North of North features three modern cabins, each designed for comfort, style, and privacy. Surrounded by towering trees and serene landscapes, the cabins blend rustic charm with sleek, contemporary finishes. Inside, spacious open layouts and large windows offer stunning views of the Superior National Forest and Birch Lake. Sleep soundly on DreamCloud mattresses, relax on oversized sectional sofas, and unwind in screened-in porches. Rejuvenate in private barrel saunas and enjoy all the amenities of home, including tile showers, on-suite laundry, radiant in-floor heating, high-speed internet, and private lakeview decks with grills and firepits. Each cabin sleeps up to eight and all three cabins have the same layout.
The Kawishiwi Cabin
The Kawishiwi Cabin takes its name from the Anishinaabe Ojibwe language, meaning "the river full of beavers' houses," referring to the waters that flow through and into Birch Lake. This area has been home to the Anishinabe people for centuries, with the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa (Ojibwe) being the original stewards of this land. The Kawishiwi Cabin serves as a land acknowledgment, honoring the Native American heritage and history that shaped the region. With its light, airy ambiance and rustic whitewashed finishes, the cabin invites guests to reflect on the deep Native American legacy and the enduring connection to the land in northern Minnesota.
The Pioneer Cabin
The Pioneer Cabin draws inspiration from the rich heritage of Ely, shaped by Finnish, Slavic, and Italian immigrants who arrived during the Lake Vermilion Gold Rush in the 1860s. While gold was scarce, the discovery of vast iron ore deposits led to the establishment of the Pioneer Mine, once considered the richest underground mine in Minnesota. Operating from 1889 to 1967, the mine played a pivotal role in supplying iron ore during World War II, helping fuel the war effort. Along with logging, mining played a significant role in shaping the development of the area. This cabin, a tribute to the spirit of those early settlers and the region’s industrious past, combines classic white pine and cedar finishes with warm, inviting tones, creating a comfortable retreat that reflects both history and charm.
The Steward Cabin
The Steward Cabin draws its inspiration from the visionary Wilderness Preservation Act of 1964 and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Act of 1978, monumental pieces of legislation that forever safeguarded the vast, pristine expanse of the BWCA. Finished with American Red Cedar and sugi-ban accents, this modern and sleek cabin will move you to reconnect with nature in the most profound way. Its harmonious blend of timeless craftsmanship and contemporary design invites you to unwind, rejuvenate, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the wilderness, all while honoring the spirit of stewardship that protected this land for future generations.
