New on VRBO! First 3 guests to book will earn a 20% discount on the nightly rate.
Discover your secluded paradise at Piney Woods Retreat. Surrounded by towering pines and acres of state land, we are just down the road from Bear Head Lake State Park and the Mesabi Trail. This property is perfect for relaxing and adventure.
Enjoy a peaceful, secluded escape with huge windows, stunning forest views, year round sauna, and trails right outside the door! No neighbors are visible from Piney Woods. We have a few lovely neighbors across the road, and one seasonal cabin through the woods. Embrace the quintessential Northwoods experience in a gorgeous setting.
HIKE TO PICKEREL LAKE, 0.6 miles
Take a nice 15-20 min hike through the woods from the driveway at Piney Woods to Pickerel Lake. Scramble down the hill to the lake, stand on the rock to fish, or relax and take in the view. You will cross the paved Mesabi Trail along the south shore of the lake. Walk or bike for miles!
BEAR HEAD LAKE STATE PARK, 1.9 miles
Summer: Beautiful hiking trails, wilderness atmosphere, nice swimming beach, 23 miles of lakeshore & equipment rental. (State park rental: Canoes, Kayaks, & SUP's).
Winter: Groomed XC ski trails & snowshoeing in the woods. Groomed snowmobile trails. Take the spur to the Taconite State Trail via Cub Lake. Cub Lake access is off the main road just before you reach the park office. (State park rental: Snowshoes)
LAKE VERMILION-SOUDAN UNDERGROUND MINE STATE PARK, 14 miles
Hiking through acres of old growth pine forest, wildlife & birding, lake recreation & public water access.
MESABI TRAIL, 1.2 miles
Bike from the Mississippi to the BWCA! Bring your bikes with you, or rent from Ely Bike and Kicksled in Ely. Access the trailhead & parking at Eagles Nest Town Hall near the Kiosk, or follow the hiking trail from Piney Woods towards Pickerel Lake. Bike repair tools & setup at the kiosk!
PROSPECTOR ATV TRAIL, .1mile
Generally open from May 1 - October 31 each year.
Access the Prospector ATV trail at the end of the Piney Woods driveway on Bear Head State Park Rd.
DAVID DILL ARROWHEAD & TACONITE STATE TRAILS, 1 mile
You can take the spur from Bear Head Lake State Park Road to connect to 165 miles of trails. Hiking, biking, snowmobiling. Travel along the shoulder of Bear Head State Park Rd to reach access.
Guests will have access to the entire 5 acres and almost all buildings. The Glass House is usually closed from late November until early May depending on the snow depth and temperatures. There is electricity in the Glass House, but no heat so it's pretty chilly out there! We pack up the bedding, but leave the furniture in place for the winter, so feel free to hike out and take a look around.
Piney Woods Retreat is fully furnished with everything you'll need for a few days or a few weeks. The property includes the cabin, guesthouse and sauna surrounded by a beautiful pine forest and hiking trails. The whole place is yours to enjoy during your stay. The glass house is usually open from early May until late October, depending on the snow depth and temperatures.
PLEASE NOTE:
We have 1 full bathroom in the main cabin. There’s an additional shower in the basement and a year-round sauna for additional bathing options.
LOFT BEDROOM #1
- 1 King bed
- 2 Portable cribs
- 2 Twin mattresses
MAIN FLOOR BEDROOM #2
- 1 Double bed
- Room darkening shades
- Bathroom across the hall
GUEST HOUSE BEDROOM #3
- 2 Queen beds
- Workspace w/ Wi-Fi
- Available year-round
- Room darkening shades on most windows
- Separate building, a few steps to main cabin
BASEMENT BEDROOM #4
-1 Twin bed & work space
GLASS HOUSE BEDROOM #5
- Open from early May until late October, depending on the snow depth and temperatures.
- Short trail through the woods to main cabin
- 3-season use
LIVING ROOM:
- Huge sectional sofa w/ Queen sleeper
- Gas fireplace
FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHEN & PANTRY:
- Pots & pans
- Dishes & utensils
- Olive oil, salt & pepper
- Coffee pots
- Coffee beans & burr grinder
ONE FULL BATHROOM:
- Deep tub w/shower
SAUNA (at the backside of the Guesthouse)
- Available year round
- Electric sauna stove
- Outdoor shower, May-September
- Private use
ADDITIONAL BATHING OPTIONS:
- Basement shower
- Year round sauna with outdoor summer shower
LAUNDRY
- Washer & dryer in the basement
- Laundry detergent provided
OUTDOOR SEATING & GRILLS
- Gas & Charcoal grills
- Screen House w/ dining table & chairs
FIREPIT
- Designated fire pit & seating
- Usually available all year depending on snow levels
- Firewood not provided, but available nearby
- Firewood for purchase: just down the road from us at 3420 MN-169, or most gas stations in Ely.
PARKING
We're about halfway between Ely and Tower. We have plenty of off-street parking in the driveway, with a generous turnaround if you need it.
ELY, MINNESOTA - 15 miles east
Restaurants, shopping, groceries, Visitor Information Center, International Wolf Center & North American Bear Center.
TOWER, MINNESOTA - 11 miles west
Gas, groceries, & some shopping.
PETS
Dogs are welcome!
The pet fee is $100 at time of booking, max 2 dogs.
We have food/water bowls & towels
for our 4-legged guests.
Please bring their own dog bed and crate
so they feel comfortable and safe.
