I am asking for suggestions for a 3-4 night stay where I can fish with my oldest child but have some amenities for my entire family (wife will be on the trip and daughter is 2 yrs old). I have been to the BWCA for 23 yrs and want my son to begin learning about fishing and visiting northern MN. We are considering a houseboat out of crane lake or on lake vermillion. Coming from SD we would consider anything north of I-94. Ely, Crane Lake, Leech/Walker, Mille lacs?

TIA

My first intro to the area was via- houseboat from Voyagaire Houseboats off Crane Lake.

I can't recommend enough! This was the boat my dad rented, and as you can see, its rather robust. My husband and I can't afford to get this boat year after year, so we bought a canoe instead and have been traveling the BWCA in a canoe ever since.

Both Walker & Leach Lakes are great ideas if you're not committed to a BWCA trip. If you're worried about a full-fledged BWCA trip, maybe a canoe in campsite at a state park. You can often rent a canoe from them if you don't own one yourself.

My friend took her two young kiddos to the BWCA you can read about her trip
Enjoy! here.

I'd recommend going into the BWCA with one canoe. Do an easy entry and bring everything. Lake 1, Sawbill, and Kawishiwi lakes all are really easy to bring tons of stuff. My kids have gone every year since they were born. I have a 1 year old who is having her second trip this year. Her first trip she was 6 months old.

Set up an awesome base camp and let your wife stay back with the two year old and take your son out there for some alone time.

I'm talking screenhouses, chairs, toys, extra blankets, etc. There is no portage so bring it all :)