The Dorothy Molter Museum is a seasonally operating, historic museum focusing on the life and legacy of Ely Area icon, Dorothy Molter. Click Here to View Visitation Updates and Temporary Hours of Operation Through tours of Dorothy’s original cabins, self-guided exploration of our outdoor, natural areas, community programming and a wide selection of mission-driven retail merchandise (including our own Isle of Pines Root Beer), visitors will leave with an understanding of who Dorothy was, how she lived in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and a greater appreciation for the Ely Area’s natural and cultural history. With the uncertainty of future public health initiatives and guidelines, the operation of the Museum will be significantly different this season. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we navigate these uncharted waters. The Dorothy Molter Museum preserves and interprets Northwoods wilderness heritage through learning opportunities inspired by Dorothy Molter, the last non-indigenous resident of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). As a private, non-profit organization representing part of the unique and rich history of northeastern Minnesota, the Dorothy Molter Museum strives to not only honor the legacy of its namesake but also, be an active and positive member of the Ely Area community and family of Minnesota museums. Through tours in three of Dorothy’s original cabins, self-guided exploration of our outdoor, natural areas, community events, public programs, and a wide selection of mission-driven retail merchandise (including our own Isle of Pines Root Beer), visitors will leave with an understanding of who Dorothy was, how she lived in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and a greater appreciation for the Ely Area’s natural and cultural history.

Hidden Valley and Hidden Valley Extension Ski Trails provide a machine groomed system of trails close to the town of Ely. The 15 km of trails vary in difficulty from easy to advanced. Hidden Valley Trails are connected to ‘Hidden Valley Extension’ on the eastern edge and to the Trezona Trail on the west. Trails are groomed for both skate skiing and classic skiing, with some open only to classic. Dogs are not allowed.

For several years, a group of local mountain bike enthusiasts have known that Ely, has held a unique opportunity to be a mountain bike destination. The varied topography and geology, combined with mostly well drained soil, is an exceptional combination in the region. This combination along with the natural beauty of the northern landscape, sets the stage for a phenomenal mountain biking system. Hidden Valley, already a hub for recreational activities year round, is an excellent site to develop a mountain bike trail system. In addition to the aforementioned physical terrain attributes; infrastructure such as parking area, chalet, and restrooms are key pieces for a successful venue that are all ready in place. The overall project consists of approximately 9.1 miles of trails. The proposed trail system would be designed and purpose built for mountain biking and fat tire biking in the winter. All trails will be single track and directional. Single track trails are defined as low impact, sustainable trails having a finished tread width between 24 and 48″ and a corridor clearing no greater than 6′. The completed trail system will consist of 6 loops ranging from beginner to advanced, one of which is a progressive skills loop for riders to practice and hone bike handling skills. The loops will be constructed in a “snowman” formation, with easier loops closer to the trailhead and more difficult loops further away. The 9.1 mile system contains 6 individual loops for summer mountain biking and winter fat biking. The progressive skills loop is loop #1 located on the far left side of the map. Note: All intersections generally coincide with ski trail intersections on hilltops to avoid high speed collisions between fat bikers and skiers during the winter.

Ely Arts and Heritage Center, formerly known as Ely Greenstone Public Art, is a nonprofit arts and heritage organization in the Ely, Minnesota area, whose goal is the enhancement of life through art and to recognize the rich heritage of the area. Ely Arts and Heritage Center manages the historic Pioneer mine buildings for the city of Ely.

The International Wolf Center advances the survival of wolf populations by teaching about wolves, their relationship to wildlands and the human role in their future. Admission includes all Daily Programs, film presentations in our theater, the Discover Wolves!, Little Wolf, and Special Exhibits, and, of course, our live ambassador wolves. The International Wolf Center envisions a world in which populations of wolves thrive well distributed in many parts of their native range. A global system of designated wildlands supports abundant habitat and prey for wolves and other large carnivores. The Center provides useful scientific information and learning opportunities to diverse individuals and groups and supports well-informed dialogue about management of wolf­human conflict. As a result, humans adopt an attitude of respect toward wolves. As informed participants, humans create policy and act in support of ecological sustainability, which includes the survival of wolf populations. In day-to-day life, humans accept coexistence with wolves. The International Wolf Center is wheelchair accessible. Service animals are permitted within the public areas of our building. Emotional support animals are not allowed. A sign language interpreter can be made available if arrangements are made ahead of time by calling (218) 365-4695 or by emailing programs@wolf.org.

The Ely State Theater is a historic movie theater in Ely, Minnesota, United States. The State Theater was built in 1936 by the Swanson family in Ely. Its designer was a noted architecture firm called Liebenberg & Kaplan, who had designed many theaters in Minnesota and other northern states. In 2008, the recession caused the State Theater to close its doors to the public. By 2014, The State Theater had fallen into disrepair and was purchased by Alley A Realty. They are a family business who specializes in historic preservation and redevelopment. They are working with the State of Minnesota and the U.S. Department of Interior to restore the exterior and interior to its original condition.

When visiting the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, take in a round of golf at the Ely Golf Club. The grass on the greens consist of a bentgrass and poa annua mix, which is typical for most Northland golf courses. The fairways and tees consist of a bluegrass/poa annua mix. With adequate growing conditions the greens will be some of the best in the Northland. Jacob Curtiss, course superintendent, is committed to making the Ely Golf Club the premier Boundary Waters Golf experience in Minnesota. Eco-friendly course management and a commitment to our environment are what drive Jacob and his team to continue development of the most beautiful golf course in northern Minnesota. It’s a great day for golf in the north woods of Minnesota! We would love to have you come out and enjoy our beautiful course.

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.

10 DAYS OF CELEBRATING WINTER! The Ely Winter Festival is 10 days in February celebrating winter. Activities include the amazing snow carvings in the Park, along with the Ely ArtWalk and other events. Our Headquarters is Northern Grounds at Central Ave and Sheridan St in Ely where you can purchase Festival pins and T-shirts. The Festival hotline is (218)365-7669 (365-SNOW) The Ely Winter Festival is made possible by donations from people like you. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit and deeply appreciate your gifts!