Outdoor Activities In Ely, MN

3.9 million acres. 4,000 lakes and rivers. 2,800 miles of trails and portages. That's what you'll find in Ely, Minnesota, the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. In Ely, we've got room for your next vacation.

Ely in the summer is paddling a canoe or kayak on an unspoiled lake where all you can hear is your paddle slicing through the water, the call of loons and the slap of a beaver's tail. It's hiking through the boreal forest for unparalleled views. It's feasting on trout or walleye you've just caught, cooked over a campfire. It's sleeping under a sky filled with more stars than you've ever seen in your life. And one of the best things about summer in Ely? People do flock here, but it's unlikely you'll ever see any of them. It's like you have the wilderness all to yourself.

Winter is magical in Ely. A blanket of pure white snow on the ground, pines as far as the eye can see. Deer, moose, wolves, foxes and other animals making their way through the drifts. Even the air feels different. Dash through the snow on the back of a dog sled, or quietly explore the wilderness on snowshoes or cross-country skis. Adventure lovers will find some of the best snowmobiling trails in the Midwest. At night, as you sit around the campfire or fire pit with a cocktail or hot chocolate, the Northern Lights will take your breath away.

Fall is spectacular with dazzling autumn colors, brisk hikes, scenic drives where you're likely to see moose. And spring is a quiet season as winter fades, perfect for sitting outside in the warm sun as the snow melts, spotting tracks, and curling up in front of a crackling fire. (Many resorts have specials during this time of year, too!)

Fishing

If you are planning a fishing trip to Minnesota, then look no further than Ely Minnesota! Why? Ely Minnesota has some of the best smallmouth bass, walleye,...

Canoeing

Several pristine canoe routes can be found on many lakes and rivers that are outside the BWCAW, yet are within the National Forest boundaries. There are a...

Camping In Ely & BWCAW

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

ATV & Offroad

ATV riders — big news! More than 250 miles of new trails will soon open in the Ely area through the Prospector Loop $4.5 million construction...

Hiking

The Ely area provides unique opportunities for those seeking wilderness hiking in Minnesota. Depending on the experience you are seeking, assorted...

Fall Colors

Every autumn, nature plays a symphony in northeast Minnesota. When Ely nights turn cool in September, the landscape tunes up like a musical encore at the...

Superior National Forest

The Superior National Forest is also home to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Getting up close and personal with this boreal forest is as easy as...

Hunting

As summer starts to wind down, the tempo of the area changes. Fall weather lends itself to a new pursuit—hunting. Ely is the center of a prime...

Kayaking

For vacationers who like the idea of traveling by water, surrounded by the beauty only nature can provide, wilderness kayaking is for you.

Mountain Biking

The Ely Area offers several opportunities for mountain biking with routes to suit various skill levels and interests. For the true adventure explorer the...

Photography

The Ely area lends itself to some of the most incredible photography opportunities: picturesque views from 500 lakes in a 20 mile radius of Ely, northern...

Birding

Birds are prevalent in the Ely Area and the Superior National Forest depending on the season and the habitat. Approximately 155 species of birds breed in...