Travel Destinations Minnesota Ely, Minnesota Top Things to Do in Ely and the North Woods, Minnesota The yodel of loons, splash of paddle strokes and creak of swaying pines create the soundtrack to the heart of the North Woods. In the million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness surrounding Ely, terrain and water merge in one vast adventureland. By Midwest Living editors Midwest Living editors Midwest Living's experienced editors create best-in-class travel, lifestyle, food, home and garden content you won't find anywhere else. We're loudly, proudly Midwestern, and we're passionate about helping our audience explore and create through award-winning storytelling. Midwest Living's Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 4, 2023 Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Photo: Per Breiehagen Journey to one of the most remote parts of Minnesota when you head north to Ely and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Only 19 of the 1,175 lakes in the Boundary Waters are motorized, making it easy to avoid congestion and the clamor of boat engines. On early mornings, when the mist rises in spirals off the water and it's just you and your paddle, nature remains undisturbed in its tranquility. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Kevin J. Miyazaki What to Do Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Several thousand lakes and streams spread over more than 1 million acres to create almost endless canoeing, kayaking and hiking opportunities. You have to reserve overnight camping permits in the summer, but day-use permits make short explorations easy. Choose from several entry points on lakes around Ely; we especially like easily accessible Fall Lake. Endless Water: A Journey Into the Boundary Waters Dorothy Molter Museum This cabin celebrates the last legal nonindigenous resident of the Boundary Waters; she sold root beer for 33 years. Ely Folk School Hands-on learning experiences at Ely Folk School celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of northern Minnesota. Learn chip carving, weave a basket or observe the night sky. Per Breiehagen The International Wolf Center An interpretive center lets visitors see a wolf pack through observation windows. Exhibits and films explore wolf behavior as well as the challenges of wolf-human coexistence. 12 of the Best Zoos, Nature Preserves and Wildlife Refuges Across the Midwest Soudan Underground Mine. John Noltner Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park At the state's first iron ore mine, in operation from 1884 to 1962, travel 2,341 feet below the surface in a cage, then hop into a mine car to explore. (Underground tours are expected to resume in 2024 after a shaft rehabilitation project; above-ground tours available in 2023.) The park also features campsites overlooking Lake Vermilion, along with hiking trails and water recreation. North American Bear Center See the center's three black bears in their 2.5-acre forest habitat, and at indoor exhibits, learn about bear behavior, ecology, and their relations with humans. Voyageurs National Park. Per Breiehagen Voyageurs National Park Travel by canoe, kayak or houseboat through this 340-square-mile park (95 miles northwest of Ely and near International Falls). The scalloped shorelines of the hundreds of islands are perfect for fishing, picnicking and camping. Weekend Getaways Near the Twin Cities Where to Eat and Drink Boathouse Brewpub Vintage logging and fishing photographs at Boathouse Brewpub surround diners as they enjoy burgers, walleye sandwiches and house brews. Insula Dishes like pulled pork wonton tacos and braised lamb shank with vegetable ragout impress Insula diners who want something beyond typical pub fare. Burntside Lodge. Where to Stay Burntside Lodge A white-tablecloth restaurant and well-kept cabins with knotty pine walls and comfortable furniture are the hallmarks of Burntside Lodge, a former hunting camp built in the early 1900s. Grand Ely Lodge On Shagawa Lake, this year-round resort supplies free fishing equipment, kayaks, canoes and pedal boats. Rooms contain log furniture and other North Woods-inspired decor. For more information ely.org Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit