Ely Station on Shagawa Lake: A Northwoods Boating Day from Downtown
Heading into the Boundary Waters sounds intimidating when you factor in all the portages, but what if you could experience something similar without actually having to leave Ely? Say hello to your Boundary Waters day trip boat experience!
Wide open water, forested shoreline, and maybe even the call of a loon floating across the lake. Shagawa has you covered for all things classic Northwoods scenery without the hassle of planning a backcountry adventure. Simply launch, cruise and relax… Your Boat Club has got you covered.
Your Boat Club makes boating easy and affordable at our Ely Station with boat rentals and memberships. Float with the family on cruisers, chase some walleye, or hop from dock to patio, family boating in Ely with boat rentals in Ely, MN allow you to customize the perfect lake day for your crew.
Choose Your Own Adventure
Whether you like to cruise, fish, swim, or explore, there are plenty of things to do on Shagawa Lake. Rent from Your Boat Club from our downtown marina and enjoy everything there is to enjoy about Shagawa Lake.
Perfect for either a half or full day getaway, each of these routes lends itself to a great day out, depending on weather, wind, or your energy levels.
1. Easy Family Cruise + Patio Lunch
Need a relaxing Northwoods day? Keep speeds slow and enjoy the protected leeward side of Shagawa Lake. Flat water is smooth sailing on a nice day and perfect for families or beginners.
Stop at one of the Shagawa Lake swimming spots and cool off in the lake, or drop anchor near a sandy beach and let the kids splash around while you sunbathe and watch the world float by.
Popular swimming areas on Shagawa Lake are often calm bays with gentle shores making them ideal for kids and family outings with grandparents.
Dock at Ely Station and take a guided tour or rent one of the several boat slips close by and stroll back for lunch whenever you want. There are restaurants near the boat docks where you can grab lunch and be back on your boat in minutes.
Note: Always check conditions before you launch. Shagawa can get windy in the afternoon when out towards the main lake.
2. Angler Morning, With An Afternoon Tour
Are you an early bird? Grab breakfast and head to Shagawa Lake for some walleye fishing. Points, reefs, and weed lines will all produce Shagawa walleye early and often.
Consider a day on one of Your Boat Club’s Ely pontoon rentals or fishing boats downtown. Run a short searching pattern and fish the bite for a couple of hours. Early summer mornings and cool fall days usually produce the best results, but during midday you may need to slow down before turning your cruise into a sightseeing tour. Return around midday and dock next to the marina or at a dock-and-dine restaurant to restock your lunch. Relax through lunch, fill up on marina fuel at the pump, and take a stroll around town. Continue your lake day with an afternoon shoreline tour and Shagawa’s northernmost bays, then head back toward Ely Station with time to relax just before your boat is due back.
3. The “Ely Sampler”: Boat + Walkable Downtown
Want to try a little bit of everything? Take a short ride from downtown, then walk through town for the real taste of lake living. Boats run butter-smooth on Shagawa Lake’s wooded shoreline and gentle waters.
Tie up at one of many docks near town and explore Ely on foot. Stop for snacks, coffee, or ice cream while touring unique shops downtown. Then return to your boat and cruise past Grand Ely Lodge’s waterfront channel. It’s a rare setup where you can step off the boat, explore shops and cafés, and be back on the water within minutes, and all without moving your boat.
Your Boat Club operates at Grand Ely Lodge Marina, giving members and day renters options for tying up around town. This lake day blends together waterfront boating, small-town vibes, and all the Northwoods charm you could ask for. It’s easy enough for newcomers but enjoyable for returning visitors too.
Where to Get Your Boat (and What You’ll Find)
Your Boat Club has several downtown docks along Shagawa Lake. Stop by Your Boat Club’s Ely Station and check out our selection of pontoons, fishing boats, and cruisers.
Members: Enjoy year-round access to our fleet.
Day rentals: Available during peak season.
Hours: Mid-morning to early evening.
Plan your full day on the water and reserve your boat online easily.
Fleet Highlights at Ely Station
Family-friendly pontoons with seats and sunshade
Angler-friendly boats with rod holders and livewells
Compact and streamlined cruisers for couples or small families
Need more reasons to join Your Boat Club? Check out our membership benefits and boat memberships.
Launches, Slips, and On-Water Logistics
Before heading out, take a look at a Shagawa Lake map to see all public boat ramps in Ely and private launch sites. Many a Shagawa Lake boat launch can be found downtown and via south-end access. The chart below will help you plan your trip based on where you’ll launch or pick up your boat.
Note that choosing the right Shagawa Lake boat launch often depends on wind direction, parking needs, and how close you want to be to downtown Ely or the quieter ends of the lake.
| Launch | Shore | Parking | Restrooms | Notes |
| Shagawa Lake (Downtown) | Sand & dock | Street (Smart!) | Seasonal | Peak weekday mornings. Restaurants within walking distance. |
| Shagawa Lake (S) Boat Launch | Gravel ramp | 15 spots | Porta-potty | Mid-lake boat launch with quick access to the south-end of Shagawa. |
| Grand Ely Lodge Marina | Dock slips | Guest parking | Yes | Great docking option. Call ahead for seasonal tie-up info & amenities. |
| Shagawa Lake Public Ramp (E) | Concrete | 10 spots | None | Quiet corner. Best visiting mid-week. |
| Ely Downtown Marina | Paved-in slips | Street | None | Central location. Walk to restaurants/docks. Call for seasonality. |
Tip: Weekends from 10am-2pm are busiest. Weekday morning launches avoid the crowds.
Marina/Resort Touchpoints
Keep an eye out for Grand Ely Lodge Marina as you cruise down Shagawa Lake. This Ely landmark offers dock space, seasonal fuel, and occasional tie-up while dining. Call ahead to verify opening times during your visit.
Dock and Dine & Walk-Up Bites
Shagawa Lake has dozens of places to dock and enjoy food nearby. Dock your boat in the downtown marina or at Your Boat Club’s Ely Station for a quick dock and dine experience. Then walk to any of these spots within minutes:
Insula Restaurant: Seasonal menus, American cuisine
Northern Grounds: Quick coffee or snack in under five minutes
Brainstorm Bakery: Grab their “crapola” made from cranberries, apples, and granola
Dock and dine allows families, anglers, and casual cruisers to enjoy the town without packing everything back to the boat.
Fishing Snapshot
Shagawa Lake anglers often find success throughout the seasons:
Spring and Fall: Walleye are attracted to points and reefs. Morning hours tend to produce the best catch.
Summer: Pike and bass are found around weedlines and drop-offs.
Occasional Muskie: Shagawa supports a muskie fishery, though big fish can be found with patience.
Typical depths range from five to twenty feet along points. Reefs and deep-water channels have excellent fish cover. Always double-check Minnesota boating regulations and consult weekly fishing reports to stay up-to-date.
Good-Neighbor Boating: No-Wake & AIS Basics
Reduce your wake near shorelines, narrow channels, docks, swimmers, and other boats.
Avoid crowded channels during morning/afternoon rushes.
Follow Clean, Drain, Dispose when exiting the lake:
Clean all debris from your boat and trailers
Drain all wastewater from livewells and bilges
Dispose of trash and bait properly
These simple habits help protect Shagawa Lake and ensure future boaters can enjoy the same clear water and healthy ecosystem.
What to Pack for Northwoods Weather
Lake weather changes fast on Shagawa. Pack smart with the following tips:
Layers: Lightweight jacket for cooler or windy conditions
Bug spray and sunscreen: Protect your skin from mosquitoes and sun
Polarized sunglasses: Reduce glare for safer, more comfortable cruising
Boat fenders and dock lines: For casual boat-hook-free docking
Dry bags: Keep valuables, snacks, and electronics safe from water
Book Your Day On Shagawa Lake
Looking for a day trip on Shagawa Lake? An overnight cabin with lakefront access? How about a true canoe or kayak excursion? Boat rentals in Ely are where your next Northwoods lake day begins.
Head to Your Boat Club Ely Station and reserve your fishing boat, pontoon, or cruiser today! Memberships offer year-round access, perks, and flexibility for repeat lake outings. Reserve your boat today!
