Moose Lake Chain
Warm lakefront cabins and top-tier BWCAW outfitting, offering a perfect blend of wilderness adventure and cozy comfort.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful lake, great fishing
Moose Lake Chain
Best Time
Peaceful lake, great fishing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Warm lakefront cabins and top-tier BWCAW outfitting, offering a perfect blend of wilderness adventure and cozy comfort.
"Moose Track Adventures made the whole experience absolutely incredible!"
Book Outfitting Early
Secure your canoes, packs, and gear well in advance, especially for BWCA trips.
Pack for All Weather
Be prepared for sun, rain, and cooler evenings. Layers are your friend! :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lakefront Cabin Serenity
Farm Lake
Cozy cabins with stunning lake views, offering a peaceful retreat after a day of adventure.
Boundary Waters Outfitting
Moose Track Adventures
Top-notch Kevlar canoes, Duluth packs, and expert route planning for unforgettable BWCA trips.
Fishing on Farm Lake
Farm Lake
Cast a line for walleye and other species, with boat rentals available for exploring the lake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wilderness
Plan Your Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Ely Bunkhouses
Book Outfitting Early
Secure your canoes, packs, and gear well in advance, especially for BWCA trips.
Pack for All Weather
Be prepared for sun, rain, and cooler evenings. Layers are your friend! :cloud:
Embrace the Quiet
This is a place for relaxation. Enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility. :sparkles:
Fishing Hotspots
Ask locals or your outfitter for the best spots to catch walleye and other fish. :fishingpoleand_line:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Outfitting Early
Secure your canoes, packs, and gear well in advance, especially for BWCA trips.
Pack for All Weather
Be prepared for sun, rain, and cooler evenings. Layers are your friend! :cloud:
Embrace the Quiet
This is a place for relaxation. Enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility. :sparkles:
Fishing Hotspots
Ask locals or your outfitter for the best spots to catch walleye and other fish. :fishingpoleand_line:
Cabin Comforts
Cabins offer kitchens and WiFi, making for a comfortable basecamp. :house:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Moose Track Adventures for their exceptional service, high-quality gear, and deep knowledge of the Boundary Waters. The cabins are noted for their cleanliness and beautiful lakefront locations, offering a comfortable base for both relaxation and adventure. While the wilderness setting is a major draw, some may find the remoteness a challenge if not fully prepared.
"Our group of six from Texas just got back from a 5-night, 6-day canoe adventure in the Boundary Waters, and Moose Track Adventures made the whole experience absolutely incredible!
From the start, they helped us plan the perfect route, provided top-notch Kevlar canoes, Duluth packs, paddles, and PFDs, and handled all the transportation in and out of the BWCA. Everything was super organized and easy — we could just focus on enjoying the adventure.
Jim and Joan were friendly, knowledgeable, and always happy to answer questions. They really know the area and gave great advice that helped make our trip smooth and memorable. And when we came off the water at the end of the week, they even had a hot shower before heading home — such a nice touch after six days in the wilderness!
The route, the scenery, the quiet, the natural beauty of the Boundary Waters— it was all amazing. If you’re thinking about a Boundary Waters trip, we can’t recommend Moose Track Adventures enough. They went above and beyond in every way.
– The Texas Six"
Larry Thraen
"Gear and Equipment:
We contracted for all our equipment (and food) to be supplied by Moose Tracks. Equipment can make or break an outdoor experience. On a scale of 1-10, the equipment was an 11. Joan and Jim supplied us with two top-end tents – (no holes for misquotes to get in). It rained pretty hard one night and there were not leaks – we were dry! The 3-person Kevlar canoe was in excellent condition. The remainder of the equipment was well thought out, worked well, and was utilized including the bear-hanging mechanism. The fire-starter was excellent.
Support/Communication/Trip Planning:
We consider ourselves fairly experienced and capable outdoor
campers but, we had never been to the Boundary Waters and were not expert canoe handlers. From our first introductory call all the way through the return, the support and
communication were excellent. Joan and Jim were responsive, helpful and answered all of our questions. They were very patient with us as we prepared for the trip. Our trip consisted of 4 days of canoeing and 3 nights of camping. The route they chose
for us was challenging, but doable. They would say, and we concurred, that we were able to get the full range of experiences in the Boundary Waters.
Value/Price:
We decided to not utilize the services of a guide and go it alone. The value we received was well worth the cost. Both Joan and Jim provided us with their years and years of experience, great
advice and wisdom. Joan and Jim take it personally as a family-run business. They wanted to make sure we had a great experience. They were so nice and personable. In conclusion, we would highly recommend utilizing them for your trip to the Boundary Waters. You will not be disappointed."
Margaret Faust
"This was our 3rd stay in 15 years in a cabin at Moose Track Adventures resort. We like a small, quiet resort if we're not going camping, and the lakefront cabins and views are very nice to have. The cabins have always been very clean and well-maintained. Jim and Joan have lots of great information for day outings. Even though there is a road running alongside the resort, it leads to homes, some resorts, and remote areas so doesn't really have much traffic. We weren't as active as on previous trips but really enjoyed the quiet and relaxation. We did paddle on the lake a couple times; swimming was great, especially with the swimming rafts; drove down to Bear Head Lake State Park to bike on the Mesabi Trail, north through the woods. Gorgeous trail."
Karen Ritter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Moose Lake Chain is typically accessed via Ely, Minnesota. From Ely, it's a short drive to Moose Track Adventures and various entry points for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Many visitors fly into Duluth International Airport (DLH) and rent a car for the approximately 2.5-hour drive to Ely.
The closest major airport is Duluth International Airport (DLH). For those seeking a more direct, though often more expensive, option, Ely Municipal Airport (ELY) offers limited service.
Public transportation options directly to Moose Lake Chain are very limited. Most visitors rely on personal vehicles or rental cars after flying into a regional airport.
From Minneapolis/St. Paul, it's about a 4-5 hour drive. From Duluth, it's approximately 2.5 hours.
Moose Track Adventures offers transportation services for their outfitting clients, handling transport in and out of the BWCA.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, permits are required for overnight stays in the BWCAW. These are often booked in advance through recreation.gov. Day use does not typically require a permit unless you are entering via specific entry points.
BWCAW permits can be reserved online via recreation.gov. Popular entry points and dates fill up quickly, so it's advisable to book months in advance.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to contact Moose Track Adventures directly for their current hours of operation, especially for outfitting services and cabin check-ins.
Moose Lake Chain is a general area, and access to the lakefront cabins at Moose Track Adventures does not typically involve an entrance fee beyond your accommodation costs. However, BWCAW entry points have associated fees.
Yes, Moose Track Adventures offers equipment rentals separately, including canoes, packs, and camping gear, which is ideal for those who have planned their own BWCA route.
🎫 🎣 Fishing & Activities
The lakes in this region, including Farm Lake, are known for walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish.
Yes, a valid Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 years or older. Licenses can be purchased online or at local bait and tackle shops.
Moose Track Adventures offers canoe and pontoon boat rentals, perfect for exploring Farm Lake and accessing fishing spots.
Besides fishing and canoeing, popular activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, stargazing, and visiting nearby Ely for its shops and the International Wolf Center.
Yes, swimming is generally permitted in the lakes. Moose Track Adventures even has swimming rafts for guests.
🎫 🏠 Accommodation & Amenities
The lakefront cabins at Moose Track Adventures typically include free WiFi, kitchens, and comfortable living spaces. They are designed for a relaxing stay.
Policies on pets can vary. It's best to inquire directly with Moose Track Adventures about their pet policy before booking.
Moose Track Adventures primarily offers cabin accommodations and outfitting services. While there isn't a full-service restaurant, the cabins are equipped with kitchens for self-catering.
Free WiFi is provided in the cabins, which is convenient for staying connected, though speeds may vary in a wilderness setting.
Moose Track Adventures can accommodate various group sizes with their selection of cabins and outfitting services for canoe trips.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families considering a BWCAW trip, Moose Track Adventures can tailor routes to be more family-friendly, focusing on shorter paddling distances and scenic campsites. The outfitting services ensure you have all the necessary, high-quality gear, making the wilderness accessible even for younger adventurers. Remember to pack plenty of kid-friendly snacks and bug spray – essential for any wilderness adventure!
🎣 Anglers Seeking Walleye
Beyond the immediate lakefront, venturing into the BWCAW opens up countless pristine lakes and rivers known for their healthy walleye populations. Whether you opt for a cabin stay with day trips or a full-fledged canoe expedition, the opportunity to reel in a trophy walleye is high. Don't forget your Minnesota fishing license and be prepared for early morning or late evening fishing sessions, often the most productive times.
🧘♀️ Relaxation Seekers
While adventure is readily available, there's no pressure to be constantly active. The nearby town of Ely offers a change of scenery with its charming shops and cafes if you desire a brief excursion. However, the true allure for relaxation seekers lies in the serenity of the wilderness setting, allowing for a complete mental reset.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)
When venturing into the BWCAW, respect for the wilderness is paramount. This means practicing Leave No Trace principles, properly storing food to avoid attracting wildlife (bear-hanging mechanisms are often provided), and being mindful of fire regulations. The experience is about disconnecting from the everyday and immersing oneself in nature's tranquility. Redditors often share tips on packing light but smart, focusing on essentials like rain gear, insect repellent, and navigation tools.
Wildlife encounters are common and add to the magic of the BWCAW. Keep an eye out for moose, deer, eagles, and various waterfowl. While exciting, it's important to maintain a safe distance and never feed wild animals. The quiet solitude, punctuated by the calls of loons or the rustling of leaves, is what many visitors cherish most about their BWCAW adventures.
Cabin Stays and Local Charm
The local charm of the Ely area adds another layer to the Moose Lake Chain experience. Ely is a gateway town to the BWCAW and offers a small-town feel with essential services, unique shops, and attractions like the International Wolf Center and the North American Bear Center. Visitors often appreciate the proximity to town, which provides a convenient stop for supplies or a meal out after a day on the water.
Fishing is a major draw, and the lakes around Moose Lake Chain are teeming with opportunities. Whether you're an experienced angler or a beginner, renting a boat or fishing from the dock can yield a good catch of walleye, northern pike, and more. The owners, Jim and Joan, are known for their local knowledge and can offer excellent advice on fishing spots and other activities in the area, enhancing the overall guest experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit