Silver Rapids Lodge Resort, Ely

We stayed in the "motel" section. Probably new in the 1960s and patched over since then. Door lock really didn't work, mattresses were 20+ years old, saggy, with springs poking you. Mold in the bathroom. Last straw was the deer tick found on our son. We weren't in the woods yet! If it had been $80/night it would have been too much, but for the price we paid you could have stayed at a REAL resort. I will not recommend this hotel and will tell everyone I know to stay away!

Seriously, when you read reviews~ keep an open mind. How often do people post reviews when they have an excellent vacation or trip?! Not very. You mostly find people, the ones that are impossible to please and always want something for nothing, writing when they have a negative experience. Silver Rapids is a great resort with a great location and a great staff!! So, don't let the negativity steer you clear and book your vacation now. I did and will definately be back!!

We had a campsite along the water, just below the highway. It was nice being on the water but the whole site was short (just over 20 feet), as were most of the others. All sites were about 13 feet wide, so you are very close to other campers. The picnic table was a disaster as it was constructed of small metal tubing that was bent and the whole thing danced when you sat down or moved. No way could you avoid spilling a drink except by using a heavy glass. Most tables were sturdy and all wood. The men's shower room and bath was poor. When we got there they were replacing the water pump but didn't bother to post a notice in the shower building so one poor chap didn't get to finish. The walls and floor were bright and clean, but one shower had the soap dish missing. Both showers drained to the same small drain (undersized) and the drain was plugged with hair and other debris causing black crud to float in the backed up water above the shower mats. No maintenance here. There is an exhaust fan but it didn't work. Try drying off in a sauna. The shower house is up a stairway from the water campsites and across the highway. Gravel is washing down the stairway and branches hang low to drench you when you brush them after a rain. I was told these items were not a priority or just happened. This place has had some work but needs a lot more which is probably why they insist on keeping all your money for your whole stay once you make a reservation. Beware.

My husband and I were married in July in Hawaii and wanted a MN reception site. We both have an affinity for the North woods of Minnesota, so we chose Silver Rapids to host our reception. We filled several cabins with our friends and family, and I can't say enough good things about our experience. What could have been overwhelming for us turned out to be one of our favorite memories. The staff was friendly, smiling, and beyond accommodating, going out of their way many times to make sure everyone was satisfied and make us feel special. The resort is overwhelmingly beautiful and all of our guests had a fabulous time during their stay. We also rented a pontoon and everyone enjoyed seeing the gorgeous scenery from the lake. The kids played endlessly in the water, and the setting was perfect. Many reception guests spent time fishing and having luck at it! The cabins are CLEAN and rustic, just what you would expect from an "up north" getaway. It was so refreshing not to have the distraction of television when you can just open your windows and listen to the sounds of the woods. We even enjoyed the Northern Lights on Saturday night. How GORGEOUS! Silver Rapids is under new management, and we give them shining reviews. We plan to make SRL a regular destination.

We were a little consern on going to this resort after we had read some reviews. Glad we went it is a great place and has new owners, they will go out of there way to make your stay one that you will not forget. Gary went way out of his way for us and April was a doll. We will be back and would tell anyone to try it as well.

As a year-round resident of Ely I must tell everyone how happy we as a community are to see new ownership at Silver Rapids. For years my friends and family have stayed at SRL when visiting because it had everything, the view the restaurant, the fishing, the lounge, and several different lodging options. For the last few years however, we have not been able to use the lodge because of the owner. I have never seen anyone try so hard to lose business! The new owners/management of SRL have been community members FOREVER and we all look forward to the renewal of the old SILVER RAPIDS LODGE.

The best people, best location and nicest property we have found at a resort ever. The giant pines and vast resort property give you space to breath unlike many small resorts. The have a real lodge with a restaurant and offer families so much more than most resorts. We will be back

My wife and I finished our 18th year at Silver Rapids Lodge. We love the location and the fishing is great. We have been very happy with the service that we get from Mike, Robin, and the entire staff. The staff was very pleasant and they took very good care of us. Everything was neat and clean. We will be coming back for sure. Thanks again for a great time. Wayne & Rhonda Farr

Silver Rapids rocks! This is perhaps the most beautiful setting that I have ever seen. The grounds, the trails, the lakes, it all worked for our family. We went boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, shopping, etc. We enjoyed the restaurant, campfires, and more. I would definitely go back. Much quieter and more peaceful, relaxing, than most places too! The bar is cool, the people are great. Excellent experience. Excellent. Excellent.

The resort was nice and was priced well. The fishing on White Iron and Farm was great. Lots of big pike and even a few walleye. Food at the Lodge was good for the price. Overall a good value and we'll be back to limit out again next year!