Deposit Policy

A deposit of 50% per cabin, per week reserved, is required within two weeks of booking to secure your reservation. Full payment is due on or before check-in. Once your deposit is received, we will confirm your reservation via email. If the deposit is not received within the two-week window, the reservation will be automatically canceled.

Deposits are refundable if the reservation is canceled at least 30 days prior to your scheduled arrival. For cancellations made within 30 days of arrival, the deposit will only be refunded if we are able to rebook the cabin for the same time period. If we are unable to rebook, you will be responsible for the full reservation amount. All refunded deposits are subject to a $40 processing fee.

Please note: There are no refunds for early departures, late arrivals, or no-shows. If you choose to leave early, you will still be charged for the full duration of the original reservation.

Check-In & Check-Out Information

Self Check-In/Out:

Guests are welcome to go directly to their cabin any time after 4:00 PM on the day of arrival. Cabins will be unlocked, and a key will be provided inside, along with helpful information to guide you through your stay. Full check-in instructions will be sent via email two days prior to your arrival. 

Please stop by the lodge within 24 hours if your balance has not been paid in full. We accept cash, checks, and major credit cards.

In-Person Check-In/Out:
If you prefer, you’re also welcome to check in or out at the lodge during our operating hours (8:00 AM – 8:00 PM). 

FAQs

Lodge Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

The lodge is open daily for all guests to enjoy. Inside, you'll find a welcoming space that includes:

• In-person check-in services
• Local brochures and information about the Ely area
• A children's play area
• A small library of books
• A variety of board games and puzzles
• Comfortable seating areas and tables for guest use

Wi-Fi is available inside the lodge and on the front deck. Both indoor and outdoor seating options are provided, along with accessible outlets for charging your devices.

For safety, we kindly ask that an adult accompanies young children when visiting the lodge or surrounding areas.

Quiet Hours

Northernair Lodge is a place for peace, relaxation, and reconnecting with nature. To help preserve that atmosphere for everyone, we kindly ask all guests to observe quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM.

Please keep in mind that sound carries farther over the water in the stillness of the Northwoods—especially at night. Enjoy the fires, stars, and natural sounds, while being mindful not to disturb neighboring guests.

Firewood

Yes—complimentary firewood is provided for use in both fire pits and fireplaces. The woodshed is in the parking area next to our garage.

A wheelbarrow is available nearby for your convenience. We kindly ask that you return it once you're finished using it.

Sauna

Yes, we do have a sauna! It’s located at the main beach and is electric, making it simple to operate. There are no designated hours for sauna use, but we ask all guests to be considerate of others and follow quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM.

Beach

Northernair Lodge features a sandy beach perfect for swimming and launching boats. The boathouse is also located at the beach and includes:

• Adirondack chairs
• Life jackets (infant to adult sizes)
• Canoe/kayak paddles
• Beach toys and yard games

Please note:

• No lifeguard is on duty—children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
• Dogs are not allowed at the beach per St. Louis County Health Department regulations.

Bringing Your Own Boat

Guests are welcome to bring personal boats to use on Mitchell Lake. There are no motor restrictions; however, we do not allow wakeboarding boats (or any vessel with a ballast system), jet skis, or personal watercraft (PWCs).

All boats are subject to inspection before launching to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. If you use your boat on other lakes during your stay, it must be inspected again before returning to Mitchell Lake.

Inspection guidelines include:

• Boats and trailers must be clean and free of mud and debris
• Drain plugs must be pulled
• Bilge and live wells must be empty
• Live bait must be fresh and not contain water from other lakes

Please be aware that some area lakes contain spiny water fleas, a harmful invasive species. For this reason, we strongly discourage returning boats to Mitchell Lake after visiting infested waters. A list of affected lakes is available on the Minnesota DNR website.

We reserve the right to deny boat access to Mitchell Lake at our discretion.

Life Jackets & Boat Cushions

Life jackets (infant through adult sizes) and boat cushions are available in the boathouse for guest use. Feel free to help yourself. However, supplies are limited, so we encourage you to bring your own personal flotation devices if possible.

Fishing Licenses & Bait

We do not sell fishing licenses or bait on-site. However, both can be purchased at several bait shops and gas stations in Ely. Fishing licenses are also available for purchase online through the Minnesota DNR.

Fish Cleaning House

A fully equipped Fish Cleaning House is located between Cabins 8 and 9. It includes running water and lighting for your convenience.

Please note:

• Guests must bring their own fillet knives.
• All fish remains (free of hooks and lead) should be placed in the labeled buckets provided.

Pets

Dogs are welcome at Northernair Lodge! A pet fee of $175 per week or $25 per day will apply per dog, with a maximum of two dogs per cabin. A credit card is required at check-in.

Owners are fully responsible for any damages or additional cleaning caused by their pets. Northernair reserves the right to kennel disruptive dogs at the owner’s expense.

Pet guidelines:

• Dogs must be leashed or supervised at all times—no free roaming.
• Please clean up after your pet, including around your cabin. Bag and dispose of waste in outdoor trash bins.
• Dogs are not allowed in the Lodge or at the beach, per health regulations. Owners are liable for any fines.
• Cats are not allowed.

Smoking Policy

All cabins at Northernair are strictly non-smoking indoors. Please smoke outside and do not use lodge dishware (e.g., mugs or bowls) as ashtrays. Thank you for helping us keep the cabins clean and smoke-free.

Fireworks & Firearms

For the comfort and safety of all guests:

• Fireworks are not permitted on resort property. They can be disruptive and leave debris in the lake and on the grounds. If you're staying over the 4th of July, please speak with management for information about any special guidelines.
• The discharge of firearms, including BB guns, pellet guns, and airsoft guns, is strictly prohibited on lodge property.

WHAT TO PACK

Our Northwoods weather can be a bit unpredictable, so we recommend packing a mix of clothing—including some warm layers and rain gear—just in case the days turn cool or rainy. For those sunny afternoons by the lake, don’t forget your swimsuits and beach towels!

A few other items you may want to bring along:

• A camera to capture memories
• Your favorite book or two
• Fishing gear
• A radio or portable speaker
• An alarm clock (for those early fishing mornings!)

We also strongly recommend insect repellent (like OFF! or similar), to keep mosquitoes at bay. Flashlights are a great idea too—our natural trails and pathways include rocks and tree roots, and lighting can be limited after dark.