Ely Minnesota: The Northwoods Adventure You’ve Been Dreaming Of
If you’ve been wrestling with the idea of making trip up to Ely, Minnesota but not sure where to start, let me be the first to tell you that you should absolutely go! Keep reading to learn more about the area, things to do, great hiking spots, places to stay and most importantly – where to eat, in this charming small town in Northern Minnesota.
Things To Do In Ely
Ely is pretty small town, but it is packed with a ton of fun things to do! Because the town is most often used as a gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, there are a plethora of businesses that cater to out-of-town visitors like amazing restaurants, outdoor outfitters and several options for lodging that range from cheap and rustic to high-end luxury. Below is a list of my recommendations of things you can do in and around town:
Pick Up Some Locally Made Boots
I love checking out the shops wherever I travel to. What’s better than commemorating your trip than with something that’s locally made? Ely is home to Steger Mukluks and I knew on our first trip up there I wanted to come home with some boots!
Their flagship store is located right on the mainstreet in town, however, since the pandemic they have been operating via appointment only at their warehouse just a few blocks away. So you can peruse all the styles in the window of their shop and call them to set up a fitting with the styles you want to try. If you live anywhere that gets a ton of snow, mukluks are fantastic!
Take a Class at the Ely Folk School
If you’d rather collect a new skill than items on your trip to Ely, check out the Folk School! They offer a wide variety of classes both in person and online for you to learn anything from arts & crafts, to outdoor life skills. For example, they have classes on how to mend your own clothes as well as how to track animals in the snow. Learn More Here
Get Up Close to Bears & Wolves
Ely is home to both the International Wolf Center & the North American Bear Center. You could easily visit both in the same day! Learn about the history and importance of both of these great predators and how they are a vital to balancing the ecco system.
The Wolf Center has daily lectures and huge windows for you to see the pack up close. Towards the end of the day they usually do some kind of enrichment activity so you have a great chance of seeing them. On our latest trip, they put out the scent of the wolves natural prey and we got to watch the pack roll around, rub their faces on the rocks and chase each other right up next to the windows. It was so fun to watch!
We first visited the American Bear Center about 10 years ago and it has really come a long way since then! They have vastly improved their displays and added a new expansion wing with other animals on display like fish, turtles, snakes, etc.
What’s amazing about the Bear Center is not only do you get to see the bears from the large viewing windows, you also can go outside! They have outdoor tours about every hour on the hour where the guide takes you around the bear enclosure. If you don’t want to do the tour, there is also a large viewing platform up above the enclosure for you to watch from.
Root for Root Beer!
Discover the fascinating life of the ‘Root Beer Lady’ at the Dorothy Molter Museum. This historic site celebrates the legacy of a woman who lived out on the Isle of Pines in the BWCAW for over 50 years and her special home-brewed root beer.
Have a Spa Day
If you really want to relax and recharge, treat yourself to a luxurious spa day! Both the Pebble Spa and Evergreen Spa are fantastic options. Pebble spa has a few more services like acupuncture and soaks & saunas but if you’re looking for a full body massage you can’t go wrong with either.
Paddle Paddle Paddle
It goes without saying that the Boundary Waters is one of Minnesota’s most remote and treasured places. This vast network of pristine lakes and untouched wilderness is truly awe-inspiring and worth exploring.
You will need a permit beforehand if you want to venture inside the BWCAW. Permits are available between May – September and go quickly thanks to the rise in popularity since the pandemic. You can go self-guided or hire a company to help facilitate everything you’ll need on your trip.
*Pro Tip: If you’re looking to purchase a gently used canoe or kayak, head to Ely towards the end of peak season! (Mid-Late Fall) All the outfitters in town who rent out their canoes over the summer sell them at discounted prices before they get new stock for the next year.
Great Hiking Spots
Lace up your boots and hit the trail! Ely has countless to choose from, but here a list to get you started.
Kawishiwi Falls Trail
Somehow I missed this trail on my first ever trip to Ely so now it’s a priority anytime we’re in the area. This hike is short and easy, only about a mile total there and back, with awesome views of the most beautiful waterfall in the area. Take it from me, you don’t want to miss it!
Trezona Trail
Right at the edge of town you’ll find the Trezona Trail. This paved trail is just under a 4 mile loop that circles a small lake. On average takes about 1.5hours to complete.
Blackstone / Secret Lake Trail
This beautiful trail system features several scenic overlooks of ponds and lakes. There are 2 loops to choose from. The shorter (and easier) loop takes you around Blackstone Lake only. If you want to encircle both lakes and see breathtaking views from cliffs above Ennis Lake, you’re in for a harder hike with a bigger payoff. The longer loop is 3.6 miles, rugged and hilly.
Norberg Lake Short Loop
The Norberg Lake Loop is located inside Bear Head Lake State Park. This short 1 mile looping trail is relatively easy but does have some hilly spots. You’ll be rewarded with beautiful stands of tall pine trees and views of the lake.
*Pro Tip – The trail is up above the lake. We learned this the hard way when we followed a set of stairs down to the lake and just started walking along the edge of the water on some random game trails (whoops!) Once we found the park map the trail was actually very well marked and easy to follow.
Where to Stay
We’ve been to Ely a handful of times and have stayed somewhere new each time. Below are a list of some places I’ve personally stayed and a few that are on my list to check out.
South Kawishiwi River Campground
Grand Ely Lodge Resort
If you’re looking for nicer accommodations with amazing amenities, look no further than Grand Ely Lodge. Comfy rooms, amazing lake views with complimentary canoes and kayaks, and a fantastic location right at the edge of town – what’s not to like?!
Rent a Log Cabin
There are so many cabins available through AirBnb or VBRO (this is what we typically do) So if you’re looking for more privacy, having an entire place to yourself is always nice! Check out Sixmile Lake Cabin, A Cabin on Shawgawa Lake or even something a little more modern
Pitch a Tent!
For a true, off the grid experience, consider pitching a tent or parking your camper at any number of campsites in the area. We really liked staying along the Kawishiwi River at the South Kawishiwi River Campground.
Places to Eat
While I don’t necessarily consider myself a foodie, I do think good food makes the world go round. And with prices steadily increasing, it’s more important to me than ever that my meal is not a disappointment. The list below definitely passes the taste test!
Boathouse Brewpub
Ely has just a handful of restaurants to choose from and during peak summer and fall tourist season, can get very busy on weekends. That’s not to detour you, but something to keep in mind when making plans.
Insula Restaurant
We tried Insula for the first time on our latest trip to Ely and it was definitely worth the wait to get a table! They have a diverse menu without being overwhelming and fantastic cocktails. We stayed so long we closed the place down! I recommend the pot pie, it’s worth the hype.
The Boathouse Brewpub
If you’re looking for more of a casual bar vibe that’s still appropriate for the entire family, check out the Boathouse. It’s Ely’s only Brewpub and offers a variety of beers in house and to-go growlers in BWCA approved plastic bottles.
Evergreen Restaurant
Located inside the Grand Ely Lodge, this year-round, full-service restaurant is the perfect casual dining spot with top notch food and service. Grab a table near the windows and watch the sunset over the beautiful lake!
Northern Grounds
Northern Grounds is perfect because they coffee and provisions for the morning up front and a little wine bar in the back. We came here for a little pre-dinner drink and snack while waiting for our table at Insula and then came right back the next morning for a latte and one of the best breakfast burritos I’ve had in awhile!
Ely has something to offer every traveler. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie or simply in search of a peaceful retreat, Ely is there waiting for you. Pack your bags and have a fabulous time!
As Always, Happy Adventuring!
Karen
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