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If you are an outdoors enthusiast looking for a spot to avoid the tourist crowds and soak in the beauty of pristine wilderness, look no further than Ely, MN. So, where the heck is Ely? It is about a 3 hour car ride north of Minneapolis/St.Paul just outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).  There are many fantastic resorts located on Ely area lakes complete with reliable fishing guides,  world class restaurants, and spacious waterfront rooms. If your idea of a spacious waterfront room is a 2 person tent and having the morning silence shattered by the cry of a nearby loon, you have still come to the right place

Established in 1978, the BWCAW is an area spanning over 1,000,000+ acres of pristine wilderness which is protected from logging, mining, and the use of most motor vehicles. Wildlife within the BWCAW is abundant and includes wolves, black bears, moose, and lynx.  While paddling though the more than 1500 miles of canoe routes you are all but guaranteed to come across any of these majestic animals. Wait, back up, canoing? That’s right, you will be traveling through many of the same portage trails that the early French fur traders used to trap and deliver their cargo. The BWACW is adjacent to Voyageurs National Park (to the west) as well as Canada’s Quetico National Park (to the north). So if you are looking to “rough it” for a weekend, a week, or longer the Ely area and BWCAW will cater to that need.

Whether you arrive in spring, summer, fall, or winter the outdoor offerings in Ely are plentiful. Spring and summer are prime times for hiking, camping, and canoing as I discussed earlier but it’s also peak fishing season; especially for the Walleye, Lake Trout, and monster Northern Pike the area is known for. For you thrill seekers, you will enjoy mountain biking through various trails, or perhaps carving your own way down a steep wooded slope.  In winter, fishing is still a favorite activity albeit through the ice. Many of Ely area resorts rent permanent (heated) ice fishing houses that allow fisherman to spend multiple days on the ice while trying to catch the big one. These are usually equipped with all the necessities including bunk beds and stoves. For the claustrophobic outdoors-men and women, there are four options for exploring the Northland forest and frozen lakes: snow shoeing, dog sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

Ely also reaches out to the travelers and families who what to experience the outdoors but cannot live without curling irons, ESPN, or toilets that flush. Whether you are staying one of the many hotels in town or a resort in the area, travelers of all ages can find unique opportunities to learn and explore.  Popular places for families with young children to visit are the North American Bear Center and the International Wolf Center where you are able to learn about these amazing animals and see them live and up close.  Another place I recommend visiting that embraces the history of the Ely area is the Soudan Underground Mine.

At the Soudan Mine you will be taken 2,300 feet below the Earth’s surface, from there you will take a 3/4 mile train ride to the furthest part of the mine that is still being worked today. The tour also gives visitors an hour and a half background on to learn about the Minnesota Iron Range’s rich mining tradition as well as the physical aspects of mining and iron production.  You can leave your hard hats at home, the mine will supply them for you!!!

Whether you are looking for a fun family getaway or trying the test your mettle during a week long excursion in the Northern wilderness one thing is for sure, Ely will not disappoint!