Attractions and Tours in Ely, MN

Ely Arts & Heritage Center

401 North Pioneer Road/PO Box 461
Ely, MN 55731
P: 218-365-2841

Pioneer Mine, National Register of Historic Places. Shaft House, 401 North Pioneer Road, open summer Tuesdays 2-5, Fridays 3-6, iron ore photos/artifacts. Off Trezona Trail.

North American Bear Center

1926 Hwy 169 - P.O. Box 161
Ely, MN 55731
P: 218-365-7879
TF: 877-365-7879

Email | Directions

The North American Bear Center featuring our Northwoods Ecology Hall, is the only black bear and wildlife educational facility of its kind. Dedicated to replacing old myths with facts, it lets people learn from the bears themselves about bear behavior, ecology, and their relations with humans. Meet our four Ambassador bears that roam our naturally forested 2.5-acre enclosure. We offer programs every hour so there’s something for the entire family. For more information and hours visit www.bear.org.

Dorothy Molter Museum

2002 East Sheridan Street PO Box 391
Ely, MN 55731
P: 218-365-4451
F: 218-365-5161

Email | Directions

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 log cabins were transported out of the BWCAW piece-by-piece and reassembled in Ely. Please visit the museum's website for tour and programming schedules.

Fortune Bay Casino

1430 Bois Forte Rd.
Tower, MN 55790
P: 218-753-6400
TF: 800-992-7529
F: 218-753-6488

Directions

Just 27 miles from Ely. 24-hour casino action. Free shuttle service from many locations. Senior discounts. To learn more about all our amenities, please visit: www.fortunebay.com

Historic Pillow Rock

Ely, MN 55731

Directions

The Historic Pillow Rock is an excellent example of an ellipsoidal lava flow said to be 2.7 billion years old with peculiar masses formed when dark lavas flowed under water. One of the few specimens of its kind in the world; the rock is an outcrop of Ely Greenstone, volcanic origin. Turn north on 13th Avenue and go 4 blocks. Signs will take you to Main Street where the rock is located. In addition, there is a sculpture in Whiteside Park made of Ely Greenstone.

International Wolf Center

1396 Highway 169
Ely, MN 55731
P: 218-365-4695

Website | Directions

The International Wolf Center is a non-profit organization that advances the survival of wolf populations by teaching about wolves, their relationship to wildlands and the human role in their future.

Ely-Winton Historical Society

1900 E. Camp St.
Ely, MN 55731
P: 218-365-3226

Email | Directions

Operates the Ely-Winton Historical Museum, using photographs, maps and artifacts to present the different phases of 12,000 years of local history. Find us on Facebook! Adults, $3.50 Youth, (6-15) $1.50 Children 5 & Under, No Charge