Cozy off-grid cabin on private island

Escape to a cozy cabin on your own private island in Ely’s Shagawa Lake. Watch the sunrise with coffee, listen to waves lapping the shore, and enjoy unmatched tranquility—just a short boat ride from downtown Ely. The cabin offers a full kitchen, one bedroom with a full bed, and a loft with two twins. Modern comfort meets rustic charm: solar power, a compost toilet and outhouse, no running water, and a true back-to-basics Northwoods retreat. Please note: no pets allowed. The space The kitchen includes a built-in two-burner cooktop and propane refrigerator, with all the essentials for lakeside cooking. The cabin comes with a fishing boat and motor, canoe, private dock, gas grill, state park fire pit, quiet generator, solar power, a battery-powered shower head, and a rainwater collection system. Drinking water, linens, and bathroom/kitchen towels are provided. This 450 sq ft open-layout cabin is cozy and functional, with blackout curtains and blinds for restful nights. While there is no running water, potable water is supplied (15 gallons for 4 days, 20 gallons for 5–6 days, 25 gallons for 7–8 days, etc.). The bathroom features a compost toilet, with a traditional vault privy located just behind the cabin. For your convenience, a caretaker will escort you to the island upon arrival. Guest access Guests enjoy exclusive use of the entire island and cabin, ensuring complete privacy during their stay. A 14-foot fishing boat with motor is included for your convenience. Upon arrival and departure, you’ll meet the caretaker at the Grand Ely Lodge, where guest parking is provided and you’ll have access to their dock for the duration of your stay. Other things to note Please be aware that in Minnesota, wells, running water, and flush toilets are not permitted on islands like this. The cabin is designed for a comfortable, back-to-basics experience that many guests find refreshing and memorable. This means heating water on the stove for dishes or showers, and using the provided compost toilet, which may be new to some visitors. A battery-powered shower head with a built-in pump makes rinsing off easy and surprisingly comfortable. Potable water is supplied in generous quantities for the length of your stay, and rainwater collection helps meet other needs. These thoughtful systems—along with solar power—are in place to protect the pristine waters of Shagawa Lake and reflect a commitment to responsible island living. Guests often find that adapting to these rhythms brings them closer to nature and makes their stay all the more special.