Ely, MN in the Fall
Experience the annual fall color show in Ely, Minnesota!
As one of the first places to showcase this stunning display every year, Ely invites you on an unforgettable journey through a kaleidoscope of vivid hues and breathtaking landscapes. 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.
Here are some of the best places to enjoy the view...
New Tomahawk Road Drive
From Babbitt, take Highway 21 east to New Tomahawk Road. An area populated with aspen, birch, balsam fir, and red pine, the New Tomahawk Road drive offers an incredible scenic view of the Northwoods. With Mother Nature’s vibrant display of reds, yellows, and oranges, contrasted with the dramatic greens of the red pines, there is no better way to experience the spirit of the season. This is a lightly traveled road, so keep the camera handy as you are sure to find some wildlife on the move.
Dry Falls Hike
Along this 1.7-mile section of the Bass Lake Trail just six miles north of Ely, hikers who traverse a fairly rugged ridge are rewarded with a beautiful view of the Northwoods all aglow. Along the way, scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and a constantly changing terrain make the trip abundantly worthwhile.
Bass Lake Trail Hike
Wear sturdy shoes and bring a camera; the geology is fascinating and the views are stunning, especially when the water is surrounded by a multicolored forest. Hikers draw close enough to the shoreline to see and photograph colors reflected in the clear, still waters of Bass Lake.
Ed Shave Lake Drive and Paddle
A drive up the Echo Trail north of Ely will take you along the southern edge of 90-acre Ed Shave Lake, with granite cliffs, water scenes, and an autumn forest of pine and hardwoods . This small lake is easy to canoe, and the autumn-color view from the water is even better than a drive by the lake.
Burntside Lake Paddle/Boat
Any lake in the Ely area has the potential for breathtaking autumn color views from the water level. Burntside just happens to be a bit dramatic; its granite shorelines, islands large and small, and steep, tree covered sides offer sweeping views that tower over a boat or canoe. The view is stunning whether standing on the shore or gliding through the water.
Ojibway Lake Picnic
About 14 miles northeast of Ely, Ojibway Lake has an outline so notched and snaggled it creates a “water, water everywhere” effect. County roads will get you close enough to appreciate the waterscape without leaving your vehicle—and a picnic area on the north side of Ojibway offers a spot to relax and enjoy lunch along with the view.
Glacier Pond Drive and Hike
Two Glacier Ponds (conveniently named “1” and “2”) are located along the way to Ojibway Lake, just off the Fernberg Trail. A forest road (557) will take you right past both ponds, but you might want to get out of your vehicle and walk part of the way to take in the smell of pine needles and crisp fall leaves.
Fernberg Road Drive
There are many roads in the Ely area that offer visitors a scenic wilderness experience, but one of the prettiest drives is along the Fernberg Road. This stretch of about 20 miles runs through the Superior National Forest to the literal “end of the road” at Lake One, an entry point of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The variety of aspen, birch, maple, ash, spruce, and pine hug the road to create a corridor filled with a symphony of color. Don’t forget to stop at the Fernberg Road Scenic Overlook for a fantastic view of marshy wetland area.
Autumn Aerial Tours
For a truly memorable Northwoods experience, soar above the fall color show for a stunning view of the autumn scenery. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of blue lakes and rivers surrounded by a vibrant palette of reds, yellows, oranges, and greens. You will see a distinctly wilder appearance in the landscape as you fly over remote areas not accessible by car.
South Kawishiwi River Drive and Hike
This sparkling river runs southwest from the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) down to Birch Lake, about 10 miles out of Ely. A bridge near the U.S. Forest Service campground is a popular spot to take fall color photographs. A small, gravel access road leads down to the river for a closer view and a different angle. The nearby South Kawishiwi River Pavilion is a historic log building built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933. It accommodates 30 – 40 people for special events in a dramatic, fall-color background.
