Discover Your Dream Home on Ely Area Lakes: Gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area

Burntside Lake, located just northwest of Ely, Minnesota, is renowned for its pristine wilderness setting.  Burntside Lake spans roughly 7,139 acres with over 100 islands, a rugged shoreline, and crystal-clear water up to about 126 ft deep — making it both scenic and highly desirable.  The lake borders the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and is surrounded by sections of the Superior National Forest, offering protected natural beauty and abundant recreation. Outdoor adventures abound—from boating, kayaking, and fishing to hiking trails in surrounding state and national forests. 

Shagawa Lake spans approximately 2,344–2,375 acres with over 20‑23 miles of shoreline, reaching a max depth of 48 feet, and averaging around 20 feet.  It borders the town of Ely, offering lakefront living with access to shops, dining, and healthcare—plus direct access to Semer’s Park and its popular sandy beach.  Set within forested terrain near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Superior National Forest, the setting offers stunning nature and outdoor adventure.  A hub for walleye, northern pike, smallmouth/largemouth bass, perch, and panfish—the lake is DNR-stocked and supports both boating and fishing across bays and islands.

White Iron Lake is part of the scenic White Iron Chain—including Garden, Farm, and Birch Lakes—just west of Ely, MN, within the Superior National Forest and adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The lake offers top-tier fishing (walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, lake trout), boating, kayaking, and paddling, with clear, natural shorelines and canoe-access connections to the BWCAW.  Wildlife-rich surroundings make it ideal for year-round outdoor lovers, with easy access to trails, parks, and local amenities in nearby Ely.