Camping on the Superior National Forest

Tips for spring and summer tent camping from experienced local guides Camping is a timeless pastime that has inspired generations of outdoor enthusiasts, but it also appeals to those wanting to get away from the hustle of life. Though wilderness camping may be easy and accessible to some, others get…

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Winter Logging

If you look at old photos of the logging camps in the Ely and Winton area, you might notice something surprising that is common in all of them: they were all taken in winter. Why would loggers choose to work in the harsh northern Minnesota winters rather than in the fair and beautiful summers? The…

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Look Up

Exploring our connection to the night sky from the World’s Largest International Dark Sky Sanctuary Since the beginning of time the night sky has been an important part of life. Ancient cultures used it as a resource to guide them, predict the future, for accurate planting and harvesting, and to…

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You'll never see bear tracks in the snow (and other bear myths)

(BPT) - Coming to Ely for a little R&R in the wilderness? Awesome! You'll have a great time. But just be mindful of the denizens of the forest you might encounter along the way. Our black bears are beloved residents of the Northwoods, but when people come for a visit, they can bring some wrongly…

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Which type of traveler are you?

(BPT) - Although thousands of people visit Ely each year, everyone experiences it differently. There’s a lot to explore up here, but how you explore depends on what type of traveler you are. You might find yourself in the following descriptions: Adrenaline junkie. You own a lot of spandex and you’re…

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Where to see the spectacular fall colors

(BPT) - In the fall, Ely explodes with color. You may think we're mainly about the pines, and you'll certainly find a forest-full of those here. But we're also home to aspen, birch, ash, spruce and the king of fall colors, the majestic, fiery maple. Drive down any road, hike on any trail, and you'll…

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Top ingredients for a fun, safe family vacation in Ely

(BPT) - As every parent knows, having kids is a game changer in all aspects of life, including vacations. The days of stuffing a backpack full of clothes, a toothbrush and some deodorant and taking off for a weekend are behind you. Ely is a great place to vacation with family. But when you're coming…

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Ely Revised: Tips for capturing perfect photos in Ely

(BPT) - One of the things visitors love to do in Ely and the BWCAW is capture the stunning beauty around them in photos. But getting that perfect shot in the forest can be tricky — and here in Ely, we’re all about the forest. So how do you get that perfect shot? It’s about timing, patience and…

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The quintessential north woods experience: Tips for travelers

While Colorado has the Rockies and Florida has sandy beaches, Minnesota has the north woods. This rocky, lake-strewn region covered with white pines and birch trees is one of the jewels of the North American wilderness. Naturally, visitors to Ely want to know the best way to experience it. We’d say…

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Ely Revised: The perfect craft beer for camp food

(BPT) - Ah, craft beer and the wilderness. A match made in heaven. After a day of paddling, fishing, hiking or just relaxing in your hammock, there's nothing better than settling down in front of the fire or on the lakeshore and cracking a locally brewed cold one with your dinner. Sure, the wine…

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