Fun Things to do in Ely, Minnesota

For a small town in northern Minnesota, Ely is absolutely stacked with fun things to do for the whole family.

If you love the outdoors, you’re going to love Ely. Enjoy canoeing, hiking or camping in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Try your luck at Minnesota fishing for walleye, northern or trout in our pristine waters. Birding enthusiasts can find approximately 155 species of birds including owls, bald eagles, numerous waterfowl and song birds.

If your tastes tend to the more urbane, you’ll love playing a round of golf on one of our northern Minnesota golf courses, shopping in downtown Ely or enjoying a meal in one of our unique Ely restaurants.

Looking for a little northwoods culture? Enjoy a visit to the International Wolf Center, American Bear Center, Dorothy Molter Museum and the Ely-Winton History Museum. Learn about native history and culture at the Bois Forte Heritage Center and Cultural Museum.

Oh, and the fun doesn’t stop when summer is over. Fall is spectacular with dazzling autumn colors, brisk hikes, scenic drives and hunting for ruffed grouse or white tailed deer. During winter months visitor will enjoy unique Ely winter activities like dog sledding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing.

Looking for more reasons to visit? Check out our 10 reasons to visit Ely, Minnesota page!

Downtown Ely International Wolf Center Fortune Bay Casino North American Bear Center Tours

Downtown Ely

Don’t let the quaint, small-town atmosphere fool you. You’ll find some of the finest shopping and most intriguing gifts anywhere – right here... Read More

International Wolf Center

There are few things more magical and haunting than hearing wolves howl during a dark Ely night. Encountering these incredible animals in the wilderness is a... Read More

Fortune Bay Casino

Located on beautiful Lake Vermilion, the Wilderness at Fortune Bay resort has it all — world class golf, dining, entertainment, casino fun and wilderness... Read More

North American Bear Center

The North American Bear Center is a nonprofit museum with beautiful indoor and outdoor viewing areas for visitors to watch live black bears. Make no mistake,... Read More

Tours

Fishing

If you are planning a fishing trip to Minnesota, then look no further than Ely Minnesota! Why? Ely...

Canoeing

Several pristine canoe routes can be found on many lakes and rivers that are outside the BWCAW, yet...

Camping In Ely & BWCAW

Do you love camping in Minnesota? Enjoy getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday living...

ATV & Offroad

ATV riders — big news! More than 250 miles of new trails will soon open in the Ely area...

Hiking

The Ely area provides unique opportunities for those seeking wilderness hiking in Minnesota....

Fall Colors

Every autumn, nature plays a symphony in northeast Minnesota. When Ely nights turn cool in...

Guide Services

Superior National Forest

The Superior National Forest is also home to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Getting up...

Hunting

As summer starts to wind down, the tempo of the area changes. Fall weather lends itself to a new...

Kayaking

For vacationers who like the idea of traveling by water, surrounded by the beauty only nature can...

Mountain Biking

The Ely Area offers several opportunities for mountain biking with routes to suit various skill...

Photography

The Ely area lends itself to some of the most incredible photography opportunities: picturesque...

Birding

Birds are prevalent in the Ely Area and the Superior National Forest depending on the season and the...

Golf

Dining

After you've finished your canoe trip, hike or visited our unique shops and galleries, stop by one of our fine dining establishments and enjoy a sizzling steak, a wild rice dish or walleye fillet cooked to perfection. Not hungry?... Read More

Shopping

There are a wide variety of stores in Ely, MN to buy something you need or just to commemorate your trip! From homemade goods to bait & tackle shops to hardware stores, Ely business owners are ready to meet your needs. Read More

Arts & Culture

The Ely art scene is bursting with talent. Artists in a variety of media make Ely an exciting place to be year ‘round for exhibits and shows. The performing arts and music provide a strong base for entertainment while writers of... Read More