Ely, Minnesota Vacation: Northern Minnesota Resort Vacation
Minnesota Fishing Resorts
River
Point Resort is a leading Minnesota Fishing Resort with pristine,
fish-abundant waters for family fishing vacations and group fishing
trips.
In addition, look to River Point for the area's most extensive guest
activities. |

The Family Fishing Trip at River Point
CHECK OUT THE
WEBCAM
MAKE
YOUR FISHING TRIP RESERVATIONS!
Fishing At Its Finest!
River Point is strategically located on the northern, most private end of
Birch Lake where the South Kawishiwi River joins it.
Golden walleyes, giant northern pike, slab crappies, tasty bluegills, and
feisty smallmouth bass await the entire fishing group or family vacationing in this
area of the Great North Woods, There are plenty of bays, coves, islands and rocky points on Birch
Lake and the South Kawishiwi River (entry #32 into the Boundary Waters) to provide you with a lifetime of angling memories.
Birch Lake is the largest Ely-area lake outside of the protected
Boundary Waters lakes. Birch is 20 miles long and over 6,000 acres, with 90%
of its wilderness shoreline being undeveloped federal land. This kind of
wilderness seclusion and lack of shoreline development does not exist on any
other lake in the Ely area.
Long and narrow, Birch Lake is like a serpentine river-lake, and
at all times you can see from one shoreline to the other-easy to navigate
with confidence. When the winds kick up a bit, no need to head for shore
like you might have to do when fishing on a "round-type" lake-just slide
into a cove or inlet and keep on fishing. With an amazing lake like this to
navigate and enjoy, there is no need to seek out a chain of lakes, or any
other area lake, for fine fishing. View River Point's strategic
location on Google Earth Map.
Following is the latest press release about fishing beautiful
Birch Lake:
"12 ROUTES TO
HEAVEN"
STAR TRIBUNE, MAY 4, 2008
"The DEADLY DOZEN
(Minnesota) WALLEYE LAKES"
Lake #5: BIRCH LAKE
"Look at northern Minnesota, and
you'll find Birch Lake. It's not small-5,628 acres-but it has a bunch of 1-
to 2- pounders, roughly three times the state average, according to DNR
tests. Maximum depth is about 25 feet, so Birch might produce an opening day
bite. . ." "a lesser-known honey hole that is brimming with walleyes just
waiting to be caught someday."
Birch produces trophy walleye averaging 9.27 pounds,
according to on the latest DNR data reports. An an average of 14.2 walleyes
are caught per gill net. Walleyes are prevalent in all class sizes with the
1 to 2 pound range being very abundant. So, whether it is potential
trophy walleye fishing you're after or a wonderful mess of fish for tasty
eating, Birch and the South Kawishiwi River is your number one choice for
great fishing. Best fishing time is spring-late May, all of June, and into
early July.
Birch also boasts a tremendous population of BIG northern pike.
Prime fishing time for these "big ones" is between May 15-late June, mid
August through September and early October, although they can be caught at
anytime throughout the season. Northerns weighing in and up to 20+ pounds
are caught each season. Beside trophy walleye and northern pike, Birch is
also known as an abundant producer of one pound slab
crappies-some exceed two pounds,
plus an ever-increasing population of the feisty smallmouth
bass. Just a blast to catch these
"fighters." Bluegill and largemouth bass round out the species of fish to be
caught and eaten, or "catch and release."
With neither commercial fishing or
netting allowed, a vast shoreline that is 90% wilderness, and low fishing
pressure makes Birch Lake and the South Kawishiwi River your number one
choice for great fishing.
View
River Point Resort's Private Mile-Long Wilderness Peninsula
There are seven dock sites...
...and a concrete boat ramp to make your Minnesota fishing resort vacation
at River Point more convenient, if you choose to bring your personal boat.
However, most family fishing vacations and group fishing trips include the
rental of watercraft equipment from River Point. Waterfront rentals include
pro-fishing and touring boats, pontoon boats, 16' boats, and 9.9, 15, and 25 hp motors,
and trolling motors (refer to Amenities page for pricing
information). A bait and tackle shop, complimentary fish cleaning, maps, and competent, friendly
staff to take care of your needs are readily available.
Fishing season is from May 10th and extends into October. Spring
fishing brings colder waters encouraging the larger fish to feed vigorously
in the more shallow accessible fishing patterns. This is the best time for
the serious fisherperson.
Why Choose Fishing
in Ely?
Ely Ranks 12th on Field & Stream Magazines 2008
List Of The Best Fishing Towns In America
Why Choose Fishing On Birch Lake? The Question
Is: Why Not???
SPRING EXPEDITION FISHING PACKAGE
May 9-June 6, 2008
Expedition Package Includes:
- Lakefront Comfortable
Cabin,
Villa, or
Chalet Lodging
with full kitchen--Deck and Grill
- Fishing 16' Boat with 9.9 hp or 15 hp motor,
life jackets, and boat cushions
- Fish Filleting, packaging and freezing
- Bait
- First Tank of Gas
- Use of kayaks, paddle boats, fun bugs, hiking
trail, and all other River Point amenities
- Guides Available
Rate:
2-3 persons, 1 boat: per person per
night: $90
4 persons, 1 boat: per
person per night: $85 ($45 extra per day for second boat--50%
off regular rate)
5-6 persons, 2 boats: per person per night:
$75
Minimum 3 night rental, tax, fishing license,
tackle, and upgrades are additional. Not applicable on Memorial Weekend
(5/23-25) on previous reservations, or with other offers.
"Here are a few pics
from early June. Had a great time and caught lots of fish. Look forward to
seeing you again next year! Thanks!"
-Roger S., Schaumburg, IL, staying in Ledgerock Chalet
Complimentary fishing seminars...
...with in-house knowledgeable, congenial guides provide excellent advice on
technique, bait, and presentation. Seminars are held weekly at River Point from early
June to late August. |
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"Wow what a stringer" |
GUIDED FISHING TRIPS
Birch Lake and South Kawishiwi River Guided
Day Motorized
Fishing Trips
Exceptional guided fishing trips with enthusiastic
and friendly guides are offered on Birch and the South Kawishiwi River both on a full day and half-day basis.
Half day guided trips (4 hours) are most popular since this type of excursion provides time to tour the lake and become
acclimated to the specific inlets, bay, coves, and other areas to be fished
during the rest of your stay, as well as to learn fishing techniques from
the guide.
Full day guided trips (8 hours) may be reserved
without a shore lunch, meaning you either provide your own lunch and eat in
the boat while fishing, or take a break along the scenic, undeveloped
wilderness shoreline to enjoy your lunch. If you prefer, the guide will also
bring you back to your resort accommodation where you may elect to have your
lunch. Following lunch you continue fishing for the remainder of the
day.
A shore lunch of fresh-caught fish cooked to perfection over an open fire is also a wonderful treat when combined with the full day
fishing trip. This option is available for an additional fee when reserving
full (8 hour) day trip.
Look no further than Birch Lake, the South Kawishiwi River, and River
Point Resort for your next Minnesota fishing resort vacation----no motor restrictions, no day permits needed, and low fishing
pressure! Reservations may be made when your are at River Point, or when
making your accommodation reservation. However, advance reservations are
encouraged, as these day trips are sold out quickly!
Guided Day Motorized Fishing Trip
Rates (1-2 persons):
1/2 Day (4 hours): $225 Additional Person: $30; Child, age
10 & under: $15
Full Day (8 hours): $305 Additional Person: $40: Child, age
10 & under: $30
Trip includes guide expertise, boat, motor, life jackets, bait and gas.
Tax, fishing license, tackle, and guide gratuity are extra.
Full Day Trip with Shore Lunch: $30 for 1-2 persons; $10 each
additional person Deposit: $100 per trip
Fishing Is Just As Good As You Are A Fisherperson!
Boundary Waters (BWCA) Day Canoe Trips
Let River Point Outfitting Co.,
one of the premier Boundary Waters Outfitters, help you plan a self-guided day canoe trip to enhance your resort stay. Germany's Lufthansa Magazine says, "[River Point's] location on Birch Lake
is a good place to set out on day trips."
We have everything you'll need for a guaranteed adventure, plus we'll make sure you have the
confidence to do it!
Guided Day Fishing Boundary Waters Canoe Trips
Take a deep breath; this day is a day to be savored. One of our
experienced in-house guides will take you into the Boundary Waters Canoe
Area for a fabulous full day of fishing. If you are not sure of your
canoeing skills, join our instructional canoeing group class, or we will
arrange a "one on one" canoeing class just for you prior to the trip.

Fighting the Traffic on Interstate 35W
Walleye, northern pike, crappies, smallmouth... catch and release, or catch them and
the guide will "cook em' up." Whether you are a beginner fisherperson or a seasoned veteran
you will savor this day. If you love canoeing and fishing, this is the trip for you!
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1-2 persons: $245/a day
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Deposit: $100
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Additional person: $40
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Fishing license, tax, guide gratuity extra.
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Rates subject to change without notice.
CBS Early Show and Outside
Traveler Magazine Showcase River Point's Guided Canoe Trips
"(CBS) If you're tired of theme parks every
summer vacation, maybe it's time for a travel adventure. Mike Roberts,
senior editor from Outside Traveler Magazine visited the Early Show
to talk about the wild vacation ideas [with River Point Outfitting Co.] that
are sure to excite everybody in your family."
River Point Outfitting Co., one of Ely's finest canoe
trip outfitters, offers a perfect canoeing travel adventure, as featured
on the CBS Early Show, for adult groups, and for families with children.
Experience the 6-Day, 5-Night Wolf
Howling canoe trip, that Outside Traveler Magazine wrote
about in the article, entitled, "Animal
Magnetism"----and, discussed on the CBS Early Show. Three to five
day, custom Wolf Howling canoe trips can also be arranged.
Or, consider the shorter 5-Day, 4-Night Voyageur
Paddle, which traces a historical voyageur paddle route through the BWCA.
Each of these Boundary Waters canoe trips is complete with all equipment,
canoes, food, and congenial guide. These two canoe trips also offer an ideal
option for the solo person who desires to join a group.
Kick off your Boundary Waters canoeing adventure with
a few nights lodging at River Point Resort--perhaps selecting a villa with double whirlpool, or a new chalet accommodation. Think about lodging after the canoe trip. . .and, maybe a
wonderful massage with River Point's professional massage therapist. Your
new-found paddling muscles may need some special treatment!
River
Point Resort Site Map
"Taste of the North Woods" Canoe Trip
Boundary Waters Overnight Canoeing Trips (2-Days, 1-Night)
When renting a vacation home, villa, or chalet for a week, you have the option of
further experiencing the wilderness at River Point's doorstep when going on
an overnight canoe camping adventure. This is especially fun for
families who want just a "taste" of wilderness camping and
canoeing. Two fabulous plans offered by River Point Outfitting Co are
available.
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Option #1: Overnight in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area
(US camping permit required).
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Option #2: Overnight on the wilderness shoreline of the South
Kawishiwi River and Birch Lake, which are adjacent to the BWCA, but require
no US camping permit. Due to the virtually uninhabited shoreline of
these pristine waters, the same feeling of remoteness is yours to delight
in, as you would experience in the Boundary Waters. With either
option, you will "Paddle the Quiet Side®."
Includes: All equipment: aluminum canoes, paddles,
life vests, tent, sleeping bags, stuff sacks, therm-a-rest sleep pads,
camp pillows, packsacks, folding saw, gas stove, cook kit and
utensils. Also included are travel map, a pre-trip routing session and transport
to your wilderness entry point.
2-Days, 1-Night Canoe Trip Rates Without Food:
$335 for up to 4 persons
Each additional person: $50
9 person maximum per group. Extra persons over 9 will form additional groups.
Fishing licenses, tax and guide gratuity, if applicable, are extra.
Rates subject to change without notice.
Want us to pack the food?
Add on $9 per meal per person. Typically, we pack lunch and dinner on day one and
breakfast and lunch on day two. You may select food from the River Point Outfitting, Co. deluxe
menu planner which offers many fresh entrees, as well as lightweight dehydrated food
choices. Food is packed in its own food pack, and includes a kitchen camp kit
(dish soap, trash bags, bar soap, scrub pads, etc.). |

Sweet & Tangy
Freshly picked wild blueberries and raspberries! Best picking
time: mid-July through mid-August.
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Lake Superior
Travel Guide 2003
"...the resort will also custom design a perfect BWCAW trip." |
Want a Guide?
$175/day for up to two persons. $25/day for each extra person. Add on $35/day for the guide's outfitting charge for
his/her equipment and food.
Want an extremely lightweight (42 lbs) Kevlar Canoe?
Add on $10/per person per day.
Early reservations are encouraged for best BWCA permit availability on Option #1.
US permit fee of $12 and US User Fee of $16 per adult and $8 per youth, age
17 & under, are additional with Option #1. River Point charges an
$8 fee for securing and handling of the BWCA permit. |
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Good
Housekeeping Magazine, May 2003 says: "Pack Your Bags, Best Vacation Bargains for Family
Fun... Canoeing" |
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Adult, Teen, & Children's Naturalist Program of Activities (6/2-8/15)

Creating Native American Dreamcatchers
River Point's Naturalist program is designed to provide something for all
ages -- from young children to grandparents. MOST are complimentary,
except for the guided day canoe trips into the BWCA and a few others. A
great variety of planned activities are offered -- yet your need for peace
and tranquility is respected, and taking part is totally your choice.
Look to River Point for the area's most extensive guest
activities. |

Pictured: Emmett (7), Zach (6), Thomas (6), Olivia (4), Josie (Naturalist)
The Naturalist Program of Activities includes a "Kid's Adventure Time"
program (supervised time for 4-10 year olds), wolf howling, ecology hikes, craft
classes, video and historical presentations, instructional canoeing,
photography, birding, cook-outs, and more. The complimentary, supervised
"Kid's Adventure Time" program includes many "nature-related" fun
activities that take place outdoors in the beauty of River Point's
private peninsula. Kids love meeting new friends that they can play with
throughout the time they are "on vacation". Mom and Dad love the time to
themselves, too! |
 Children's Playground & Beaches
New Rainbow Monster Climbing Playground System. Kids love the creativity, the activity, and meeting new
friends. Two safe, sand beaches to soak up the sun while spending time building sand castles and enjoying
the 25 complimentary paddle boats, kayaks, and other watercraft. Comfortable chairs and chaise loungers
are provided for your complete relaxation at both beaches and on the sundecks and "relaxing areas"
along the "Naturally Superior" shoreline of the resort property.
Complimentary Water Bikes, Barracudas, Kayaks and More!
Our Water Bikes let you ride the waves in comfort & style! World-class
boats designed to provide fun for the whole family, as you explore River
Point's "Naturally Superior"™ shoreline.
Fast Cruising Fun! Our Barracudas are a blast for touring the shoreline and
rediscovering the pleasure of cycling...on water! And our catamaran Kayaks
are attractive, rugged, open-bow boats providing fun for all!
Mountain Biking
The great wilderness area of the Superior National Forest surrounding River Point
is perfect for exploring the back trails by mountain bike. Pack a
lunch, grab your swimsuit for a dip in one of the lakes along the way, and
don't forget your camera for a great day biking the North Woods. Bring your
own bike and enjoy!
"Trail of Reflections"
Hike our beautiful trail which takes you to glorious picture perfect vistas
overlooking the Kawishiwi River as well as to private spots deep within the
forest. The trail is completely signed and has a trail reference guide for those wanting to learn more about the
North Woods of Ely Minnesota.
Wolf Den Gifts
Superb shopping right at River Point. Offering specialty North Woods apparel, including versatile plush
sweatshirts, comfy t-shirts, rainwear, hats, and other clothing. Also available are specialty items such
as frame-able art prints, cozy fleece throws, Minnesota syrups, jams and jellies, handcrafted collectible figurines,
and many other gifts and souvenirs, plus a fine line of home accessories that lets you
"Bring Home the Woods."
Wolf Den Gifts gives you the convenience of a relaxed, pleasant shopping experience right
at River Point for those special gifts that provide lasting memories of your wilderness holiday.

Wildwood Lodge
Finished in knotty pine with a beamed and vaulted ceiling, floor to ceiling stone
fireplace, and comfortable furnishings, the Wildwood Lodge houses a
snack/beverage bar offering: soda, beer, pizza, ice-cream and homemade
goodies, relaxing TV-watching area, video and book libraries, and
educational information about the environment and the North Woods. Please
know that restaurant style dining is not offered at the Wildwood Lodge.
International Wolf Center
No trip to the North Country is complete without a tour of Ely's famous wolf
center known internationally for its research on the timber wolf. Have a
"close encounter" with the resident wolf pack as they roam their 1
1/4 acre home at the Wolf Center, playing, eating, sleeping, and tussling
with each other. Experience the
$1 million "Wolves & Humans" exhibit. River
Point's Recreation Program also includes thrilling wolf howling expeditions
right on the wilderness shoreline of it's own Birch Lake.
Dorothy Molter Museum
Discover the life of a Boundary Waters legend.
Dorothy Molter was the last person to have spent her life living in
the famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
Find out how she made her livelihood selling home-made root beer
to thousands of canoeists who stopped at her homestead on Knife
Lake giving her the nickname "The Root Beer Lady."
While you are a guest at River Point Resort in Ely, you can stop in and visit the Dorothy Molter Museum.
We've Got 18 Holes In Our Backyard!
Golf on a spectacular course in Ely, just ten minutes away, and in Babbitt, a mere
twenty minutes from River Point. Your resort Holiday can offer you a HOLE lot more!
There is also championship golf in nearby Biwabic, Minnesota--about an hour and
fifteen minutes away.
Scenic and Historic Hwy. #1
River Point is only 55 miles, or about an hour and ten minutes, west of the North Shore of Lake Superior on picturesque Hwy. #1.
Reminiscent of the meandering beauty of travel through the New England states, Hwy. #1 is
spectacular for viewing moose, deer, and the beautiful autumn colors. Consider a
day trip to Lake Superior's North Shore when vacationing at River Point Resort.
Planning a Wedding? Looking for a special Honeymoon
Vacation Getaway?
Exchange your vows under a canopy of birch and
pine on River Point's lovely east shoreline deck area, or at the beautiful
historic log pavilion at the South Kawishiwi Campground, just two miles
away by boat or car from River Point.
Minnesota Bride Magazine writes, "Here's an ideal setting for a wedding ceremony...many spacious
decks and an abundance of outdoor space." Let us help you make your
wilderness wedding memories for small groups of 25 or less.
Celebrate your special romantic
Honeymoon vacation getaway at River Point Resort. Enjoy
lakefront, luxury villa or chalet lodging with double whirlpool and
fireplace, professional massage therapy in the comfort of your
accommodation, unlimited boat, motor, and canoe use, and Much More! Check
out the special Minnesota honeymoon resort package at River Point Resort by
referring to: Honeymoon/Romance
Package.
If you would like more information, or you are
ready to make a reservation, please use our on-line form, send us an e-mail or call 1.800.456.5580
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