The North American Bear Center is the only black bear and wildlife educational facility of its kind. Dedicated to replacing old myths with facts, it lets people learn from the bears themselves about bear behavior, ecology, and their relations with humans.
Great things await you inside! Whether you visit us in Ely or here on our website, we hope your time with us gives you a better understanding of the world of black bears.
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit that relies entirely on the support of visitors, merchandise sales and people like you. We do not receive any state or federal funding. Help support our mission.
Located in Ely, Minnesota, we are the Sigurd F. Olson legacy organization. Founded in 1998, Listening Point Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to keep Sig’s legacy and wilderness philosophy alive in the world today.
Listening Point Foundation works to create strong connections with our community and supporters near and far. Our volunteer tour guides take visitors from Ely out in all seasons to experience the coziness of the Olson family home, the historic Writing Shack, and the wonder and beauty of Listening Point. Here in Ely, we now offer annual scholarships to the local high school and community college, and enjoy welcoming teachers and student groups to guided tours that explore Sig’s national impact on wilderness preservation in Minnesota and across North America.
MAILING ADDRESS
P.O. Box 180
Ely, Minnesota 55731
The Ely area is rich with artists, but it had few listings for the artists to show their work. Nancy Scheibe opened the gallery in the spring of 2016 on the main street of Ely, Minnesota to support local artists. A successful Kickstarter and the support of the community made it come to life.
The Brandenburg Gallery showcases the work of Jim Brandenburg who has been National Geographic photographer for over 40 years. Jim Brandenburg is an award-winning nature photographer, filmmaker and philanthropist as well as a publisher of numerous best-sellers including Chased by the Light, Looking for the Summer and Brother Wolf.
Take home a piece of Minnesota when you visit the Chris Perry Gallery! Showcasing beautiful fine art prints of northern lights, Minnesota landscapes, northern Minnesota wildlife and night photography! Fine art prints, frames handmade in Ely, cards, posters and more!
Nature and landscape photography and handmade prints and frames by Chris Perry. Visit our gallery in downtown Ely. Open on busy weekends and always by appointment.
Kekekabic Studios has extensive experience in Art Glass Creation and Restoration. Rosemary Shepherd and John Bowe are craftspeople living and working in Ely, Minnesota. Stained glass creation, restoration, and fine woodworking have been their life’s passions.
They learned their craft through traditional studio apprenticeships and hands-on training.
They have done work all over the country and have been fortunate to have restored some very significant windows. Some examples that stand out are “The Gift of the Magi” by Maitland Armstrong, Faith Chapel, Jekyll Island, Georgia, and The Fox Memorial Window, by Louis C. Tiffany, Kelsey Museum, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Kekekabic Studios is the culmination of their 30+ years in the stained glass business. Their love of the wilderness brought them from Michigan to northeastern Minnesota, where they have relocated and set up their showroom and workshop on Chapman Street in beautiful downtown Ely, Minnesota.
When they aren’t busy in their workshop, you will find them exploring this extraordinary place: hiking, camping, and occasionally paddling out to their favorite, Kekekabic Lake (and the namesake of the business), in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
We help you reduce your stress! Good Fishing, Art classes, Nice Cabins
Fish are biting! Art classes are in full swing! Our waterfall is making beautiful white noise and the loons are calling in the background! What more does one need for a great, relaxing time away from traffic, crowds, and stress? Call now to get in on these cabin rental deals. They won’t be here forever!