Things to Do in Ely, Minnesota
Ely, Minnesota is more than just a gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). It’s a classic northwoods town with outdoor activities, family attractions, local shops, and restaurants that make it worth a visit on its own. Whether you’re planning a full BWCA canoe trip or just looking for things to do in Ely MN for a weekend stay, there’s plenty to fill your time.
This guide highlights some of the most popular Ely MN attractions and activities—from hiking and canoeing to museums, wildlife centers, and simple in-town walks. Think of it as a starting point as you decide what to do in Ely MN during your trip.
Explore Ely’s Downtown Shops & Cafés
Downtown Ely is compact and walkable, with local shops, outfitters, galleries, and cafés. Many visitors spend a few hours browsing gear stores, souvenir shops, and boutiques before grabbing coffee, ice cream, or a meal. It’s an easy way to ease into the northwoods pace of life.
Visit the International Wolf Center
One of the best-known Ely MN attractions is the International Wolf Center, where guests can learn about wolves, see resident ambassador wolves, and explore interactive exhibits. It’s popular with families, school groups, and anyone curious about northwoods wildlife.
Tour the North American Bear Center
The North American Bear Center offers a close look at black bears and their habitat. Exhibits, viewing areas, and educational programs make it a favorite among family things to do in Ely MN, especially for kids who love animals and nature.
Hike Nearby Trails & Overlooks
Ely MN outdoor activities often start with simple hikes. Local trails range from short, in-town loops to longer routes with overlooks and lake views. Many visitors add a half-day hike before or after a canoe trip, or use Ely as a base for day hikes into the surrounding forest.
Canoe, Kayak, or Paddle on Local Lakes
You don’t have to commit to a full Boundary Waters expedition to enjoy the water. Ely-area lakes offer short canoe and kayak outings, sunset paddles, and calm bays for beginners. Local outfitters can provide rentals and basic instruction, making Ely MN canoeing accessible to almost any visitor.
Fish Northern Minnesota Lakes
Fishing is one of the classic Ely MN outdoor activities. Depending on the season, visitors chase walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and panfish on nearby lakes. Guided trips and rental boats are available, or you can fish from shore and docks if you prefer to keep things simple.
Use Ely as a BWCA Gateway
Ely is a major Boundary Waters gateway town. Many outfitters, lodges, and guides operate here, helping visitors plan everything from day paddles to week-long canoe trips. Common Boundary Waters things to do from Ely include loop routes, basecamp trips, and family-friendly overnight outings.
Enjoy Restaurants, Pubs, and Coffee Shops
After a day outside, many guests look for Ely MN restaurants and shops. In town you’ll find cafés, pubs, pizza, bakeries, and sit-down restaurants with everything from burgers to northwoods-inspired dishes. It’s common to cap off a BWCA trip or long hike with a celebration dinner in Ely.
Relax at Cabins, Lodges, and Resorts
Not every trip has to be all portages and paddle strokes. Many visitors use Ely as a base for low-key cabin stays—reading on the deck, swimming or paddling close to shore, and exploring town between afternoons on the dock. For some guests, that slower pace is exactly what a northwoods vacation should be.
Planning an Ely trip usually starts with a simple question: What kind of experience do you want? Some visitors focus on Ely MN attractions and activities in town, while others use Ely as a launch point for BWCA canoe trips, hiking, or fishing. Many trips blend all of the above—one or two nights in town, time at a cabin, and a short Boundary Waters adventure.
Guests commonly fly into Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and then make their way north to Ely by car or private transportation. Building a little extra time into your schedule on either end of the trip gives you room to enjoy Ely Minnesota things to do before you head home.
However you decide to travel, thinking through lodging, outfitter support, and drive times ahead of time will make your Ely and Boundary Waters days feel more relaxed and less rushed.
Ely / BWCA not your area? To see pricing to or from your specific city or town, click here
Ely, Minnesota – Gateway Town with Plenty to Do
Ely MN outdoor activities, attractions, and dining options make the town a natural stop before or after time in the Boundary Waters. You can arrive a day early to explore shops and wildlife centers, then head into the BWCA, or plan a slower cabin week built around short hikes and lake time.
Getting Oriented in Ely, Minnesota
Ely is easy to navigate: a small downtown core with restaurants, shops, and outfitters, plus roads heading out to lakes, cabins, and BWCA entry areas. Many new visitors simply park once, walk the main streets, and then drive a short distance to their lodging.
For first-time Ely MN visitors, a simple rhythm works well: one day focused on in-town attractions like the wolf or bear centers and downtown, followed by one or more days centered on hiking, paddling, or fishing nearby. Families often add a “rest day” with light exploring and relaxed time at the cabin or resort.
Building an Ely MN Itinerary That Fits Your Group
Start by asking what kind of pace your group wants. Some visitors want a checklist of Ely MN attractions and activities, while others mainly want quiet time by the water. You can build an itinerary that includes a little of each: hiking and canoeing, wildlife centers, downtown meals, and simple lake time.
If you’re connecting to or from the Boundary Waters, consider giving yourself an extra day on the Ely side of the trip. It’s nice to decompress, grab a good meal, and stroll through town before driving south or catching flights at MSP.
For ideas on winter-specific activities in the region, you can also visit our Things to Do in the BWCA in the Winter Months article, which focuses on snowshoeing, skiing, dog sledding, and other cold-weather options.
Getting to Ely from MSP Airport
Many visitors arrive in Ely after flights into Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP). From there, it’s typically a 3.5–4+ hour drive to Ely, depending on routing and stops. Some guests drive themselves, while others prefer to avoid long, unfamiliar drives and arrange private transportation.
However you choose to travel, it helps to allow plenty of time between flights, drives, and check-in at your cabin, lodge, or outfitter. That way your focus can stay on enjoying things to do in Ely MN, instead of racing the clock or worrying about traffic and weather.
If you’re unsure how much time to allow between MSP arrivals or departures and your Ely plans, local outfitters and lodging providers can offer guidance based on the season and your itinerary.
Ely, Minnesota – Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ely only for Boundary Waters canoe trips?
No. Ely is a year-round northwoods town with its own attractions—wildlife centers, shops, restaurants, hiking trails, and nearby lakes. Many visitors never enter the BWCA and still find plenty of things to do in Ely MN for a weekend or longer stay.
Can I enjoy Ely if I’m not an experienced outdoors person?
Absolutely. You can keep things simple with short hikes, easy paddles, scenic drives, and in-town activities. Outfitters, guides, and local businesses are used to helping beginners feel comfortable outside without taking on more than they want to handle.
How many days should I plan for Ely?
Many visitors plan two to four days in Ely, either as a stand-alone trip or bookending a Boundary Waters or cabin stay. That usually leaves time for in-town attractions, a couple of outdoor activities, and a more relaxed travel day.
Is Ely a good place for families?
Yes. Family things to do in Ely MN include the wolf and bear centers, easy hikes, swimming areas, paddling on calm lakes, and simple evenings downtown for ice cream or pizza. Many families return year after year once they get to know the area.
Where can I find more information about Ely and the Boundary Waters?
Local tourism organizations, outfitters, and official Boundary Waters resources offer detailed information on permits, routes, and current conditions. Use the links in the table below as a starting point while you plan what to do in Ely and the surrounding BWCA region.
- Ely & BWCA ⇄ MSP Airport Transportation (Hub)
- Northern Tier BWCA ⇄ MSP Transportation
- Ely to MSP Airport Transportation
- Early Morning & Late-Night Ely → MSP Airport Rides
- Group & Gear Transportation – Ely/BWCA to MSP
- Boy Scout Troop Transportation – Ely/BWCA ⇄ MSP
- MSP to Ely Private Car Service (Primary Inbound)
- MSP to Ely Private Car Service
- MSP to BWCA – Canoe Trip Transportation
- MSP to Lake Vermilion Resorts Transportation
- MSP to Ely Lodges & Outfitters Transportation
- MSP to Boundary Waters Entry Point Transportation
- Things to Do in the BWCA in the Winter Months
- Ely → MSP Medical Transportation
- Pet-Friendly Ely/BWCA Transportation
- Lodges, Cabins & Outfitters Transportation – Ely & BWCA
- Superior National Forest & Gunflint Trail Transportation
- Ely/BWCA ⇄ MSP Airport Transportation – Frequently Asked Questions
