Welcome to Piney Woods Retreat, a hidden gem among majestic pines & bordering miles of state land. Minutes from Bear Head Lake State Park & Mesabi Trail, our cabin is ideal for nature lovers & outdoor enthusiasts.
Why Choose Piney Woods?
Outdoor Lovers: Discover hiking trails, fishing spots, and stunning landscapes right at your doorstep.
Rustic Comfort: Enjoy a blend of charm and modern amenities in our fully furnished cabin.
Pet-Friendly: Bring your furry friends...they will love it here!
We request that you complete a Pre-Arrival Form, and agree to our Rental Agreement after booking to complete your reservation. You will find these links in your first message after you book.
We do our best to ensure you have everything you need during your stay. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any feedback or questions! We love to hear from you. All contact info is posted on the fridge and in the Welcome Book at the cabin.
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
Beautiful hiking trails, wilderness atmosphere, nice swimming beach, 23 miles of lakeshore & equipment rental. (Canoes, Kayaks, & SUP's). Firewood for sale at the Park Office.
Winter: Groomed XC ski trails, snowshoeing in the woods & spur to Taconite State Trail via Cub Lake, groomed for snowmobile.
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 trail from Piney Woods towards Pickerel Lake.
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.
Guests will have access to the entire 5 acres and all buildings.
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, Sauna and 3-season Glass House surrounded by a beautiful pine forest and hiking trails. The whole place is yours to enjoy during your stay.
PLEASE NOTE:
We have 1 full bathroom in the main cabin. There’s an additional shower in the basement and a year-round sauna with an outdoor summer cold shower for additional bathing options.
LOFT BEDROOM:
- 1 King Bed
- 2 Pack n Play travel cribs
- 2 Twin mattresses
MAIN FLOOR BEDROOM:
- 1 Double Bed
- Room darkening shades
- Across the hall from the bathroom
LIVING ROOM:
- Sectional Sofa w/ Queen Sleeper
- Gas fireplace
- Huge windows & natural light
BASEMENT BEDROOM:
- 1 Twin Bed & work space
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
GUEST HOUSE - 1 Bedroom
- 2 Queen beds
- Workspace w/ Wi-Fi
- Available year-round
- Room darkening shades on most windows
- Separate building, a few steps to main cabin
GLASS HOUSE - 1 Room
- 1 Double bed, sleeps 2
- Spend the night, or read & nap in the afternoon
- Two wicker chairs & small table for coffee time
- Short trail through the woods to main cabin
- 3-season use, when the snow isn’t too deep
SAUNA (at the backside of the Guesthouse)
- Private use
- Available year round
- Outdoor cold shower, May-September
- Electric finnleo stove
ADDITIONAL BATHING OPTIONS:
- Basement shower
- Year round sauna with outdoor summer shower
LAUNDRY
- Washer & dryer in the basement
- Laundry detergent provided
- Drying lines
OUTDOOR SEATING & GRILLS
- Gas grill
- 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 is Ely.
DIRECTIONS:
TO PINEY WOODS
1458 Bear Head State Park Road, Ely, Minnesota
From Minneapolis/St. Paul, take I-35 N
Follow I-35 N to MN-33 N in Cloquet, taking exit 237 from I-35 N.
Continue on MN-33 N.
Take US-53, Hwy 7 & MN-169 N to Bear Head State Park Road in Eagles Nest Township. This includes a temporary detour south of Virginia.
Turn right on Bear Head State Park Road.
Follow Bear Head State Park Road 2.2 miles, turning left at the Piney Woods driveway, just past the Walsh Road. You’ll see our sign at the driveway, so you’ll know you’re in the right place!
PARKING
We're about halfway between Ely and Tower, about 3 1/2 hours from the Twin Cities . We have plenty of off-street parking in the driveway, and 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.
