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.
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.
Ely Rotary Club is a 501(c)(3) charitable service organization located in Ely, Minnesota
We meet every Wednesday at the Grand Ely Lodge and welcome guests and visiting Rotarians to join us at noon for lunch. For weekly program information, please visit our Facebook page.
Noon Wednesdays
Buffet Lunch
Grand Ely Lodge
400 N Pioneer Rd
Ely, MN 55731
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.
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.
The Ely Echo is the weekly newspaper known as the voice of the North Country, which was founded in 1972 by Miles Aakhus. Ownership passed to Anne Wognum Swenson in 1977 after she had worked for the paper for three years. At that time the editor was Bob Cary, a Chicago, Illinois writer.
The Echo has been fortunate in attracting excellent journalists, photographers, designers and artists during its existence. It prides itself in welcoming all sides of any issue. It has had a diverse group of employees over the years. Currently, ownership is shared by Publisher Anne Swenson (thepub@elyecho.com), General Manager Nick Wognum (elyecho@aol.com), Editor Tom Coombe (tcoombe@aol.com) and Ad manager Lisa Vidal (ads@elyecho.com). Together they bring over 100 years of skill, service and training to Ely’s hometown newspaper. Their familiarity with Ely’s rich historical past gives the Echo insight into the changing times along the Canadian border.
The purpose of the Trust shall be for the enhancement, growth and improvement of:
The Ely Public Library
The arts and artisans of Ely and surrounding area, to include the
performing arts, the visual arts and literature
The creating and funding of scholarships, educational and artistic grants
The cultural and aesthetic environment of the City of Ely and its surrounding area
To date the Trust has awarded more than $625,000 back to the community artists and art organizations to enrich life in Ely.
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.
Craving something that’s crispy-crunchy or salty-sweet? Get it from Domino’s on Sheridan St in Ely! Order delicious pizzas, chocolatey desserts, and more. Your local Domino’s pizza place in Ely delivers your favorite foods. Order online, through the Domino’s app, or call 218-235-6262 now!
Women’s Wilderness Discovery provides year-round, fully-outfitted and guided Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) canoe camping, hike camping, day canoe & kayak treks, day hikes, and “warm tent” winter camping and/or quinzhee (build a snow hut) camping by snowshoe or ski trek, and day snowshoe hikes or cross-country ski treks especially for women.
We provide a safe, positive model for women and girls to enrich their lives through the wilderness experience and outdoor adventure. A fully outfitted/guided wilderness experience emphasizing teamwork can build confidence, strengthen courage, and cultivate leadership qualities in women and girls. Teaching respect for the land and the gear used in wilderness travel is inherent to the wilderness ethic “Leave No Trace.”
