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One Day in Ely, Minnesota: How to make the most of a Short Trip

March 20, 2023 by Kat No Comments

As far as my guides go, I rarely recommend exploring a place for only one day. But if it comes down to exploring Ely, Minnesota for only one day, OR not exploring Ely, Minnesota – I will suggest taking the short trip every time! Ely is located at the Boundary Waters of Minnesota and Ontario, Canada. Expansive lakes and tall forests make for a beautiful destination. Here’s how to spend one day in Ely, Minnesota!

Where to Stay in Ely, Minnesota

Ely Cabin Collective

Ely, Minnesota has a few great places to stay but one particular spot is quite popular. The Ely Cabin Collective has three cozy cabins tucked into the woods just North of Bear Head Lake State Park. Addie and Ben, the owners, opened Ely Log Cabin first- an off grid, solar powered cabin on 40 acres.

They recently opened Aurora Modern Cabin, a Scandinavian style one bedroom cabin with a cozy loft. This cabin sits on 22 acres and is quiet and secluded. Aurora Modern Cabin is situated in a way to maximize views of the sunset and the Northern Lights.

For more information on Ely Cabin Collective CLICK HERE.

Use code KATTELLSALL for 10% off at Ely Cabin Collective.

Green Cabin Collection

Although not open yet, a beautiful new cabin is coming summer 2023 to Shagawa Lake (the major lake within the town of Ely). This cabin has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a stunning lofted space, and sleeps up to 8.

For more information on Green Cabin Collection CLICK HERE.

How to Spend One Day in Ely, Minnesota

There are TONS of great things to do in Ely, Minnesota. Ely is within 30 minutes of two great State Parks; near multiple recreation areas; has many great restaurants; and is home to several museums, amenities, and exhibits.

Use this step-by-step guide to plan your quick trip to Ely, Minnesota!

Start the morning with a cup of coffee

Cozy up with a cup of coffee in your cabin or head to Northern Grounds on Sheridan St. (Ely’s Main Street). Northern Grounds is a Coffee and Wine Bar (a classic small town catch-all), with great drinks for any time of day. They have craft coffee, a breakfast/lunch menu, cocktails on tap, and a variety of goods for purchase.

While we were in Ely we swung by Northern Grounds for a latte as an afternoon pick-me-up. Ely Cabin Collective also has their own signature coffee blend available at each cabin!

Other options for Coffee in Ely include:

Log Cabin Coffee Drive-Thru.
Brainstorm Bakery/Crapola World Headquarters (Known for their granola).
Mitaka’s Market (formerly Organic Roots) *opens at 9:30am
Front Porch Coffee and Tea Co.
Insula (Serves regular coffee and a full breakfast).

Explore one of Ely’s Amenities, Museums or Exhibits

There are several fun things to do in Ely whether you’re interesting in wildlife, history, or relaxation. Although we did not have a chance to visit any of these while we were there, I have heard wonderful things about each.

International Wolf Center

The International Wolf Center is a place to learn about wolves, our impact as humans on the wolf population, and to be educated about what can be done to protect wolves. Tickets range in price from $9-$15 and hours vary depending on the season.

For more information about the International Wolf Center CLICK HERE.

Dorothy Molter Museum

Dorothy Molter was the last non-indigenous person to live in the Minnesota Boundary Waters. In 1978 when motorized boats were banned most residents were required to leave. Dorothy Molter was one of the exceptions and she continued to reside within the Boundary Waters until 1986.

Many people canoeing knew of Dorothy’s Cabin and she was known for providing hospitality and delicious Root Beer. The museum is an ode to Dorothy and provides education about the Boundary Waters, her life, and her Root Beer. The museum is open in the summer and ticket prices range from $4.50-$7.00.

For more information about the Dorothy Molter Museum CLICK HERE.

North American Bear Center

The North American Bear Center is another great place to learn about wildlife native to the area. This museum is informative and allows residents to observe 4 black bears who reside in a 2.5 acre habitat. Tickets range from $9-$15 and the North American Bear Center is open May-October.

For more information on the North American Bear Center CLICK HERE.

Pebbles Spa

If spa services during a vacation are more your style, you have to check out Pebble’s Spa. They offer a variety of services including massages, facials, and salon services.

For more information about Pebble’s Spa CLICK HERE.

Browse Local Shops unique to Ely

In addition to being the gateway to the Boundary Waters, Ely also has everything you could need for an adventure! There are several stores and shops that are full of great clothing, outdoor equipment, and adventure supplies.

Wintergreen Northern Wear

Wintergreen Northern Wear has a reputation that precedes it. Online and in their Ely shop, Wintergreen sells handmade winter wear (primarily, but also clothing for other seasons). Almost everything sold is designed, cut, and sewn in Ely, Minnesota. In addition to the large amount of stock they keep on hand- jackets, pants, and. other outdoor wear can be custom made.

We spent about 20 minutes admiring the goods available at Wintergreen. After visiting I have a new-found goal to own one of their hand-made jackets!

Form more information on Wintergreen CLICK HERE.

Piragis Northwoods Company

Piragis Northwoods Company is a one-stop-shop for almost anything you could need. This expansive shop carries clothing and shoes, camping and canoeing gear, books and guides. While I didn’t purchase anything during our short visit, I loved going up and down the isles and checking out all their great stuff!

Piragis also offers Boundary Waters trip planning tools, maps, and guide services. A few of their services include guides camping trips, day tips, group trips, and fishing trips- you can hire a guide HERE.

Form more information about Piragis Northwoods Company CLICK HERE.

Have a Quick Lunch

If I’m being honest, I felt that the quantity of great food options in Ely was limited. We ate out for two meals, once at Insula and once at The Boathouse Brewpub and Restaurant. Given that there are limited options, I would highly suggest packing food and cooking at the cabin.

I have heard that Mitaka’s Market (formerly Organic Roots) can be a great place to eat. They have deli offerings including soup and sandwiches in addition to entirely organic groceries.

For more information on Insula– my primary dinner recommendation in Ely, scroll down to the “Sit Down for Dinner” section.

While in Ely for our short visit we chose to have lunch on the trail at Bear Head Lake State Park. We packed sandwiches and enjoyed great views while we ate our meal.

Where to Explore Outdoors around Ely

I LIVE for outdoor adventure recommendations. We didn’t visit Ely for long, but I do feel that I can confidently share a few awesome places to explore.

Bear Head Lake State Park

State Parks are a weakness of mine so I was excited to visit Bear Head Lake State Park. The heart of this Park is the massive lake that is bordered by tall coniferous trees and other foliage. There are several hiking trails throughout the park, but many people choose to explore the park via canoe, kayak, paddle board, or otherwise by water.

We visited in the winter so we chose to explore via snowshoe. We had beautiful views as we crossed the lake from the visitors center (closed in the winter), and treked along the trails surrounding Becky and Blueberry Lakes.

Norberg Lake Trail is groomed for cross country skiing in the winter.

For more information on Bear Head Lake State Park CLICK HERE.

Kawishiwi Falls

Kawishiwi Falls is what I call a good bang-for-your-buck hike: short distance with big payoff. The hike from the parking lot to the falls and back is about 1.5 miles with very little elevation change.

The following place/activites I did not experience myself but have heard GREAT things about:

Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park

This unique Minnesota State Park is located on Lake Vermilion just 25 minutes from Ely. The park hosts the Soudan Mine where iron ore was mined as early as 1884. The mine closed in 1962 and the United States Steel Corporation donated the Mine (+1,200 acres around it) to Minnesota to be used as a State Park.

The Visitors Center (the old mine) offers tours throughout the summer months. There are several areas to hike and enjoy the lake throughout the park.

For more information on Lake Vermilion-Soudan Mine State Park CLICK HERE.

Dog Sledding

Ely, Minnesota is known for having several great dog sledding companies that offer a variety of incredible experiences. Guides (called mushers) can take visitors on full or partial day adventures throughout the Northwoods and Superior National Forest. A few popular Dog Sled companies include:

Canoeing in the Boundary Waters

I don’t think I can write a post about Ely, Minnesota without mentioning Canoeing in the Boundary Waters. Exploring this stunning area via canoe draws people from all over the country. Several companies and guides provide services such as day trips, weekend trips, group trips, and fishing trips.

If you’re planning on canoeing in the Boundary Waters I highly suggest doing much more research than this post can offer. CLICK HERE for more information on exploreminnesota.com.

Sit Down for Dinner at Insula

I can recommend one place in Ely, Minnesota to sit down for dinner: Insula. Insula is located in the heart of the small town and has delicious food and great drinks. Before our trip to Ely I had multiple people suggest eating here.

My Order: A white wine-spritzy drink that I really can’t remember the name of. My friend Ashlyn and I shared the Baked Goat Cheese (tomato, balsamic, basil, grilled crostini) it was so delicious we could have eaten two of them! I’m glad I didn’t eat two of the appetizer because I really did enjoy the Hawaiian Burger (pulled pork, Canadian bacon, grilled pineapple, chili lime sauce) which was served with homemade kettle chips.

Head back to your Cozy Cabin

If you’re staying at one of the cabins I suggested at the beginning of this post I guarantee you’re going to want to enjoy it while you’re there. After a busy day head back to your cozy cabin and have a cup of hot coco, bake some cookies, and/or play a board game!

We loved hanging by the fireplace at Aurora Modern Cabin in the evenings!

The Northern Lights

Northern Lights can most commonly be seen in the fall or winter. If you’re in Ely, Minnesota be sure to check the Space Weather Prediction Center site by CLICKING HERE while you’re there.

Ely is truly a Minnesota destination that everyone should experience. This quaint small town nestled in the Superior National Forest on the Boundary Waters is the perfect escape. One day in Ely, Minnesota really isn’t enough- but if you only have on day in Ely you’re still pretty lucky!