Ely MN Community Information

Ely, MN

A modern community of about 4,000 people, Ely is known as the “Canoeing capital of the world.” It rests in the heart of the Superior National Forest, 15 miles south of the Canadian border and only minutes away from the famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

This outdoor wonderland is a vast arena of recreational opportunities that accommodate every sporting taste… 1500 miles of canoe routes, over 100 public boat landings, many picnic area, 400+ miles of designated hiking trails, 450+ miles of groomed cross-country ski trails and one of the finest networks of snowmobile routes in the nation.

Ely offers a full range of commercial services, including two supermarkets, several convenience stores, 15 restaurants, 6 motels, 2 laundromats, a natural foods store, farmers market in the summer, service stations, clothing stores, camping supply stores, superb medical facilities and all the comforts and services that you would expect to find in a progressive community that cares about its people. Checkout the Ely Chamber of Commerce or Ely Area Development Council (EADC), for more detailed information.

Within the city limits are 4 parks and playgrounds, 6 tennis courts, a golf course and Hidden Valley Recreation Area.

Vermilion Community College affords opportunities for continuing education and coursework leading to Associate Arts degrees. It's theater is often the site of musical performances, presentations by guest speakers and community plays.

The International Wolf Center located in Ely, advances the survival of wolf populations by teaching about wolves, their relationship to wildlands and the human role in their future.

The North American Bear Center seeks to advance the long-term survival of bears worldwide by replacing misconceptions with scientific facts about bears, their role in ecosystems, and their relations with humans.

2,000 crystal-clear lakes provide some of the best and varied fishing in the country for scrappy smallmouth and largemouth bass, log-size northern pike, delicious walleyes, lunker lake trout and all sorts of panfish. An enthusiastic angler could spend a lifetime here and still not try all the good “holes.”