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.
The Ely Chamber of Commerce is located on the west end of town on at 15 S 4th Ave W.
Need assistance with trail information, finding a room for the night, or directions to our many shops and restaurants? We are here to assist you.
Unlike the average vacationer’s resort, Veterans on the Lake has a unique historic background for why it was founded.
In 1982, Disabled Veterans Recreation, Inc. was organized by a group of northeastern Minnesota citizens passionate about finding adequate recreational resources for veterans. Originally the Disabled Veterans Recreation, Inc., Veterans on the Lake was started for the sole purpose of creating a recreational facility for disabled veterans to enjoy vacations. As a non-profit facility, this recreational location was designed to and currently serves the needs of disabled veterans, able bodied veterans, active duty military, their families, and friends.
The Ely Igloo Snowmobile Club was organized in 1960 and became the first club of its kind in the USA. The Ely Igloos were also one of the founding members of the International Snowmobile Association (ISA), which later became known as today’s Minnesota United Snowmobile Association (MnUSA).
Members of the club have developed trails in the Ely area, and each year in preparation for the upcoming snowmobile season, numerous club members volunteer their time to clear the trails of trees and branches.
An important mission of the Ely Igloo Snowmobile Club has been, from the very beginning, training of young snowmobile riders with a Snowmobile Safety Class taught each year. These classes teach boys and girls of at least 11 years of age about the proper etiquette of snowmobiling and the rules of the trail.
In recent years, the Ely Igloo Snowmobile Club has taken on the task of grooming the Ely area trails. The club receives funding from the state to maintain and groom the grant-in-aid Tomahawk Trail. Other local trails like the Bianchi Trail (off the Taconite Trail), the Ely/Winton Railroad Grade, and the 13 Corners Trail are also groomed by our club.
In addition, our club has taken on the task of staking and grooming numerous lake trails including Shagawa Lake/Fall Lake Trail, Burntside Lake Trail, Bass Lake Trail, White Iron Lake/Birch Lakes Trail, Little Long Lake Trail, Fall Lake/Cedar Lake Trail, Grassy Lake Trails and the Mud Lake Trail to Lake Vermilion.
The Foundation, founded in 2002, provides financial resources to support the mission of the hospital in its commitment to caring for and enhancing the health and well being of the community it serves.
The purpose of the Trust shall be for the enhancement, growth and improvement of:
The Ely Public Library
The arts and artisans of Ely and surrounding area, to include the
performing arts, the visual arts and literature
The creating and funding of scholarships, educational and artistic grants
The cultural and aesthetic environment of the City of Ely and its surrounding area
To date the Trust has awarded more than $625,000 back to the community artists and art organizations to enrich life in Ely.
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
Built by people who love bikes. Roadie, mountain, free-ride or just cruising with the kids. All cyclists are welcome here in Ely.
We have scenic road rides, a growing trail system and a fun group of locals that love their bikes. Come north and join us for a ride!
Never miss a ride. Follow us on Facebook and stay in the loop for all things cycling related in Ely, MN. You’ll get updates on group rides, races, special events and more.
Join us on Thursday nights for our weekly group ride. We leave town at 6:00 pm. See the community page for more details.
We’re building our first dedicated trail system for mountain biking in Ely, and we need your help! Please consider donating. Click here for more details.
Peruse our website for all things bike in Ely, MN.
At Voyageur Outward Bound School we believe in the potential of every individual. We believe when people discover strength of character, an aptitude for leadership and a desire to serve, it has a positive impact on their lives and the lives of those around them. And that discovery has the power to make the world a better place. Outward Bound changes lives through challenge and discovery. We offer life-changing expeditions for everyone, regardless of social or economic status, race or gender, from struggling teens, to first generation urban youth, adults in transition or veterans integrating back into life outside of active duty.
For over 50 years, we have been changing lives by using the wilderness as a classroom to provide unparalleled opportunities for personal growth, self-reliance, confidence, teamwork and compassion.
Our full portfolio of programs ranges from part-day programming to wilderness programs lasting a full semester. Canoeing, camping, rock climbing, backpacking, skiing, snowshoeing, dog-sledding and urban adventure programs serve as the educational vehicle for social and emotional learning and character development. In all of VOBS programs, tight-knit groups are led through sequenced challenges designed to discover and improve skills such as emotion management, teamwork, initiative, problem solving, responsibility and empathy. This learning occurs for both the individual and the group. Voyageur Outward Bound School students experience the benefit of personal challenge and the positive effects of nature as they build critical life skills.
The Ely Area Community Foundation is an IRS-approved 501(C)(3), non-profit foundation that provides an opportunity for people who know and love the Ely Area to join their charitable dollars for the common good of the community, thus enhancing the community development and quality of life.
The Ely Area Community Foundation receives donations from individuals, families, businesses, and charitable organizations. These funds are invested and managed by The Ely Area Community Foundation and the investment income is made available through a grant application process that responds to community needs and aspirations.
