fi at the boathouse
Stays of seven nights or longer include use of a 16-foot Lund fishing boat with a floor and swivel seats, along with a canoe, at no additional charge. A motor is not included. Guests may bring their own motor of 25 horsepower or less, or rent one from us separately. Additional canoes, depth finders, trolling motors and other equipment may also be available.
FISHING, PADDLING AND FAMILY ADVENTURES
Moose Lake offers excellent fishing, swimming and direct access to the Moose–Newfound–Sucker lake chain and the Boundary Waters beyond. Guests can enjoy relaxed morning paddles, full-day BWCAW outings or fishing adventures directly from the resort.
Families especially appreciate being able to introduce children to canoe country while returning each evening to a full kitchen, comfortable beds and a screened porch. Additional nearby paddling opportunities include routes in the Lake One area. Beautiful local hikes include the Secret/Blackstone trails and Kawishiwi Falls.
A FAMILY-RUN MOOSE LAKE RESORT
Vosburgh’s Custom Cabin Rentals has been family-owned and operated for more than 50 years. We’ve welcomed generations of paddlers, anglers and families to Moose Lake and are happy to share local knowledge about fishing, hiking and day-trip routes.
Maps, local advice, live bait, boats, motors and other rental equipment may be available to help you make the most of your time near Ely.
GOOD TO KNOW
* Hilltop is a traditional Northwoods cabin without air conditioning. * Starlink Wi-Fi is available at the boathouse, but the connection inside Hilltop can be intermittent. * Firewood for the cabin’s wood stove is provided. * Bed linens and blankets are included. * Guests should bring bath and kitchen towels, food, personal items and charcoal for the grill. * Well-behaved pets are welcome with prior approval and may not be left unattended in the cabin. * Smoking is not permitted indoors. * Hilltop is generally available from May through October. * Most summer reservations run Saturday to Saturday. Shorter or more flexible stays may be available depending on the season. * Any required state or local lodging taxes not collected by Vrbo will be due at check-in. * BWCAW permits are separate and subject to availability. Please contact us before your stay with questions about obtaining the appropriate permit.
Whether you spend your days fishing Moose Lake, paddling into the Boundary Waters, hiking through the Superior National Forest or simply enjoying the view from the screened porch, Hilltop offers a memorable combination of history, wilderness and classic Northwoods cabin life.
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the area
Ely
Located in Ely, this cabin is in a rural area and on a lake. Travellers eager for a bit of culture can stop by Dorothy Molter Museum, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Superior National Forest and Secret Blackstone Trailhead. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and snorkelling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and hunting.
Secret Blackstone Trailhead - 18 min walk - 1.6 km
The Lodge - 4 min drive - 2.2 km
International Wolf Center - 25 min drive - 36.0 km
North American Bear Center - 30 min drive - 41.5 km
Eagles Nest Lake Number Three - 45 min drive - 66.9 km
Getting around
Hibbing, MN (HIB-Chisholm-Hibbing) - 121 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Hilltop Cabin: Panoramic Boundary Waters Views & Direct Moose Lake Access pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Hilltop Cabin: Panoramic Boundary Waters Views & Direct Moose Lake Access?
As of 12 August 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hilltop Cabin: Panoramic Boundary Waters Views & Direct Moose Lake Access on 5 July 2027 start from NZ$3,008, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Hilltop Cabin: Panoramic Boundary Waters Views & Direct Moose Lake Access?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Hilltop Cabin: Panoramic Boundary Waters Views & Direct Moose Lake Access?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Hilltop Cabin: Panoramic Boundary Waters Views & Direct Moose Lake Access?
Checkout is at 10:30 AM.
Where is Hilltop Cabin: Panoramic Boundary Waters Views & Direct Moose Lake Access located?
Situated on a lake, this cabin is within 1 mile (2 km) of Superior National Forest and Secret Blackstone Trailhead. The Lodge and Flash Lake are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Cabin was perfect with a beautiful view. Willy was awesome and got us permits to go to basswood lake. He gave us guidance on where to fish and always made sure we had everything we needed for a great trip. Can't wait to go back again!
Jill Z.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Jeremy B.
6 July 2017
Amazing view!
We had a great family vacation in this cabin. There is plenty of open space. It was clean, quiet, and very comfortable. The view of Moose Lake from the sun porch is spectacular. The entire staff is super helpful and friendly. The dock space is setup very well and it was so nice to have bait, ice, and a fish cleaning house right off the dock. A+
Jeremy B.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 3 April 2020
Thank you for the kind response. We enjoyed having your group over the 4th of July holiday. We look forward to seeing you again in the future.
Sincerely,
Custom Cabin Rentals
Nice to escape the craziness of COVID-19
Was a wonderful place to vacation
Fishing wasn’t the best but lots of fun boating, canoeing, swimming and hiking
Overall an amazing stay! Great view of Moose Lake and friendly management to work with. Our group had six adults, two dogs, and one toddler which the cabin accommodated nicely. Plenty of fans to keep the cabin cool, although its proximity to the lake also kept the cabin from getting too warm. The highlight for me was the large screened-in porch that was awesome for sharing stories with friends while listening to the sounds of Northern Minnesota!
Christian L.
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Marcia B.
1 October 2018
Wonderful cabin, porch view hard to beat, helpful owners.
Wonderful cabin with screen porch overlooking expansive view of moose lake. Owners very nice and helpful. Plan to return sometime in the future.
Marcia B.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Robyn A.
9 September 2015
Great family location close to the BWCA
Nice cabin (number 8) with plenty of room for a family of 4 and a beautiful view of Moose Lake. Willy was very helpful at the waterfont. 20 minutes from Ely so easy to get into town to grab extra supplies. Will return!
Robyn A.
Response from VrboOwner on 3 April 2020
We were glad to have your family and dog, Ginger, join us for a few days at the end of summer. We look forward to seeing you again in August.
About the host
Hosted by Owner / Manager
We’re a family-run business based just outside Ely, Minnesota, with a long history of helping guests experience the beauty and solitude of the Northwoods.
For generations, we’ve shared our love of fishing, paddling, and quiet mornings on Moose Lake with families and friends who return year after year. Hosting gives us the chance to introduce new guests to the rhythm of the wilderness—slow mornings, sunset paddles, and time together that’s uninterrupted by screens or schedules.
Why they chose this property
Moose Lake sits at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and looks directly across the water into Canada’s Quetico Provincial Park. It’s remote enough to feel truly wild, yet still accessible by car—making it one of the few places where you can launch into protected wilderness within minutes of your doorstep.
We chose this location because of its stunning views, peaceful atmosphere, and direct access to canoe routes and world-class fishing. The surrounding neighborhood is made up of a small collection of cabins, outfitters, and local homes, creating a quiet, respectful community of people who value nature and adventure. Whether you’re waking up to the sound of loons, paddling into the BWCA, or watching the northern lights from the screened porch, this is a place where you can disconnect from the noise and reconnect with what matters.
What makes this property unique
Hilltop Cabin sits at the highest point on Moose Lake, offering unmatched views of the surrounding forest and waters of the BWCAW. What truly sets this cabin apart is its blend of history, character, and access: it features reclaimed doors and windows from Ely’s historic Lincoln School, giving it a nostalgic charm you won’t find anywhere else.
Guests love the large screened-in porch with vaulted ceilings—the perfect place to relax, reflect, or watch the sun rise over the water. The cabin comfortably sleeps up to eight and includes modern amenities, cozy furnishings, and full access to the services of our family-run resort. It’s rare to find a place that offers both the solitude of the Northwoods and the convenience of on-site support—from boat rentals to expert local advice. Whether you’re here to paddle, fish, or unwind, Hilltop offers a truly memorable experience.