Ellis Lake Resort

Close your eyes. Hear the haunting call of the loon. Feel the soft lake breeze on your face. Notice the slow tug of your kayak paddle as it glides across the water. You’re not imagining things…these are the real sensations you’ll experience at Ellis Lake Resort, an Up North getaway that connects you so completely to the natural beauty of our area. 

“This is the way Northern Michigan used to be,” explains Becky Johnson, who co-owns the resort with her husband, Steve. “It’s the family cabin on the lake…where everyone comes to unplug and enjoy a simpler, more relaxed pace.” 

Opened in 1939, Ellis Lake Resort looks much like it did then, with rustic cabins just steps away from a secluded, 50-acre lake offering exceptional fishing, kayaking, and sunrise/sunset viewing. Don’t be fooled by the basic log cabins…the Johnsons have taken great care to add many modern amenities. “Originally, these cabins didn’t have indoor heat or plumbing,” says Becky. “We’ve added both. Along with air conditioning, modern appliances, and more. The remaining outhouses are just there to add character to the place.” 

Ellis Lake Resort has seven cabins that can sleep from two to seven people. The cabins have an open design, which encourages a lot of family time playing board games, sharing stories, and the like. The resort also has the Chalet, a gracious, three-bedroom home that sleeps eight to nine people. Additionally, it has the Willow Suite—also with an open design—that sleeps six. Each unit comes with its own fire pit, a must for those summer bonfires with gooey s’mores and scary stories. Complimentary canoes and paddleboats are available for use, which are perfect for exploring the small, pristine lake.  

The resort is open year-round, attracting mostly families in summertime, many of which have been coming here for generations. Couples often come here in fall to enjoy the cooler temperatures and, amazing colors, along with the variety of wine tours. In winter, Ellis Lake Resort is transformed into a peaceful, white wonderland, where guests can enjoy cross-country skiing on nearby trails and snowshoeing through the woods. Not to mention the outdoor hot tub…ideal for star gazing on frosty winter nights.