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.

Wild Within specializes in creative opportunities for children to explore the north country. With day camps, babysitting services, childcare, adventures and customized programs there is something fun for everyone. Check out our services and programs or contact us for more information.

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.

Vermilion Community College is a residential, comprehensive, community college where students from all walks of life come to be part of our family of learners. Founded in 1922, Vermilion is now one of five colleges in the Northeast Higher Education District that shares a common college president, William Maki. Under William Maki’s leadership and with the support of our vibrant community of Ely, Vermilion stands as a shining example of the benefits a small college offers today’s student; small classes, engaged instructors who know their students, knowledgeable staff, and a top notch education. Visit our website for more.

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.

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