Ely, Minnesota has earned the nickname of the “Sled Dog Capital” of the United States. It serves as a gateway to the state’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Ely, Minnesota is a great destination to spend at least a few days for anyone who loves the great outdoors.
Sheridan Street
Sheridan Street of downtown Ely, Minnesota features one thing that the majority of other towns and cities through the United States don’t: webcams. One such cam is pointed at the Basket Tree, which is a coffee shop, bakery, and gift shop all-in-one. While it may seem like a strange idea, many residents and visitors alike enjoy these cameras, as they give them a chance to wave at friends and family back home or use them to remember the fun they had in downtown Ely. Another cam focuses on Fall Lake at the Packsack Canoe Outfitters, through which sometimes deer and birds can be seen.
International Wolf Center
The International Wolf Center strives to help to the survival of the wolf populations by teaching visitors about wolves, the role of humans in their future, and their relationship with the wildlands. The triangular windows of the center are representative of wolf ears and eyes. There is an observation area that overlooks the wolf enclosure, as well as the den site, which is home to the center’s resident wolf pack. The centers provides an array of educational programs for families and adults. Week-long, weekend, or even just afternoon visits may include hikes, dog sledding, snowshoe treks, radio tracking, and howling trips.
1396 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731, Phone: 218-365-4695
North American Bear Center
There is no other wildlife and black bear educational facility in existence like the North American Bear Center. The center is dedicated to replacing myths with facts, and allows people to learn about ecology, bear behavior, and more from bears themselves. A mural that depicts the wildlife of the area greets visitors to the Bear Center. Bear mounts are posed naturally, and the center also features a life-size skeleton replica of the extinct short-faced bear. An entire wall of windows looks out over the bear enclosure, which includes waterfalls and a pond. Subtle, natural background sounds and video footage accompany the exhibits.
1926 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731, Phone: 218-365-7879
Kawishiwi Falls Trail
The Kawishiwi Falls Trail, located just outside of the town of Ely, Minnesota, is an easy, short hike that leads to the scenic Kawishiwi Falls. The walking trail to the waterfall starts at the trail’s parking lot, and then winds its way through a wooded area. The trail features a minimal elevation gain, making it a very easy walk that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. There are a number of different vantage points along the trail of the Kawishiwi Falls, such as above the falls, from the side of the falls, and below the falls.
444 Fernberg Trail, Ely, MN 55731
Dorothy Molter Museum
The Dorothy Molter Museum aims to preserve and interpret the heritage of the Northwoods wilderness through its learning opportunities that are inspired by Dorothy Molter, who was the last non-indigenous resident of Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Guided tours are available every hour, lasting around thirty minutes. These tour begin at noon, with the last tour taking place at four in the afternoon. The museum’s Visitors Center consists of rotating, small interpretive displays focusing on Dorothy Molter’s life that can be seen at no charge. The collection of the museum includes personal memorabilia and objects of Dorothy, archives, and photographs.
2002 E Sheridan St, Ely, MN 55731, Phone: 218-365-4451
Bear Head Lake State Park
Bear Head Lake State Park is a massive secluded park near the town of Ely, located in the Northwoods. The scenic park features pristine lakes, offering miles of shoreline that can be explored through hiking, boating, and canoeing. Bear Head Lake Park is also home to an array of different wildlife, such as moose, wolves, foxes, and eagles. Guests can have a picnic at the shelter; fish for trout, bass, or walleye; or go swimming at the park’s beach as well. RV and tent campsites can be found, as well as camper cabins that feature bunk beds, simple furnishings, and electricity.
9301 Bear Head State Park Rd, Ely, MN 55731, Phone: 218-235-2520
Bass Lake Trail
There are several loop options along the Bass Lake Trail, with the longest one being around six miles in length. Traveling all of the trail’s loops, of course, would be quite a bit farther of a walk than six miles. Along the Bass Lake Trail are a variety of chances to take in amazing scenery, From beautiful overlooks to varied terrain to small waterfalls, hikers can explore plenty of the scenic area. Sections of the hiking trail are steep and rugged, so visitors of the Bass Lake Trail should be sure to wear sturdy shoes, and children should also be watched carefully.
1548 Echo Trail, Ely, MN 55731
Way To Go Canoe Outfitters
Situated just five miles to south from Ely, Way To Go Canoe Outfitters is located in the Superior National Forest, which provides access to every entry point into the Quetico Provincial Park and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The company specializes in canoe trip outfitting that features a personal touch. Jeff and Donna Hway, along with their family, possess over ninety years of combined experience exploring and fishing the waterways and portage trails in the area. The picturesque northwoods offer the perfect setting for their base of operations, allowing guests to easily transition from hectic everyday life to the wilderness’ tranquility.
1557 Esterberg Rd, Ely, MN 55731, Phone: 218-365-4726
White Wilderness Sled Dog Adventures
For White Wilderness Sled Dog Adventures, dog sledding is what they do. First and foremost, they are not an arctic exploration or racing kennel. They are instead a professional tour provider with the best dogs for visitors wanting a dog sledding trip. Trained and experienced staff lead quality, safe mushing trips. The dogs of White Wilderness Sled Dog Adventures are lovable, socialized, and well-trained. These dogs, combined with quality equipment and great food, help make every dog sledding trip comfortable, safe, and memorable. There are many different types of trips available, designed to meet the needs of private groups, families, couples, or individuals.
10121 Deep Lake Rd, Ely, MN 55731, Phone: 800-701-6238
Piragis Northwoods Company
The Piragis Northwoods Company focuses on outfitting and guiding various canoe trips that explore the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Groups are kept small in size so guests can receive the personal attention that they deserve, as well as to offer the opportunity to experience the beautiful wilderness in a more intimate way. The experience and travels of the staff give the Piragis Northwoods Company a natural advantage in the outfitting industry. They use the equipment they sell to paddle in their own time, giving them the knowledge of paddling to be expert guides of the area.
105 N. Central Ave, Ely, MN 55731, Phone: 800-223-6565
Wintergreen Dogsled Day Trips
Wintergreen Dogsled Day Trips claims to be the most experience dog sledding outfitter around, as well as the only lodge operation that is exclusively devoted to dog sledding. According to National Geographic, at Wintergreen, guests will “mush with the best.” The business has offered lodge-to-lodge dog sledding vacations that are designed for people of all ages for over thirty years, including dogsled camping trips for both beginners and more advanced customers. Trips range from dog sledding vacations for parent-child pairs to dog sled trips that last three or four nights. The Arctic Treks are great for those seeking a true adventure.
1101 Ring Rock Rd, Ely, MN 55731, Phone: 877-753-3386
Insula Restaurant
Opened on June 8th of 2015, the Insula Restaurant is owned and operated by Sarah Wigdahl-Vollom and Executive Chef Daniel Vollom. Since it first opened, the restaurant has enlivened the tastebuds and captured the imagination of the town of Ely’s dining scene. The Insula Restaurant responsibly serves the community by using local products to create delicious dishes, while also providing excellent service in a welcoming atmosphere. In fairness and the interest of its customers, Insula does not take reservations. Seating at the restaurant is on a first-come, first-served basis. Insula offers fusion American dining, serving burgers, sandwiches, frittatas, and more.
145 East Sheridan St, Ely, MN 55731, Phone: 218-365-4855
Boathouse Brewpub
The Boathouse Brewpub is committed to serving great food and making great beer in the north woods of Minnesota’s town of Ely. The Boathouse Brewery is a brewing establishment that carefully walks a fine line between extreme brewing and tedious “drinkability.” Numerous brewers pride themselves on creating rock-solid consistent beers, with each one similar to its predecessor, with a correction for the quirks and variable ingredients of the brewing process. The Boathouse, however, isn’t like most brewers. The Brewpub has a core group of regular customers that appreciate more variety. A wide variety of dishes are served at here as well.
47 E Sheridan St, Ely, MN 55731, Phone: 218-365-4301
Chilly Dogs Sled Dog Trips
Chilly Dogs Sled Dog Trips offers visitors and residents alike of Ely, Minnesota a memorable, safe, and fun adventure in dog sledding within the stunning northern border country. The base of the adventure tour’s operations is situated only five miles away from the downtown area of Ely, and provides parking, restrooms facilities, and many comforts of home. The Hway family takes good care of their guests, making sure their experience is one they will remember fondly for a long time. Guests will have the unique chance to experience a thrilling dog sled trip during the winter and learn about the area.
1557 Esterberg Rd, Ely, MN 55731, Phone: 218-365-4726
Art and Soul Gallery
The Art and Soul Gallery is proud to introduce visitors to the exceptional talents of many local artists who live within a 30 kilometer radius of the town. Here you can feast your eyes on paintings in a variety of mediums, as well as other beautiful and functional art pieces. Treasures to undercover include decorative pottery, jewelry, fabric items, photography, wood crafts and much more. All the items in the gallery are available for sale which means you can stock up on special one-off gifts for family and friends.
Art and Soul Gallery, 427 E. Sheridan Street, Ely, MN 55731, 218 365 7300
The Pebble Spa Company
The Pebble Spa Company is made up of three separate individual spas in northern Minnesota. The Pebble Spa in Ely perfectly combines the expansive services of a city spa with the warmth and coziness of their small-town charm. Guests are invited to stop by for a facial, massage or waxing service or sign up for a holistic, healing experience for the mind, body and soul. Every-day spa services include facials tailored to your particular needs, waxing services and lash and brow treatments. If you are in need of pampering, the massage and spa packages are sure to leave you relaxed and rejuvenated.
The Pebble, 229 E. Sheridan Street, Ely, MN 55731, 218 365 0809
Hidden Valley Chalet
The Hidden Valley Chalet is a ski and biking event facility which is managed by the Eli Nordic Ski and Bike Company. The ski and bike trails which they maintain in the Hidden Valley Recreation Area are open to the public. Visitors who would like to make use of these trails, considered to be some of the best-groomed Nordic Ski trails in the area, need to have a Minnesota Ski Pass. Club members can look forward to unlimited access to more than 25 km of grooms ski trails and key-less access to the Chalet, where you will find restrooms, a fitness room and a waxing facility. Visiting groups may rent the Chalet on a daily basis.
Hidden Valley Chalet, 1258 Hidden Valley Road, Ely, MN 55731
