Do
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Several thousand lakes and streams spread over more than a million acres to create almost endless canoeing, kayaking and hiking opportunities. You have to reserve overnight camping permits in the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park summer, but day use permits make short explorations easy. Choose from several entry points on lakes around Ely; we especially like easily accessible Fall Lake. fs.usda.gov
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Brandenburg Gallery See National Geographic photographer Jim Brandenburg’s prints and films of Boundary Waters scenery and North Woods wildlife. jimbrandenburg.com
Dorothy Molter Museum This cabin celebrates the last legal nonindigenous resident of the Boundary Waters; she sold root beer for 33 years. rootbeerlady.com
International Wolf Center An interpretive center lets visitors see a wolf pack through observation windows. Exhibits and films explore wolf behavior as well as the challenges of wolf-human coexistence. wolf.org
International Wolf Center
Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park Minnesota’s newest state park offers adventures above and below ground, 20 miles southwest of Ely. At the state’s first iron ore mine, in operation from 1882 to 1962, travel 2,341 feet below the surface in a cage, then hop into a mine car to explore. The park also features new campsites overlooking Lake Vermilion, along with hiking trails and water recreation. dnr.state.mn.us
Soudan Underground Mine
North American Bear Center See the center’s four black bears while learning myths surrounding them. The Northwoods Ecology Hall displays animals that bears encounter in area habitats. bear.org
Voyageurs National Park Travel by canoe, kayak or houseboat through this 340-square-mile park (95 miles northwest of Ely and near International Falls). The scalloped shorelines of the hundreds of islands are perfect for fishing, picnicking and camping. nps.gov/voya
Voyageurs National Park
Eat
Boathouse Brewpub Vintage logging and fishing photographs surround diners as they enjoy burgers and house brews. boathousebrewpub.com
Ely Steak House This casual spot serves more than 50 kinds of beer, a solid bloody mary and the Bucky Burger bacon-cheese monster. elysteakhouse.com
Insula Dishes like pulled pork wonton tacos and braised lamb shank with vegetable ragout impress diners who want something beyond typical pub fare. insularestaurant.com
Stony Ridge Cafe Build your own masterpiece of a burger with a huge selection of toppings, plus the option of having the patty blackened or glazed. stonyridgeresort.com
Where to stay
Burntside Lodge A white-tablecloth restaurant and well-kept cabins with knotty pine walls and comfortable furniture are the hallmarks of this former hunting camp. burntside.com
Burntside Lodge
Grand Ely Lodge On Shagawa Lake, this just-renovated year-round resort supplies free fishing equipment, kayaks, canoes and pedal boats. Rooms contain log furniture and other North Woods-inspired decor. grandelylodge.com
For more information: ely.org