Portage North and Sundog Sport, formerly Kondos Outdoors, was born in Ely, in 1980 out of a need of the outfitters to have gear that could withstand the rigors of being on trail all season long. With a roll of fabric, some thread, and the determination to craft the best gear, began the course for the next 40 years. I grew up venturing into the Boundary Waters from age three and spent much of my formative years exploring the Ely wilderness. In 2017, I married my wife, Corissa, who had been guiding BWCA trips for seven years and has been the director of Rock Ridge Christian Camp since 2015. We enjoy being able to take our personal experiences and knowledge and incorporate that into how we design and build products for Sundog Sport. By bringing in state-of-the-art cutting and sewing equipment, implementing continuous improvement philosophies, researching the best materials, and having a 1.4 million acre test lab to vet our products, we strive to craft for you the toughest gear that will last you and the next generation a lifetime.

The Art Corner is an artist’s paradise located right on the main drag as you enter Ely. We carry a wide variety of professional and student grade art and craft supplies. The Art Corner’s goal is to inspire and nurture everyone’s artist within through their motto “Be Creative, Think Young.” Visitors don’t expect a town as small as Ely to have the depth of art and craft supplies that this store carries. The Art Corner has gained a reputation as being “the place” to get what you need from metal leafing to Arches watercolor sheets. It’s where you can find brands like Golden, Daniel Smith, Princeton, Tim Holtz, and more.

Our story began innocently enough, out in the fields of produce that my wife and I were tending during our time as farming apprentices. We learned some great life lessons out there, stuff you can’t learn from a book. One day I said something like “wouldn’t it be funny if we made cranberry apple granola and called it Crapola?”. I say lots of things like that, but for some reason, this idea actually became a reality. The next thing I knew, a business was born. Be careful what you say in front of your wife. It could change your life forever. Since our humble beginning almost ten years ago, we have grown our product line and our distribution area. We have put the “fun” in “functional” food, and reminded scores of people about the importance of fiber in their diet, in our own signature style. We have had a lot of fun marketing our granola, but we’re serious when it comes to quality. Just like we learned in farming, it’s worth taking extra time and effort to do things the way we believe is best. Running this business has been far more work than we imagined, but we learn as we go and take pride in our accomplishments. We have grown the business, but the business has also grown us. Each day brings new opportunities and we’re excited about the future. We want to sincerely thank our “regular” customers for supporting us all these years!

Family-owned retailer and manufacturer specializing in outdoor apparel such as coats, jackets, tops, pants & shorts for all ages. “Our mission is to design and make quality outdoor clothing inspired by Minnesota’s Boundary Waters and other wild places. We strive to build community by relying on local labor, paying livable wages and giving generously. We design, cut and sew all of our clothing right on the main street of Ely, MN.” Please see our website for more information, product selection and updated hours!

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.

We are a small family business that started in north west Iowa that it is now located on the iron range of northern Minnesota, in the little town of Ely. Our background was in agriculture with a love of the outdoors and old styled craftsmanship. Working in blacksmithing, fine woodworking, and leather, leather soon became our medium of choice.

From Carhartt work wear and Viking rain gear to products from Johnson Woolen Mills and footwear from Redwing and New Balance, Ely Surplus and Outdoor offers a huge selection of outdoor goods at a reasonable price. Not only that, but we carry a great selection of army and navy surplus goods as well. Whether you’re looking for camping gear or work wear, active wear or a souvenir from your trip to the BWCAW, Ely Surplus and Outdoor will provide you with exactly what you need. Please take a moment to browse our Website and discover all we have to offer. It’s our promise to you that you will receive your order promptly and safely and be fully satisfied.

We are enablers of nostalgia. Whether your pastime is downhill sledding, family time at the cabin, winter camping, ice fishing, or doing traditional work on the land, we craft the finest toboggan sleds still available. Our designs reflect the time-tested traditions of the first people in Northern Canada. Following processes handed down to our craftsman from his mentor, who was taught from his mentor before him, the 150+ techniques we embrace consistently produce sleds that last generations. Our sleds are hand-crafted, and our design reflects the time-tested traditions of the first people in Northern Canada. Our sleds have endured the punishment of daily use in the northern wilderness by those who choose to create their own trails. Don’t settle for less than the best. Own an heirloom, and start your own enduring traditions.