At Voyageur Outward Bound School we believe in the potential of every individual. We believe when people discover strength of character, an aptitude for leadership and a desire to serve, it has a positive impact on their lives and the lives of those around them. And that discovery has the power to make the world a better place. Outward Bound changes lives through challenge and discovery. We offer life-changing expeditions for everyone, regardless of social or economic status, race or gender, from struggling teens, to first generation urban youth, adults in transition or veterans integrating back into life outside of active duty.
For over 50 years, we have been changing lives by using the wilderness as a classroom to provide unparalleled opportunities for personal growth, self-reliance, confidence, teamwork and compassion.
Our full portfolio of programs ranges from part-day programming to wilderness programs lasting a full semester. Canoeing, camping, rock climbing, backpacking, skiing, snowshoeing, dog-sledding and urban adventure programs serve as the educational vehicle for social and emotional learning and character development. In all of VOBS programs, tight-knit groups are led through sequenced challenges designed to discover and improve skills such as emotion management, teamwork, initiative, problem solving, responsibility and empathy. This learning occurs for both the individual and the group. Voyageur Outward Bound School students experience the benefit of personal challenge and the positive effects of nature as they build critical life skills.
On any of a number of Ely area lakes, we pursue a variety of species, both winter and summer. Lake trout, trophy pike, bass, walleyes and panfish are all on the menu.
We fish out in the open in winter, as weather allows, but also fish out of heated portable hub shelters for client comfort, and in cold weather those shelters are set up in advance, so there’s no lingering outside in harsh temperatures.
Lake trout, particularly in winter, are the most aggressive fish we’ve ever pursued through the ice. They will fly up and down the whole water column in pursuit of lures, and are strong and relentless fighters. There are crappies over 14″, pike over 40″ (with the largest so far 46.5″), and walleyes to 10 lbs.
Summer rates are $350/full day and $250/half day for up to two anglers, with $50 for each additional angler.
Winter rates are the same, except, because the days are short, only full day trips are offered.
In all seasons, I provide all gear, so all clients need to bring is licenses and whatever they want to eat, drink and wear.
Take advantage of 40 years of fishing experience and 25 years of teaching experience. Come on up and have the trip of a lifetime on some of the most beautiful lakes in the boreal forest.
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Welcome to Ely Gospel Church
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.
Whether your interest lies in landing giant northern pike, massive lake trout or what is the much revered and sought after, walleye, Ely has it all. And THE place to begin your quest is Babes Bait and Tackle. Babes has been in the same location for over 30 years, one of the oldest fishing landmarks in the region. Fishermen from all over the country and beyond pass through the doors of Babes locally known as “the best little bait shop in Ely”.
Lakeland Motel has been in business since 1952, we’re a small motel with clean and comfortable rooms for reasonable rates. The rooms are small with a northwoods feel that a lot of people expect from the area we call home, Ely Minnesota. The rates run from $50 to $120 per night depending on room size and the number of people. Please call us at (218)365-3330 for reservations or stop in and visit us.
Let’s start with a proper introduction. We’re the Ott family – Gene, Jane, Nick (son) and Danielle, (daughter in law) and we acquired the property in 2000. Originally from Northeast Iowa, we had been scout leaders and Boundary Waters Minnesota camping enthusiasts for several years when the opportunity arose to make a lifestyle change that simply delighted us. Since that time, we have built an outfitting service that, we believe, is one of the best in the area. In addition to outfitting services, we have authentic log cabins, right on Fall Lake for non-campers to experience great fishing and conveniently explore the Ely area.
Our cabins and lodge (with bunkhouse) have an amazing history. The cabins were originally built and located up on Pipestone Bay on Basswood Lake. When Congress declared “The Wilderness Act of 1964, all buildings needed to be either moved or burnt to the ground, restoring the natural wilderness. Shortly after, each log was labeled, deconstructed, floated up through Newton Lake to Fall Lake and put back together, like a complex jigsaw puzzle. Can you imagine the planning and the work to accomplish this?
We’re honored by every guest that chooses Packsack and promise to make every effort to build a wilderness experience that best matches your wishes.
If you’re looking for something more than a typical souvenir shop, then Mealey’s Gift & Sauna Shop is the place for you!
Here at Mealey’s we pride ourselves on our unique product line and dedication to customer service. Check out our extensive line of sauna kits, stoves and accessories, plus our unique, American-made gifts. We also carry great accessories for the home from furniture and lighting to wall hangings and rugs that are sure to make your guests stop and take a second look. Most of our product lines are made right here in the USA, and many more are purchased through fair trade practices. We even carry a great selection of eco-friendly products.
At Mealey’s Gift & Sauna Shop we’re dedicated to providing our customers with products of the highest quality. With assistance from our helpful staff, you’ll find just what you’re looking for. And don’t forget, we have gift certificates available for purchase as well. A perfect idea for the hard-to-buy-for person on your list.
We have everything you need to begin your adventure in the Northwoods. Disconnect and escape to nature.
Jordan’s provides the gear and knowledge you need to navigate your trip to Northern Minnesota’s Boundary Waters and the Quetico Provincial Park.
Joe’s Marine is a full service marine maintenance and repair facility.
Joe’s Marine & Repair has been family operated since 1974. Joe Gilbert had a vision for the need of a repair shop in the Ely area. He purchased Nordstrom’s Blacksmith Shop on the west end of town and transformed it into a repair shop.
In the beginning the shop was run by Joe, his daughters Sherry and Cathy and his son Kevin. Soon after the business grew Cathy’s husband Rico joined the business. In the early 80’s Kevin came back full time and his wife Paulette came on board. In the mid 80’s Joe’s wife Nancy became the bookkeeper. When Nancy retired Cathy took over the bookkeeping duties. Joe even had his grandchildren Jason, Tony and Jenni working in the shop.
Over the years we have had many wonderful employees helping make Joe’s Marine what it is today.
