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.

Evergreen Restaurant Start your morning right with a hearty breakfast, take a break for lunch, or finish a busy day with a satisfying dinner at Evergreen Restaurant, a full-service dining establishment. Among the most popular options in Ely, MN dining, Evergreen provides a relaxing place to settle in for authentic Minnesota cuisine with a dash of creativity. As you enjoy your meal, take in stunning views of Shagawa Lake. Our distinctive brand of Ely dining is available all day, and our chef has carefully crafted menus to suit every taste. Enjoy an Outfitters Breakfast, a stack of Wilderness Blueberry Pancakes, or Grand Stuffed Potatoes. For lunch, savor one of our Border Lakes Burgers or a local favorite like the Walleye Land of 10,000 Lakes sandwich. The expansive dinner menu boasts an array of delectable dishes, like Caesar Prime Rib Sandwich, Wild Mushroom Ravioli, Chicken Florentine, Apple Cognac Grilled Pork Chop, or Bacon-Wrapped Pistachio Chicken Breast. Prime Rib and Walleye are also available nightly. Reward yourself and finish off any meal with a sweet selection of cheesecake, pies, and specialty cakes. Settle in with friends and family and enjoy a taste of Minnesota at Evergreen Restaurant with our grand menu options.

Catz Billiards and Blues is a pool hall that features live music.

We offer custom screen printing and embroidery! Our full time artist on staff can digitize your design or create a new design for you. We have been providing high quality silk screening and embroidery services for over 25 years in Ely.

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.

Whether your interest lies in landing giant northern pike, massive lake trout or what is the much revered and sought after, walleye, Ely has it all. And THE place to begin your quest is Babes Bait and Tackle. Babes has been in the same location for over 30 years, one of the oldest fishing landmarks in the region. Fishermen from all over the country and beyond pass through the doors of Babes locally known as “the best little bait shop in Ely”.