If you love the small town atmosphere and access to a variety of outdoor activities, a trip to Ely, MN is calling your name. Located in northern Minnesota, Ely is considered to be the gateway to the famous Boundary Waters. Whether you are planning a camping & canoe trip in the spring and summer, dog sledding during the winter or walking Bear Head State Park in the fall, Ely is a magical destination for everyone. Save this list of things to do in Ely, MN for your next visit.
Lodging Options in Ely, MN
Ely has an abundance of beautiful lodging options. Whether you are looking for a campground, cabin in the woods, or a cozy spot downtown, Ely has you covered! We have two unique lodging experiences we would like to share with you. They are both very different for one another, which is the best part!
Piney Woods Retreat
Piney Woods Retreat is a perfect option if you are wanting a secluded cabin in the woods. This 4 bedroom stay can accommodate up to 8 guests. There is a sauna onsite and a balcony overlooking the pines. We felt like we were staying in a tree house! Our favorite part was the Glass House, a unique 1 bedroom guest house a short trail away from the main cabin. Piney Woods Retreat is pet friendly, and located about 15 minutes from downtown Ely, and nearby Bear Head Lake State Park.
Ely Camp Haus
If you love downtown Ely, and want to be only a few steps away from your favorite local spots, Ely Camp Haus is the lodging experience for you. This vintage stay can accommodate up to 6 guests and is pet friendly. There are 3 bedrooms, a fire place, all seasons patio and my favorite part- a soaking tub! We were only steps away from our favorite downtown spots, and also not too far from our favorite outdoor activities.
Our Favorite Things to Do in Ely, MN
1. Explore Bear Head State Park
We absolutely love Bear Head Lake State Park-for so many reasons! The scenery is stunning during each season of the year. We love exploring underneath the tall pines. My kids enjoy the beach area, and the 17 miles of hiking trails. We especially love Norberg Lake Loop, a popular 3.1 mile loop trail that starts off the main parking area.
2. Enjoy the International Wolf Center
The International Wolf Center absolutely should be on your list of places to see in Ely. Different seasons will give you different experiences. During the winter, the wolves enjoy being in their dens more, but there are less visitors. We had the visitor’s center to ourselves. During the summer, we were able to see the wolf pups, which was an experience all it’s own! Make sure to check their hours before visiting, as they change with the season. To enter, the cost is $18 for adults, $12 for ages 12-4, and 3 and under are free.
3. Tour the North American Bear Center
The North American Bear Center was an immersive experience. They have a wonderful exhibit, and tons of opportunities to see the bears not only through the viewing area, but through a tour of where they each live beyond the visitor’s center. We enjoyed learning about bear behavior, ecology and also bear safety. Yes, there are bears in Ely! It is closed in the winter time, but open the rest of the year. Entry rates are $18 for adults & teens, $11 for ages 2-11, and 3 & under are free.
4. Hike to the Kawishiwi Falls
The name Kawishiwi is Ojibwe, meaning “river full of beaver or muskrat houses“. This trail to the falls starts in a parking lot area, then winds through the woods. I would say the trail is moderate to difficult. It may only be a 1 mile loop trail, but there are steep inclines, tree roots uprooted and rocks, so proper footing is very important. There are also various points of view of the falls you can experience off the trail.
5. Get a Massage at Pebble Spa
Photo Credit to Pebble Spa.
Pebble Spa has a variety of services available-and after a day of hiking in the cold, it was just what we needed! Services they offer are massages, facials, soaks & saunas, acupuncture, body treatments and more. They also have an adorable shop adorned with seasonal clothing items and holistic health& beauty products.
6. Ely’s Old Fashioned Candy
If you have a sweet tooth, make sure to take the time to indulge in Ely’s vintage candy shop, Ely’s Old Fashioned Candy. My kids absolutely love this place, and all the options they have. There are over 100 bulk candies in barrels, home made truffles, and hundreds of candy options that date back to the 1800s. I may be an adult, but feeling like a kid in a candy store never felt more true! They are open seasonally, so make sure to visit their Facebook page for hours prior to visiting.
7. Wine & Dine at Insula
Our favorite dinner spot in Ely is Insula, a trendy spot for everyone, featuring creative menus that are seasonal and locally sourced. Some of our favorite items off the menu are the Canadian Walleye, Super-Fresh Salmon, Walleye Sandwich, and the Forager Burger. Reservations are not available-everything is first come, first serve1
8. Northern Grounds Coffee & Brainstorm Bakery
Ely wouldn’t be complete without the cozy, small town charm that Northern Grounds and Brainstorm Bakery brings. Both have an extensive drink menu, adorned with featured, seasonal drinks. Northern Grounds also hosts wine tasting events. Some of the best pastries we have ever tasted have come from Brainstorm Bakery and Northern Grounds (they also have (sandwiches). Both are perfect options for stocking up before you hit the trails-or the water ways!
9. Downtown Shopping
Ely is enamored with the most darling shops that line it’s downtown stretch. Your best bet? Park and walk the entire strip to make sure you get to explore it all! The following places are some of our favorite stores to visit every time we make our Northern escape to Ely:
- Ely Mercantile
- Blue Loon Gallery & Boutique
- Elywear
- Art & Soul Gallery
- Ely’s Old Fashioned Candy Store
- Piragis Northwood Company
10. Explore the Boundary Waters
The Boundary Waters is one of the most iconic destinations in Minnesota-and Ely is considered one of the gateways! The Boundary Waters contains 1,175 lakes, 1,200 miles of canoe routes and over 2,000 campsites. Ely hosts 18 of the entry points to the Boundary Waters, as well as places to buy permits and Ely Outfitters Company.
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