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.
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.
Serena’s Carpet Shop is Ely’s flooring specialist with a retail showroom downtown. We install flooring, carpet, tile, natural stone, hard wood, laminate, luxury vinyl tile, vinyl, and custom showers.
Visit our showroom today!
Wolfland was founded in 1999 serving many engineering needs; software design, software test engineering, hardware test engineering, computer manufacturing, computer repair +.
Wolfland expanded operation in the summer of 2014 to include a hobby shop and is the home of “Little Ely“
Sundog Sport, more familiar to some as Kondos Outdoors, was born in Ely in 1980, while Dan and Vicki Kondos were active in the mushing sport and saw a need for quality, dependable mushing equipment. With a roll of fabric, some thread, and the determination to craft the best gear, Dan and Vicki Kondos started Kondos Outdoors. For 35 years, Kondos developed the gear that has been tested on the Iditarod, the Scandinavian Arctic, and races worldwide.
In 2015, I took on the task of carrying that legacy forward. 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.
From our families to yours,
Michael and Corissa Larson
Shop online for: Dog Harnesses, Dog Booties, Dog Jackets and Gear, Dog Sled Equipment, Collars and Leashes, and Joring gear!
Piragis Northwoods Company has, over it’s four decades in business, become a sort of home away from home for lots of people on the way to their Boundary Waters Canoe trips. The Piragis Northwoods Company strives to be the paddlers’ best friends up north with our award-winning outfitter operations.
In addition to outfitting our retail store ensures we have the “right stuff” in stock and our online catalog covers everything we can’t keep on the shelves https://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/.
J & L Hardware is a family owned Hardware Hank that includes a Ben Franklin craft store and full service equipment rentals.
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!
Famous for our quality LIVE bait. Large selection of bait, tackle, licenses, hunting, camping gear. Since 1970, conveniently located in Ely’s East end. Open year round.
Sweet Fern Soap Company created products are long lasting, consumable made with high quality ingredients, in small batches and proudly made in Ely, Minnesota. Our products are inspired by the Northwoods of northern Minnesota and from travels around the world.