Joy’s guidebook
Food scene
Many things to do in Ely. Several restaurants, shopping, Dorothy Molter Museum, International Wolf Center, North American Bear Museum and countless hiking trails.
21 locals recommend
Ely
Many things to do in Ely. Several restaurants, shopping, Dorothy Molter Museum, International Wolf Center, North American Bear Museum and countless hiking trails.
The Bamboozler pizza is one of a kind! Not your ordinary food menu and has a dock for parking your boat if you choose to arrive via water.
11 locals recommend
The Vermilion Club
3191 Old Hwy 77The Bamboozler pizza is one of a kind! Not your ordinary food menu and has a dock for parking your boat if you choose to arrive via water.
Large outdoor dining area, beautiful views of the West end of Lake Vermilion.
7 locals recommend
The Landing on Lake Vermilion
3096 Vermilion DrLarge outdoor dining area, beautiful views of the West end of Lake Vermilion.
The Crescent Bar & Grill
9257 Olson RdWolf Bay Lodge
3262 Randa RdFortune Bay Resort Casino
1430 Bois Forte RdHosts 2 different dining options, buffet or steakhouse.
The Good Ol' Days Bar & Grill
316 Main StTake a trip down memory lane with all the nostalgia inside!
Benchwarmer Grille
701 MN-169They have THE best & freshest bread for your sandwich. You won’t be disappointed!
8 locals recommend
Sulu's Espresso Café
507 Main StThey have THE best & freshest bread for your sandwich. You won’t be disappointed!
Bayview Drive
Bayview DriveRenamed to Tavern in the Bay. Used to be Bayview Bar & Grill.
Sightseeing
Dorothy Molter Museum
2002 E Sheridan StWant to sample the best Root Beer in all of North America?!
International Wolf Center
1396 MN-169Spend a couple of hours here while learning about Black Bears.
26 locals recommend
North American Bear Center
1926 Minnesota 169Spend a couple of hours here while learning about Black Bears.
Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary
12541 Nett Lake RoadBoundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Learn of the Iron Range history!
27 locals recommend
Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park
1302 McKinley Park RdLearn of the Iron Range history!
Neighborhoods
If you catch yourself needing any supplies, Cook is a wonderful small town to grab some! It even has a McDonald’s!
Cook
If you catch yourself needing any supplies, Cook is a wonderful small town to grab some! It even has a McDonald’s!
If you happen to be in our neck of the woods during the 4th of July celebration, it’s mandatory to head into Tower for THE best small town USA parade!
Tower
If you happen to be in our neck of the woods during the 4th of July celebration, it’s mandatory to head into Tower for THE best small town USA parade!
One of the last towns you’ll hit before heading into the great Boundary Waters. You’ll find a beautiful Main Street with shops, ice cream, spa, and food!
21 locals recommend
Ely
One of the last towns you’ll hit before heading into the great Boundary Waters. You’ll find a beautiful Main Street with shops, ice cream, spa, and food!
Outdoor Recreation
Snowmobile Rentals @ Lake Vermilion Houseboats!
Ride single or double with our Polaris Indy Adventure sleds and with our new comfy electric shield helmets (means no fogging/frosting). Located just 3 minutes from Birchwood Lane and they deliver too!
Amazing golf course that is consistently rated at the top in the state of MN!
7 locals recommend
The Wilderness at Fortune Bay
1450 Bois Forte RdAmazing golf course that is consistently rated at the top in the state of MN!
Kawishiwi Falls Trail
444 Fernberg RdLooking for something to do for the day or while you are on your winter getaway? Rent one of their Polaris snowmobiles and cruise the beautiful trails of the Northwoods!
Lake Vermilion Houseboats
Looking for something to do for the day or while you are on your winter getaway? Rent one of their Polaris snowmobiles and cruise the beautiful trails of the Northwoods!
Traveler advice
What to pack
Bug spray & sunscreen!
Don’t leave home without the sunscreen & bug spray. Remember, you’re traveling into the Northwoods of MN. And the sun is a lot hotter & closer during the summer months.
Don't miss
Some of the BEST hiking trails in the Midwest!
Get out and enjoy what Mother Nature gave us, some of the most beautiful hiking trails the Midwest has to offer! https://www.mesabitrail.com for info & map of the local and very close Mesabi Trail. There are also many trails in/around the town of Ely. Or if you’re up for a bit of a drive, head over to the North Shore along highway 61. See the raw natural beauty of our largest fresh water lake... the Great Lake Superior! You must see! Just Google hikes near me and you’ll see a list of trails or even blogs/websites dedicated to all the great hikes our state has to offer! Enjoy!!
What to pack
Charcoal Grill & Firepit Area
Bring your own charcoal for the grill! And if coming within the state lines, bring your own firewood for the fire pit.
Getting around
Nearest Boat Launch
Everett Bay, just 3 minutes away!