Fantastic Family Vacation on Private Island!!

Guest: Central Illinois (Gilson, IL)
Date of Stay: 07/16/11 Review Submitted: 08/01/11

Unforgettable vacation!! The privacy of the island combined with the beauty of Burntside Lake made this a truly memorable vacation for the entire family. The private dock provided all the kids with easy access to fishing and the beach area provided easy access to swim and cool off during a hot day. The entire cabin was very clean and amply supplied with all of the cooking utensils and kitchen items that you need to prepare family dinners at the end of the day. We fished around the island and across the lake on both banks using the canoes provided and caught plenty of fish to have a big fish fry before our departure. We also rented the Lund fishing boat and were able to fish many different areas of the lake including a trip up the Dead River to the Twin Lakes. The Bald Eagles were plentiful and the Loon's are always a treat. We even found 2 separate Falcon/Hawk (will need to look at the pictures to properly identigy) nests that we were able to photograph and observe. The owners were wonderful hosts and very friendly to work with leading up to our vacation answering all of our questions and providing additional lake and local history information. The staff were professional, courteous and prompt in their pick up, drop off and assistance in getting us to an from the island. We can't say enough good things about our vacation and we are planning on making the trip to Pork Chop Island an annual family vacation! Thanks again for a truly amazing week of rest, relaxation and family time on Pork Chop Island and we look forward to our trip next year!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, adventure seekers, families with young children, romantic getaway.

Great Family Vacation

Guest: MHolden (Byron, MN)
Date of Stay: 07/02/11 Review Submitted: 08/01/11

The listing and photos did not do this wonderful island justice. THe place is amazing. Our family had the most amazing time. The cabin was clean and decorated wonderfully. The communication between the owner and us and also the guide that welcomes you to the island was fantastic. The cabin had all the amentities that anyone would need. Watching the sunrise and sunset, listening to the loons, exploring the island, and the amazing burntside lake was fantastic. I would recommend this cabin to anyone. My daughter was 2 1/2 and she had the most amazing time boating, swimming at the beach on the island, canoeing, and also having campfires. Spending a week at a cabin on an island was amazing. The public dock was not too far away, so if you do want to go into Ely for the day it isn't trouble at all. Seeing and staying on Burntside Lake needs to be on everyone's vacation list.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, pet owners, adventure seekers, families with young children, romantic getaway.

Guest: Sandy Roahdes (Edina, Mn.)
Date of Stay: 02/14/10 Review Submitted: 02/14/10

August 7, 2009 Our Vacation was such a welcome respite before the end of sommer. Interestingly, our kids didn't even ask about the TV. (we told them it did't work last year). We found an extraordinary patch of blueberries, picked a couple of hours and left a million more for the next pickers. We enjoyed fabulous pancakes and muffins for the next few days. Our days would usually end with a twilight canoe paddle listening to the Loon's evening calls. Can't wait to return next season.

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Guest: Jake Malone (Barrington, IL)
Date of Stay: 02/12/10 Review Submitted: 02/12/10

We had the pleasure of vacationing at Pork Chop Island back in 2009 and will be back in 2010. Having the luxury of your very own private island is unexplainable! The kids (5 & 7) woke up, came down for their "fort" (the loft), grabbed a granola bar and put on their life vests and headed for the lake. They experienced nature at it's finest. Fishing was thier priority but also managed to swim from the dock and beach area as well as other locations around the island. One fish after another and a few that were very respectable were caught all day long. This allowed my wife and I to sit on the dock, deck or in the adirondak chairs, chat, connect and supervise from afar. The water is crystal clear and to quote the kids, "REFRESHING". At night, we enjoyed a camp fire outside and roasted hot dogs and smores. No problem getting the kids to sleep after a full day of sun, swimming and fresh air. We were surprised to still have light on the lake at 10pm. What a great place to make memories that will be cherished forever. Of all the vacations we have taken, the kids still talk the most about Pork Chop Island and are anxious to get back. What a lovely retreat from the hustle and bustle of life. Thank you for sharing your treasure with us. See you later this year. The Jake Malone family Barrington, Illinois

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Guest: Jay Chaney (Nisswa, MN)
Date of Stay: 01/07/09 Review Submitted: 01/07/09

Porkchop Island is an amazing place! Fish, waterski, swim or just relax on the deck with a book and listen to the loons. The cabin is rustic, but with all the conveniences of home. The woodburning stove keeps the cabin cozy on cool summer nights, as does the outdoor fire pit. Burntside Lake is has to be one of the most beautiful lakes in MN. We can't wait to go back! Jay and Melissa

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Guest: Ray and Susan Sanders (Albert Lea, MN)
Date of Stay: 03/21/08 Review Submitted: 03/21/08

We enjoyed a peaceful week on Porkchop Island. We spent may hours in the canoe. Burntside Lake is BEAUTIFUL. We even saw a moose. It was a great week to relax. It was really a treat to fall asleep to the sound of the loons. We will be back nex year. Thank you, Ray and Susan Sanders

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Guest: Kristine Hesch (-)
Date of Stay: 07/05/07 Review Submitted: 07/05/07

Burntside Lake is a beautiful Lake. The cabin was perfect for our family. The boys enjoyed sleeping in the loft. Swimming was the favorite. The water was so clear, not a weed. The boys loved fishing off the dock. Tommy caught a fish every time his hook hit the water. Dan reeled in a 25 inch walleye. We can't wait to come back next year.

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