The One Northern United States Town Everyone Should Visit At Least Once
Deep in the northern wildernesses of Minnesota, a town of around 3,200 residents acts as the region's urban core and an ideal base for visiting travellers. Ely, which sits adjacent to the Superior National Forest, is a charming hub for anyone looking to canoe the area's numerous lakes, hike its extensive network of trails, camp, or simply take a rest break during a scenic road trip.
With its decent selection of hotels, restaurants, outfitters, and other useful amenities, the town of Ely has just about anything you may need for a multi-day outing, whether you intend on spending your time in the great outdoors or wish to stay in town and check out all it has to offer. Read on to learn more about this welcoming community, from recommended local attractions to other cool nearby towns and cities you can check out.
A Quick History of Ely
Ely, Minnesota, named after mining executive Samuel B. Ely, was settled in the late 19th century during a gold and iron ore boom on the nearby Vermilion Iron Range. Prospectors discovered high-grade ore in the years after the Civil War, leading to rapid development and the arrival of rail lines to move ore to Lake Superior ports.
Underground mines such as the Pioneer Mine drove the economy for decades, attracting waves of immigrants from Finland, Italy, and Eastern Europe. But, as mining declined in the region around the mid-20th century, Ely gradually shifted toward tourism and outdoor recreation. Thus, its proximity to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness greatly reshaped the local economy, bringing outfitters, lodges, and conservation-focused businesses in abundance.
Today, Ely balances its industrial heritage with its new identity as a gateway to one of the first federally protected wilderness areas in the United States. With that, here are some activities you must see and do the next time you're in town.
Explore the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness spans more than one million acres of lakes, forests, and interconnected waterways along the Minnesota-Ontario border. Managed by the Superior National Forest, it contains over 1,100 lakes and hundreds of miles of canoe routes linked by portage trails. On the other hand, motorized use is limited in most areas, preserving its quiet, backcountry atmosphere.
The main draws here are paddling, walleye and northern pike fishing, camping on designated sites, and observing wildlife such as wolves, moose, black bears, and bald eagles. Also note that entry is regulated through a permit system to control crowding and protect the landscape, and as a result, it remains one of the most intact freshwater wilderness areas in North America, let alone the US.
Check Out the International Wolf Center
For those especially interested in wildlife, the International Wolf Center in Ely is dedicated to wolf education and conservation, open for the whole family to enjoy throughout the year. It boasts a number of exhibits and interpretive programs that explain wolf behavior, ecology, and the role of wolves in local ecosystems. You can also see the Center's five ambassador wolves, who are supported in Trails around the facility, provide yet more opportunities to see wolves in natural settings from safe distances.
Staff and volunteers often lead presentations, talks, and guided observation sessions to help you better understand the facility's scientific research, as well as dispel common myths about wolves. Furthermore, the center hosts educational programs for school groups and provides resources for teachers, making it a true pillar of the community.
Spend a Night at the Grand Ely Lodge Resort
The Grand Ely Lodge Resort sits on Shagawa Lake at the north side of town and combines cozy lodge accommodations with other fun resort amenities. Rooms range from standard lodge rooms to suites and cabins, many with lake views. On-site facilities include a pool, fitness room, meeting spaces, and casual dining at the Evergreen Restaurant.
Outdoor options nearby include paddleboard and kayak rentals in summer, a sandy beach, and access to snowmobile trails in winter. Its location also provides convenient access to downtown Ely, the Ely Arts & Heritage Center at Pioneer Mine, and Pioneer Mine Museum and Tour, the latter two being mere steps away from the hotel.
Get the Inside Scoop on Local History at the Dorothy Molter Museum
Learn more about one of the area's most famous residents at the Dorothy Molter Museum, a locale that preserves the legacy of none other than Dorothy Molter, known as the “Root Beer Lady.” Molter lived on Knife Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for more than 50 years, serving canoeists homemade root beer and sharing stories of her wilderness life.
The museum is now located in original cabins moved from her Isle of Pines home and displays personal belongings, photographs, and other artifacts from her life on the lake. Here, you will get a window into her daily routines, and on broader subjects, too, such as the region’s logging and fishing history and the development of the Boundary Waters. There is also an on-site shop where you can pick up locally made root beer and other merchandise.
Other Nearby Towns Worth a Visit
There really aren't a whole lot of other communities close to Ely, but if you don't mind driving an extra hour or two, there are a few towns that can add depth to your northern Minnesota trip. For one, Silver Bay, located along Lake Superior’s North Shore, offers direct access to Tettegouche State Park, where cliffs, waterfalls, and rugged shoreline trails make it highly popular among landscape photographers. It’s also a practical base for hiking to popular landmarks such as Shovel Point or exploring Palisade Head.
More inland, Babbitt reflects the region’s mining past. Developed in the 1950s to support taconite operations, it is now better known for providing access to Birch Lake and the Superior National Forest, making it a quieter alternative for fishing and snowmobiling.
Lastly, Eveleth, part of the Mesabi Iron Range, is best known for the United States Hockey Hall of Fame. The town’s identity is, of course, closely tied to Minnesota’s rich, longstanding love of hockey culture, and the museum's exhibits trace the sport’s development at the amateur and professional levels.
Just under 115 miles south sits Duluth, the closest "big city" to Ely. Here, you will find most of the amenities you could desire, from high-capacity hotels and motels to a range of restaurants and large outfitters. If you are travelling up from the south, it is easily one of the state's most culturally relevant settlements and a great place to stop to load up on supplies.
See What the North Has to Offer in Ely
Whether you are seeking a true outdoor adventure or a simple stroll through an underrated, historic downtown core, Ely is undoubtedly a destination you should try to visit at least once if you want to get a true taste of what the north has to offer. From summer to winter, it hosts a plethora of activities, landmarks, and events that anyone can enjoy, making it an idyllic vacation spot regardless of the time of year.
