Ely, Minnesota is just a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from the Twin Cities, depending on whether you’re coming from the north or south end. While it’s renowned as the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, the fun doesn’t stop when the lakes freeze. Winter transforms Ely into an adventure hub, offering everything from cozy local shops and relaxing spas to thrilling activities like snowshoeing and dog sledding. In this blog, we’ll dive into the best spots to eat, stay, and explore in this winter wonderland we call Ely, Minnesota!
Where to Stay:
Located just on the outskirts of town, is Aurora Modern cabin by Ely Cabin Collective. This modern skandinavian inspired cabin sleeps 4 with a bedroom and bathroom on the main floor and a loft bedroom upstairs. You’ll stay cozy here with the in-floor heating system, and a modern propane fireplace. The bedroom on the loft floor has a sky light window set to the north, so you have optimal views of the Aurora Boralais. They now have a sauna on site as well! You can book directly here and save 10% when using “WILDLYNORTH” on your stay! During the summer months, they have two other cabins available for rent, find more info here. You can find more information and photos about Aurora Modern on my blog post here.
Where to Eat:
Boathouse Brewpub
Boathouse Brewpub is one of my favorite places in Ely. This is what I’d call my go to comfort place when visiting. I love getting a flight of beer here, and don’t miss out on the blueberry beer! This welcoming bar and restaurant has something for everyone, from salads, wraps, warm sandwich’s and more! You can also get growlers to go. Find more information on their site here!
Front Porch Coffee & Tea
Front Porch Coffee and Tea is just that! A local coffee shop with warm coffee, tea and pastries with a wrap around porch. Don’t miss out on their breakfast food, their breakfast burrito is great to go! If the sun is shinning, grab a seat on the outside porch while you take in the downtown Ely views.
Northern Grounds Coffee
Northern Grounds Coffee is a must visit spot when visiting Ely and it doesn’t have to be for coffee. They are open in the morning for coffee and pastries and the evening for wine and charcuetries boards. Find more on their website about hours, and specials!
Ely Log Cabin Coffee
When you’re on the go, Ely Log Cabin Coffee has you covered. This small one window coffee shop has your go-to coffee and tons of flavors to satisfy your craving!
Insula Resturant
This is the restuarant you’ll want to visit when you want to explore new flavors and tastes! They invest in local products to bring you the best flavors while providing an inviting atmosphere! I highly recommend getting the wild rice soup but you can check out the full menu here.
Evergreen Resturant
This is a local gem known for it’s warm atmosphere and hearty, home cooked meals. You can find anything from a local hot dish to a fish fry to a well cooked steak. You’ll feel like you’re right at home, check out their menu here.
What to Do:
Dog Sledding with Cast Outdoor Adventures
This is the one and only thing I will tell you over and over again to splurge on because you will be talking about It for years after you’ve done it. Talking about what you ask? Going on a dog sledding adventure with Cast Outdoor Adventures. They have a variety of trips you can take but I recommend the sunset one. You’ll ride through lush forest, across frozen lakes mushing the dog team as they work so amazing together. Before the sledding trip, you learn about each dog, their personalities and why they’re placed strategically in the order for the sledding. After the ride, you will get to have a cup of hot cocoa under the stars and say goodbye to the dogs. This is a one in a lifetime experience you don’t want to miss. You can book a trip directly on their website here and use code “WILDLYNORTH10” for 10% off now until April 1st, 2025!
Snow Shoe or Hok Ski Local Trails
You can rent cross country skis, hok ski’s or snow shoes from Piragis Outfitters in town if you don’t own any. A few local trails to ski are: Norberg lake loop and bass lake loop. You can find more cross country ski trails here. There were so many snow shoe hikes too, we did the hike to Kiwishiwi Falls, which is roughly a mile hike, you can find the details on All Trails. Don’t forget to check out the two state parks near by, Lake Vermillion State Park and Bear Head Lake State Park.
Visit The Wolf Center
The Ely Wolf Center is a must-see destination for anyone interested in learning more about the majestic gray wolf. This nonprofit wildlife center is dedicated to the education and conservation of wolves, offering visitors a chance to observe these incredible animals up close in their natural habitats. With outdoor wolf enclosures, guided tours, and engaging educational programs, the center provides a deeper understanding of wolf behavior and their important role in the ecosystem. One of the highlights is the chance to hear a live wolf howl, a truly unforgettable experience. Find more info, here.
Spa Day at Pebble’s Spa
Relaxation is something we all could use more of, which is why you should add a morning or evening at the spa to your Ely list. When I went, I had a foot soak and massage but they offer everything from massages to facials to lashes. Book yourself a day for you, the girls or the family, here.
Watch A Movie at the Local Theatre
If the weather is too cold, and you don’t feel like doing much in terms of activity, you can’t go wrong with a good movie. The theater in Ely has a classic charm of nostalgia. Find the latest showings here.
I hope you find some fun to be had in the northern Town of Ely, Minnesota. If there’s one thing Minnesotans can do, it’s have fun no matter the weather. Have fun on your weekend adventure to Ely, Minnesota. I hope I helped you figure out where to stay, what to see and what to eat! You can follow along with more outdoor adventures on my Instagram!
