The Great Outdoors
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.
Discover nature year-round
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!)
Winter
Winter is a beautiful season in the pristine country that surrounds the Ely, MN area. The area is uncrowded and unspoiled so you have the freedom to move about as you like and at your own pace. Our vast expanse of forest and ice-covered lakes invite you, your family and friends to cross-country ski, snowmobile, photograph, fish, mush, snowshoe, explore and even camp. Choose any activity that interests and challenges you. The rewards will be worth it!
At the end of an exciting day outdoors, relax in the warmth and comfort of a motel, bed & breakfast or cabin. The area has a variety of accommodations for the winter visitor. Explore downtown Ely for a shopping experience with out-of-the ordinary home décor, gift selections and unique made-in-Ely clothing. While in Ely, MN we suggest that you venture into one of our fine restaurants and discover the rich and varied cuisine well suited to warming your spirits and satisfying your appetite. However you choose to spend your stay in the Ely area, you can be assured that your hosts will do everything possible to make your visit rewarding and enjoyable.
It may be more your style to head to a remote wilderness lake, camping and ice-fishing for several days. It is an experience you won’t forget. Cross-country ski, snowshoe or take a dog team into the woods, make camp and enjoy dinner over an open fire. After dark you may witness the breathtaking northern lights dancing across the sky. If you are lucky, you may hear the spine-tingling call of a timber wolf on some distant ridge.
We have been enjoying Northern Minnesota winters forever and we’re here to make sure you will too.
