Voted one of the coolest small towns in America, Ely, MN boasts a rich history, unmatched wilderness experience, unique locally made shopping opportunities, great dining, and ample wildlife viewing.
What to Do in Ely, MN
Ely Area Attractions:
Watch a $5 movie at the beautiful history state theater.
Meet wild wolves at their live wolf exhibit.
Meet real bears at the live bear exhibit.
Visit the famous "Root Beer Ladies" original home.
Learn handcrafts and folk skills.
Go 1/2 mile underground and experience a real mine.
Immerse yourself in Ely's rich Iron Ore mining history.
Ely Area Golfing
A 9 hole course, considered one of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in northern Minnesota.
Once home to a sand quarry and iron ore mine, the topography and sheer uniqueness of the Quarry at Giants Ridge sets this course apart from any other public course in the Midwest.
The Wilderness at Fortune Bay is Minnesota's premier resort golf destination located on beautiful Lake Vermilion.
Ely Area Shopping
High-quality outdoor apparel handcrafted on the brick and mortar store on the main street of Ely, MN since 1986.
Cranberries, Apples and Granola = Crapola! Made in Ely, Minnesota.
Steger MukluksBright shop carrying locally made winter boots & moccasins, plus outdoor apparel & accessories.
Experience the best of the spa world but with the excellent service of the small town!
Ely Dining Options
Check out EATINELY for all of the most up-to-date information on local restaurants. Details below.
Insula Restaurant: A local favorite since 2015, Insula serves what it calls “fusion American dining.” Dishes, drawing on local ingredients, range from a French onion grilled cheese and classic cobb salad to flatbread pizza.
Gator's Grilled Cheese Emporium: One of our favorite lunch spots. Check out their turkey avocado club melt with their homemade soup of the day!
Ely Steak House: Ely's "go to" location for a cold beer and a steak.
Rockwood Bar & Grill: Enjoy their outdoor patio while listening to live music. Excellent burgers!
Northern Grounds Coffee + Wine Bar: Single Origin Coffee Roaster, 50 Fine Wines By-the-Glass, Craft Beer and Cocktails On-Tap in Renovated Historic Ely Building.
Ely Front Porch Coffee & Tea Company: Offers local coffee brews and teas with home baked goods.
Ely Boathouse Brewpub and Restaurant: The Boathouse Brewpub is a place to gather with friends and enjoy great food and drinks. They brew a variety of beers in our in-house brewery and offer "to-go" beer growlers in glass and plastic (BWCA Approved)
Stony Ridge Cafe: Known to have one of the best burgers in town!