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.

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!

Located in Ely, Minnesota, we are the Sigurd F. Olson legacy organization. Founded in 1998, Listening Point Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to keep Sig’s legacy and wilderness philosophy alive in the world today. Listening Point Foundation works to create strong connections with our community and supporters near and far. Our volunteer tour guides take visitors from Ely out in all seasons to experience the coziness of the Olson family home, the historic Writing Shack, and the wonder and beauty of Listening Point. Here in Ely, we now offer annual scholarships to the local high school and community college, and enjoy welcoming teachers and student groups to guided tours that explore Sig’s national impact on wilderness preservation in Minnesota and across North America. MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 180 Ely, Minnesota 55731

Best budget hotel located on edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in the Superior National Forest. Northwoods Inn and Suites is a clean, quiet hotel to begin and end your day. We are a value-priced hotel with an emphasis on value. Our well-appointed rooms provide coffee makers, microwaves, and refrigerators and we provide free breakfast, available 6:00-9:00 AM, each day.

A Stay Inn Ely offers a unique lodging experience to Ely travelers at 112 West Sheridan Street. The Inn has an old world hostel charm yet still offers guests the privacy of individual bathrooms. Located in downtown Ely, MN, the Inn is within easy walking distance to Ely’s finest restaurants and shops. New and old friends alike can share their vacation stories within the Gathering Room around a stone fireplace. A modern fully equipped kitchen is available for guests to prepare their own meals. A large wrap around porch provides the guests with an excellent place to pack and unpack Duluth packs, dry gear, reminisce over their BWCA canoe trip, visit with family and friends, or just enjoy the fresh evening air. Each room is paneled with different locally harvested lumber (white and red pine, black ash, tamarack, and white cedar). Some of the wood has been left rough cut, to add rustic beauty. Other woods have been milled to random widths, either tongue and groove, shiplapped, or board and batten. Sanding and then varnishing the rooms to a beautiful luster allowed each room to achieve a rustic eloquence of its own. The spacious bathrooms have white cedar ceilings and large showers. All rooms can be individually heat controlled and air-conditioned; and all rooms have cable T.V. and access to complimentary wireless internet. Please note that the A Stay Inn Ely is a pet friendly, recycling friendly and smoke-free business.