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

Ely, Minnesota
$379 avg/night
Bed 3

Bed

Bath 1

Bath

Home Cabin

Property Type

Sleep 8

Max Sleeps

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 familieslooking 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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  • Feature Features
  • Map Map
  • School District Rates & Availability
  • Review Review

Feature Features

  • PETS

    Pet Friendly
  • SAFETY

    Carbon Monoxide Detector Not Reported (host Has Not Indicated Whether There Is A Carbon Monoxide Detector On The Property; Consider Bringing A Portable Detector) Smoke Detector Not Reported (host Has Not Indicated Whether There Is A Smoke Detector On The Property)
  • BEDROOM

    3 Bedrooms Bed Sheets Provided
  • GENERAL

    Recycling
  • KITCHEN

    Coffee/tea Maker Cookware/dishes/utensils Microwave Oven Paper Towels Refrigerator Stovetop Toaster
  • LAUNDRY

    Near Laundromat
  • PARKING

    Onsite Parking
  • INTERNET

    Free WiFi
  • OUTDOORS

    Barbecue Grill Porch Or Lanai
  • BATHROOMS

    1.5 Bathrooms Shower Soap Toilet Paper
  • LANGS SPOKEN

    English
  • THINGS TO DO

    Birdwatching Nearby Boat On Site Cycling Nearby Fishing Nearby Fitness Facilities Nearby Golf Nearby Hiking/biking Trails Nearby Hunting Nearby Kayak On Site Power Boating Nearby Rock Climbing Nearby Wildlife And Game Walks Nearby
  • LIVING SPACES

    Fireplace Living Room Wood Stove
  • LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS

    In A Rural Location Near A Health Or Beauty Spa Near A Hospital On The Lake
  • SUITABILITY/ACCESSIBILITY

    Designated Smoking Areas Handrails In Stairways Hardwood Flooring In Public Areas If You Have Requests For Specific Accessibility Needs, Please Contact The Property Using The Information On The Reservation Confirmation Received After Booking. No Elevators Note From Host: Smoking Allowed Thin Carpet In Public Areas Upper Floors Accessible By Stairs Only

CheckIn Check-in : 02:00 PM CheckOut Check-out : 10:30 AM
No Wheelchair No smoking No pets Children allowed
Occupancy Max occupancy : 8

Map Map

School District Rates & Availability

Review Review

  • Jill Z.

    Submitted Sep 22, 2023

    Stayed Sep 9, 2023

    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!

  • shoan l.

    Submitted Sep 26, 2022

    Stayed Sep 16, 2022

    The management and courtesy of staff was the best. They were always available and helpful

  • Peggy S.

    Submitted Aug 11, 2020

    Stayed Aug 2, 2020

    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

  • Kristian B.

    Submitted Sep 2, 2019

    Stayed Aug 16, 2019

    We had a great time here and would love to come back sometime.

  • Christian L.

    Submitted Jul 9, 2019

    Stayed Dec 31, 1969

    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!

  • Marcia B.

    Submitted Oct 1, 2018

    Stayed Sep 22, 2018

    Wonderful cabin with screen porch overlooking expansive view of moose lake. Owners very nice and helpful. Plan to return sometime in the future.

  • Jeremy B.

    Submitted Jul 6, 2017

    Stayed Jul 1, 2017

    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+

  • Robyn A.

    Submitted Sep 9, 2015

    Stayed Dec 31, 1969

    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!

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Total

Includes taxes and fees
$379+
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