Happy Days is a family cooperative preschool, created more than 40 years ago by a group of parents who realized the importance of early childhood education in the community. We are licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

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.

Minnesota North College prepares lifelong learners and engaged citizens through inclusive, transformative experiences reflecting the character and natural environment of the region. The Vermilion Campus is located in beautiful Ely, Minnesota. We pride ourselves on our strong academic programs, the athletic experiences we offer, our many diverse student clubs, and our friendly and helpful staff and faculty. Our campus serves about 700 students – 600 on campus and the rest online or at other sites. Our student body comprises about 68 % male and 32 % female, with most students attending full-time. Most of our students are from the Midwest, yet we also have international students – this year, from countries as far away as Australia and Japan. Minnesota North Vermilion costs are affordable, and we provide a living experience right on campus. You may prefer to live in the residence hall and not have to go outside during the winter months, or you may prefer to have a brisk wake-up call as you walk to classes from your Timber Ridge or college apartment. Either way, we can meet your needs. Visit the Minnesota North College website for more.

Services that the library offers: Books (including large print titles), movies (including TV show sets), books on CD, music CDs, and magazines to check out Minnesota and local author collections Free Wi-Fi hotspot – extends beyond the walls and stays on all night (look for Linksys) Programming throughout the year 9 public access computers Public photocopier – 20 cents per sheet Newspapers Kill-a-watt device for checkout Disc resurfacer – we will clean commercial DVDs, CDs, or computer games for a fee of $2 per disc Friends of the Library Book Club Community display cases and artwork by local artists Downloadable audios, e-books, and e-magazines via our regional library system Tours and presentations on request Study rooms

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.