Plan

Discover Ely, Minnesota

The Best Outdoor Adventures Happen Here

Welcome to Ely, gateway to one of America’s last pure outdoor experiences. Discover wilderness lakes and forests unchanged by the hand of man. Canoe for days and escape modern civilization. Hike along wooded trails, where nature touches your soul, uplifts your spirit and quiets your mind. Explore miles of waterways and shorelines that are alive with nature’s bounty.

Find the perfect cabin, resort, or motel for your vacation in Minnesota, one that will linger in your mind for years to come. Ely Area lodging facilities have a strong commitment to preserving the legacy of the family-owned resort or motel. Many vacationers return to this area and their favorite spot year after year because of the friendly, courteous, and quality service they are accustom to in Ely.

Pitch a tent or set up that camper – we’ve got the perfect site waiting! Enjoy private, wooded sites in a variety of campgrounds that overlook scenic lakes. Ely area campgrounds offer a large range of amenities, from basic supplies to hook-ups and full-service bath facilities.

Let the restaurantsshops, world renowned attractions, and historic places you explore become the memories that bring a smile to your face, no matter where you are. Ely restaurants offer fine dining with Northwood’s favorites such as walleye, wild rice and one-of-a-kind sandwiches. Our unique shops and historic places won’t be found elsewhere. You’ll discover incredible paintings, photography, jewelry, glassware and fiber art by local artisans as well as locally made clothing and winter footwear.

This is the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness, where more than one million acres of ancient forest and 1, 500 plus waterways remain untouched by civilization. This is the largest wilderness area east of the Rockies, and one of the most incredible places you’ll ever see. A favorite way to experience it, of course, is by canoe, the way Native Americans, trappers, fur traders and explorers have throughout the ages. The outfitters of the Ely Area cherish the lakes and forests and are professional guides, biologists and historians who can make your BWCAW experience one of your life’s most rewarding.

When you vacation in Minnesota, you will experience an amazing journey; a passage between the world we live in the wilderness we left behind, but lives in our hearts forever.

Special Offers & Packages

Whether you're looking for a dog sledding trip, a spa escape, a northern goods shopping spree, a Boundary Waters adventure or to simply tour...

Visitor Guide

Are you considering an Ely getaway and looking for the inside scoop and expert tips on what you might find when you get here? Where to eat? Where to shop?...

Vacation Ideas

Vacation ideas are as countless as the trees in the forest surrounding us. To get you started, we have compiled a few local favorites to inspire you.

Getting Here

Ely, MN is 115 miles from Duluth, Minnesota, which is serviced by the Duluth International Airport. The airport offers several nonstop flights, many of...

Weather

Coming up to Ely and wondering about the weather? We may be up north, but it's not always cold! Just the opposite. Ely has some of the best weather...

Podcast

Like podcasts? “My Ely Story” is a new podcast featuring the unique and vibrant people who live, work, create, explore and play in Ely. As one...