Burntside Lake Sunset
Why visit Burntside Lake
Of the 10,000 plus beautiful lakes in Minnesota, Burntside Lake is one you need to visit. It is a clear lake with depths reaching 126' that borders the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Over 120 islands cover its waters providing landmarks and scenic rock formations. With over 7000 acres, the lake stretches 10 miles from East to West and 10 miles from the West end to the North Arm. While Burntside is one of the most popular lakes in the Ely, MN area, the northern shore of the lake is mostly wilderness. You will be able to find seclusion and quiet amidst the rocky islands covered in pines.
Boat on Burntside Lake
Burntside Lake Lodging
From historic lodges and cabins to rustic campsites, there is a place for everyone and every budget on Burntside Lake. Instead of staying at a traditional lake resort, my preference is to rent a cabin. I find that the short term rental cabins are more up to date and I prefer having my own place to relax.
There are several cabins for rent on the lake. I have reviewed them all and provided my top recommendations. For more listings please visit vrbo.com.
Here are some amenities to consider as you decide where to stay:
A Sauna is a staple in northern Minnesota, but not every cabin or resort provides this. For me a sauna is an essential part of visiting Burntside Lake.
Swimming Beaches are especially nice for families with children. The lake is very rocky with steep drop-offs. Picking a lodging option with a sandy beach and a gradual drop-off may be the best option for families.
Boating is essential to enjoying the lake. Some cabins offer canoes or kayaks, but most do not offer motor boat rentals. The resorts on the lake have rental options for their customers. Making sure you have the right boating accomodations may be just as important as choosing the right cabin.
Burntside Lake Cabins
The Four Seasons Log Cabin on the East Side
Image Credit: Stunning 4 Season Lake Burntside Log Cabin by vrbo.com
Cabin Details
2 Bedroom / 2 Bath, 1700 sq ft
Sleeps 10
No Pets Allowed
Kayak Included with Rental
Sauna
Dock
Rockside Cabin on the East Side
Image Credit: Burntside Lake- Lake Home, Cabin & Sauna Come And Enjoy The Beauty And Wildlife by www.vrbo.com
Cabin Details
4 Bedroom / 3 Bath, 2104 sq ft
Sleeps 10
No Pets Allowed
Canoe Included with Rental
Sauna
Dock
Sandy Beach
Cozy East End Cottage
Image Credit: Superb 2 Bedroom Cabin Burntside Lake by www.vrbo.com
Cabin Details
2 Bedroom / 1.5 Bath
Sleeps 4
No Pets Allowed
No Sauna
Dock
Small Sandy Beach
Burntside Lake Resorts
Burntside Lodge:
Burntside Lodge is one of my favorite places to visit. It is the lake's premier historic lodge from the early 1900's. The grounds are breath taking. Burntside Lodge has been featured in Midwestern Living, National Geographic, and Real Simple Travel to name a few. The dining at Burntside Lodge has been limited for the last few years, but it does have a beautiful eating area overlooking the bay. The lodge has its own marina where you can rent or park your own boat. The cabins are quaint with historic charm. Ammenities include a Sauna, Swim Area, Fitness Area, and boats for their guests to rent.
Camp Van Vac:
Camp Van Vac on Burntside Lake in Ely, MN, delivers an enchanting lakeside retreat with its charming cabins and natural surroundings. The cozy accommodations are rustic and lack modern comforts. It is a serene haven for those seeking a peaceful escape. With its picturesque setting and a variety of outdoor activities, Camp Van Vac proves to be a delightful destination for nature lovers and those yearning for a tranquil getaway in the heart of Minnesota's wilderness. They offer their guests boat rentals and a 90 year old sauna. The staff is friendly and hospitable.
Tamarack Resort:
The Tamarack Resort is a more rustic and affordable stay with plenty of character. Their guest reviews are hit or miss. Those that enjoy the resort are looking for the basics - naturalists and fishermen. Those that are looking forward to an updated cabin do not enjoy their stay. I have not spent to much time at the resort, but this is in line with what I've heard. A big plus is that they offer boats for their guests to rent. If you do not need the bells and whistles and want an affordable place to stay - Tamarck Resort is a good place to consider.
Burntside Lake Campsites
The most cost effective way to visit Lake Burntside is to paddle or boat to its primitive Superior National Forest campsites on the north side or in the Twin Lakes. These sites are first come first serve, so there are no gauruntees that they will be available. Since they are outside of the Boundary Waters, you do not need a permit for them. Typically they have a fire circle, a latrine, and a clearing for a tent.
Google Maps: Superior National Forest Campsites on Burntside Lake
How to Fish Burntside Lake
Burntside Lake is home to many species of fish including Small Mouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Lake Trout, and Rock Bass. Rainbow Smelt, an invasive baitfish, is plentiful and so the fish get quite large. With bellies full of smelt, the fish can sometimes be difficult to catch. Before you head out, it is important to understand the fish you want to target. My favorite fish to target in Burntside is Northern Pike and big Small Mouth Bass. Here are a few tips to fishing Burntside Lake.
Target Small Mouth and Rock Bass with a slip knot bobber rigged with a leech or night crawler. If you are fishing with kids, this is a must. The Small Mouth are typically 8-20 feet off of rock piles and structure. A clip on bobber will not be capable of reaching the required depth to trigger bites.
Target Northern Pike and big Small Mouth Bass with spinner baits or spoons in areas with water vegetation 5-15 feet deep. The largest Northern Pike caught in Burntside was near the Dead River mouth. Finding vegetation in Burntside can be difficult since it has a rocky bottom, but I have found success near the mouths of Dead River, Crab Creek, Tamarack Creek and some of the bays in between.
Target Northern Pike and Small Mouth Bass dropping a jig along a steep drop off. Burntside Lake has steep drop offs and cliffs. Often the fish sit 8-25 feet deep on this structure. Dropping a jig along the drop off and letting it sink along the steep banks can trigger bites and avoid snags on the rocky bottom.
Troll for Lake Trout on the South Side of Long Island and Dollar Island. I am not a Lake Trout angler, but this is where I see my neighbors fishing for Lake Trout. Targeting Lake Trout is tough but I have seen some pretty big ones hanging on my neighbors wall.
Iconic and Historical Places to Visit on Lake Burntside
Burntside Lake is a beautiful place to cruise around and enjoy wildlife and nature. The lake is full of history and there are a few landmarks that are fun to see. Here are a few places I take newcomers when they visit Burntside Lake.
Lockhart Island: Swimming and Rock Jumping Area
The most popular swimming hole on the lake is Lockhart Island. Visitors enjoy the clear crisp water and the brave jump off the island's cliff. Boundary Voyage does not condone or recommend cliff jumping. Any cliff jumping activity should be done in accordance with the law. Cliff jumping is dangerous and you are responsible for your own actions and safety.
Lockhart Island Swimming Hole
Google Maps: Lockhart Island Swimming Hole
Sunken Steam Boat with Smoke Stack Sticking Out of the Water
The Bull of the Woods Logging Scowl was sunk on the West Side of Burntside Lake. This historic site is fun to see. The old steam boat was used for logging in the early 1900s. This is one of my favorite places to cruise by on a pontoon boat. Make sure to keep your boat away from the sunken vessel in order to preserve the historic site.
Google Maps: Bull of the Woods Logging Scow
Listening Point
The famous conservationalist Sigurd Olson who authored Listening Point found his inspiration on Lake Burntside. His cabin is also a historic site on a penisula named, Listening Point. Tours can be arranged through the Listening Point Foundation. This special place is another fun place to cruise by and also is a good place to fish.
Google Maps: Listening Point
Taking a Sauna and Star Gazing on Burntside Lake
Besides fishing and water skiing, taking a sauna under the stars and sometimes under the northern lights is my favorite thing. The sauna's are typically near the lake shore because once you have reached your limit in the hot sauna, it's time to jump into the lake! There is nothing more refreshing then rinsing off in the cold water and gazing at the stars after a hot sauna. I typically sauna and then jump into the lake 3 times before going to bed. If you have never done this, it's a must. You will be amazingly refreshed and sleep like a baby afterwards.
The Northern Lights During a Midnight Sauna, Long Island and Dollar Island in the Distance