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.

Canoe Country Outfitters is conveniently located in downtown Ely, plus we maintain a private canoe base on Moose Lake (20 miles east of Ely). From these two locations we are able to quickly service all area trip starting points. We have outfitted more people and have been under the same family management longer than any other outfitter, so no one can match our experience and knowledge of the area. Entry permits are required to travel through this area and we’ll make the application in your behalf. These permits are very limited, so early planning is a must. A colored brochure, rates, and free map will be sent upon request. We look forward to assisting you in setting up a trip!

Welcome to Ely Outdoors Company in Ely Minnesota! Your gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and the Superior National Forest. We are a family operated business that is passionate about the BWCAW, Quetico Park, and the Ely, MN area. Our desire to create customized canoe adventures makes every canoe trip very unique. We offer a variety of specialized canoe trips that will match your expectations, skill level, and time available for a canoe trip. Feel free to give us a call and learn more about our services and our dedication to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

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.

Chapman Street Books has thousands of vintage and modern books to be had in varying degrees of quality. Prairie Fire Tobacco is a small smoke shop that sells pipes, tobacco, vintage tarot and gemstones.

Northern Expressions is a combination ice cream parlor and gift shop in downtown Ely. Try to choose from among the many flavors in the freezer case and then go for a homemade waffle cone, or skip the cone part altogether and opt for a highly rated root beer float. A local favorite.