Birch Lake is a multi-species angling paradise! With 90 miles of shoreline and over 7,000 acres, the extreme and casual angler alike can spend countless hours on the water pursuing walleye, smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, crappie, perch, bluegill, and just about everything else that swims the big lakes of Northern Minnesota.

North of North is situated at the outlet of the Kawishiwi River, which holds excellent populations of all the primary game species in a relatively narrow portion of the lake. Look to rock humps, weed edges, and current seams for biting fish. Heading South towards the city of Babbitt, Minnesota, the lake becomes much larger with islands and bays around every corner. Here, anglers generally have the best luck fishing mid-lake structures like rock piles and submerged islands, bays with tributaries, mud flats, and of course shoreline structures like downed trees, boulders, and rock shelves.

Park your boat or canoe right at the North of North dock when the fishing day is over and enjoy a fish fry right in your own cabin! The most recent MN DNR survey of Birch Lake found walleyes ranging from 7 to 30 inches, so whether you’re looking for the next wall hanger or shore lunch with friends and family, you can find it all here at North of North Resort!

Ely is home to a number of bait shops including Arrowhead Outdoors and Voyageur North Outfitters, both of which can set you up with bait, tackle, and the latest fishing reports!

Launch your canoe or kayak right from the resort and enter a paddler’s paradise. Birch Lake stretches for miles with over 90 miles of forested shoreline, winding bays, and quiet inlets—perfect for peaceful morning floats, afternoon explorations, or full-day adventures. The lake’s limited motor traffic and serene waters make it ideal for paddlers of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned Boundary Waters travelers.

If you’re ready to venture further into the wilderness, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) is just a short paddle from the resort. Head out for a self-guided day trip or plan a night under the stars in one of the most iconic and protected wilderness areas in North America. Listen for the call of loons, spot eagles soaring overhead, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a moose wading in the shallows or moving quietly through the trees along the shoreline.

Guests are welcome to rent a canoe directly from the resort for quick day trips on Birch Lake or short paddles into the BWCA. For longer adventures or specialty gear, enjoy a 10% discount on canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals from Piragis Northwoods Company. Whether you're paddling for the first time or returning to a favorite route, we’ll help make your journey seamless, scenic, and unforgettable.

When the sun sets over Birch Lake, the real show begins. With no city lights to dim the brilliance of the night sky, North of North Resort offers a stargazing experience like no other. Step onto the boardwalk, breathe in the crisp evening air, and watch as shooting stars streak overhead. Trace constellations with the kids as the Milky Way stretches across the sky, casting a soft glow over the calm waters.

To make the most of your stargazing adventure, check the moon phase calendar when booking your stay. New moon nights offer the darkest skies, the brightest stars, and best chance to see the milky way- while a full moon transforms the lake into a silver mirror. Align your visit with celestial events like meteor showers, lunar eclipses, and solar storms for an unforgettable North of North experience.

(photo by Chris Ellerbroek)

Step into the wild beauty of the Superior National Forest with miles of hiking trails just minutes from your cabin. Explore peaceful pine forests and majestic waterfalls, discover rocky overlooks with sweeping views, while taking in the raw beauty of the Kawishiwi Falls Trail, Bass Lake Trail, Trezona Trail, Secret/Blackstone loop, and a number of others. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly stroll or a rugged day hike, the Ely area has something for everyone.

The Trezona Trail offers a 3.9-mile loop around Miner's Lake, showcasing historic mining sites and scenic lake views. For a more challenging adventure, the Secret/Blackstone Trail features moderate terrain with steep hills, leading to breathtaking vistas overlooking Ennis Lake and small waterfalls. The Kawishiwi Falls Trail is a 1.5-mile round-trip hike that rewards with stunning views of the 70-foot Kawishiwi Falls.

Before heading out, you can find trail maps and detailed information online through the Ely Chamber of Commerce or in person at Ely’s local visitor center. Let us know if you want recommendations—we’re happy to help plan your ideal excursion.

Birch Lake and the surrounding Superior National Forest are home to an incredible variety of wildlife, offering unforgettable opportunities for nature lovers of all ages. Early mornings and quiet evenings are the best times to spot bald eagles soaring overhead, loons calling across the lake, or otters and beavers playing near the shoreline. Keep your eyes peeled for porcupines, martens, mink, and foxes—just a few of the 50+ mammal species that inhabit the Boundary Waters region.

Moose are occasionally seen wandering along the shoreline or deep in the woods, and with a little luck, you may even glimpse a black bear or one of the elusive timberwolves—the area boasts the highest concentration of wolves in the lower 48 states.

Bird enthusiasts will be thrilled with the diversity: more than 150 bird species breed in the region, and over 200 have been observed throughout the seasons. Our lakeside boardwalk is an ideal spot to see red-winged blackbirds, great blue herons, and a variety of ducks and waterfowl. Summer mornings fill the air with the songs of warblers, vireos, and boreal chickadees, while winter may bring sightings of rare northern visitors like great gray owls, boreal owls, and pine grosbeaks.

In total, the region supports over 50 mammals, 200 bird species, 7 types of reptiles, and 12 species of amphibians. Bring your binoculars, camera, and sense of curiosity. For those interested, bird checklists are available at the Ely Chamber of Commerce to help track your sightings and deepen your appreciation of this vibrant ecosystem.

With the Superior National Forest stretching in every direction and thousands of acres of public land just across Highway 1, North of North Resort offers prime access to some of the best hunting grounds in northern Minnesota. Whether you’re pursuing rough and spruce grouse, woodcock, white tailed deer, black bear, small game, or waterfowl, the expansive forests and waters offer plentiful opportunities for hunters.

This part of the state is known for its rich and varied terrain—glacial ridges, alder thickets, aspen stands, and wetland edges—creating ideal conditions for upland and big game hunting alike. Grouse hunters will especially appreciate the dense cover and ever-changing habitat within walking distance of the resort. For those who prefer to explore deeper into the forest, a network of logging roads, trails, and backcountry paths offer access to remote areas and new territory to scout each day.

Whether you’re here for a weekend hunt or a weeklong expedition with friends, North of North is your basecamp for wilderness adventure—with comfort waiting at the end of the trail.

The Ely area offers incredible terrain for mountain biking, with routes ranging from easy gravel roads to rugged backcountry trails—perfect for both casual riders and adventure seekers. Just minutes from North of North Resort, you’ll find miles of trails.

Ride the loops at Hidden Valley Recreation Area for a classic, wooded singletrack experience, or venture farther into the wild on forest roads near Fernberg, Fenske Lake, or the Nickel Lake area. These routes take you past secluded lakes, over beaver dams, and through a mix of pine stands, bogs, and old granite quarry sites. The ever-changing terrain—from jack pine ridges to black spruce lowlands—offers not only great riding but also excellent chances to spot deer, moose, or even a fox crossing the trail.

More casual riders may enjoy the paved Terzona Trail Loop and Mesabi Trail. With such varied options, the Ely area has become a Minnesota hotspot for mountain biking, gravel riding, and scenic paved trail riding.

North of North Resort offers direct access to Minnesota’s premier ATV trails—the Prospector Trail System. With more than 250 miles of signed and maintained trails stretching through the Superior National Forest, riders can explore remote logging roads, scenic river crossings, and rugged forest paths that link Ely with Babbitt, Embarrass, Tower, the Northshore, and beyond.

Routes vary from wide gravel roads to narrower forest tracks. One particularly scenic ride heads east from Ely just a couple miles from the resort, crossing a steel bridge over the Kawishiwi River near the edge of the BWCA and winding past lakes, picnic stops, and sections of recovering burn zone from the 2021 Greenwood Fire.

The trail system offers incredible terrain and the chance to spot wildlife along the way.  ATV rentals and delivery are available locally at Your Boat Club in Ely.

Just minutes from North of North Resort, Ely is a vibrant town rich in culture and outdoor adventure. Wander streets filled with local outfitters offering quality outdoor gear and unique handmade goods, alongside art galleries showcasing the work of talented local artists and photographers. Discover boutique shops with everything from cozy Boundary Waters-inspired clothing to artisan gifts and specialty sauna accessories.

For wildlife enthusiasts, the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center provide unforgettable, close-up encounters with iconic Northwoods animals. Explore creativity and hands-on learning at the Ely Folk School, where classes and workshops connect you to local crafts and culture. After a day of adventure or relaxation at the resort, enjoy Ely’s warm hospitality, delicious dining, and friendly community for the perfect Northern Minnesota experience.

Spend a carefree day on the water with a pontoon rental—perfect for family outings, fishing trips, or lazy afternoon cruises. Through our partnership with Your Boat Club, guests at North of North Resort can have a fully equipped pontoon delivered for easy lake access.

Birch Lake stretches out with winding bays, forested islands, and quiet coves—ideal for exploring, anchoring for a swim, or simply drifting under the summer sun. Your Boat Club is a trusted local partner, known for top-notch service and reliability. To reserve a pontoon for your stay, simply call Your Boat Club in Ely and mention you're staying at North of North Resort for a 10 percent discount—they’ll take care of the rest.

For those who want to dive deeper into the Northwoods experience, guided adventures are a great way to explore the area with confidence. Whether you’re looking to chase trophy walleye and northern pike, paddle into the Boundary Waters for a peaceful day trip, or learn the ropes of backcountry camping, expert guides can take the guesswork out of your adventure.

We work with trusted local outfitters like Cast Outdoor Adventures and Piragis Northwoods Company, who know these lakes, trails, and fishing holes like the back of their hand. From half-day excursions to overnight trips, these guided experiences are ideal for beginners, families, or anyone looking to discover more of what makes this wilderness so special.

(photo by Chris Ellerbroek)

Start your winter adventure right from the resort on Birch Lake, or take a short trip to explore the snowshoeing and skiing trails at the Kawishiwi Pines Scientific and Natural Area, and enjoy the groomed trails at Hidden Valley and Birch Lake Pine Plantation—perfect for families, beginners, and seasoned adventurers alike!

As a guest of North of North Resort, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to a 10% discount on snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals at Piragis Outfitters. 

Experience the magic of dogsledding in the BWCA—a must-do adventure for your bucket list! Step out from North of North Resort and let the dogs guide you through miles of pristine wilderness, all the way into the heart of the BWCA. With no motors allowed, you’ll glide across frozen lakes, rivers, and forest trails, immersing yourself in the peaceful solitude of winter’s beauty. And when the adventure ends, the dogs will bring you right back to the warmth and comfort of the resort.

As a guest of North of North Resort, you’ll enjoy an exclusive 10% discount with Cast Outdoor Adventures, our trusted dogsledding partner that will make this once-in-a-lifetime experience even more unforgettable!

Make your big fish dreams come true on Birch Lake! Birch Lake is a fisherman’s paradise, known for its trophy Walleye and Northern Pike with Pike especially active in the winter. Rated by the Minnesota DNR as one of the state’s top Walleye lakes, but also home to black crappies, bluegills, perch, and smallmouth bass.

No Icehouse? No Gear? No Problem! - We’ve got you covered! Get set up with discounted rentals on everything you need—icehouses, augers, gear, and even guides—from Boundary Waters Outfitters and Ely Snobear. Just show up and start fishing!

The Ely area is home to some of the best snowmobile trails in the country, including the Tomahawk Trail, rated a top-10 trail nationwide by Supertrax! From the Stony Spur to Babbitt, the Fishing Lakes Trail, Taconite Trail, North Shore Trail, and Arrowhead Trail, you’ll have hundreds of miles of well-groomed trails right at your doorstep—just waiting to be explored from North of North Resort.

Don’t have your own sled? No problem! Nearby snowmobile rentals from Lossings Power Sports let you make fresh tracks in the powder and embrace the thrill of winter in an epic wilderness setting.