A great starting point for seeing the untamed splendor of northern Minnesota is Ely, a quaint town tucked away in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) of Minnesota.
Encircled by immaculate lakes, thick forests, and rough terrain, Ely provides a starting point for life-changing outdoor experiences.
Ely offers the ideal beginning place for your trip to northern Minnesota, regardless of your level of experience as an adventurer or your preference for a serene getaway among nature lovers.
Ways to Proceed
Wilderness Area: Boundary Waters Canoe Area
Hiking, kayaking, and canoeing options abound thanks to the thousands of lakes and streams that cover more than one million acres. In summer, overnight camping permits are reserved, however day-use permits are convenient for quick expeditions.
Select from multiple access spots on the lakes surrounding Ely; we particularly enjoy Fall Lake, which is very accessible. There are just 19 motorized lakes out of 1,175 in the Boundary Waters, so it’s simple to avoid traffic and the din of boat engines.
Ely Folk School
At Ely Folk School, experiential learning opportunities honor the region’s natural and cultural legacy. Take up chip cutting, make a basket, or study the stars at night.
Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park
Explore by riding in a cage 2,341 feet below the surface at the state’s first iron ore mine, which was in operation from 1884 to 1962.
In addition, the park offers hiking trails, water sports, and campgrounds with views of Lake Vermilion.
The International Wolf Center
Visitors can view a wolf pack through viewing windows at an interpretative facility. The difficulties of coexisting with wolves is explored in films and exhibits.
Voyageurs National Park
Explore this 340-square-mile park (95 miles northwest of Ely and near International Falls) by canoe, kayak, or houseboat. There are hundreds of islands with scalloped shorelines that are ideal for camping, fishing, and picnics.
Over three-quarters of this park is covered in water; travelers flock here for the perfect wilderness, small crowds, and fantastic fishing.
Read Also: Ghosts and Gravestones: Explore 5 Chillingly Haunted Cemeteries
Where to Stay in Ely?
The Burntside Lodge
Family-run Burntside Lodge was once a hunting camp founded in the early 1900s. It features a white-tablecloth restaurant and immaculate cabins with knotty pine walls and cozy furniture. Seasonally open.
Grand Ely Lodge
This year-round lodge on Shagawa Lake offers free fishing gear, kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats. Log furniture and other North Woods-inspired décor can be found in rooms.
Read Also: Cutest Small Towns to Visit Near Colorado’s National Parks
Where in Ely to Eat and Drink?
Brewpub Boathouse
At Boathouse Brewpub, guests are surrounded by old logging and fishing photos while they eat walleye sandwiches, burgers, and house brews.
Insula
Insula eaters seeking something more than standard pub fare are impressed by dishes like braised lamb shank with vegetable ragout and pulled pork wonton tacos.
Grilled Cheese Emporium Gator’s
Gator’s is open seasonally and offers a wide range of breakfast and lunch options in addition to loads of cheesy delights including grilled cheese, mac and cheese, cheeseburgers, and Cheesy Tators. Parents, take note: Frisbees are used to serve kids’ menu items.
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