Cozy Cabin with Stunning Lake View and Direct Access to the BWCA in Ely, MN

The Rookery at Vosburgh’s Custom Cabin Rentals is a peaceful, light-filled retreat tucked along the shoreline of Moose Lake—offering direct access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and unforgettable views into Canada’s Quetico Provincial Park. This two-bedroom cabin is one of the most beloved at our resort, blending rustic charm with modern comfort and serving as the perfect base for paddling adventures, fishing trips, and peaceful escapes into the Northwoods.

For over 50 years, Vosburgh’s Custom Cabin Rentals has welcomed generations of guests to this quiet stretch of wilderness just outside Ely, Minnesota. As one of the few remaining resorts with direct BWCA access, we take pride in offering not only cozy cabins and boat rentals but also deep local knowledge and personalized support to help guests get the most out of their time in the Northwoods.

The Rookery 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 swimming, and 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 day trip paddle and hiking suggestions to help plan your adventure.

Inside The Rookery, guests will find two private bedrooms—one with a queen bed and one with two twin beds—plus a full bathroom with a shower. The open-concept kitchen and living area features a fully equipped kitchen with a stove, refrigerator, oven, microwave, coffee maker, and cookware. A free-standing wood-burning fireplace adds warmth on cool nights, while wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows bring in stunning natural light and uninterrupted lake views. All linens and blankets are provided; guests should bring their own kitchen and bath towels.

As part of the resort, The Rookery includes access to our dock, boat house, and fish cleaning house. Weekly rentals include a 16-foot Lund fishing boat with swivel seats. Additional options include 25 hp electric start/trim motor rentals ($375/week or $75/day), canoes, trolling motors, depth finders, and live bait. Guests are also welcome to bring their own 25 hp motor or smaller.

Starlink WiFi is available in the boat house, with limited access in the cabin—making The Rookery a great spot to unplug and reconnect with nature. Cell service may be limited. Free parking is available on site. Pets are welcome but must be watched at all times and not left unattended in the cabin. Smoking is not allowed indoors.

From your doorstep, you can fish for walleye, lake trout, smallmouth bass, and northern pike, launch a canoe into the BWCA, or sit quietly and watch for loons, otters, moose, and eagles. Evenings invite campfires, star-filled skies, and peaceful quiet. The cabin is available May through October. Additional local and state lodging taxes not collected through VRBO may be due at check-in. Minimum stays may apply during peak seasons.

Inquire directly about the procurement and availability of BWCA permits.

The cabin gets its name from the nearby bird colonies—or “rookeries”—that thrive in this area. Like its namesake, The Rookery is a place to nest, rest, and reconnect with what matters. Whether you’re here for adventure or tranquility, The Rookery offers a true Northwoods experience that brings guests back year after year.