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.
The Ely Nordic Ski Club is a 501(c3) non-profit organization run by volunteers.
We focus our efforts towards the Hidden Valley Recreation Area (HVRA) located on the east end of Ely, Minnesota. As a club, we are responsible for the building & maintaining the HVRA trail system for year round use as well as maintaining and managing the Hidden Valley Chalet/facilities. While open to the public, this trail system is most heavily used in the winter in particular by youth ski programs such as, the Minnesota Youth Ski League and the Ely Nordic Wolves ski team.
The Hidden Valley Recreation Area trails are for non-motorized use and are part of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) Grant-In-Aid program. As such, you are required to have a the Minnesota Ski Pass when using the trails in the winter.
Your membership dues represent support for our thriving northern community which embraces life sports that enhance the health and well being of individuals and families. Our operating expenses depend on your membership dues. Please become a member of the Ely Nordic Ski Club!
Mailing Address
Ely Nordic Ski Club
PO Box 346
Ely, MN 55731
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.
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.
The Ely-Winton History Museum desires to help you understand the land in which we live and what it offered to the people who lived here.
A community arose as people from diverse backgrounds came here to make a living and fulfill their dreams. The museum interprets what these people experienced in this land, what they strove for, how they coped with problems, what they achieved, and what they have passed down to their descendants. Using photographs, maps and artifacts, the displays present the different phases of 12,000 years of local history from prehistoric to the present.
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.
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.
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 wolfÂhuman 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.
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
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.