The Gnarly Varulfr is Ely’s gnarliest leisure shop featuring skateboards, skate gear, incense, clothes, shades, hats, bags, an art gallery, vinyl, camp gear, and more. Stop in an learn about the Legend of Gnarly Varulfr!

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 mission of the Ely Area Food Shelf is to provide a resource for people living in Ely, Minnesota, and the surrounding communities who have run out of options to alleviate hunger. The food shelf is located at 15 West Conan Street and is open on the third Wednesday of each month from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. People who need assistance can shop between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Home delivery is available for people who are homebound and have no other options for receiving food, such as having a friend or relative shop for them. A volunteer will call to help you “shop by phone” and your food will be delivered. Call (218) 235-8527 to register for this program. Emergency assistance is available during the month by calling (218) 235-8527.

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.

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.

Ely’s Premier Therapeutic Massage, Spa and Wellness Experience. We carry a variety of green and environmentally friendly gifts including handmade pottery, bamboo frames and cutting boards, unique jewelry, organic cotton socks and T-shirts, baskets, natural body & beauty products, luxurious soaps and so much more. We will be happy to assist you to find the perfect gift for that special person in your life. Gift certificates are available! Massage & Spa Hours are available by appointment only Monday thru Saturday.

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.

Spirit of the Wilderness is a family owned business. Steve, Kathy and Ginny offer you the expertise and enthusiasm that comes with over 30 years of canoeing and outfitting in the BWCA and Quetico. Our reputation, quality equipment, and educational approach to outfitting are some of the reasons people give for booking our services. We’ve introduced many folks to their first taste of the Northwoods – and watched as they develop skills to go it alone – but they keep using our services, year after year. We invite you to explore the BWCA or Quetico and allow Spirit of the Wilderness to outfit your needs. Visit our website for more information on Canoe Rentals, Guided Trips, Live Bait, Tackle & Gear.

We are a small, independently-owned business that provides bicycle and kicksled rental, sales, and repair services to residents and tourists in Ely’s city center. Ely Bike and Kicksled strives to provide a welcoming atmosphere to people of all skill-levels and backgrounds. We want to revive the family bike-shop feel and to be a place where the community comes together to share in healthy outdoor recreation.