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Anonymous fisherman holding a large trout on Moose Lake.

Activities in Ely, MN

For a small town in northern Minnesota, Ely is absolutely stacked with fun things to do for the whole family.

If you love the outdoors, you’re going to love Ely. Enjoy canoeing, hiking or camping in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Try your luck at Minnesota fishing for walleye, northern or trout in our pristine waters. Birding enthusiasts can find approximately 155 species of birds including owls, bald eagles, numerous waterfowl and song birds.

If your tastes tend to the more urbane, you’ll love playing a round of golf on one of our northern Minnesota golf courses, shopping in downtown Ely or enjoying a meal in one of our unique Ely restaurants.

Looking for a little northwoods culture? Enjoy a visit to the International Wolf Center, American Bear Center, Dorothy Molter Museum and the Ely-Winton History Museum. Learn northwoods crafts and skills at the Ely Folk School.

Anonymous woman holding  a large fish she caught.

FISHING

From walleye, pirch, trout, to small mouth bass, Moose Lake in Ely offers some of the best fishing in northern MN.

Beautiful view of Secret Blackstone lake with trees reflected on the water.

HIKING

There are numerous day hike options near Vosburgh's Custom Cabin Rentals. A true wilderness experience.

Image by Alan Bishop

CANOEING

Moose Lake is located on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the premier canoeing wilderness of the world.

Ely Minnesota Restaurant Insula

ELY DINING

Ely's local restaurants offer hardy options after a full day outside. Enjoy a cold beer and a burger or a fresh salad made with local ingredients. How about a wild rice burger from locally harvested wild rice?

Grey wolf walking on grass.

ELY AREA ATTRACTIONS 

Meet wild wolves or black bears, immerse yourself in Ely'r rich history, take a folk class, explore an underground mine, Ely has a lifetime of options. Shop at one of our many locally made stores.

Two people biking on Mesabi trail.

BIKING

Ely is quickly becoming a Minnesota hotspot for world-class single-track mountain biking, paved trail biking, and gravel riding. 

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