Location: Isabella, Northeast, Minnesota, USA (Isabella; between Ely and Lake Superior on scenic Highway 1)
Accommodations: House, 4 Bedrooms + Loft, 2 Baths (Sleeps 10)
Keywords: Home
This property is located on a small quiet lake in the heart of Superior National Forest, only 4 miles from the southern boundary of the B.W.C.A. Big red and white pines dot the premises, providing nesting habitat for the eagles that make their homes here. This hand scribed full log house has a genuine "Northwoods" feel to it. A fully vaulted main room faces the lake, bringing the outdoors right in through a full wall of glass. The loft offers a special place for kids or adults to have their own space up in the treetops. Spectacular sunsets can be enjoyed from the living room, the deck or better yet a canoe. A gas fireplace completes the relaxed ambiance.
For those who enjoy nature and being close to it, this is the ideal vacation spot. Due to being one of the more remote areas of Superior National Forest, many types of wildlife are present. Moose especially like this area, and on occasion can be seen swimming in the lake. Timber wolves, great horned owls, foxes, fishers, and other "shy" forest creatures are seen and heard, often at unexpected times. It has been said that there is more wilderness right here than in the B.W.C.A. and they maybe right. The surrounding area is very sparsely populated and offers many opportunities for exploring. The U.S. Forest Service maintains a number of hiking trails, picnic areas and public accesses to lakes large and small. Day trips to the B.W.C.A. wilderness are also a possibility.
If you are looking for a "self-directed" type of vacation, this is it. Lake Gegoka offers good fishing (especially for northerns), canoeing and swimming. Our canoes, 14ft fishing boat and 2 person paddle boat provide a number of ways to explore the lake and are included in the rental price. The lakeside campfire ring is the perfect place to pull up a chair, make s'mores and relax at the end of the day. Lake Gegoka is a shallow lake and warms up quickly. Close by is a public swimming beach on Flathorn Lake which is much cooler. There is a very scenic hiking trail around the lake and also a public picnic area.
Lake Superior's North Shore is only about 30 minutes away and provides yet another day's activities, including the Superior Hiking Trail. Going in the other direction, Ely is also a 30 minute drive and has a variety of restaurants and shops, including two of our favorites - Piragis Northwoods Company and Lisa's 2nd Floor Book Store right above it. A visit to the International Wolf Center is a popular outing and should be on everyone's list. If you have a little more time, the Soudan Mine is a fascinating look back in time to "hard rock" underground mining on the Range in the early 1900's.
Whatever you decide to do get out and explore or get the perfect northwoods gift or just kick back and enjoy the solitude, you will be able to do it all here.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Off Street Parking
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer : There's room for boat trailers. Our commitment to a peaceful setting means ATVs and snowmobiles may not be operated on the property. You will need to trailer them to designated use areas.
- Gas Fireplace
- Beds
- Queen Bed (3) : Guests must provide their own sheets and pillow cases. Pillows and comfortors are provided.
- Twin/Single Bed (5) : Guests must provide their own sheets and pillow cases. Pillows and comfortors are provided.
- Bunk Bed : Guests must provide their own sheets and pillow cases. Pillows and comfortors are provided.
- Entertainment
- Sauna : Fire up the sauna and cool off 50 paces away in the lake.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- View/Location
- Lakefront : Use of canoes, small paddle boat and row boat included with rental.
- Lake View
- Ski-In : 35 kilometers of groomed classic cross country ski trails in the pines
- Ski-Out : 35 kilometers of groomed classic cross country ski trails in the pines
- Communications
- Telephone
- Free Long Distance : US long distance
- Other Amenities
- Cell phone service is available if you have Verizon, Tracfone and some others. Guests provide their own sheets, pillow cases and towels.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Swimming
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Sledding/Tubing
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Restaurants
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Mid Mar to Mem weekend & Nov to Xmas wk $159/night(Sun-Thu) - $189/night(Fri-Sat)
Memorial weekend thru 3rd weekend Oct $179/night(Sun-Thu) - $229/night(Fri-Sat)
Christmas week thru 2nd weekend Mar $229/night(Sun-Thu) - $289/night(Fri-Sat)
2 night minimum - 10% discount for 4+ nights
Visa, MasterCard, Discover or check deposit = 30% of charges required at booking
Cancellations made less than 21 days prior to arrival will forfeit the 30% deposit
A refundable $200 damage deposit and a $100 cleaning fee is required at check-in.
Add 6.875% State Tax & 3% Area Lodging Fee
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Property Photos
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- Log Home's wall of windows overlooking pristine Lake Gegoka - Isabella Vacation Home Rental
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- Under the towering pines. - Isabella Vacation Home Rental
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- Living Room. Gas fireplace and a view of Lake Gegoka - Isabella Vacation Home Rental
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- Kitchen and breakfast nook
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- Lake view from the loft
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- Open bright main level.
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- Shoreline on Gegoka. Boundary Waters pristine without the portages...
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- View from the deck.
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- Down at the beachfront.
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- From wooden ski trail crossing. View of Flathorn Lake.
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- Winter sunset
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- Take the plunge!
Traveler Reviews (9)
Wonderful snowy getaway
Guest: Amy M.
Date of Stay: 01/06/12
Review Submitted: 01/19/12
My husband and I went in search of snow so we could do a bit of cross country skiing as this winter has given us almost no snow in the Twin Cities. We found it at National Forest Lodge. The trails were very well groomed and the scenery was amazing! We loved our little cabin and the lodge, and the owner, Andy, was so warm, welcoming, and also great fun to visit with! Everything was clean and well-organized, from the cabins to the lodge to the showers to the wonderful hot tub. The live music on Saturday night was a very special treat as well.
Recommended for:
WOW
Guest: Sonja S.
Date of Stay: 07/03/11
Review Submitted: 07/09/11
When i found this place online I had a picture of what i was looking for and it turned out to be just that. We LOVE this cabin!! The place is clean and very well kept up. I had 7 people in my group and there was plenty of room. My son and daughter went out i the row boat and rowed around. Andy even had life jackets, chairs and firewood for us to use!! He truly does think of eveything. We enjoyed reading the journal that had experiences from past occupants. We opened up the windows and the breeze was amazing. Our las night a storm was north of us and we sat on the deck and watch the lightening over the water and listened to the thunder. Amazing. We also heard the wolves howling at night too. I swear it was the best nights sleep i had ever had in my entire life!! We saw a wolf, 3 fox, loons, chipmunks, deer, and squirrel. We were kinda surpirsed at the squirrel because they were sooo tiny as compared to the one we have at home. They were chipmunk size!! sooo cute. The air is so fresh I wish i could have bottled it and brought it home with me!! We can't wait to be back!!!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Father Son Fishing Trip
Guest: LoveFishing
(Minneapolis, MN)
Date of Stay: 05/26/11
Review Submitted: 06/10/11
We had a great week at the Log Home. Andy's property is very excellent, very well maintained and plenty of room. We felt right at home. The cabin is located in a nice spot with a good selection of lakes within a 30-minute drive - and Lake Gegoka where the cabin is at offers good fishing as well. We also liked being on a paved road vs. gravel. Andy was great to work with and we'd recommend this place to anyone looking for a nice trip up north.
Owner response:Thanks Chris! It's always great to get the perspective of someone who actually fishes. Unfortunately, I rarely find the time to do it. Ah well, the life of an innkeeper.
Recommended for:Families with young children, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Great getaway!
Guest: Val
(Des Moines)
Date of Stay: 08/15/10
Review Submitted: 08/30/10
Our time at the Isabella log home was a treasured experience we won't soon forget. We have been home just one week and my daughter is asking when we can go again! Maybe in 2011! The home is wonderfully furnished with ample amenities. The lake and its surroundings were exactly what we needed. If you are looking for peace and quiet and a place to rejuvenate the spirit, this is it!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
family reunioners
Guest: Reunioners
(Cloquet, MN)
Date of Stay: 08/13/10
Review Submitted: 08/18/10
Just returned from a weekend stay at Big PInes Getaway aka National Forest Lodge. We had a wonderful time! The cabin was very nice and very clean but yet not so immaculate you were too afraid to touch anything. It was perfect. We had the maximum number of people yet we still had plenty of room. The loft made for a great place for the kids (4) to all sleep. The large deck was awesome too. Again plenty of room & chairs for all. The water/dock area is a little walk from the cabin but worth it. There is a sauna and fire pit area with lawn chairs set up and it is a nice added feature. The only thing negative I have to say is I wish it had a larger dock. It is quite small, maybe large enough for 2-3 people. Otherwise, all was GREAT! Oh, on a side note and as an FYI, if you forget something you will have a little poke to find a place that sells supplies. Andy was gracious enough to lend us a bottle of ketchup. He is awesome!
Owner response:Thanks gang! Glad you enjoyed the stay. There are plans for a new bigger dock and swimming platform for next summer. You forgot to mention the 33" Northern Pike caught and released by a lucky fisher-person in the lake. Hope to see you for another reunion some day!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with young children, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Great Place To Stay
Guest: Matt
(Chanhassen, MN)
Date of Stay: 07/30/10
Review Submitted: 08/03/10
We just finished a weekend stay at the Superior National Forest Lodge. It was all we hoped for and more. It was nicely secluded among the trees with a beautiful view of the lake. The complimentary use of the canoes and paddle boat made it even more enjoyable. Andy was great to work with and very accomodating. I look forward to many more stays at the cabin resort. You can't go wrong with this one.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Beautiful Log Home in Incredible Seclusion on Fabulous Lake!!
Guest: klingk
(St. Paul, MN)
Date of Stay: 07/18/10
Review Submitted: 07/24/10
We had a fantastic stay with our 3 kids, ages 3, 6 and 8! We enjoyed all the amenities of home in this beautiful log home and never missed not having a TV or WiFi with nature right outside! The cabin is fabulous and HUGE!! The pictures here do not show-off its true beauty! The kids enjoyed the great loft and the extra space in the lower level! We loved watching the sunsets on the lake on the paddleboat and the thunder storms from the cabin's fabulous front windows facing west! The area is quiet and picturesque-- if you are looking to get away from it all-- this is the place for you!!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car.
Summer time
Guest: Debbie
(Apple Valley, MN)
Date of Stay: 07/01/10
Review Submitted: 07/14/10
This is the 2nd time that we have stayed here. We love it and it works great for our family because it is so large. The property is very well cared for as well as the cabin. We really enjoy the sauna and fire pit by the lake. Andy is a great host and always makes us feel welcome. We enjoyed fishing at this lake as well as some lakes close by. I would recommend this property for anyone who would like to stay in a log home/cabin with all the comforts of home. We will be returning again!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Summer time
Guest: Debbie
(Apple Valley, MN)
Date of Stay: 07/01/10
Review Submitted: 07/14/10
This is our 2nd year to visit and we love it. The property is very well cared for. The cabin/home works great for our family because of the size. We especially love the sauna and fire pit by the lake. We also like the close proximity to nearby lakes for fishing. We will be returning again!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, families with young children, age 55+, families with teenagers.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #128189
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