Location: Ely
Top Things to do in Ely
Countries
What to do and see in Ely, Minnesota (MN): The Best Things to do Good for Kids
Ely (/ˈiːli/ EE-lee) is a city in Saint Louis County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 3,460 at the 2010 census. It is located on the Vermilion Iron Range, and is historically home to several iron ore mines.
Restaurants in Ely
1. Boundary Waters Guide Service Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Boundary Waters Guide Service provides professionally guided canoe trips and personalized canoe trip outfitting so families and friends of all backgrounds and experience levels may enjoy the rejuvenating spirit of the outdoors in Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and Ontario's Quetico Provincial Park.
2. Chilly Dogs Sled Dog Trips
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 222 reviews
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.
Reviewed By L3998PYkeiths
Our whole family 8 of us had the time of our lives. The picture perfect scenery, highly educated and experienced guides and the most beautiful, friendly Alaskan huskies were the highlights. The grounds are very well maintained and the property was set up so well for these dog sledding tours. They have a rental shop for items you may need or want along with a great apparel section. We would go back in a heart beat. Amazing job Chilly Dogs!
3. White Wilderness Sled Dog Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 169 reviews
Personalized dog sledding adventures in the scenic north woods of Minnesota. Learn to drive your own dog team. Custom day trips, yurt stays, lodge vacations, camping and fishing trips by dog team. Active vacations for ages 8 to 88, with friendly sled dogs and professional staff. All skills taught. One or two people/sled. Adventure guaranteed. Explore the Boundary Waters wilderness, pristine frozen lakes and enchanted boreal forests. See website for details and dogsledding packages.
4. Piragis Northwoods Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 191 reviews
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.
Reviewed By robynh179
Highly recommend. The whole Piragis team from start to finish was wonderful. Our 4 night, 5 day trip (2 friends) started Oct. 1, just as a cold spell hit. Our guide, Dave HIcks, called us prior to the trip to give extra advice about planning for the cold weather. He was right on. We bought neoprene socks at the Piragis store which were perfect for keeping our feet warm and dry in the 20’s to low 30’s temps for the first couple of days. During the trip Dave went above and beyond to educate us about the Boundary Waters ecosystem, also giving us great tips to improve our paddling and navigation skills, and he even showed us nifty ways to collect dead wood and to start our camp fires. Best trip ever!
5. Ely Outfitting Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 56 reviews
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.
Reviewed By Dyrest13
There’s a reason my friends and I go back to the same outfitter year after year. From start to finish Ely Outfitting Company & Boundary Waters Guide Service is there for you from picking your route to picking you up at the drop-off point after your trip. They’ve never failed to answer my questions and go above and beyond what I needed at the time. Use them, you won’t regret it.
6. Cliff Wold's Outfitting Co.
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Cliff Wold’s Outfitting Co. has been serving Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and Quetico Provincial Park canoe trippers since 1961. Experience and knowledge, combined with an unwavering commitment to value and personal service, makes Cliff Wold’s the canoe outfitter of choice for many groups. From planning to packing, we can help with every aspect of your wilderness canoe trip. Our complete canoe outfitting package includes all the lightweight camping and canoeing equipment you need for an enjoyable trip, plus a delicious menu of deluxe custom-packed meals. We also offer partial canoe outfitting services for those who need a canoe or some additional equipment. Whether you’re a first-timer or a veteran to the canoe trails, we’re here to help ensure your wilderness canoe trip is a success. When you choose Cliff Wold’s, you’ve chosen the best!
7. Bear Head Lake State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
The park's namesake 674-acre lake is a prime spot for eyeing wildlife.
Reviewed By pennys720
Wonderful place to do some hiking or being on the lake. Beautiful. Saw many wild animals, deer, forest chickens(as my hubby called them), and foxes
8. International Wolf Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 675 reviews
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.
Reviewed By 164bobbib
Love the IWC!!! Very friendly staff and amazing educational experience. Highly recommend visiting and supporting the IWC.❤️
9. Sheridan Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
This "Main Street" caters to those interested in water activities as well as those who prefer to stay on land.
Reviewed By tammyd548 - Jones, United States
Lots of shops and restaurants. Very interesting little town and Sheridan streets make it special. You could wonder around for days and still see new stuff.
10. Trezona Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By williamsD1929CM - Henry, United States
The Trezona Trail is a 4 mile, paved walking trail around Miner's Lake in beautiful Ely, MN. Walking this trail brings you close to both nature and history as you walk past old mine sites with educational material provided along the trail. There are few hilly spots and a short stretch which is not paved. Bicyclists use the trail but no motors are allowed. The Trezona Trail is a MUST for Ely visitors!
