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.

Oriental Orchid features Vietnamese and Chinese Cuisine with daily lunch specials. Call now for Take-out and delivery!

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.

Stony Ridge Resort is a family operated resort located just north of Ely, on the south side of Shagawa Lake. Stony Ridge offers rustic log cabins with the modern conveniences of home. We also offer RV and tent sites with water and electric hook-ups and of course, an awesome view of scenic Shagawa Lake. Shagawa Lake is a 2000 acre designated Walleye lake with no slots. It is stocked every 3 years with an average of 2.9 million fry. It also has very strong natural reproduction; this would explain the DNR’s 29.11 Walleyes per gill net! Shore lunch you ask? How about 26 islands to choose from. Stony Ridge Bait & Tackle Shop is a throw back to the “good ole days” with much to see and of course, we have everything to meet your fishing needs. Stony Ridge Café is very popular with Elyite’s (locals) as they refer to it as “Ely’s Best Kept Secret”. Our award winning café features over 50 gourmet burgers and our “Famous Stuffed Hashbrowns”. Stop in and give us a visit, we look forward to seeing you!

Boundary Waters Connect fosters sustainable wilderness edge communities where you can live, work, and play; a program of Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness. Boundary Waters Connect sponsors Tuesday Group, a gathering that takes place on Tuesdays at noon at the Grand Ely Lodge in Ely, Minnesota. We provide a space for people to be in the community and learn something new, featuring speakers and topics relevant to northeastern Minnesota. Presentations are available to view live via Zoom, and recordings will be posted on our YouTube channel.

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.