What to do and see in Ely, Minnesota (MN): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

All visits and appointments by reservation only, PLEASE! Located near Ely, Minnesota, a special little town known far and wide as the Gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in the Superior National Forest, we provide exciting dog sledding adventures to individuals, families, and groups of all kinds. Our knowledgeable, seasoned guides accompany you as you drive your team of eager, friendly, sled dogs over scenic wilderness trails. That, combined with our thorough trip preparation, top-notch equipment, comfortable facilities, and convenient proximity to Ely, makes a Chilly Dogs Sled Dog Trip the perfect winter activity.

Piragis Northwoods Company Outfitters is a full-service canoe trip outfitter for the Boundary Waters and Quetico Park. We rent canoes and kayaks and gear for one day or as long as you need. We have the area's premier guides for fishing and naturalist guided trips and offer discounts for scouts, churches and larger groups. Our canoes are lightweight kevlar and average about 42 pounds. We've been outfitting and guiding canoe trips since 1979.

Full and partial outfitting for Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and Ontario's Quetico Provincial Park. Hours change as we enter late August and then again in September, so make sure you call after August 16th to check on the current open hours.

At Ely Outfitting Company, sharing the Boundary Waters is our passion. We are committed to ensuring you have the best possible BWCA canoe trip. Our friendly, trail-wise staff provide personalized canoe trip outfitting, expert advice, and quality guided trips so friends and families of all backgrounds and experience levels may enjoy the rejuvenating spirit of the outdoors in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Quetico Provincial Park. See us for (1) complete quality outfitting packages, (2) partial outfitting packages, (3) canoe and gear rentals, and (4) professionally guided tours.

The park's namesake 674-acre lake is a prime spot for eyeing wildlife.

Starting Monday, May 10, the International Wolf Center is open seven days a week. Because of the pandemic, we have two separate time blocks to ensure there's enough room for everyone. We are open from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. for the first group of people and then from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for the second. Advance tickets are required for entry. To get an advance ticket, visit our website and look for the Book Now button on the lower right-hand side of the page. Masks are required. The International Wolf Center, located in Ely, Minnesota, gives visitors a chance to learn about wolves and see them in a beautiful northwoods habitat. The main attraction are five live wolves who make up our ambassador pack.

This "Main Street" caters to those interested in water activities as well as those who prefer to stay on land.

Through tours of Dorothy’s original cabins, self-guided exploration of our outdoor, natural areas, community programming and a wide selection of mission-driven retail merchandise (including our own Isle of Pines Root Beer), visitors will leave with an understanding of who Dorothy was, how she lived in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and a greater appreciation for the Ely Area’s natural and cultural history.

The North American Bear Center is the only educational facility of its kind - it helps people learn from the bears themselves about bear behavior, ecology, and their relations with humans. There is a huge need for accurate information about bears worldwide and the mission of the non-profit North American Bear Center is to advance the long-term survival of bears worldwide by replacing misconceptions with scientific facts about bears.