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!

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.

The North American Bear Center is the only black bear and wildlife educational facility of its kind. Dedicated to replacing old myths with facts, it lets people learn from the bears themselves about bear behavior, ecology, and their relations with humans. Great things await you inside! Whether you visit us in Ely or here on our website, we hope your time with us gives you a better understanding of the world of black bears. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit that relies entirely on the support of visitors, merchandise sales and people like you. We do not receive any state or federal funding. Help support our mission.

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.

Portage North and Sundog Sport, formerly Kondos Outdoors, was born in Ely, in 1980 out of a need of the outfitters to have gear that could withstand the rigors of being on trail all season long. With a roll of fabric, some thread, and the determination to craft the best gear, began the course for the next 40 years. I grew up venturing into the Boundary Waters from age 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 has been the director of Rock Ridge Christian Camp since 2015. We enjoy being able to take our personal experiences and knowledge and incorporate that into how we design and build products for Sundog Sport. 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.

The pebble spa company is currently made up of two cozy spas in the heart of Northern Minnesota. Experience the best of the spa world with the excellent service of a small town!

We are a small family business that started in north west Iowa that it is now located on the iron range of northern Minnesota, in the little town of Ely. Our background was in agriculture with a love of the outdoors and old styled craftsmanship. Working in blacksmithing, fine woodworking, and leather, leather soon became our medium of choice.

Gracie’s Garden is an entirely woman-owned and locally-operated garden center in Ely, Minnesota. Founded in 2011 by Kathy Cyriacks, we are one of the largest growers of organic herbs in Northeastern Minnesota. Every year our greenhouses are filled with organic, heirloom tomatoes and vegetable starts, flowering annuals, and perennials. Nursery stock (trees and shrubs) and ornamental edibles such as raspberries, currants, blueberries, and strawberry plants are available each spring/summer/fall. You’ll find a wide array of organic fertilizers, pots, and garden tools in the potting shed. Our gift shop is filled with garden-centric gifts, pillows, napkins, tools, rain chains, soaps, books, chimes, garden art, and wrought iron metal garden structures.