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ELY RESORTS~ELY VACATION RESORTS

Resort Recreation

It's About Doing....It's Also About Not Doing...

 

It's your vacation at River Point...Your place to discover, escape, create, share, and enjoy doing something, or simply relax and rejunvenate, and....do nothing at all.

Northern Minnesota resort vacations for fishing, canoeing, boating, kayaking, swimming, birding, playing, hiking, mountain biking, shopping, reading, relaxing, and doing nothingl...

  

No list of the best in secluded getaways would be complete without the region's crown jewel, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Named one of the "50 Places of a Lifetime" by National Geographic Traveler, this remote wilderness area stretches some 1.1 million acres across the border of northern Minnesota and Canada.

Charles Kuralt noted, "If it is absolute solitude
you want, you have only to paddle far enough."

 

Canoeing

 

Boundary Waters Canoe Area ~ a million acre wilderness set aside for canoeing

 

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 outdoor canoing adventure, from canoes, paddles, and life jacets to tasty food and BWCA entry point transport. Plus we'll make sure you have the confidence to do it!

Boundary Waters Day Canoe Trip Options

 

Guided Day Canoe Trip #1:

Guided Day Fishing 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.

 

 

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!

Includes: canoe, life jackets, bait, transport to entry point, fresh shore lunch cooked over a campfire, and expert fishing guide.

 

Guided Day Canoe Trip #2:

Hegman Lake Pictographs Day Canoe Trips

 

The intrique and mystery of Native American rock paintings, known as pictographs, still cast a spell of wonder on today's traveler in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) Wilderness. Hegman Lake is probably one of the finest examples of original Native American Pictographs to be found. The pictograph site at Hegman shows a clearly drawn moose flanked by a dog or wolf, a maymayguayshi figure (man-like) and several canoes. Unlike most other drawings these were probably done by someone sitting on a rock ledge, perhaps accounting for their sophisticated craftsmanship.

Take time out of your day to appreciate this display of a culture we know so little about that were painted within the last 500 to 1000 years. Plan to join your River Point experienced guide on a wonderful day trip to Hegman. Your northern Minnesota vacation can be enhanced by a day adventure like this one.

Includes: canoe, life jackets, transport to entry point, typical BWCA style lunch, and expert guide

Rates for Guided Day Fishing or Hegman Lake Pictograph Day Canoe Trips:

• 1-2 persons: $325/a day
• Additional person: $55
• Deposit: $100
• Fishing license, tax, guide gratuity extra.
• BWCA rules must be followed: maximum group size with guide is 9 persons and 4 canoes. No cans or glass bottles allowed.
• Rates subject to change without notice.   

Your day BWCA canoe trip need not be fishing or pictograph focused. The focus may be to paddle, take pictures, and simply for the enjoyment of the incredible scenery. Ask about planning a custom trip just for you.

 

 Guided Boundary Waters Canoe Trips---several days

 

CBS Early Show and Outside Traveler Magazine Showcase "(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. Shorter three to five day, custom Wolf Howling canoe trips can also be arranged.

Or, consider the 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.

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, too--time to relax at the resort site, time to drive the short distance to enjoy the quaint downtown of Ely, maybe treating yourself to one of the many dining options. 

River Point Resort Layout Map

 

"Taste of the North Woods" Canoe Trip Package

 

Boundary Waters Overnight Canoeing Trips (2-Days, 1-Night)
When renting a vacation home, villa, or chalet for a minimum of three or more nights, 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--and want to camp out for just one night. 

 

Two plans offered by River Point Outfitting Co are available.

• Option #1: Overnight in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area
  (US camping permit required--learn more)

• 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^® ."

• This ovenight Boundary Waters canoe trip choie may be guided or unguided.

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. Find out more here.

 

BWCA Canoe/Camping and Resort Option

 
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area, with island-studded lakes and pine-covered forests, is best suited to canoeing. You may sample this vast area even more extensively by camping for several nights within it, and also enjoy the comfort of lodging at River Point Resort for a few nights.

Complete BWCA outfitting includes the canoe and all other lightweight camping equipment, quality food, and routing. 

Check out River Point Outfitting Co. and discover how you can "Paddle the Quiet Side"^®.  We offer canoe trips into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. The total focus of your vacation may be the canoe trip or you may combine it with a resort stay. 

The trip may be guided or unguided.

The choice is yours....

Note: Early reservations are encouraged for the best BWCA permit availability for the canoe trip portion. US permit fee of $6 for a group of up to 9 persons and the US User Fees of $16 per adult and $8 per youth, age 17 & under, are additional. These fees are payable to the US Forest Service. River Point charges an $8 permit handling fee.

 

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Good Housekeeping Magazine says: "Pack Your Bags, Best Vacation Bargains for Family Fun... Canoeing"

 

Program of Activities

 

River Point's Activity Program offers choices of planned activities each week from mid-June through August 16. All activities are complimentary, except for the guided day canoe trips into the BWCA. A variety of planned activities are offered -- yet your need for peace and tranquility, and doing "your own thing" is totally appreciated.

Planned activities may include wolf howling, ecology hikes, instructional canoeing, photography, bonfires, and more.

Please Note: Kid's Adventure Program is not offered.

 

Other "Doing"...and "Not Doing" Things...

Playing and Swimming

Children's Playground & Beaches
Rainbow Monster Climbing Playground System. Kids love the creativity, the activity, and meeting new friends. Two safe, natural sand beaches to take a dip in. Soak up the sun while spending time building sand castles with the kids or with the "kid in you!" 

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.

 

Water Biking and Kayaking

 

Water Bikes let you ride the waves in comfort and style--great for families. World-class boats designed to provide fun for the whole family, as you explore River Point's "Naturally Superior"™ shoreline.

And, our catamaran Kayaks are attractive, rugged, open-bow boats providing safe fun in a wet environment.

 

Jumping Off the Rave 

 

River Point’s Northwoods Aqua Jump Swim Raft provides summer fun by leaps and bounds. This fun new water raft made from thick PVC has high quality springs that surround the entire jumping surface that will provide your family with hours of creative play and new recreational challenges.

The 25 foot Aqua Jump is amazing stable and can hold adults and several children on it all at the same time. There is also a slide attachment that is a superb toy for the younger set, and even fun for older kids.

This raft is extremely comfortable for sunning and relaxing, too, and is no doubt the coolest place on the water to "chill" out. Play hard or hang out. Something to Rave about! 

 

Mountain Biking

 

The great wilderness area of the Superior National Forest surrounding River Point is perfect for exploring the back trails by mountain bike.The 1.3 mile gravel drive leading into River Point is great for biking, too. The drive leads to highway #1...from there, just a very short distance connects the avid mountain biker to a round-trip 8 miles into the deeper forest with bumps, ruts, brambles and branches, along the way, as well as total peace and solitude.

Plan to use your muscles and work up a sweat--good exercise for those who want it. Pack a lunch, grab your swimsuit for a dip in one of the lakes along the way, before the bike trip back to River Point. And, don't forget your camera for a great day biking the North Woods. Bring your own bike, or rent one from the local bike shop in Ely, and enjoy.

 

New Floating Swim Raft at River Point

 

Long a standard at swim beaches, this hard surface swim raft with pontoon type floats and sturdy climb up ladder is an amazing fun water platform for adults and children.

This new raft is located at River Point's south beach adjacent to the Log Cabin and offers a fantastic destination for avid swimmers who may want to swim all the way from the north beach. It is also just perfect for casual swimmers who want a place to rest and sun themselves before hitting the water again. There is no better place on the water to try a good old fashioned "cannon ball." Kids love the easy climb up ladder and the firm, robust deck beneath their feet. Give this one a try, you will love it!

 

Floating Lounging Chairs

 

These incredibly comfortable water lounge chairs are perfect for anyone who loves being in the water with the opportunity to enjoy carefree floating. Pre-formed high density materials provide a pleasing shape to rest your body in and give you the confidence that you surely will not fall off, unless you want to!

River Point's floating lounge chairs are fun and carefree for families with young children who need supervision in the water, and absolutely perfect for adults who want to float with utter relaxation. Once you are in one, you will not want to give it up…summer fun with a new twist of relaxation!

 

Hiking the "Trail of Reflections"

 

Hike this beautiful trail, located on River Point's peninsula, 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.

The "tall timbers" section of the trail is particularily interesting, with its white pine trees gracing the rocky cliffs that are hundreds of years old. Amazing beauty.

It is not unusual to spot soaring bald eagles and catch sight of the many deer that abound on this "little bit of heaven."

 

 

 

Birding at River Point

Don't forget your binoculars! Birding in Minnesota. An ever-growing number of River Point guests are coming for the wonderful bird-watching. In the summer, the forests of Lake County are literally alive with over 100 species of birds. Of the 800 species of birds living in North America, 422 have been spotted in Minnesota. And, northern Minnesota surely has its share. Birders really need only a good resource book, binoculars, and walking shoes--so birding is not only loads of fun, but a relatively inexpensive outdoor activity to do.

The area around River Point is a stop along the migratory path for many species. Cape May warblers, pileated woodpeckers, great blue herons, American bittern, Bohemians Waxwings, and northern parula are just a few of the species that people can encounter in this region.

The region's unique geography, from peat bogs, Birch Lake and the South Kawiishiwi River, to boreal forests, helps attract a variety of birds, various species of ducks, as well as loons, and bald eagles. Birdwatching is a natural fit with hiking and biking and other sports at River Point.

Ely's Vermillion Community College ornithologist, Bill Tefft has birded across the region for more than 25 years and he offers this top pick of places to go if you're hoping to view (and hear) birds:

The Birch Lake Dam
The Birch Lake Dam is located on the South Kawishiwi River, which is the west border of River Point Resort. The dam is a hop, skip and a jump from River Point by either boat (1 mile) or by foot or vehicle (1.5 miles).

Birch Lake Dam is Tefft's all time favorite location for birding. The area which was first mentioned in one of the oldest guides to birding in Minnesota, has been a hot spot for literally decades. Teft says it is still one of the most dependable birding spots in the area. Lots of morning sun attracts the warblers, flycatches and other birds. Water is right there, so waterfowl can be counted on. You can even walk along the dike that extends on either side of the dam for a better look at the surrounding treetops. Adjacent is a gravel road which is also a birder's fun spot to check out.

Liz and Maurice S., came all the way from Newburyport, MA to stay at River Point and bird in the area. They list birds seen on the resort property and at the dam, plus at the bridge on the South Kawishiwi River (River Point's east border).

The amazing Boreal habitat breeders, Mourning Warblers and Cape May Warblers were spotted in addition to Yellow-shafted flickers, Pileated and Downy woodpeckers, Rose-breasted grosbeak, Red-breasted nuthatch, Easter phoebe, American kestrel, Bluejay, Turkey vulture, American goldfinch, Black-capped chickadee, Ruby-throuated hummingbird, Herring gull, and a ton of Warbler: Nashville, Blackburnian, Northern parula, Ovenbird, Black and white, Canada, Magnolia, American redstart, Black-throated green, and Yellow-rumped.

Bobby S. from Clifton, VA came for both a fishing and a birding focused vacation at River Point in late May/early June. He reported many of the same species, including the Mourning Warblers and the Cape May Warblers, and also observed additional species: European starling, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Broad-winged hawk, Eastern Meadowlark, Canada Goose, Common Merganser, Belted Kingfisher, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Red-eyed Vireo, and Tree Swallow. 

So, think birding at River Point for your next northern Minnesota resorts vacation. Much fun to be had!

 

 

Shopping at 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 cozy fleece throws, handcrafted collectible figurines, and many other gifts and souvenirs, plus a fine line of small home accents 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.

Snacking, Sipping a Soda, and Meeting Others

 

River Point's, Wildwood Lodge, finished in knotty pine with a beamed and vaulted ceiling, floor to ceiling stone fireplace, and comfortable furnishings is a great place to meet others. The 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.

Hang out and play a game of checkers, meet other guests, and enjoy conversation about nothing in particular. Linger a while and enjoy! 

Please know that restaurant style dining is not offered at the Wildwood Lodge.

 

Taking a Float Plane Ride

 

Imagine sitting quietly at River Point's Marina area and all of a sudden you hear the sound of a plane approaching...soon it is landing right in front of your eyes in the the water...on floats! That's right, River Point has secured the quality services of VanAir, experienced float plane specialists, to offer you the excitement of a Float Plane Ride over the North Country.

Your 20 minute tour will encompass spectacular views of the true beauty that this amazing wilderness is known for. You will depart right from River Point Resort's docks in a floatplane equipped with all the safety measures to ensure your pleasure and the safey of your aerial voyage. Also available are one hour Moose Quests along the Canadian border. Your tour will end with a gentle landing in the water right at River Point' Marina.

Exhilarating beauty, exciting scenery...enchanting experience.

 

Relaxing...Rejuvenating, and "Not Doing"

 

Vacation....it's about getting away, and it's also about your space and your time...you decide the moments...you decide if you will "do something" or "do nothing". The biggest decision of the day might be how long to stay inside or when to give in to the lake's calling. When you will cook if you feel like, or just graze your way through the day.

Welcome to River Point Resort....where the pace here is nothing more, and nothing less than what you choose for it to be. Welcome solo travlers, families, couples and multi-generation groups. Relax, refresh, read a book, gaze into space, watch grass grow, take a lovely nap, and think and contemplate about absolutely NOTHING...if that is what you choose.  

Immerse yourself in the relaxing, natural ambience of River Point Resort. These and other magical moments await you!