THE LAKE is callingHouseboats
Minnesota’s Most Versatile Houseboat Fleet
The Comfort of Home. The Freedom of the Wilderness.
The morning sun is just starting to burn the mist off Birch Lake. The coolers are iced down, the tackle boxes are stacked on the aft deck, and your mighty houseboat is idling at the dock, waiting for you to throw the lines.
Explore the incomparable Birch Lake and its endless shoreline… at your own pace, on your own terms.
Dozens of campsites, stunning cliff-sides, untouched forest all await. Spend your lazy days adrift with a book and some friends. Maybe a cocktail or two.
We’ll get you supplied and trained before you head out. Every unit is fully equipped with full kitchens kitchens, comfortable beds, barbecues, microwaves, and more.
Cousins in the Water. Grandma on Deck:
The Ultimate Family Reunion
Captain Your Own Expedition: A New Basecamp Every Morning
Things to Know
Amenities
Each houseboat comes with
Kitchen with refrigerator/freezer, stove/oven
Cooking utensils and dishes
Super-quiet Honda generators
Electronic navigation console with depth finder
Framed navigational map
Bathroom with marine-style toilet and shower
Cabin Area with Screened Windows and Doors
AM/FM, CD player stereos with bluetooth
Cabin Heaters, Electric and Gas lights
Deck Area with Chairs and Table
BBQ Gas Grill, Ice Chest
Life Jackets, Swim Ladders
Upper Sundeck with slide
Things to Bring
Bed linens, pillows and/or sleeping bags
(Note: A linens package is available for purchase.)Bath and beach towels
Cell phone
(Reception is good throughout the lake)Portable radio/speaker
Camera
Cards, games, reading material
Suntan lotion
Insect spray
Rain gear
Fishing equipment
Dish/bath/beach towels
Which One’s Right for Me…?
Our Houseboats fall into two broad categories: Those with walkaround decks and those with full-width cabins. Some guests prefer the ability to walk the full perimeter of the boat. Others like the added living space.
The Sportsmen provide the full walk around.
The Getaways and Birch Lakes are generally longer overall. They both utilize the full width of the boat for your accommodations, providing more room for living.
(See each floor plan for visual details.)
Can I Captain This Thing…?
You’re darn right you can!
Each guest receives a full briefing, training, and 24/7 support if needed. You can escape the bustle of the world, but we’ll never leave you hanging.
We offer full damage coverage should any minor mishaps happen (clipping a propeler or similar) and we’ll come to you to run supplies and pickup trash twice a week as needed.
It’s truly the best of all worlds.
Quick Fleet Comparison
Sportsman 30: Solo Anglers & Honeymoons.
Sportsman 35: Small Families (Parents + 2 Kids).
Sportsman 40 (Bass/Walleye): Two Couples or Fishing Groups (The "Angler's Flagship").
Getaway 38 (Mallard/Seagull): Wide cabin, no side walkways. Best for Small Families & Toddlers.
Getaway 44: Larger wide cabin. Best for Medium Groups & Reunions
Birch Lake 50 (The Beaver): Luxury style (Built-in Gen & AC), Queen beds. Best for Comfort & Adult Groups.
Birch Lake 52 (The Otter): The "Bus." Max capacity (Sleeps 12), 2 Bathrooms. Best for Large Reunions.
Sportsman Series
The 30’ Minnow [HB03]
Sleeps 2
If your priority is "lines in the water," the 30-foot Mallard is the boat you want. As the smallest vessel in our fleet, it is nimble, easy to handle, and purpose-built for the serious angler who wants to get into the tight bays where the trophies hide.
The Details
The Exterior (360-Degree Fishability): On most houseboats, to get from the front to the back, you have to walk through the cabin. Not on the Mallard. This boat features a dedicated External Walkway along both sides.
The Tactical Advantage: Imagine you hook a 40-inch Northern Pike off the front deck. As he makes a run toward the back of the boat, you don't have to panic. You can simply walk along the side rail, rod in hand, fighting the fish all the way to the rear swim platform for the net job. You have 360-degree access to the water.
The Interior (Efficiency First): Step inside, and you’ll see a cabin designed with zero wasted space. It’s compact, practical, and has everything you need to stay fed and rested between bites.
The Galley (Starboard): On your right, a compact galley with a stove, sink, and refrigerator. It’s perfectly set up for frying up the morning’s catch or heating up a pot of chili after a long day on the ice-out waters.
The Dinette (Starboard): Just forward of the kitchen is a booth dinette. It’s your map room, your card table, and your dining room.
Sleeping & Living (Port): Across the aisle, you have a Day Bed that serves as a sofa during the day and sleeping quarters at night. Combined with the convertible dinette, this boat comfortably sleeps two anglers (or a couple) without any fuss.
The Head: Tucked efficiently into the rear corner is the bathroom with a toilet and shower. It’s tight, but after three days of camping on the water, that hot shower is a game-changer.
The "Penthouse" Deck: Just like her big sisters, the Mallard features a spiral staircase on the rear deck leading to the roof.
The Scout Tower: While it’s a great spot for a lawn chair, for the angler, this is your spotting tower. Get up high with a pair of polarized sunglasses to spot submerged boulders, weed lines, and cruising fish that you can't see from the water level.
The Slide: And yes, even the workhorse of the fleet has a water slide off the back. Because even the most serious fisherman needs to cool off in July. (And hey, if you’re that serious we’ll pop it off before you head out for a nominal fee so you can stay totally focused.)
The 35’ Turtle [HB07]
Sleeps 3-4 (3 adults) comfortably
If you liked the idea of the Minnow but your fishing group has a little more gear (or a few more distinct personalities), The Turtle is your answer. It takes the "Sportsman" philosophy—unrestricted access to the water—and adds five feet of critical interior space.
It’s the perfect compromise: small enough to tuck into a tight beaver dam bay, but big enough that you aren't tripping over each other's tackle boxes during a rainstorm.
The Details
The Exterior (The 360-Degree Advantage): Just like the smaller Sportsman, The Turtle features the signature External Walkway along both sides.
The "Net Man" Highway: These walkways aren’t just for looks. When your buddy hooks a monster pike off the bow and the fish runs deep toward the motors, you can grab the net and sprint down the side of the boat to secure the catch without ever entering the cabin. It effectively turns the entire boat into one continuous casting platform.
The Main Cabin (Room to Breathe): Stepping inside from the front deck, the extra five feet of length is immediately noticeable. The layout is open, logical, and rugged.
Starboard Side (The Galley & Dinette): On your right, you’ll find the booth Dinette, serving as your breakfast table and chart-plotting station. Immediately aft of that is the Galley. It features the standard propane stove/oven and sink, but you have a bit more elbow room here to prep shore lunch compared to the 30-footer. The refrigerator is positioned right at the end of the counter for easy access to cold drinks.
Port Side (The Lounge): Across the aisle on the left is the Day Bed. It’s a long sofa for napping between bites during the day, and it converts to a bed at night.
The "Bunkhouse" & Head: Moving toward the stern, we see where that extra length really pays off in sleeping capacity.
The Bunks (Starboard): Just past the kitchen, tucked against the wall, is a dedicated set of Over/Under Bunk Beds. This is a permanent sleeping zone—no converting required. It’s perfect for the guys who want to crash immediately after a long day on the water.
The Head (Port): Directly across from the bunks is the bathroom, fully equipped with a toilet and hot shower. Having the bathroom positioned here near the rear door allows for quick access from the back deck.
The Aft Deck & "Penthouse": Step out the back door, and you’re on the fishing platform. You’ll find a swim ladder for quick dips and the spiral staircase leading up.
The Upper Deck: Climb the stairs to the roof. Whether you use it for sunbathing or as a high-vantage scouting tower to spot rock piles in the clear water, the view from up here is unbeatable. And yes, the water slide is ready and waiting for the afternoon heat. (And hey, if you’re that serious we’ll pop it off before you head out for a nominal fee so you can stay totally focused.)
The 40’ Bass [HB09] & Walleye [HB12]
Sleeps 4-6 (5 adults comfortably)
When you have a full squad—whether that’s a serious tournament team hunting trophy pike or a bachelor party looking for a legendary weekend—you need a vessel that can handle the crew and the gear. Enter the Bass and the Walleye.
These are the "Big Dogs" of the Sportsman class. They take the rugged, go-anywhere spirit of the smaller boats and super-size it, offering the ultimate balance of fishability and social space.
The Highlights
The Exterior (360-Degree Dominance): The defining feature of the Bass and Walleye is the Full Wrap-Around Deck. Unlike standard houseboats, you have wide walkways running down both the port and starboard sides.
For the Angler: This is a 40-foot casting platform. You can drift a shoreline and have guys fishing off the bow, stern, and both sides simultaneously without tangling lines. If a monster smallmouth makes a run around the boat, you can follow him all the way around.
For the Crew: It means easy movement. Loading coolers, passing gear, and docking the boat is seamless because you have access to every cleat and corner.
The Main Cabin (Command Central): Step through the forward sliding door and you’ll feel the difference in width and volume. This is your social hub.
Starboard Side (The Galley & Dinette): You have a large booth Dinette that serves as the strategy table for morning map study and the poker table for late-night laughs. Behind it is a robust Galley with extended counter space, a stove/oven, and a large refrigerator. It’s built to feed a hungry crowd, whether you’re grilling ribeyes or frying up a shore lunch.
Port Side (The Lounge): Opposite the dining area is a spacious Day Bed. It’s the prime spot for a mid-day nap after the morning bite, and at night, it converts to sleeping quarters.
The "Barracks" (Sleeping Quarters): Moving aft, we see why these boats are favorites for groups. The sleeping configuration is designed to stack the crew efficiently so everyone gets a mattress.
Starboard Bunks: A set of Over/Under Double Bunks. These are heavy-duty, spacious beds capable of sleeping two adults each (or one guy who likes his space).
Port Bunks: A set of Over/Under Single Bunks. Perfect for the single guys or the "scouts" of the trip.
Note: Combined with the convertible dinette and day bed, this layout swallows up gear bags and sleeping bags with ease.
The Head & Storage: Positioned mid-ship on the port side is the bathroom with a hot shower. Just aft of that is a dedicated Storage Closet. This is a crucial feature for the 40-footer—a place to stash rain gear, rod cases, and extra provisions so the main cabin stays clear for the party.
The Aft Deck & "Penthouse": The back deck is your staging ground for the water. But the real draw is the spiral staircase leading to the roof.
The Upper Deck: On the 40-foot models, this space is massive. It’s a huge, flat dance floor in the sky. Use it to scout for weed lines, lay out in the sun, or set up lawn chairs for "sundowner" drinks while you recount the one that got away.
The Slide: The signature water slide off the back completes the package. Because no matter how old the group is, the first guy to slide into the lake officially starts the vacation.
Getaway Series
The 38’ Mallard [HB04] & Seagull [HB05]
Sleeps 4-6 comfortably
At 38 feet, the Mallard and Seagull are the definition of efficient, vintage adventure. They’re not luxury yachts; they’re practical, mobile cabins designed to get you away from the crowds with everything you need right onboard.
The Details
The Aft Deck and Penthouse Deck: You step aboard onto the back deck. This is your staging area. There’s ample room here for your coolers, tackle boxes, and wet gear. It’s the perfect spot to sit on the bench, watch the wake, and leave the stress of the city behind you. It’s also where you’ll see your buddies from the upper deck sling by on the water slide later in your trip…
You’ll want to climb the spiral staircase to the roof. This is your 360-degree observation platform. Use it to scout for rock piles and navigation buoys, watch for eagles, or just lay out a towel and soak up the sun. It’s the best view on the lake.
The Mid-Ship "Bunkhouse": Step through the sliding glass door to find the efficient sleeping quarters. Tucked neatly into the alcove is one set of double-sized bunk beds. These aren't tiny camp cots; they are solid, comfortable beds that maximize space so you can sleep the crew without wasting square footage.
The Head: Just across from the bunks is the marine head. It’s equipped with a toilet and a sink with a pull-out shower sprayer. It’s simple, it’s compact, and it works.
The Kitchen/Galley: On the starboard side, you have a full galley with a propane stove/oven, sink, and refrigerator. Imagine frying up fresh walleye filets right here while looking out the window at the pines.
The Dinette: On the port side is a classic booth dinette. By day, it's the spot for coffee and reviewing the lake map. By night, the table drops down to convert into a full-size double bed, perfect for the night owls of the group.
The Helm and Front Deck: Up at the front of the cabin is the nerve center—The Captain’s Helm. Positioned right by the front deck access, this is where you captain the ship. With the wheel in hand and a clear view of the water ahead, navigation is intuitive and easy. Beyond the helm is the Front Deck, featuring a BBQ and additional seating.
The 44’ Northern [HB08] & Muskie [HB10]
Sleeps 8 (6-7 adults comfortably)
If you are looking to bring the whole crew—whether that’s two families joining forces or the annual fishing reunion—the 44-foot Northern and Muskie models are your floating lodges. These boats are the "stretch limos" of our vintage fleet, offering the extra length and sleeping capacity you need to keep everyone comfortable without sacrificing that classic, close-knit camping feel.
The Details
The Front Deck (The Veranda): Your journey begins on the spacious Front Deck. This is your primary social hub. There is plenty of room here for deck chairs and coolers. It’s where you’ll sip your morning coffee while planning the day’s route, and it’s the best seat in the house when you’re underway, cruising past the rocky cliffs of Birch Lake.
The Main Salon & Dining: Step through the forward sliding glass door into the main cabin.
To your left (Port Side): You’ll find a comfortable Day Bed sofa. It’s the perfect spot to read a book during a rain shower, and at night, it converts into sleeping quarters.
To your right (Starboard Side): This is the social center—a large booth Dinette. It’s where the map is spread out, where the poker games happen, and where breakfast is served. Like the sofa, this converts into a double bed, maximizing your sleeping capacity.
The Helm: Situated forward, giving the captain a commanding view of the water and easy communication with the crew on the front deck.
The Galley & Amenities: Moving mid-ship down the center hallway, you reach the heart of the vessel.
The Galley (Starboard): On your right is a fully equipped kitchen. You’ve got a propane stove/oven, a refrigerator/freezer, and ample counter space to prep a shore lunch or a fish fry. All your pots, pans, and utensils are stowed and ready.
The Head (Port): Directly across the hall on your left is the marine bathroom. It features a toilet and a hot shower—a welcome luxury after a day of swimming or fishing.
Storage: Just aft of the bathroom is a dedicated storage closet, perfect for stowing life jackets, rain gear, or extra supplies to keep the main cabin clutter-free.
The "Bunkhouse" Alley: Continuing toward the back, we enter the primary sleeping area. This 44-foot model features a clever split-bunk layout designed to maximize space:
On the Left (Port): A set of Over/Under Single Bunks. These are ideal for the kids or the solo anglers in the group.
On the Right (Starboard): A set of Over/Under Double Bunks. These are spacious enough for couples or adults who want a bit more room to stretch out.
The Aft Deck & The "Penthouse": Exit through the rear door to the Back Deck. This is your activity zone. It offers easy access to the water for swimming or netting a fish. But the real magic happens when you look up.
The Spiral Staircase: Ascend the spiral stairs to the Upper "Penthouse" Deck. This is the game-changer. It’s a massive, flat sundeck running the length of the boat. It is the ultimate spot for sunbathing, stargazing at night (the dark skies here are incredible), or scouting for rock piles and fish structure from a high vantage point.
The Slide: And, of course, attached to the rear railing is the crowd favorite—the water slide. There is no better way to start a hot July morning than sliding from the top deck straight into the refreshing waters of Birch Lake.
Birch Lake Series
The 50’ Beaver [HB14]
Sleeps up to 6 people comfortably
This 50-foot vessel isn't just about size; it’s about perspective. It offers a feature that no other boat in our harbor possesses, changing the way you experience the navigation of Birch Lake. Now you can navigate from the upper deck.
As part of the Birch Lake Series, this boat is built on a "Wide Body" chassis. That means you can walk the full perimeter and when you step inside, you don't feel like you're in a hallway; you feel like you're in a living room.
The Details
The "Flybridge" (The Captain’s Perch): Let’s start with the feature that makes this boat famous. Climb the spiral staircase to the upper deck, and you’ll find a second steering station.
Drive from the Roof: You aren't stuck inside while you cruise. You can captain the ship from the top deck, wind in your hair, with a commanding 360-degree view of the channels and rock piles. It is the ultimate way to navigate the lake on a sunny afternoon.
The Main Deck (Wrap-Around Access): Despite her size, the Beaver is surprisingly fishable. She borrows the Wrap-Around Deck feature from the Sportsman series, giving you wide walkways along both the port and starboard sides. Whether you are docking or fighting a fish that decides to run circles around the boat, you have full mobility.
The Main Cabin (The Great Room): Step through the sliding glass doors, and you’ll feel the "Wide Body" difference immediately.
The Salon: To your left (Port), a massive Day Bed sofa provides a lounge area that converts into sleeping quarters. To your right (Starboard), a large dining table sits ready for family meals or late-night board games.
The Galley: This is a chef’s kitchen by houseboat standards. The U-shaped layout offers significant counter space, a full residential-sized refrigerator/freezer, and a stove/oven. You aren't just heating up soup here; you're cooking feasts.
The Sleeping Quarters (Adult-Sized Comfort): Moving mid-ship, we find a sleeping configuration designed for comfort. Unlike the bunk-heavy layouts of the smaller boats, the Beaver features a private alcove with Over/Under Queen Beds. This is a game-changer for couples or parents who want the space to stretch out after a day of hiking.
The Head: The bathroom is spacious and features a marine toilet and a hot shower, strategically located mid-ship for easy access from both the sleeping quarters and the main salon.
The Upper Deck (The Playground): Beyond the flybridge helm, the roof is a massive, open-air playground. It’s your sunbathing platform, your stargazing observatory, and the launchpad for the Water Slide. Because even on the Queen of the Fleet, the quickest way into the water should always be a slide.
The 52’ Otter [HB06]
The Flagship: Max Capacity, Max Comfort
Sleeps up to 12
If you are the one organizing the family reunion, the church group outing, or the multi-family vacation, stop looking. You have found your ship.
The Otter is the largest vessel in our fleet at 52 feet. It is a "Wide Body" design, meaning it feels less like a boat and more like a floating condo. But the real headline here isn't just the size—it’s the logistics. With an incredible sleeping configuration and the holy grail of houseboat features (Two Bathrooms!), this boat was built to host a crowd without the crowd feeling crowded.
The Details
The Main Salon (The Great Room): Step inside the sliding glass doors and you’ll immediately feel the difference in width. This isn't a narrow hallway; it’s a proper living room.
The Dining Hall: In the center, a large dining table anchors the room, ready for family-style dinners or epic board game tournaments.
The Lounge: To your left (Port), a large Day Bed offers sofa seating that converts to sleeping space. To your right (Starboard), an entertainment area with a TV—perfect for keeping the kids occupied while the adults cook.
The Galley (Feeding the Army): Feeding a large crew requires real tools. The U-shaped galley on the starboard side is equipped with a full-size refrigerator/freezer, a residential stove/oven, and expansive counter space. You can prep a spaghetti dinner for twelve people here without elbowing your sous-chef.
The "Barracks" (Unmatched Sleeping Capacity): Moving down the extra-wide hallway, we find the most impressive sleeping layout in the fleet. The Otter is designed to stack people comfortably.
Port Side (The Double Suites): On the left wall, you have two separate alcoves. Each contains a set of Over/Under Double Bunks. That is four double beds just on this side of the boat. Adults can sleep here comfortably without feeling cramped.
Starboard Aft (The Scout Bunks): Tucked into the rear right corner is a set of Over/Under Single Bunks. These are perfect for the kids or the solo travelers in the group.
The "Traffic Jam" Solution (Two Bathrooms!): Here is the feature that will make you the hero of the trip. The Otter features a unique split-bathroom configuration on the starboard side designed to eliminate morning lines.
The Setup: You have two separate toilet compartments and a separate shower room. This means three people can be using the facilities simultaneously. When you have a boat full of people trying to get ready for a morning of fishing, this design is an absolute lifesaver.
The Upper Deck (The Party Platform): Head out the back door, past the swim ladder, and up the spiral staircase. The roof of the Otter is massive. It runs nearly the full length of the 52-foot vessel.
The Penthouse: This is your sunbathing deck, your dance floor, and your observation tower.
The Slide: And of course, the signature water slide creates an instant splash zone off the back.
Common Questions
[ FAQ ]-
You must be 25 to rent and captain your own houseboat. We will review lake information/navigation and tie up procedures in the office upon your arrival.
Then dock staff will review the operation of the houseboat, mechanicals, and ensure you are comfortable to operate the houseboat before leaving dock.
The state of Minnesota is beginning to roll out boat licensing requirements based on the operator’s age for those born after these dates:
June 30, 2004 (started July 1, 2025)
June 30, 2000 (starts July 1, 2026)
June 30, 1996 (starts July 1, 2027)
June 30, 1987 (starts July 1, 2028)
For additional details, please review the MN website here.
If needed, take the test and get your license here.
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If you can drive a car, you can captain our houseboats. Before you leave the dock, our expert staff (our legendary "Dock Boys") will give you a complete orientation. We’ll show you how to steer, how to read the lake map, and most importantly, how to "beach" the boat securely for the night. You don’t leave until you feel comfortable.
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You are required to "beach" rather than anchoring.
Birch Lake is full of designated campsites and sandy coves. You gently drive the bow onto the sand, tie off to sturdy trees on shore, and you have your own private island for the night. It’s stable, secure, and lets you step right off the boat onto the shore for a bonfire.
You do not need any permits to dock/camp on Birch Lake.
There are suggested tie up sites indicated on the lake map you will receive upon arrival. These are Forest Service campsites, so they are wilderness sites. No docks or signs. But most will have a fire ring and are more easily accessible. You must tie up your houseboat in the evening before dark. You may not anchor in the middle of the lake overnight.
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All our houseboats are equipped with marine toilets and hot showers. It’s not a hotel plumbing system, but it’s clean, private, and functional. (Note: We use biodegradable TP only!).
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We suggest bringing the following: cell phone, portable radio, camera, binoculars, cards and games, reading material, suntan lotion, insect spray, rain gear, fishing equipment, sleeping bags, dish/bath/beach towels. We sell ice and bait at the marina, should you need it.
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No, we do not require an additional small boat with the houseboat. If you’d like to bring or rent a boat for fishing or exploring you can launch it at the resort.
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On the first day of your house boat trip please plan for departure between 1:00pm and 5:00pm. On your last day, please arrive back at the marina before 9:30am.
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Fuel usage averages 4-6 gallons/day on most boats. The larger 50’ and 52’ averages 7-10 gallons/day. Fuel will be provided and charged based on consumption when you return the boat.
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This is the Timber Bay difference. You don’t have to drive the houseboat all the way back to the marina.
A Hospitality/Service Boat carrying ice, bait, gas, firewood and call ahead grocery items will be out on the lake Sunday and Wednesday morning. Along with delivering items they will check your gas, pick up garbage and assist you if needed.
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AT&T and Verizon will give you the best coverage while out on the lake.
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The refrigerator and stove are run by propane along with battery operated lights. The 30’, 35’, 38’, 40’ and 44’ houseboats have 12Volt electricity. This means you have the power to use the cigarette plug with a car phone charger to charge phones etc. If you need 110 V, household electricity we will add a generator at no charge. You will then have two outlets to do your charging or use a blow dryer, blender etc. The 50’ and 52’ houseboats have built in generators to run when you need electricity.
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The refrigerator is a typical RV propane style. The 30’ houseboat is 5 cu ft. The rest of the boats are 8 cu ft plus a 2cu ft freezer. We also supply a large cooler on your front deck for pop, beer, water etc.
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Yes, each boat has a fresh water faucet. We do suggest bringing some bottled water to keep cold. The fresh water is not refrigerator cold.
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Yes, we do allow dogs. They should be kept off the furniture. A pet charge will be applied at booking or during check-in.
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Yes, all of our houseboat have slides.
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You sure can. There’s nothing better than waking up, walking out to the back deck in your pajamas, and casting a line before the coffee is even ready.
However, for serious fishing, we highly recommend towing a smaller fishing boat (yours or one of our rentals) behind the houseboat. This allows you to park the "mothership" and take the small boat into the shallow bays where the big Walleye hide.