Hilltop Cabin at Vosburgh’s Custom Cabin Rentals is one of Moose Lake’s most iconic stays—set at the highest elevation on the property with sweeping views of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). With its elevated perch, vintage charm, and access to all the resort amenities, Hilltop is ideal for families, paddlers, anglers, and anyone looking for a peaceful Northwoods retreat with a direct wilderness connection.
Hilltop is a wonderful option for families looking to share the magic of the Boundary Waters with their children—while still enjoying the comfort and ease of cabin life. With many nearby day trip paddle routes, including the popular Lake One loop, it's an ideal home base for introducing kids to canoe country. Moose Lake is excellent for fishing and swimming; children love jumping off our docks. While we don’t have a pool, the lake provides plenty of fun and refreshment. Our website offers additional nearby day trip paddle and hiking suggestions to help plan your adventure.
Designed to blend rustic character with comfort, Hilltop features a large screened-in porch with vaulted ceilings—perfect for morning coffee, evening card games, or simply soaking in the panoramic view of the lake and surrounding forest. Inside, this 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath cabin comfortably sleeps up to 8 guests. The main level includes one private queen bedroom and a half bath, while the spacious split loft upstairs offers six twin beds (three on each side) and an additional bathroom for convenience.
What makes this cabin especially unique are the windows and doors—reclaimed from Ely’s historic Lincoln School—which give the space a nostalgic, handcrafted feel that sets it apart from typical Northwoods rentals. It’s a cabin full of stories, designed for making new ones.
For over 50 years, Vosburgh’s has been a family-owned and operated resort, welcoming generations of wilderness lovers, BWCA paddlers, and dedicated anglers. As one of the last remaining resorts with direct access to the BWCAW, we offer both the serenity of remote forest living and the support of a well-equipped basecamp. From maps and outfitting tips to live bait and motor rentals, we’re here to help you make the most of your time in the Ely area.
Weekly Hilltop rentals include a 16-foot Lund fishing boat with swivel seats. You’re welcome to bring your own 25 hp motor or rent one from us (25hp electric start/trim motors available for $375/week or $75/day). Other rental options include depth finders, canoes, trolling motors, and more. Guests have access to our fish cleaning house, boat launch, docks, and boathouse with Starlink WiFi. Please note that in-cabin WiFi is intermittent—making Hilltop a great place to unplug and reset.
Firewood for the cabin’s wood stove is provided, and all linens and blankets are included (please bring your own kitchen and bath towels). Well-behaved pets are welcome with prior approval but must not be left unattended in the cabin. Smoking is not permitted indoors.
Hilltop is available for rent from May through October. Additional state and local lodging taxes not collected by VRBO will be due at check-in. Minimum stay requirements may apply during peak dates.
Inquire directly about the procurement and availability of BWCA permits.
Whether you’re heading out into the BWCA, fishing the clear waters of Moose Lake, or simply enjoying sunset views from your perch above it all, Hilltop offers an unforgettable mix of history, wilderness, and comfort. Book your stay today and see why guests return to Vosburgh’s year after year.
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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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
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 rock climbing and hiking/biking trails.
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
White Iron Lake - 26 min drive - 34.6 km
Eagles Nest Lake Number Three - 46 min drive - 67.6 km
Getting around
Hibbing, MN (HIB-Chisholm-Hibbing) - 121 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Hilltop Cabin – Scenic BWCA Lookout with Historic Charm & Resort Amenities pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Hilltop Cabin – Scenic BWCA Lookout with Historic Charm & Resort Amenities?
As of 10 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hilltop Cabin – Scenic BWCA Lookout with Historic Charm & Resort Amenities on 16 May 2026 start from NZ$555, 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 – Scenic BWCA Lookout with Historic Charm & Resort Amenities?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Hilltop Cabin – Scenic BWCA Lookout with Historic Charm & Resort Amenities?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Hilltop Cabin – Scenic BWCA Lookout with Historic Charm & Resort Amenities?
Checkout is at 10:30 AM.
Where is Hilltop Cabin – Scenic BWCA Lookout with Historic Charm & Resort Amenities 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
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.