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.
1. 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.
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
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5. 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
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
9. 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
10. 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
11. 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
12. White Wolf Dog Sled Trips
White Wolf Dog Sled Trips offers the chance to experience the beautiful and silent world of winter within the northern region of the state of Minnesota, as well as the exhilaration of dog sledding. Dog sledding grew in popularity thanks The Iditarod, which receives a greater amount of national media attention every year. The eager, smiling, beautiful sled dogs win the hearts of so many people. The family that runs White Wolf act as ambassadors of the dog sledding sport and strive to introduce visitors of all ages to the area’s wilderness aboard a dog sled.
2141 Hwy 1, Ely, MN 55731, Phone: 218-365-6815
13. Northern Expressions Ice Cream Parlor
The Northern Expressions Ice Cream Parlor is an old-time and cute ice cream shop that serves old-fashioned ice cream and homemade waffle cones in the downtown area of Ely, Minnesota. The quaint ice cream parlor is situated in the back of the Northern Expressions shop, a one-of-a-kind “woods” and “up north” gift shop. Inside are old-fashioned stools that offer seating for guests, in addition to outdoor wooden benches. The owner of the North Expressions Ice Cream Parlor is hardworking and offers generous portions of delicious ice cream in a variety of flavors, ranging from traditional flavors to more unique ones.
48 East Sheridan St, Ely, MN 55731, Phone: 218-365-5550
14. 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
15. Front Porch Coffee & Tea Company
The Front Porch Coffee and Tea Company ins downtown Ely, Minnesota offers shoppers and other visitors and residents a chance to get their coffee fix. Nancy and Doug Scheibe have aimed to provide their guests with a wholesome and eclectic experience with tea, coffee, and dining ever since they first opened the shop in 2005. The Front Porch serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offers gluten-free and low-fat options on their menu. There is a large space for dining, offering plenty of seating, even for larger groups. Customers can also take advantage of the free wireless internet.
343 E Sheridan St, Ely, MN 55731, Phone: 218-365-2326
16. Boathouse Brewery
The Boathouse Brewpub and Restaurant 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
17. 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
18. Ely Steak House
A great steak and a cold beer may just be what visitors need after a paddle through the Boundary Waters, and the Ely Steak House is just the answer. There are plenty of people, however, who come to the steakhouse to have a meal who have never held a paddle. There’’s more than just steaks at the restaurant, however, such as giant walleye sandwiches, the famous “Bucky” burger, fresh coffee, and delicious desserts. The Ely Steak House is also a family-friendly restaurant. There is a lounge in the restaurant that offers the perfect setting to enjoy a hot beverage on a winter night.
216 E Sheridan St, Ely, MN 55731, Phone: 218-365-7412
19. Gator's Grilled Cheese Emporium
The Gator's Grilled Cheese Emporium is a hotspot in the town of Ely, focusing, of course, on grilled cheese. There are other items on the restaurant’s menu as well, such as macaroni and cheese, pizza, and more. Customers will find an array of breakfast options at Gator’s, including homemade biscuits and gravy, a breakfast burrito, breakfast salad, and french toast. Guests will definitely find a wide variety of takes on the typical grilled cheese sandwich. Gator’s Grilled Cheese Emporium, which is open every day except for Sunday, also offers free wireless internet for its customers.
955 E Sheridan St, Ely, MN 55731, Phone: 218-365-7348
20. Rockwood Bar and Grill
The Rockwood Bar and Grill boasts a menu that is reflective of the flavor of the friendly North Woods of Ely. There are several variations on walleye on the menu that are just as popular with customers as the restaurant’s steaks. The full bar features fourteen different craft beers on tap, as well as an excellent wine list and unique cocktails. The family owned and operated Rockwood hosts live music on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and is known for its friendly service, great food, and fun, relaxing atmosphere. Dishes are made with fresh ingredients and are always made from scratch.
302 E. Sheridan St, Ely, Minnesota 55731, Phone: 218-365-7772
21. Sir G's Italian Restaurant
The Sir G’s Italian Restaurant serves delicious Italian cuisine, including fresh homemade pasta. This homemade pasta, combined with the owner’s attention to detail, is what has made the Italian restaurant a staple of Ely, Minnesota for decades. Almost everything at the eatery is fresh and made completely from scratch, using equipment actually imported from Italy. The meat used in dishes is locally sourced, and the restaurant goes directly to processors and growers for ingredients, rather than go through vendors. While the pasta has always been a highlight of Sir G’s, many people also come to the local restaurant for pizza.
520 East Sheridan St, Ely, Minnesota 55731, Phone: 218-365-3688
22. 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
23. 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
24. 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
What is Ely, Minnesota known for? What to do. What are the top attractions to visit in Ely, Minnesota?
The top attractions to visit in Ely, Minnesota according to local experts are:
- Sheridan Street
- International Wolf Center
- North American Bear Center
- Kawishiwi Falls Trail
- Dorothy Molter Museum
- Bear Head Lake State Park
- Bass Lake Trail
- Way To Go Canoe Outfitters
- White Wilderness Sled Dog Adventures
- Piragis Northwoods Company
- Wintergreen Dogsled Day Trips
- White Wolf Dog Sled Trips
- Northern Expressions Ice Cream Parlor
- Insula Restaurant
- Front Porch Coffee & Tea Company
- Boathouse Brewery
- Chilly Dogs Sled Dog Trips
- Ely Steak House
- Gator's Grilled Cheese Emporium
- Rockwood Bar and Grill
- Sir G's Italian Restaurant
- Art and Soul Gallery
- The Pebble Spa Company
- Hidden Valley Chalet
Attraction Spotlight: The International Wolf Center
The International Wolf Center in Ely, Minnesota, is a world leader in the area of wolf research and conservation advocacy. The facility welcomes thousands of visitors from all around the world each year. One of the aspects that is unique to the center is its commitment to transparency with regard to the information they display. Though committed to conservation, the institution encourages visitors to become familiar with the full scope of the issues surrounding conservation. To this end, the research displayed and discussed here represents views from groups whose goals are not always in complete alignment with the wolf center’s point of view. In this way, visitors are encouraged to form their own opinions about the relevant issues concerning conservation. With engaging exhibits, educational outreach as well as live ambassador wolves, a visit to the International Wolf Center is bound to be an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.
History
Ely, Minnesota, has always been known for having a large wolf population. The largest, in fact, of all the lower 48 states in America. This fact made the location a no-brainer when it came time to choose a place to build the International Wolf Center. The center owes its start to the very successful and widely attended exhibit at the Science Museum of Minnesota titled Wolves and Humans. This award-winning 6,000-square-foot display went on to tour 19 cities across the nation. Dr. L. David Mech, a prominent wolf biologist, went on to form the committee that campaigned for a permanent home for the exhibit. The International Wolf Center was built as a result of the committee’s efforts and opened its doors in 1993. Five years later, the center saw the addition of 3,260 square feet of space, which included the wolf viewing theatre, additional classrooms, laboratory, and storage areas. Today, the center boasts a membership of 9,500 people. Its continuing outreach includes a distance learning program, a quarterly magazine, a live wolf webcam, international symposia, and unique nature expeditions. Scholars and lay people alike can benefit from the center’s commitment to delivering well-researched and balanced views on all issues pertaining to wolf behavior and conservation efforts.
Exhibits
Arctic Wolves
The International Wolf Center has recently welcomed two new members to its ambassador wolf pack, the Arctic wolf pups Axel and Grayson. In their new photo exhibit, visitors can see the way that these newcomers have acclimated to life in a new community. The photographer Heidi Pinkerton expertly captures the intricacies of the social dynamics inherent to wolf packs. Through her photos, visitors can learn about the trials and tribulations that the Arctic wolf pups went through before they were fully accepted by their new wolf family.
Ambassador Wolves
As the focal point of the entire center, the wolf ambassador pack exhibit always draws a crowd. The five wolves currently living in the museum’s 1.25-acre wolf enclosure all come from different parts of the country. The ambassador wolf pack is made up of two Rocky Mountain wolves, two Arctic wolves, and a Great Plains wolf. The large observation windows allow visitors to observe these majestic creatures up-close, in a way they would never be able to safely do in real life.
Wolves and Humans
Designed by the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Wolves and Humans exhibit allows visitors to learn more about the historical ties between humans and wolves. This is the original exhibit that spawned the creation of the center.
Wolves and the Wildlands of the 21st century
This traveling exhibit was a joint project between the Bell Museum of Natural History and the International Wolf Center. Its aim is to educate museum goers about the unique challenges wolves face in several key regions across North America. As human activities continue to encroach on the ecosystems that wolves occupy, the wolves’ survival hangs in the balance.
By viewing this exhibit, museum goers will gain a better understanding of some of the issues surrounding wolf conservation. Canada’s Northwest is home to the Arctic wolf, which has traditionally been hunted by the First Nations people living in the region. Today, with the use of snowmobiles and specially designed rifles, some contend that this practice is no longer ethical as it gives humans an unfair advantage over their prey. At the same time, the wolf population seems quite resilient as every year enough pups are born to replace the wolves lost through hunting and natural causes. By understanding some of the key issues at play, visitors will be able to formulate an informed opinion about animal rights and wolf conservation issues.
1396 MN-169, Ely, MN 55731, Phone: 218-365-4695
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Attraction Spotlight: North American Bear Center
Located in Ely, Minnesota, the North American Bear Center promotes the education, research, and rehabilitation of bears. The North American Bear Center is closed from November through March. The North American Bear Center’s season starts on April 15, and is open from 10 am to 4 pm through the months of April and May, 9 am to 6 pm from late May to early September, and 10 am to 5 pm from late September to late October.
Since the North American Bear Center was founded, the North American Bear Center has promoted the understanding of bears. Their efforts of educating the general public about bears has promoted the long-term survival of many popular bear species worldwide.
One of the biggest initiatives of the North American Bear Center is to show the general public that bears are not the demonized creatures that myths, legends, and stories have depicted them to be. Due to these exaggerated perceptions and stereotypes of bears, many bears have been poisoned, trapped, shot, and even eradicated.
Thus, the North American Bear Center actively works to debunk and discredit these misconceptions with facts that can be contributed to bears worldwide. In addition to creating a new and fair reputation for bears, the North American Bear Center works as a safe habitat where bears can prosper.
The bears that live in the North American Bear Center live in a 2.5 acre forest that has a wide variety of terrain and features, including numerous man-made dens and ponds.
Ted is a 19 year old black bear that was born in Wisconsin. He came to the North American Bear Center in 2007 after he was saved from captivity. Ted is known to make pleasant grunts and feast on red grapes. He can typically be seen resting on the front logs or swimming within the main pond.
Lucky is a 9 year old bear that was born in Wisconsin. Although Lucky was born in the wild, a group of people took him from his mother when he was very young. Lucky bonded with the people who took him, but the people who took him could not properly care for him. Lucky’s caretakers wanted to release him to the wild, but the Department of Natural Resources stepped in and declared it would be unsafe for him. So, Lucky was transported to the North American Bear Center. He is known as the “comedian” of the North American Bear Center, and can often be seen climbing trees or playing along the branches and land.
Holly is the youngest black bear at the North American Bear Center. She was born in early 2013 in the wild of Arkansas. But, three months after Holly was born a fire caused her to be separated from her mother. A man found Holly and nourished her until September of that year. Arkansas wildlife officials stepped in and sent Holly to the Appalachian Bear Rescue with the intent to eventually release her back into the wild. But, at the end of the year, officials determined it would be in Holly’s best interest to remain under supervision and live in the North American Bear Center. Since then, Holly has enjoyed exploring the North American Bear Center. Holly can typically be seen climbing the large white pine tree or playing with Lucky.
Tasha was born in the mountains of southern Kentucky in 2015. She was found by a man who discovered her and her sibling attempting to nurse on their mother, who had passed away. The man successfully caught Tasha, but could not reach her sibling in time before she escaped. The man took good care of Tasha, and allowed her to travel across his 50 acres of land and play with his dog. Unfortunately, wildlife officials discovered the man did not have the proper permits to care for Tasha, so they took Tasha to the North American Bear Center. Tasha is extremely sweet and can typically be seen exploring with Holly or Ted.
Education is extremely important to the North American Bear Center. The North American Bear Center has a variety of educational opportunities that allow people of all ages to learn about the bears at the North American Bear Center, as well as bears in general. Visitors can enjoy special tours and classes at the North American Bear Center that give in-depth information in a fun and engaging way. The North American Bear Center also offers online lesson plans that can be used by anyone who wants to learn about bears.
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1926 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731, Phone: 866-365-7879
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