Portage North, formerly Kondos Outdoors was born in Ely in 1980 out of a need from outfitters requiring gear that could withstand the rigors of being on trail all season long. With a roll of fabric, some thread, and the determination of crafting the best gear, Dan and Vicki Kondos started Kondos Outdoors. For 35 years, Kondos developed the gear we all have come to love and depend on for making our wilderness experiences successful.
In 2015, I took on the task of carrying that legacy forward. I grew up venturing into the Boundary Waters from the age of 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 is the director of Rock Ridge Christian Camp since 2015. We enjoy being able to take our personal experiences and knowledge and incorporatethat into how we design and build products for Portage North and share the wilderness experience with others.
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.
From our families to yours,
Michael and Corissa Larson
Shop online for: Packs, Camp Kitchens, Camp Organization, Canoe Gear, Tarps & Tents, Totes, and Commuter packs & bags.
OzFab is a welding and fabrication service with top-quality expertise and an interest in finding creative solutions for all your welding projects.
We specialize in Aluminum, Steel, and Stainless Steel welding, marine fabrication, custom one-of-a-kind creations, and metal repairs of all shapes and sizes.
Located in Ely Minnesota and also servicing nearby areas with mobile welding capabilities.
Aluminum, Steel, and Stainless Steel Welding
Custom Creations and Repairs
Marine Fabrication (Pontoon, Hull, Dock, and Boat Lift Repairs)
Portable Capabilities
The award-winning Timberjay newspapers are the most widely-read weekly newspapers in the North Country, serving communities throughout our region with local and regional news, opinion, sports, outdoors reporting, and much more. We also serve as the official newspaper for the City of Tower, and a number of area townships, including Breitung, Vermilion Lake, Bearville, Leiding, Field, Embarrass, and Kugler.
The Timberjay
PO Box 718
Ely, MN 55731
Office address:
The Timberjay, 414 Main St., PO Box 636, Tower, MN 55790. PHONE: 218-753-2950 FAX: 218-753-2916
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!
The purpose of Incredible Ely is to revitalize Ely’s downtown and support innovative growth in the Ely area by connecting businesses, people, knowledge, ideas, and resources. IE’s vision is a dynamic, innovative, and distinctive community with a diversified and seasonally-balanced economic base.
Explore our projects and join our beautification efforts while supporting innovative growth.
Like many rural communities, the Ely area has struggled to maintain a vibrant economy in the wake of the 2007-08 economic recession. Empty storefronts are a visible reminder of the challenges we face in attracting and retaining young people and ensuring that they have employment opportunities throughout the year – not just during the summer tourist season. Yet there are signs of an Ely renaissance — in the re-opening of Wintergreen Northern Wear, in the expansion of Steger Mukluks, with the opening of the Folk School, and especially in the property developments being undertaken by the Ely Economic Development Authority.
The Ely area has no shortage of talent, and it’s many volunteer organizations are enthusiastically adding to Ely’s offerings in the arts, recreation, and tourist attractions. Incredible Ely (IE) in conjunction with the City and the Chamber of Commerce is part of the community-wide effort to make the area a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
From calendars, greeting cards, fine art prints on metal & canvas, along with a line of jewelry, the Root River Photography team is bringing you the best we have to offer. Located in northern Minnesota, Heidi, Tom & Jason each have different ways of capturing intriguing photographs you’ll want to admire for years to come. Their northern lights, wildlife and landscapes will have you longing for more. View their collections in the Gallery of Images, and follow along on social media. Their work is sure to keep you captivated!
Kovall Construction is Ely, Minnesota’s oldest construction company established in 1950. Put our years of experience to work for you on your next building project. We follow construction green building practices, with our energy and environment in mind!
With over fifty years experience we have an extensive list of referrals for electricians, masons, plumbers, excavators, etc. who are reliable and will work to complete the job in your time-frame.
Free Estimates – Will Travel – Including Island Work
Give us a call. We do it all!
From ethnic cooking classes to basket weaving, jewelry making, furniture building, photography, fabric arts, writing, painting and other arts, stained glass making, gardening, sustainable living, herbs and health, foraging, canoeing and canoe building, dances and music, there are classes for most every interest at Ely Folk School, conveniently located at the top of the hill in downtown Ely, Minnesota.
Wolfland was founded in 1999 serving many engineering needs; software design, software test engineering, hardware test engineering, computer manufacturing, computer repair +.
Wolfland expanded operation in the summer of 2014 to include a hobby shop and is the home of “Little Ely“
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.
