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.

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.

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!

Brandau Plumbing & Heating is a family owned and operated business established in 1989. The owner, Mike Brandau, has a Master Plumber’s license and is a certified Uponor Wirsbo installer. He oversees all the plumbing and heating operations. Jeremiah Brandau holds a Master Plumber’s license as well and handles bidding for various projects. Jeremiah is also a Certified Wirsbo Installer. Richard Moravitz is our third master plumber. Brandau Plumbing and Heating has been in business for over 28 years.