Head for the Minnesota outdoors
In the upper reaches of Minnesota, in Superior National Forest, close to the Canadian border, the small city of Ely is renowned as the gateway to Boundary Waters, an area of pristine wilderness that straddles the Canada–United States line. Ely vacation rentals range from cozy wooden cabins to beautiful retreats on their own private islands. Choose an Ely vacation rental to enjoy the best that this forested wilderness area has to offer, whether you want to canoe the calm waters, hike through scenic woodland, or simply enjoy the views.
Animal attractions in Ely
This rustic community might be best known for its proximity to Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, but there are plenty of other family-friendly activities to be enjoyed. A visit to the International Wolf Center is a fascinating day out, during which you can learn about the creatures and see the ambassador wolf pack that lives at the center. The North American Bear Center is equally interesting. Here, you can see the four ambassador black bears which live at the center in a naturally forested enclosure that features a pond and waterfalls.
Shops and history in Ely
Ely's main street is filled with outdoor stores, canoe outfitters, and local restaurants where you can stock up before you hit the trails. With all this wilderness around you, it'll be no surprise that the most popular activities include hiking and biking along the miles of trails. The local lakes and waterways present plenty of opportunities for fishing from land or boat, as well as swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, and boating. Don't miss a visit to the small but inspiring Dorothy Molter Museum which tells the life story of this 'nightingale of the wilderness': a woman who lived in the wilderness and became famous for her root beer.
Ely in all seasons
Ely offers different delights throughout the year. Hiking through the backwoods in fall offers a riot of color as the trees change to their vibrant autumnal hues. Summer is perfect for outdoor pursuits, especially on the water, when temperatures climb into the 70s. By contrast, winter is cold, with several inches of snowfall each year and temperatures in January and February occasionally hitting minus figures. This is the time to enjoy the winter sports on offer – cross-country skiing, dog sledding, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling – before cozying up in front of a real log fire at your Ely vacation rental.
Exploring the natural features in Ely
Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or just want to take in the scenery, Ely is a great place to get outside. These are some of the area's noteworthy natural features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Burntside Lake (5.2 mi / 8.4 km)
- Bear Head Lake State Park (12.5 mi / 20.2 km)
- Birch Lake (13.6 mi / 21.9 km)
- Superior National Forest (16.7 mi / 26.8 km)
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (23.6 mi / 38 km)
- Lake Vermilion (24.7 mi / 39.7 km)