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.

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.

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.

Pinckney Construction is one of Ely’s most established residential and commercial contractors. We have been building fine lake homes and cabins along with light commercial projects in the Ely area for over thirty years. Our dedication to a quality product and excellent customer service will satisfy the most demanding client. From initial concept to completed project, Pinckney Construction will guide you through each step of the building process.. We work with the finest local subcontractors from excavating and well drilling to custom tile and finish floors to produce a top quality building product for our customer. We have always been focused on energy efficiency and have been “building green” for over 30 years.

Located near Ely, Minnesota, a special little town known far and wide as the Gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in the Superior National Forest, we provide exciting dog sledding adventures to individuals, families, and groups of all kinds. Our knowledgeable, seasoned guides accompany you as you drive your team of eager, friendly, sled dogs over scenic wilderness trails. That, combined with our thorough trip preparation, top-notch equipment, comfortable facilities, and convenient proximity to Ely, makes a Chilly Dogs Sled Dog Trip the perfect winter activity.