Burntside Lodge is nestled among the pines on the edge of Burntside Lake, a deep, spring-fed lake, lying at the threshold of the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area (BWCWA). It is over 12 miles long and dotted with more thatn 125 pine-crested islands. The lake is home to a number of game fish including Walleye, Northern Pike, Lake Troute, Small Mouth Bass, and Large Mouse Bass. Burntside is also a great lake for loon watching. A survey by the Minnesota DNR identified Burntside Lake as having the largest population of loons.

Located just six miles from the Lodge is the community of Ely. Incorporated in the late 1800's, much of its early development came from iron ore mining and lumber industries. As the industries have diminished, tourism has become an important factor in the growth of Ely. Today the city boasts a thirving population of just under 4,000 people and a wide variety of distinctive shops and services.