Welcome to Ely! Paddle glassy lakes where loons cry, sip coffee beside old trapper cabins, and spot moose tracks at the edge of the wilderness — Ely is where Northwoods charm meets untamed adventure at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, one of America’s most iconic natural escapes.
☑️ Ely Checklist
- Book your Flight: Fly into Duluth International Airport (DLH), then drive two scenic hours north to Ely
- Reserve your Hotel: Stay in a lakeside lodge or historic downtown inn to soak up rustic charm and woodsy views
- Join your Tour: Pre-book a guided canoe trip or dogsledding experience into the Boundary Waters
🛶 Day 1: Boundary Waters Adventure
- International Wolf Center: Stand nose-to-nose (safely) with gray wolves and hear their eerie howls echo through pine trees
- Paddle Shagawa Lake: Rent a canoe and glide across quiet waters ringed by forest and the occasional eagle swoop overhead
- Kawishiwi Falls Trail: Stretch your legs on a short, pine-scented hike ending at a rushing waterfall thundering into ancient rock
- Ely Outfitter Stop: Gear up like a local with flannel shirts, bug spray, and a water bottle stamped with moose antlers
- Loony’s Northwoods Lunch: Refuel with a hot wild rice burger or walleye sandwich on a breezy patio
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area Lookout: Drive to a scenic overlook for sweeping lake views that seem to stretch forever
- Campfire Evening at the Lodge: End the night with crackling flames, gooey s’mores, and a sky full of stars you forgot existed
🐻 Day 2: Wildlife & History
- North American Bear Center: Meet rescued bears up close and learn how they thrive in the Minnesota wild
- Downtown Ely Walk: Stroll past century-old buildings, peek into outfitters, and stop for locally roasted coffee
- Dorothy Molter Museum: Hear stories of the legendary “Root Beer Lady” who lived alone in the wilderness for decades
- Pioneer Mine Tour: Head underground to explore Ely’s iron mining roots with rusty tools and echoing tunnels
- Fishing Pier on Miners Lake: Cast a line or just dangle your feet and watch for beavers gliding by
- Ely Folk School Visit: Pop in to watch wood carving, weaving, or blacksmithing in action
- Supper at a Rustic Tavern: Sit in a log cabin booth with a basket of fried fish and a cold pint of craft beer
❄️ Day 3: Winter or Wilderness
- Dog Sledding Experience: Hold on tight as a team of huskies races through snowy trails or forest paths
- Snowshoe or Paddleboard: Depending on the season, trek through powder or glide across a misty morning lake
- Root Beer and Fudge Stop: Taste old-fashioned flavors inspired by Ely’s historic wilderness lifestyle
- Artist’s Point Gallery: Browse paintings, carvings, and handmade jewelry that capture the spirit of the Northwoods
- Souvenir Stop Downtown: Grab a carved wooden loon, a bottle of Dorothy Molter’s root beer, or a mug stamped with “Paddle. Portage. Repeat.”
- Northwoods Nap on the Dock: Lay back, breathe in pine and campfire, and let the breeze rock your hammock
- Walleye Dinner Finale: End your trip the local way — with a sizzling plate of freshly caught walleye and a slice of wild berry pie
📅 Ely Calendar
- Wolf Track Classic Sled Dog Race (Feb): Cheer on teams of huskies racing across frozen lakes and pine trails
- Spring Canoe Opener (May): Welcome the thaw with the first paddle into freshly melted lakes
- Boundary Waters Expo (June): Gear demos, wilderness talks, and portaging tips for outdoor lovers
- Ely’s 4th of July Parade (July 4): Small-town fun with floats, candy tosses, and patriotic flair
- Blueberry/Art Festival (Late July): Browse hundreds of artist booths while munching blueberry pie in Whiteside Park
- Harvest Moon Festival (Sept): Celebrate fall with crafts, baked goods, and leaf-peeping galore
- Ely Winter Festival & Snow Sculpting Symposium (Feb): Watch towering snow masterpieces take shape downtown
💡 Ely Tips
- Pack Bug Spray: Especially in summer — the mosquitoes up here don’t mess around
- Reserve Permits Early: Boundary Waters entry points fill fast, especially in peak season
- Layer Up: Weather changes fast — flannels, raincoats, and fleece are your best friends
- Cell Signal is Spotty: Download maps and directions before heading deep into the woods
- Visit in Shoulder Seasons: May–June and Sept–Oct offer beauty without the crowds
- Bring Cash: Some smaller spots and festivals don’t take cards
- Respect the Quiet: Locals and travelers alike come here to unplug — let the loons do the talking
🫐 Ely Menu
- Walleye Sandwich: Crispy, golden fillets stacked on soft buns with lemon and tartar
- Wild Rice Soup: Creamy broth packed with nutty grains, mushrooms, and local herbs
- Blueberry Pie: Fresh, tart, and sticky — best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Fried Cheese Curds: Hot and squeaky bites of melty cheese wrapped in golden crunch
- Bison Burger: Lean, rich meat piled with cheddar and grilled onions on a toasted bun
- Homemade Root Beer: A nod to the Root Beer Lady herself — smooth, sweet, and fizzy
- S’mores by the Fire: Gooey marshmallows, melting chocolate, and crunchy graham — made even better under the stars