Stay at Veterans On the Lake Resort in Ely, MN. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, outdoor pool, pet-friendly lodging near International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center.
Recent guests highlight the resort's welcoming staff, peaceful location on the lake, and rustic yet comfortable cabins, making it a memorable retreat especially suited for veterans and families.
GoHotelly doesn't process bookings — we open this property on each partner so you can compare live rates, cancellation rules and loyalty perks side by side.
Some links are affiliate — if you book, GoHotelly may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure.
Rooms, shared spaces, dining and exterior — grouped so you can skim quickly.
Veterans On the Lake Resort is a 4.7-rated resort hotel located in the serene setting of Ely, Minnesota. Positioned on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the property offers rustic and simple cabins that are well-equipped for a comfortable stay. Guests have noted the scenic lake views and peaceful surroundings, with the sounds of loons and opportunities to observe local wildlife such as eagles enhancing the natural appeal.
The resort focuses on serving veterans of the United States military and their families, creating an accommodating and supportive environment. Facilities include free Wi-Fi, free parking, air conditioning, and an outdoor pool area—replaced by a sand volleyball court and gathering space according to recent guest reports. The property is pet- and kid-friendly, though it does not offer an on-site restaurant or fitness center.
Located at 161 Fernberg Rd, the resort is well-suited for visitors interested in outdoor activities and local attractions. Nearby points of interest include the International Wolf Center, the North American Bear Center, and the Kawishiwi Falls Trail, all popular among guests for educational and recreational experiences. Range Regional Airport is just over an hour's drive away by car, making access relatively convenient.
Guest reviews highlight attentive and helpful staff who contribute significantly to the overall experience, especially when facilitating activities like fishing and kayaking. While the accommodations lean towards the rustic side, they are considered comfortable and fitting for the area. Veterans On the Lake Resort appeals particularly to those seeking a quiet retreat with a focus on nature, recreation, and veteran-friendly amenities.
The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.
Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.
The care we received at Vererans on the Lake was magnificent. They were kind and helpful after we needed last-minute accommodations due to a forest fire in our section of the boundary waters. The manager Andy recommended a kayak fishing trip that we never would have found in our own and ended up being one of the funnest days we have had in Ely. The cabins are on par with the area, rustic and simple but just fine and well-equipped. We really enjoyed our stay.
What a magical place! The people are friendly and helpful, the location is breathtaking, and the cabins are cozy. You can hear loons, watch eagles fish, and let the water relax you.
This is absolutely the best resort that is now available in the Ely area. We have stayed in many and the attention to detail, the wonderful staff and pristine grounds is a must see. Tony, Bill, Heather and Trish and all the help is there to make sure you are treated to the best! Quick update, the pool had to be removed but now there is super sand volleyball court and gathering area. Encourage anyone to check out VOL!
Great getaway "off the beaten path". Picturesque setting on the edge of the BWCAW. Boat rentals are available. The resort caters mainly to veterans of the United States military and their families.
This is the best place to stay for our family. The staff go above and beyond to make sure your stay is great. My husband is a disabled veteran and they have accommodations that make things easier for him to fish, get around, and just be a normal dad and husband to his family. Our favorite person is Bill. We love Bill. The lake and scenery are top of the line.
We just finished spending a week at Veterans on the Lake. We rented cabin 11. Our place was just fine. Very comfy beds, decent furnishings, and the view is spot on. Staff are wonderful and aim to make your experience there a great memory. We did not catch many fish, but saw others fishing who knew where to drop that line. The manager stopped by occasionally to chat with us as we spent the majority of our time outside. In fact one afternoon he brought a young girl over and she introduced herself, shook Mike’s hand and thanked him for his service. This gesture was the highlight of our stay there. See you again in 2026! Thanks.
My husband and I have been staying there for 5 years now. We have enjoyed the beauty of the lake, the facilities they offer, the people we have met, and their attention to honoring our veterans. VotL offers an enjoyable experience for the young, old, veterans and other orgs like people with disabilities … We can’t wait until next year!!….. L and L Carson
We found the employees of the resort to be extremely helpful and were right on when we had a question or a request. Bill and Tony willingly shared their knowledge of the lake and surrounding area. Their attitude and attention to our grandsons (16 & 19) was not overlooked. The 19 yr old wanted to stay another week! We have visited the resort in the past and we’ll go again; we will definitely sing praises to all our friends. Thank you to all for a wonderful week!
Based on sightseeing, recreation, and getting around
Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Minnesota. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.
1,507 reviews 1396 MN-169, Ely, MN 55731, United States
1 reviews 1926 MN-169, Ely, MN 55731, United States
518 reviews 444 Fernberg Rd, Ely, MN 55731, United States
Hand-picked alternatives with a comparable feel, size and price band.
Stay at Plaza La Reina Hotel, a 4.4star boutique property with rooftop terrace, free WiFi, and petfriendly suites near UCLA and...
Relax at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Hattiesburg I59 offering free WiFi, breakfast, outdoor pool, and gym near Hattiesbu...
Enjoy a 4.8star stay at Berkshire Valley Inn in Williamstown, MA. Features include free breakfast, WiFi, fireplaces, kitchenette...
Stay at Rodeway Inn Hattiesburg North, a 3.8star hotel in Hattiesburg, MS. LGBTQ+ friendly with good access to sightseeing, recre...
Stay at Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia Springfield, a 4.3star hotel with free WiFi, indoor pool, and business center, located...
Stay at The Mill Stone Manor Huntingdon, a 4star motel offering free WiFi, continental breakfast, petfriendly rooms, and easy a...
Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and parking at Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Williamsburg IA North. Near Amana Colonies and Eastern Io...
Book stayAPT Suites LaGrange, an extended stay hotel featuring free WiFi, kitchen in all rooms, and petfriendly options. Close t...
Casual hotel in San Antonio with free breakfast, parking, pool, and hot tub. Near The Alamo, River Walk, and San Antonio Internati...
Relax at Motel 6 Moriarty, a budget motel offering free WiFi, parking, and petfriendly rooms near Route 66 and local attractions...
Short, honest notes are more useful than long ones. A few sentences about what worked, what surprised you, and who the hotel is best for will go a long way.
