TIMBERBAY-FULLGALLERY(c)AidanKranz-184.jpg

It’s time.

Immerse yourself
in one of the most stunning
get-aways in the country.

Latitude: 47.720966    Longitude: -91.920166
Babbitt, MN USA        1440' Shoreline

Your Home Away

Nestled into the heart of the Superior National Forest, Timber Bay stretches out like a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

Here, the days are filled with fishing, camping, paddling, and even a little motor-powered fun. Wander off-road trails, tie up in quiet coves, or chase new adventures just around the bend.

You’re only minutes from Ely’s lively outfitters and just a short trip from the Boundary Waters—making it the perfect spot for family traditions, first-time explorers, and seasoned adventurers alike.

Take a deep breath, unplug, and rediscover what truly matters.

Two people dressed in winter clothing stand on a snowy path in a forest, with a small dog nearby. An inner tube labeled 'TOEIN SPORTS' lies on the ground, and tall trees surround the scene.
Book Your Winter Getaway
Aerial view of a house surrounded by a dense forest of tall green trees.
Explore: Cabins
A houseboat named Timber Bay on a lake with a woman lounging on the top deck and a water slide, surrounded by green trees and blue sky with scattered clouds.
Explore: Houseboats

The Marina

Aerial view of a marina with several houseboats and boats docked along a wooden pier, surrounded by a dense green forest under a cloudy sky.

Enjoy all the benefits of the only full-service marina on Birch Lake.

Everything you need to launch, refuel, and explore is right here — so you can enjoy your time on the water without ever leaving the resort.

We’re staffed with experts who know every campsite, every fishing inlet, everything you could possibly need to make an afternoon reeling in Walleye or a week relaxing on a houseboat a wild success.

The Grounds

Grab a paddle board, shoot some hoops, or challenge friends to a rousing game of pickleball. We have it all, just steps from your accommodations.

Our lighted SportCourt offers activity day or night. Flanking the court, traditional shuffleboard, bocce ball, archery, cornhole, and horseshoes deepen the good natured competition.

Strolling the grounds with your four legged friend or chillin’ in a hammock with your favorite book — it’s your call. Our 20+ acres of wooded paradise give you options every day you’re here.

Get lost in the moment…

A rustic wooden building with a porch and stairs, surrounded by trees and a landscaped area with flowers, rocks, and small garden lights. A sign reads 'The Trading Post Office'.
A woman wearing glasses, a red and black trucker hat, and a gray T-shirt with "Timber Bay Lodge Fishing Tradition" is speaking to a customer at a wooden lodge reception desk. The woman is smiling and holding her hands near the counter. The customer, with reddish hair tied back and wearing a black cap and blue jacket, is listening. The background features a window with green foliage outside and some decorative cutouts of bears and the word "Welcome".
People at a lakeside, woman sitting on a chair reading, two kids by the water, one on a paddleboard, the other standing near a slide.
A girl paddleboarding on a lake near a floating trampoline with a paddleboard and paddle nearby, surrounded by trees and boats docked at a marina in the background.
Child paddleboarding on a lake with an inflatable blue and yellow buoy in the background.
A man mid-air performing a flip on an inflatable water slide that is on a lake with trees in the background.
People playing volleyball on a sand court surrounded by green trees in a forested outdoor area.
A park scene with a paved game of hopscotch on the sidewalk, benches, a trash can, and a row of bicycles parked among trees.
Person lying in a green hammock reading a book in a wooded park.

Activities

Make memories that last a lifetime at Kidz Club.

Every Monday through Friday during the summer months, kids ages 5-12 enjoy structured activities with trained staff, engaging crafts, challenging hikes, fun games, and much more.

Teens enjoy weekly adventures and lakeside cookouts.

Parents enjoy a little time on their own.

A young boy wearing a gray cap, red jacket, and patterned shorts stands on a wooden dock, holding a fishing rod with a large fish caught on the line. The fish is hanging over the water near the dock, and the boy has a surprised expression.
Children using plastic scoops to fill containers with water outdoors.
Three children exploring and playing in a sandy creek bed, using their hands to dig and find water.

Strengthen friendships
both old and new!

Whether it’s a mid-morning mimosa cruise for the ladies or an evening around a fire with snacks and drinks, we’re gathering to make lasting memories.

A group of people on a blue and white pontoon boat on a lake, some seated and some standing, with a person waving from the back of the boat.
A group of people enjoying a summer day on a boat dock by a lake, some wearing swimsuits, with a man in sunglasses smiling in the foreground and others sitting in chairs or standing by the lake.
People sitting and relaxing on a boat during sunset over a lake with a cloudy sky and treeline in the background.

Family Ownership

Four friends sitting on steps in front of a log cabin, smiling at the camera. 
Drew & Janet, Molly & Jim

It’s probably an understatement to say it’s a dream come true.

Like so many families who make the trip north year after year, our story started with our kids splashing around on a lake.

We soon realized we shared the same roots - growing up on lake resorts, returning to them summer after summer. When Timber Bay became available, it sparked big conversations and even bigger dreams.

Today, we’re so lucky to carry on enduring traditions while adding a few of our own. Whether Timber Bay has been part of your story for generations or you’re just discovering it for the first time… We can’t wait to welcome you, swap stories, and make new memories together.

It’s your love for this place that inspires and fuels everything we do!

⤷ Let's Connect

REVIEWS

  • Lisa S.

    FIVE STARS

    “We had an amazing time spending 3 nights on a houseboat. The highlight of the trip was meeting local fisherman Hag who is affiliated with Timber Bay and available for hire. My son and nephew caught 14 walleye in 3 hours...”

  • James B.

    FIVE STARS

    "I could say so many wonderful things about our time at Timber Bay… Checking in we were greeted by Janet… who was extremely knowledgeable and very, very friendly and then Drew… who was equally as accommodating... As someone who has never driven a houseboat before I felt more than prepared after speaking with him…”

  • Joe R.

    FIVE STARS

    "Loved our stay at Timber Bay! Gorgeous setting and a beautiful lake. I've fished all over the Midwest and this is one of my new favorites. It's easy to find comfortable places to target walleye and pike no matter what the conditions are. Great cabins and staff..."

  • CHRIS V.

    FIVE STARS

    "We love spending a week each summer at the Bear Trap Cabin at Timber Bay Lodge and Houseboats! The resort has many great outdoor options for the whole family- our favorites include the swimming beach, kayaks and paddle boards, hiking trails, and the docks for great sunsets. We rent a pontoon and enjoy exploring all that Birch Lake has to offer. The kids enjoy going on adventures with the Kids Club. Janet and Drew are amazing hosts!…"

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Common Questions

[ FAQ ]

  • Birch Lake is 20 miles long. It’s long and windy and has lots of islands. Birch is 80% Forest Service property so it’s very undeveloped.

  • Only during our peak season, which runs from June 22 through August 15. During this time, we ask all guests in cabins larger than 2+ rooms to book Saturday through Saturday. This is primarily in deference to generations of families who have booked their week year after year. Of course, if special accommodations are needed, just call us and we’ll work out whatever we can.

    During other times of year, booking dates are entirely flexible.

  • Generally speaking, check-in is between 3:00p and 6:00p. Check-out is at 10:00a.

    Timing for Houseboats and some cabins may differ. We’ll confirm the details with you upon confirmation of your reservation and of course during your check-in.

  • Within 60 days of your reservation, your deposit becomes non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance during the booking process. If you have any questions about the types of insurance offered or strategies for booking, just reach out. We’re happy to help. The insurance option is easy and affordable (about 10% of your total booking). If your deposit is made over 60 days before arrival we’ll even offset the cost of the insurance ourselves.

  • Absolutely. If you have connections to make for the last leg of your trip, if you want to explore fly-in/fly-out options, or if you just have questions about overall logistics, give us a shout. We’re here to help make your travel a breeze!

  • You do not need any permits to park at Timber Bay or to dock or camp on Birch Lake.

  • Cell coverage on property for major carriers is strong. Additionally, WiFi coverage is stronger and faster (if your phone allows WiFi calling). Cell coverage on the lake is also generally strong for major carriers, with only limited weak spots so you’re generally covered even while boating.

  • Very fast. Most locations on property are 100Mps+, far more than you’d need for high definition video. You shouldn’t be on your devices though… unless your capturing some epic shots yourself… or maybe a little live stream to jealous relatives ;o)