Ely Attractions
International Wolf Center
Ely is home to the International Wolf Center’s flagship interpretive facility, a multi-million dollar complex that examines one of the most elusive and misunderstood animals in the world. Center visitors learn about the natural history of wolves by observing the resident wolf pack and touring the “Wolves and Humans” exhibit. Program participants can track wolves by plane, go on evening howling expeditions or put on snowshoes and follow the predator’s winter tracks. Videos, talks, demonstrations, family day programs and other adventures round out a visit to the IWC.
Located east of Ely on Hwy. 169
Phone: (800) ELY-WOLF
North American Bear Center
Featuring live bears in a 2 acre forested enclosure with a pond & 4 waterfalls. Observe bears through windows or from the outdoor observation deck. Hands-on activities for young minds. Learn Black Bear vocalizations, body language and what they mean. What if I see a bear? How to live and camp in bear country. Video clips reveal intimate details of bear life in the woods. Theater features the best in bear films. Theater included in admission fee. “Gift Shop”. Please call the museum or check out their website for current hours.
One mile west of Ely on Hwy 169
(218) 365-7879
The Dorothy Molter Museum
The Dorothy Molter Museum is a memorial to the legendary last resident of the BWCAW, who died in 1986 after living most of her 79 years on Knife Lake near the U.S.-Canada border. Canoeists often stopped at Molter’s home to enjoy her hospitality and famous homemade root beer (she was often referred to as “the Root Beer Lady”) The museum’s two log cabins were transported out of the BWCAW piece-by-piece and reassembled in Ely. The Winter Cabin is now an interpretive center with pictures and documents. There is also a small gift shop and a video telling the story of her life. Please call the museum or check out their website for current hours.
Located east of Ely on Hwy. 169
Phone: (218)365-4451
Soudan Underground Mine State Park
This Minnesota State Park features the first, deepest, and richest underground iron ore mine in Minnesota. Tours of the mine lead visitors through the world of underground mining. The 1.5 hour guided tour will take you 2,341 feet down and more than 100 years into our past. Visitors can also tour the underground physics lab and learn about experiments involving neutrinos and WIMPs. Please call the museum or check out their website for current hours. Educational and group tours are available by special arrangement.
Located west of Ely off of Highway 169 in Soudan, MN.
Phone: (218) 753-2245
Ely-Winton History Museum
Located on Ely’s Vermilion Community College campus, this center shows the local history of logging and mining through artifacts, photographs and displays. Please call the museum or check out their website for current hours.
1900 East Camp St., Ely, MN 55731
Phone: (218)365-3226
Golf Courses
Ely Golf Club
901 South Central Avenue
Phone: 218-365-5932
Ely has a 9-hole, 3,245 yard, par 36 course that is open to the public. The course is open (weather permitting) from late April until late October. Rental equipment is available.
The Wilderness at Fortune Bay
1450 Bois Forte Road
Tower, MN 55790
800-992-4680
The Wilderness at Fortune Bay offers spectacular panoramic views from the shores of the magnificent Lake Vermilion. Wrapped around picturesque Minnesota woodlands and dramatic rock outcroppings, the challenging course is as visually stimulating as it is enjoyable to play, making it a true golfer’s dream and #1 in the state.
Blueberry Arts Festival
Whiteside Park (between 7th and 8th on Sheridan Street)
July 26, 27, 28 2019
Friday (7/26) Noon to 7 pm
Saturday (7/27) 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday (7/28) 10 am to 4 pm
Admission Free
300+ Exhibitors of Original Art, Handcrafted Items, Ethnic Foods.
Stage Shows
Pets are not allowed in the City Park.
Check back soon for more information.
Harvest Moon Festival
Whiteside Park (between 7th & 8th Avenues on Sheridan Street)
September 6,7,8, 2019
Friday (9/6) 10am - 5pm
Saturday (9/7) 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday (9/98 10 am - 3 pm
Admission Free
125+ Art & Craft Exhibitors, Demonstrations, Food, Musical Entertainment, All-American Lumberjack Show.
Pets are not allowed in the City Park.
Check back soon for more information
4th of July
You won't want to miss 4th of July in Ely! Activities in the park, 4th of July parade, and a beautiful display of fireworks are just a few reasons you'll want to be here!
Check back soon for more information.
Winterfest
Welcome to a land where the sky is so blue and the sun shines so bright that you forget that the temperature has descended past freezing long ago; where snow is carved into beautiful shapes and where the town itself becomes an art gallery. You might remember it as the Voyageur Winter Festival. But Ely is so much more than its French history. We share our land and our economy with the Native brothers and sisters who lived here first. We are miners and children of miners, resort owners, artists, and lovers of the natural area we inhabit. And that includes winter: snow, ice, and all that comes with it!
Marathon
The Northern Lights 5K Glow Run will be held on Friday, September 20, 2019. Check with the Ely Chamber of Commerce for details.
The Ely Marathon, the Boundary Waters Bank Half-Marathon, the Canoe Portaging Division, and the Dorothy's Rootbeer Run Youth Marathon will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2019. Check with the Ely Chamber of Commerce for details.