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.

From Carhartt work wear and Viking rain gear to products from Johnson Woolen Mills and footwear from Redwing and New Balance, Ely Surplus and Outdoor offers a huge selection of outdoor goods at a reasonable price. Not only that, but we carry a great selection of army and navy surplus goods as well. Whether you’re looking for camping gear or work wear, active wear or a souvenir from your trip to the BWCAW, Ely Surplus and Outdoor will provide you with exactly what you need. Please take a moment to browse our Website and discover all we have to offer. It’s our promise to you that you will receive your order promptly and safely and be fully satisfied.

Our wholistic approach enables us the ability to identify and understand who your organization and clients are, as well as what challenges you both face. With this knowledge and our creative partnership, we can correctly determine and prioritize a list of creative solutions that support both who you are, and fulfill your needs and those of your customers.

For several years, a group of local mountain bike enthusiasts have known that Ely, has held a unique opportunity to be a mountain bike destination. The varied topography and geology, combined with mostly well drained soil, is an exceptional combination in the region. This combination along with the natural beauty of the northern landscape, sets the stage for a phenomenal mountain biking system. Hidden Valley, already a hub for recreational activities year round, is an excellent site to develop a mountain bike trail system. In addition to the aforementioned physical terrain attributes; infrastructure such as parking area, chalet, and restrooms are key pieces for a successful venue that are all ready in place. The overall project consists of approximately 9.1 miles of trails. The proposed trail system would be designed and purpose built for mountain biking and fat tire biking in the winter. All trails will be single track and directional. Single track trails are defined as low impact, sustainable trails having a finished tread width between 24 and 48″ and a corridor clearing no greater than 6′. The completed trail system will consist of 6 loops ranging from beginner to advanced, one of which is a progressive skills loop for riders to practice and hone bike handling skills. The loops will be constructed in a “snowman” formation, with easier loops closer to the trailhead and more difficult loops further away. The 9.1 mile system contains 6 individual loops for summer mountain biking and winter fat biking. The progressive skills loop is loop #1 located on the far left side of the map. Note: All intersections generally coincide with ski trail intersections on hilltops to avoid high speed collisions between fat bikers and skiers during the winter.

Eric Sherman Images is a professional photography studio servicing the Ely, MN area since 2011. Eric offers a wide range of photographic images. Eric’s specialties include but are not limited to portraits, landscapes, events, concerts, products, real estate photography and action sports. He is a photographer for the Ely Echo Newspaper, Babbitt Weekly News, and the International Watercross Association. A few highlights include being published on magazine covers, high profile advertisements, brochures and travel guides.