Cabin
Hilltop Cabin – Scenic BWCA Lookout with Historic Charm & Resort Amenities
Photo gallery for Hilltop Cabin – Scenic BWCA Lookout with Historic Charm & Resort Amenities





Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms 1+ bathroom Sleeps 8
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Ely, MN
- Superior National Forest1 min walk
- Secret Blackstone Trailhead18 min walk
- The Lodge5 min drive
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)
Master Bedroom
1 Queen Bed
North Side of Split Loft
3 Single Beds
South Side of Split Loft
3 Single Beds
1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom
Downstairs Full Bath
Toilet · Shower only
Upstairs Half Bath
Toilet
Spaces
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area
About this property
Hilltop Cabin – Scenic BWCA Lookout with Historic Charm & Resort Amenities
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.
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.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Parking available
Barbecue
Lake view
Have a question?
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties

Cozy Cabin with Stunning Lake View and Direct Access to the BWCA in Ely, MN
Cozy Cabin with Stunning Lake View and Direct Access to the BWCA in Ely, MN
- Pool
- Kitchen
- Pet-friendly
- Free WiFi
9.6 out of 10, (5 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 10:30 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Children welcome
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed
Pets considered
Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Smoking allowed
Important information
You need to know
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
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
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. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Ely, MN
What's nearby
- Superior National Forest - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
- Secret Blackstone Trailhead - 18 min walk - 1.6 km
- The Lodge - 5 min drive - 2.2 km
- International Wolf Center - 35 min drive - 36.0 km
- White Iron Lake - 36 min drive - 34.6 km
Getting around
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
Languages:
English
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback