Hello Readers! We’re pleased to announce a few changes to the Ely Times in alignment with our 30th Anniversary. We've refreshed the design and layout, expanded our production team, and added new contributors. We welcome your comments. Thank you for your continued readership.
Are you going to get wet, be blown off course, attract a lightning strike?
Weather in canoe country can be beautiful, dangerous, unpleasant, or a mix of all three. Apps and weather reports are often inaccurate, so learning how to predict the weather from the wind and sky can help you to be ready for what’s coming.
Dave Anderson, the Ely-born Northern News Now meteorologist with KBJR-TV, provides some education so that you can read the clouds and stay safe in a storm.
Itwas warm and humid when Bob Dylan played an outdoor show in the town of his birth, Duluth, on July 3rd, 1999. The conditions were right for severe weather. That afternoon in North Dakota, a cold front started cutting through the heat and moisture. When July 4th dawned, the sky was already green, which is not a good sign for those trying to avoid storms. By the time that storm had passed to the east coast on July 5th, 60 people in the Boundary Waters had been injured and two people were killed in Canada.
Staying safe on a BWCA lake in a flimsy canoe during a big storm is not impossible, but it does take prep work and proper equipment. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the boating safety branch of the Coast Guard family. They urge every canoeist to wear their life jacket at all times and every vessel
These radiatus clouds are forming parallel to the wind and are a good sign of the wind direction aloft, which is a rough sign of the direction surface systems will take. Although they appear to radiate from one point, they are really parallel.
must have a throw-able flotation device, too. Even though cell phone coverage is spotty in the BWCA, have one along just in case and keep it in a sealed plastic bag with a piece of styrofoam to keep it dry and floating in times of trouble. If you want to bring extra electronics, you could carry a portable marine VHF radio and keep it on rescue channel 16. WELY radio in Ely is a good way to keep up on weather forecasts, so a portable batteryoperated or hand-crank radio could provide predictions for the area.
Knowing the signs of a serious storm approaching by looking at the sky and noticing the wind direction is the best way to predict what is going to happen in your exact location.
If cumulus clouds stay small and low like these, it is a sign of fair weather for the day. If they get taller by midmorning, there will be a chance for afternoon convective showers and isolated storms.
These are thin cirrus clouds at a high level, made up of ice crystals. They can be a sign that a warm front and low pressure system is going to bring showers or storms in as little as three hours.
Mammatus clouds form either on the lead or tail of a stormy cumulonimbus. The theory used to be that these clouds got that droopy pouch look from being moisture laden and therefore sagging. The current theory is that they are formed by air aloft pushing down. They themselves are not harmful. If they are on the front of a storm, they are a sign the storm is right behind. If they form on the backside, it is a sign that the storm is leaving and the atmosphere is re-stabilizing. For as long as humans have been studying weather, there is still much that we don’t know, but research is helping make predictions more accurate. 4th of July evenings have sometimes had dramatic displays of mammatus clouds, followed by lightning to compete with the fireworks.
This tubular cloud hung over Ely on a June evening in 2023. It stretched as far as White Iron Lake and persisted for more than an hour. This is a shelf cloud attached to the front edge of a cumulonimbus storm cloud. The gust front of the storm cloud lifts up warm and moist air ahead which is drawn into the parent cloud often with a rolling motion. It is what the National Weather Service calls an "SLC" or scary looking cloud. The shelf itself does not cause severe weather but is a good sign some of that is right behind!
At sunset, with the cooling air, storm clouds often dissipate and create dramatic sunsets like the photo to the right. But if enough moisture and heat remain, thunder storms can still build into the night.
Find a good place to stay off the water when the winds are strong. You could be pinned down for a while. Capsizing and needing a rescue puts others at risk.
Lightning can be intracloud, between clouds, ground to cloud, and cloud to ground. It is nature's static shock formed by ice crystals rubbing against each other in a cumulonimbus. There is no such thing as "heat" lightning. That is just a regular lightning stroke seen from so far away you only see the general glow rather than the fork, and you don’t hear the thunder.
A wall cloud descending from the base of a cumulonimbus storm cloud. Wall clouds are a sign of tornadoes if you see rotation, which the photographer did in this case. They can be dangerous because they may hide the twister. If you see such a cloud attached to the storm cloud and you see any rotation, seek shelter! If not attached and not rotating, they are harmless scud clouds.
Self-rescue skills are important in the wilderness and so are self-forecasting skills. Since computer model forecasting was developed in the 1950s, the oldfashioned forecasting from observation method has become a fading art. Fading but not forgotten! Keep in mind that high air pressure means fair weather and low pressure means foul weather. You might want to carry a small aneroid barometer in your pack. 29.92 inches of mercury or 1013 millibars is generally (but not always) considered the dividing line between high and low pressure. Be cautious and ready to divert if the pressure is low!
Forecasts can be made from wind direction with at least a 50% accuracy rate. If that doesn’t sound wonderful keep in mind that the popular almanacs many people quote are only about 55% accurate and Punxsutawney Phil is only about 37% accurate.
Forecasting from the wind can be as simple as north equals cold, south equals warm, and west equals dry. An easterly wind can be a little trickier.
Lows approaching from the west suck wind in at the surface and blow it out aloft several thousand feet. An easterly wind often means a low is approaching. A southwesterly wind is a sign that a low’s cold front could be setting up to lift up storms. A northwesterly wind is a good sign that a rain chance is leaving. Winds that change over time in a counterclockwise direction, for example east to northeast to north to northwest, mean a low is coming. Conversely, winds that shift in a clockwise direction over time, like north to northeast to east, are a hint that a high is coming with some fair weather.
In the mid latitudes of the northern hemisphere, weather systems travel from west to east. Keep a frequent eye on weather conditions to the west. Clouds that start high and wispy (cirrus) but lower and thicken over time (stratus) are signs of a warm front attached to a low-pressure system. That often means long periods of rain are coming. A line of towering cumulonimbus clouds to the west are a sign of a cold front coming, and
they tend to be more violent than warm fronts–meaning strong winds, heavier precipitation, and possible damage.
The 1999 BWCA Blowdown storm, as it is called, was one of those. More specifically, it was a derecho–a storm with straight-line winds as powerful as a tornado.
Both twisting wind storms and straight–line wind storms are capable of creating lightning. The National Weather Service always advises “If you see it, flee it” and “If you hear it, clear it,” so thunder should make paddlers head for shore.
This is where good rain gear comes in handy. Never stand near the lightning rods known as trees, such as the graceful
and lovely white pines that crown many of our forests. A stand of even-height trees, with taller trees some distance away, is generally a good choice. Don’t stand in the open. Golf courses are notorious for lightning fatalities. And avoid being close to shore. Don’t huddle in a tent, either. A lot of the injured in 1999 were hit by falling trees while sheltering in tents. In a more open space, you will get wet but at least you can see debris trying to take you out. Have your group spread out so that if someone is injured by lightning, there are others to give first aid.
To learn more about paddle sports safety, contact the friendly folks at any local outfitter.
Hail during a storm, BWCA
Highway 1
In 1817, Keats lightheartedly said Sir Isaac Newton "has destroyed all the poetry of the rainbow" by explaining it scientifically. That may be true for some folks but for many others, seeing a rainbow in the wild is still quite magical. Rainbows are a sign that a low pressure system is leaving so use them for a forecast tool for fair weather. To get one, you need rain clouds to move to the east with the sun in the west. The prism effect comes from light refracting through microscopic water droplets in the air. Rainbows are really full circles! We only see half because the horizon cuts off the bottom. Double rainbows are not overly common. Triple rainbows are extremely rare. Only five have been documented in the last 250 years!
Dave Anderson is the longest-serving broadcaster in the Duluth-Superior television market, which includes Ely and the Boundary Waters. He is a graduate of Ely Memorial High School, Vermilion Community College, the University of Minnesota Duluth and Mississippi State University. Along with being a TV meteorologist, he is an adjunct meteorology instructor at Lake Superior College in Duluth and weather specialist with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
From the meticulous science of fermentation to the alchemy of smallbatch roasting, the beverages produced right here in Ely are fueled by more than just ingredients–they are powered by Ely’s pristine water and a distinct Northland grit. I sat down with four local establishments to learn about the craft and soul behind every brew.
Chris Glazer and Tad Drechsler run a tight ship at Boundary Waters Kitchen, where you can get the best made-toorder breakfast burrito in town and be on your way in under ten minutes. But within their efficiently run kitchen, they’ve left room for creativity and fun, and they keep the philosophies of team empowerment and individual strengths
in mind with everything they do.
BWK turned one this past spring. What started as a catering operation quickly morphed into a from-scratch kitchen, deli, bakery, the occasional popup fine dining event, and most recently, a cold brew coffee line called “Moss’ Mud” (led by employee Moss–team empowerment in action).
A line of kombucha, created by team member Kali of Ubetcha Booch, is launching this summer. They’re also planning house-blended loose leaf teas and a packaged biscotti.
Chris explained that these new beverage programs are both a way to let employees take ownership of something they enjoy doing and a strategic move
to generate additional revenue streams. “I spent half my career in roles I didn't love. We’ve been able to find what our team members like to do, and are good at, and couple that with a strategy to diversify our revenue in order to keep and grow jobs here. Diversified revenue is imperative up here.”
Kali has a decade of experience in the temperamental art of fermentation and is excited to bring the beverage to BWK. She's banking on small-batch quality, fresh flavor combos, and shifting consumer trends toward healthier options. “I don't think that the younger population is drinking as much alcohol anymore, so this is a big opportunity to serve that market.”
She's currently perfecting a lineup that feels distinctly Northwoods: blueberry ginger, raspberry rhubarb, and a "chaga chai" that utilizes the medicinal fungi found on our local birch trees. She's also tossing around the idea of serving the kombucha at their popular pop-up dinners and brunches. "We've been talking about eventually featuring our kombucha at our pop-ups. We could even do cocktails like Kombucha Bellini!"
Moss is a coffee connoisseur with
an eye for simple no-fuss labels they draw themselves and is experimenting with different flavors, most recently Lavender and Vanilla Almond Milk. Using a dark roast and a coarse grind, they brew at room temperature to create a concentrate with a 1:6 ratio, then mix it with water and flavoring when applicable. The result is smooth, lowacid, and incredibly versatile. "It's the best cold brew, and people have been loving it!"
About a mile and a half east, a cult favorite quietly arrived in Ely two summers ago, bringing with it imported smoked malt and a Norse mythology vibe. HammerHeart Brewing’s journey
North is a storied one, beginning with a honeymoon in Norway and a decadelong run as a beloved taproom in Lino Lakes. Today, owners Austin and Bekah Lunn (husband and wife) and Nate Chapman (Bekah's brother) have traded the bustle of the Twin Cities for a repurposed auto shop on Sheridan Street, shifting their focus entirely to beer production.
This family-run brewery specializes in rare traditional styles: German Rauchbiers (smoked beers), Finnish sahti, and Scandinavian farmhouse ales. Sahti is made with a Nordic Kuurna, a hollowed-out log used as a natural filtration system for brewing farmhouse ales. These are beers with a sense of place; the smoked malts are imported from Europe, but the clean water and the
Joe's Marine and Repair. Evinrude sales and service. Mechanics on duty Monday through Saturday. Our show room is full of boating accessories for "Fun on the Water." 25 W. Chapman St., 218-365-6264
wild rice (used in their Druid Pines beer) are pure Ely. Brewer Austin described the impeccably clean local water. "The water here is so good for brewing. It's so clean that I have to add minerals to it for it to turn out right. We should never take that for granted."
I asked Bekah why they made the move from Lino Lakes taproom to Ely production. “We wanted to move to a place that we loved, with more trees and wild spaces. We had a dry cabin in Isabella for a few years and started spending more time there during the pandemic. One day we said 'alright, let's
make a major change.' We wanted to focus just on the beer instead of running a taproom too.”
As we wrapped up over a pour of Löyly sahti, I asked them how Ely has been so far.
“Supportive. We came into this fully expecting people to say 'I don't get it' because it's different. But we were surprised; people were down to try new things. There are also a lot of Finns here who like the sahti. HammerHeart is in Ely Liquor, Mike's Liquor, Zup's Liquor, and on tap at Insula.”
Back across town, local institution Boathouse Brewpub continues to churn out their ultra popular brews, Blueberry Blonde and Cream Ale, along with several other staples. Their mission is to keep it simple so they can keep up with the volume they need to produce each year to meet demand. Nothing too fancy, with a focus on consistently good tasting beer that pairs well with their pub menu. You can now enjoy a brew or two in their newly renovated bar.
In addition to the standard pint, they offer beer flights and growlers in BWCA-safe packaging and traditional glass containers.
Owner and cook Brian Tome says they are busy. "Last summer, we went through about 300 barrels, and the barrels are about 100 gallons each. That's a lot of beer. We're a high volume place open seven days a week."
The Boathouse brewing room
I asked him what his personal favorite beer is. "Blueberry Blonde all day long. Cream Ale is a close second; it's the best cream ale in the state, but I'm biased. Blood orange is coming out soon. That's a really good beer on a hot day. Our brewer came out with a new IPA a while ago. I'm not too much of an IPA fan because the hop is just too much, but this one isn't as hoppy. We let our brewer just do his thing and try new things."
Down the street, if you walk past the window of Northern Grounds Roasting Room on a summer morning, you’ll likely see and smell their small roasting and packaging operation in full swing. Unlike industrial roasters, everything here is processed by hand–measuring,
Boathouse beer on tap
Northern Grounds Roasting Room
Coffee beans before roasting
scooping, and bagging–right in front of the shop window. It is the only facility in Ely that both imports and roasts its own coffee on site.
Roasting in the Northwoods means working with the elements. The roasters watch a swinging sign outside as a "wind barometer" to adjust fan speeds and gas levels. They treat the coffee as a "living thing," refusing to force the beans into a specific profile, instead monitoring the drum roaster to see what that particular batch wants to become.
The flavor profiles are as diverse as the origins they source. From the fruity, floral notes of an Ethiopian bean to the herbal spring freshness of a Nicaraguan one, each roast is a window into a different part of the world, processed right here in Ely. Even the byproducts are put to use; the chaff from the roasting
process is used as garden compost. It’s a full-circle operation that ensures the first cup of your day is as intentional and sustainable as it is delicious.
Head down Central Avenue to the former Ely Train Depot, and big things are happening. The building is in the process of being renovated into a brewery, restaurant, and event space called Border Lakes Brewing. They'll be opening later this year with an expansive heated dog-friendly patio, indoor and outdoor event space, an exciting food menu, house-brewed beer, and nonalcoholic options on tap.
Hops, caffeine, or probiotics–whatever your pour, Ely’s brewing scene brings the flavor.
Ely’s downtown flowers and banners are proudly brought to life by Incredible Ely, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and our generous sponsors.
Beautifying Downtown Ely
Raspberries
Wintergreen
Beyond Blueberries
The satisfaction of a summer day spent browsing along a granite ridge covered with ripe blueberries and returning to the cabin for a dinner topped off with Grandma’s blueberry pie is one of Ely’s best pleasures. For flavor and abundance, blueberries are the pinnacle of forageable food around here. But there are plenty of other wild berries and fruits that can provide a tasty snack on a portage, a base for jams and relishes, and variety for your palate.
Some of the obvious and easily identified berries are raspberries and strawberries. Appearing like miniature versions of grocery store varieties, these tiny treats contain far more flavor per berry than their commercial cousins. Raspberries are often plentiful in areas of disturbance such as recently logged
areas and road or utility clearings. The biggest and sweetest will be found where there is plenty of sunshine and water. Strawberries are often in grassy fields, the center of little-used dirt roads, and along trail edges. It’s best to take note of where you see the flowers so you can harvest as soon as the berries ripen. That way you have a chance of beating the chipmunks to them.
Wild cranberries closely resemble store-bought ones, but it is a true delight to find a good patch on a cool sunny fall day. They come with bragging rights, too, when you can casually mention at Thanksgiving dinner that you picked them yourself. Foragers may debate whether wild cranberries are best before or after a frost. They may be sweeter after a frost, but they keep better if they
haven’t frozen. That’s a moot point if you are going to take them home and put them in the freezer until the holidays. Cranberries grow in bogs and other acidic wetlands. They often form a mat of tiny leaves low to the ground. Most often you’ll find just a few, but sometimes you’ll hit the bonanza and be able to pick a Duluth pack full in just a few hours.
High bush cranberries are not related to the cranberries in stores. They are a species of Viburnum, a woody shrub valued as a landscaping plant because of its attractiveness to wildlife, fragrant spring flowers, and colorful fall foliage. The berries are delicious and juicy, best after the first frost, with a flavor similar to true cranberries. They grow in wet areas along portages and rivers, preferring plenty of sunshine. Good places to check are along the Kawishiwi River above Birch Lake and on the Nina
Moose portage and river. Delicious in relishes and baked goods, high bush cranberries can also be made into a syrup that replaces grenadine to add a wild component to a Tequila Sunrise.
Cranberry Picking
The best-kept secret berry of the Northwoods has a multitude of names. Growing on woody bushes up to 20 feet high, they are the first shrubs to flower as winter fades. This gives them one of their names, serviceberry, because in old times, corpses were preserved until spring when the ground was soft enough to dig a grave. Then people could have a burial service with these delicate white blossoms adding a lovely touch to the ceremony.
Other names for these bountiful berries are juneberry, because they ripen then, and Saskatoon, a word derived from the same native word that gave Saskatchewan its name. Juneberries are easily as plentiful as blueberries, which they resemble, and can be used in the same ways. A favorite with birds, the berries are often available from mid-June through July. They have soft seeds inside, which can be ignored or, for the fussy eater, strained out. In Ely they are found along sunny stretches of the Trezona Trail, back lots, and the thousands of miles of forested back roads.
Chokecherries are also plentiful along the Trezona. A favorite with locals
for making wine, chokecherries are also good for jelly. You won’t be tempted to eat many as you pick; their name is derived from their mouth-puckering quality. Pin cherries can be found along the trail and make a pretty and tasty jelly, but there is a limited time to harvest them between when they ripen and when the birds strip the bushes. Large quantities of raw cherries should only be eaten without the pits as these contain small amounts of a cyanide-producing compound. But it’s unlikely anyone would willingly consume enough of these tart and astringent fruits to be poisoned.
There are plenty of other berries that make a quick treat during a hike or portage. Wintergreen is a favorite with many canoe country travelers. The bright red berry and shiny leaves provide a breathfreshening chew.
Rose hips can be a bit pithy and plain,
Bunchberry
but a single fruit contains as much vitamin C as six oranges, so it’s worth munching on a few every day. They are also available most of the winter.
Bunchberries are a spot of beauty with their white flowers and bright red berries. Though edible, the flavor is drab. Hawthorne grows here as a short sturdy tree recognizable by its thorns and haws, the fruit that resemble small apples. This is not the thorny shrub along the south side of the Trezona! Too seedy to snack on from the tree, they makes a good juice or jelly.
The seed-to-fruit ratio varies greatly from tree to tree. Hawthorne has a reputation as medicinal for sore throats, diarrhea, and as a tincture for cardiac health (and the brandy is medicinal too).
Gooseberries and currants, thimbleberries, and dew berries are unlikely to be found here in enough abundance to bring a pail home, so just enjoy them as you find them. Dewberries are a raspberry that grows low to the ground with only one berry per plant, common in the herbaceous layer of moist forest floors. Thimbleberries look like an oversized raspberry growing on plants with huge leaves, usually along waterways. There’s a big patch at Prairie Portage on the Canadian side.
Sumac heads are a good base for a lemonade-like drink. Gather some when they ripen in late summer; they will be dark red-orange and sticky. Put them in a pot or other container and add water until they are just covered. Mash the berries with a potato masher or squeeze them in your hands – whatever works to extract the juice. Let them soak half an hour or so, then strain through a coffee filter to remove the small hairs that can be irritating. Sweeten to taste. This is a fun project for kids. The juice can be frozen to create a summer sensation next winter. Dried berries can also be
Waxwing eating red elderberries, the most common species in the area, but not edible for humans.
used to make tea. People allergic to mango or cashews should avoid sumac.
Most of the elderberries that grow wild here are inedible, although the birds enjoy them. Some people have planted the edible species in their yards. Best to look elsewhere for these.
Many apple cultivars used in landscaping have fruit that is unpalatable
for humans but delicious and nutritious for birds. Mountain Ash berries are another example of fruit good for birds, but not for people.
CAUTION! As delicious and varied as berry foraging is in the Ely area, there are also berries that are toxic and need to be avoided. These include blue bead lily, often called doll’s eyes because of their shape and size. Purple nightshade berries, though related to tomatoes, are toxic. Others are simply unpalatable. Be sure you are supervising youngsters as you explore for berries. Have them bring you any wild foods before tasting them until you are confident they can discriminate between similar-looking fruits. Better yet, have them lead you to the plant so that you can more easily
identify exactly what fruit they have discovered. Children who grow up foraging and spending time with plants can often discriminate between similar berries at a very young age.
The mother of a three-year-old who had spent much of her life outdoors, pointed out to the child that a blue-bead lily berry was not a blueberry. The child looked baffled, as if the mom had said something ridiculous and, in three-yearold style–pointing to the blue bead, asked, “Why would I think that was a blueberry?” The mom decided that human children probably have an innate ability to distinguish between similarlooking plants, at least if they have spent
time browsing in the herbaceous layer. That may not be true for children raised primarily on carpet and sidewalks, but this kid ate wild blueberries as her first solid food and had been picking her own for two seasons already.
It would be wise to take along a good field guide if you are going to seek out new wild fruits and, for anything questionable, bring back a sample of the plant and double check with a second resource before consuming them. An app can also help, but will not be completely reliable, so use common sense and be sure of your identification before consuming a new-to-you plant. Even then, it is prudent to eat a small amount the first time you try a new wild food.
One of the best references for this area is Wild Berries & Fruits: Minnesota, Wisconsin, & Michigan by Teresa Marrone. The companion book by this author, Cooking with Wild Berries and Fruits, is full of recipes and tips for using all the berries mentioned here. Both are available at the Ely Public Library and Piragis Book Store. In addition to fruits, the forest provides many good ingredients for teas.
You have to get up early to beat the squirrels and chipmunks to ripe berries.
Juneberries–the darker ones are more ripe and sweeter.
Willow, cherry, and birch twigs make teas with anti-inflammatory qualities due to salicylic acid. This is the ingredient that makes aspirin a pain reliever, so don’t use them if you are allergic to aspirin. To make a tea, either peel the bark off pencil-size twigs or break up toothpicksize twigs. Simmer them in water for up to half an hour. Add a little honey if you wish.
Pine, balsam, and spruce needles also make good teas rich in vitamin C. Use the current year’s growth for the richest flavor. White pine inner bark makes a tea that soothes a cough. Spruce buds, the clumps of tiny new needles found in early summer, can be added to salads or ground up with salt to make a tasty seasoning. Happy foraging!
I found her out there waiting In the depths not far beyond This rock I found to sit and watch
A place my heart's grown fond
There she dipped and surfaced
Glistening anew
I smiled and wondered quietly
If she felt lonely too
Not long after our meeting
On this quaint and quiet pond
She let out her heart's yearning In a flurried fluttering song
I sat and waited hopefully For her to have a friend I too have known the feeling Of solitary dread
Then, an echo in the distance They must have heard her call
But she stays put and cries another Long and mournful drawl
I find it odd, the feeling, That grows inside my chest
A deepening sense of comfort
From a sound of such unrest
The two of us are lonely
Our companions far away
But we won't leave the edge
Of this quiet pond today
Satisfied in solitude
Out here along the shore
The loon cries to remind me
That I’m alone no more
I think I’ll stay here longer
Maybe through the night
Her song continuing to fill
My sad heart with delight
area attractions
See page 94 for a map of attractions and businesses.
ATV Trails ProspectorATVClub.org
Info and maps at the Chamber and gas stations. Group rides, fundraisers, and volunteer opportunities. New Trailhead Center at Ely’s west entrance on Hwy 169 provides good parking and access.
Bearhead State Park (218) 235-2520 • MNDNR.gov/Bearhead
Awarded the BEST RESTROOM in America for 2025! (See Ely Winter Times 2025 for details.) A gem of a park with terrific hiking trails, remote lakes, rental cabins, camping, boat and stand-up paddleboard rental, swimming beach, birding, and a knowledgeable staff. See website for naturalist program schedule.
Bois Forte Heritage Center (218) 753-6017 •
BoisForteHeritageCenter.com
At the Bois Forte reservation on Lake Vermilion near Tower, the displays portray Ojibwe life past and present, indoors and out. One of the best things to do on a rainy day! While you’re there, have a delicious meal at one of the resort’s restaurants. Open Mon-Fri 9-5. $8, free for band members. $6 other tribal members, kids age 4-12, and seniors. $20 family, $3 veterans. 1500 Bois Forte Rd, Tower.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Recreation.gov
Ely is the put-in place for the western and central parts of the BWCAW. Permits are always required, but are unlimited for day trips. Overnight permits are needed May-September. Reserved and sameday permits must be picked up at an outfitter. Get more information at the U.S. Forest Service station and at Friends of the Boundary Waters and Save the Boundary Waters–see map.
Chamber of Commerce (218) 753-6017
• Ely.org/Chamber
• 15 S 4th Ave W
Information on trails, attractions, events, and area businesses. State and area maps. Located in the new Trailhead Center on the west end of town. Open M-F 9-5, Sat 10-4. Closed holidays.
Children’s Garden (218) 365-5254 • Pattison and 3rd Ave W
Children and adults welcome anytime to weed, water, and explore the green bean teepee, tomato house, pumpkin patches, strawberry lane, raised vegetable beds, rain barrel, butterfly and perennial gardens. Garden Club for 1st - 6th graders Mon and Thurs 9 to noon. Managed by Ely Community Resource. Call to register.
The Boundary Waters is our Backyard
T HIS IS YOUR W IL DE R NE S S !
Through The Boundary Waters Is Our Backyard educational program , we m ake sure NE Minnesota kids experience this national treasure through cost-free day trips, overnight adventures, and hands-on fam ily sessions.
Day Care HappyDaysEly.Com • ElyAdventureSchool.org
Ely Adventure School is an outdoor-centric preschool, after-school, and summer camp with a short-term option. Happy Days at the Hub takes children ages six weeks through preschool. Both provide high quality education time with professional teachers. See websites for details.
Dark Sky Sanctuary Ely.org/Blog/Post/Look-Up
The BWCAW is an official International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Most out-of-town locations are excellent for star gazing, viewing the northern lights, night photography, and contemplating our place in the universe. Our long winter nights are an especially good time to take advantage of the dark, so come back for a winter getaway!
Dorothy Molter Museum (218) 365-4451 • RootBeerLady.com
The "Root Beer Lady" was the last legal non-indigenous resident of the BWCAW. Three of her cabins were relocated to Ely as a tribute to her unorthodox life. Exhibits cover living in the wilderness, root beer making, BWCAW history and travel, and guest registers. Ice-cold root beer, nature trails, birdwatching, pet area, and other visitor services. $8 adults 18+, discounts for youth, seniors. Members and military free. 10-5 daily May 23-Labor Day; Limited fall hours. 2002 E Sheridan St.
Please thank our advertisersthey keep this publication free!
Visit 35 historic locations on this 10-block walking tour. Learn about the history of each former boarding house, dry goods store, saloon, and other establishments from the late 1800s to the 1960s. Use the QR code on page 47 to link to a site that leads you along while describing Ely’s history. For a more personal tour, join the volunteer guides who will walk with you to 20 of the sites in 6 blocks and answer your questions about Ely’s storied past. Meet at City Hall, 209 E Chapman St, on Tuesdays 4pm or Saturdays 10am, July 7-28.
Ely
Arts & Heritage Center (218) 365-3578 • ElyArtsandHeritageCenter.org
The Pioneer Mine Museum and the Miners Dry building are where miners transitioned to and from their underground jobs. Learn about Ely’s iron mining heritage on their free tours. See equipment, clothing, and lots of photos of Ely miners. Memorial thru Labor Day, Tues 2-5, Fri 3-6, any time the green Jeep is parked there, or by appointment. 401 Pioneer Rd.
Ely Community Center (218) 235-6141 • ElyCommunityCenter.com • 27 S 1st Ave E
A place to socialize, play Bingo, smear, bridge, ping-pong, and more. Community dances, Braver Angels gatherings, craft fairs, and a variety of health programs are held here. Event rental is available from $100 for the large room.
Ely
Folk School (218) 235-0138 • ElyFolkSchool.org • 209 E Sheridan St
Offering programs in traditional craft–come explore your creativity while making new friends. Classes range from fiber arts to ceramics; humanities to cooking; metalworking to woodworking. Drop by to pick up a class schedule and shop at the Mercantile, which features handcrafted items made by the instructors and other regional artists. Join as a student or teacher for non-competitive, intergenerational learning for life.
Ely Folk School Dance at the Community Center
Ely Golf Course (218) 365-5932
Golf@ElyMNGolfClub.com
9-hole, par 36, 3,268 yards. Carts and rental clubs, snack bar. Open May-Sept, snow allowing. On S Central Ave, right at sign. 9-5 May and September, 8-6 early June, 7am to 7pm mid-June–Labor Day. Walking rates 9 holes $24, 18 holes $32.
Ely Public Library (218) 365-5140 • ElyLibrary.org
Children’s area, computers, audio books, music, DVDs. Large regional book section. Summer residents and visitors welcome. Pick up monthly craft and game kits. Monthly book club for teens and adults. Preschool story time Fridays at 10:30am. Mon-Fri 9-6:30. See Calendar on page 85 for activities for all ages. Free WiFi, including in the parking lot.
Ely's Historic State Theater (218) 235-6300 • ElyStateTheater.org • 238 E. Sheridan
Two theaters with classical movies, new releases, classics, special films, and live events. Popcorn, snacks, hot dogs and ice cream, beer, wine, and cocktails at the concession stand, which is not restricted to movie-goers. Enjoy refreshments whenever they’re open. Movies $7 a ticket. This is the home of the Ely Film Festival, with the fifth annual festival taking place March 10-14, 2027.
Ely Recreation Center (218) 365-5254 • Ely.MN.US/RecCenter
Ely Wheel Park, basketball court, pickleball, pick-up soccer in the hockey rink, skateboarding, Friday Game Night and more. The base for many kids’ activities. Available to rent for private parties by calling the City of Ely at (218) 365-3224 x1. Call or go to www.Ely.MN.US/RecCenter for current hours and activities open to all. 1034 E Main St (see map on page 94, "Main" is not a good description of this location) See website for more info on programs.
Warm up and get a deep cleaning. Public men’s and women’s rooms and private rooms. Friendly and clean, an Ely social scene. Towels included. Wed, Fri, Sat 4-5:30 / 6-7:30, + Fri 8-9:30 and Sat 2-3:30 $11-16, kids $5.
Ely-Winton History Museum (218) 365-3226 • ElyWintonHistory.org
Ely’s cultural heritage, indigenous life, archaeology, voyageurs, logging, and mining. 3D model of historic mines and homes. Book shop features local history titles. Hours Fri-Sat, noon to 4pm and by appointment. Free admission, but please consider donating or becoming a member. Located in the College Fine Arts building.
Hiking Trails
See map on page 94 for some locations. There are hundreds of places to hike near Ely whether you want to stretch your legs, go for a run, walk the dog, or make an expedition of several days. The Bass Lake Trail is one of the most popular with a waterfall, great views, swimming, fishing, and berry picking. Ask for trail maps at the USFS Visitor Center. The Koschak Farm is close to Ely, offers great birding, and isn’t so much a trail as a spot to poke around with kids or dogs and see what you can discover.
International Wolf Center (218) 365-4695 • Wolf.org
Enjoy a close encounter with a wolf pack as they play, eat, nap, and tussle. Visit the display to learn about canids of all kinds, wolf behavior, research, and more. Daily programs for all ages. Open 9-5 until Oct 20. Winter hours 10-5 Fri & Sat, 10-2 Sun. $18, Seniors 60+ and veterans $16, Child age 4-12 $12, members and kids under 4 free. Free online programs and an always-on webcam.
Kawishiwi Falls 444 Fernberg Rd
A 1.5 mile round-trip trail goes to the falls and down to a small beach on Fall Lake. Warm micro-climate supports an unusual yellow birch forest. Eagles’ nest across the bay. Great fishing below the falls. Access by road or lake. Watch for poison ivy at the lake and keep the kids close.
Lake Vermilion State Park (218)
300-7000 • MNDNR.gov/LakeVermilion
24 new OHV campsites at Pyrite Campground with electricity, open June 12-Oct 23. OHVs allowed on South side of 169, not within the State Park (North side). Vermilion Ridge Campground: 32 campsites, 3 group sites, 2 water-access sites, 8 year-round camper cabins and a rustic island cabin rental. Campsites here open May 9-Oct 11. The day-use picnic shelters and fishing pier are open daily.
Listening
Camp Voyageur
A camp for boys 10-18 with water and land sports plus wilderness canoe trips. Guided trips for girls. Located at the edge of the Boundary Waters. 800-950-7291, www.campvoyageur.com
Point (218) 365-5889 • ListeningPointFoundation.org
Take a guided tour of Sigurd Olson's historic cabin on Burntside Lake. Guided tours on Tues, Thurs, & Sat 10 AM & 2 PM. Register on the website. $8 with discount for senior, military, and children. Tours of the family home & writing shack Wed 1-5 and Fri 10-5 in Ely, no registration needed, call for the address. Tours available through September.
Miners Lake
The site of Ely’s first iron mines, this was a shallow open pit mine for a few years in the 1880s before operations went underground. The lake was created by flooding of collapsed drifts and shafts. Two fishing docks; one is wheelchair accessible. Stocked trout.
MN North College, Vermilion Campus (218) 235-2100
• MinneostaNorth.edu
The “Boundary Waters College” offers a traditional liberal arts curriculum, and specialized degrees and certifications in Natural Resources, Outdoor Education, Vet Tech, Forestry, Wildland Law Enforcement, Watershed Science, Emergency Medicine, and more. The Fine Arts Theater is the site of many performances and concerts. Stop in for a free tour.
Nelimark Finnish Homestead Museum (218) 984-3012 • SisuHeritage.org
In Embarrass, Minnesota’s Cold Spot, 28 miles from Ely and worth the drive. Finnish heritage and Embarrass history. Fresh baked goods and crafts. Sauna exhibit, historic buildings, antique farm tools. Thur–Sat, 10-4.
North American Bear Center (218) 365-7879
• Bear.org
Observe resident black bears as they play, eat, rest, and wander through their natural habitat. Northwoods Ecology Hall features more than 60 exhibits with wildlife displays and easy-to-use touchscreens. Cub room for kids, nature trail. 9am6pm daily May 22-Sept 6; 10am-4pm daily Sept 7-Oct 25. Open year-round for groups; call for arrangements. $18, seniors & military $17, age 3-12 $11, under 3 free.
Pillow Rock 1200 block of Main Street
You’ve heard of bed rock. Well, here’s the pillow, made of Ely Greenstone. Follow the historic site signs at 13th Ave to see this 2.7 billion-year-old geologic formation.
Semer's
Beach Park (218) 365-3224 x1 for rental
On Shagawa Lake, this park has a sandy beach and pier, playground, picnic facilities, restrooms, a campfire circle, hiking trails and islands, and a timber frame pavilion for rain shelter. Indoor event space for rent for reunions and parties. Follow signs from N. Central Ave.
Shopping See maps on pages 94 & 95 for advertiser locations. Visitors, don’t miss Chapman Street, one block south of Sheridan Street. Used books, hardware, kitchenware, craft supplies, gifts, massage, yarn, car parts, candles, deli, café, banks, small engine repair, and more.
Learn the history of this iron mine and why it was called “The Cadillac of Mines.” Take a hoist just like miners did, 2,314 feet down to a train that goes to the last working area. Hiking trails and picnic spots. Daily 10-4 Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. $15, age 5-12 $13, under 5 free. 22 miles west of Ely on 169. No vehicle permits required in the parking lot.
Swimming Spots
Semer's Park in Ely; Forest Service campgrounds at Fenske Lake, Fall Lake, and Kawishiwi; Dry Falls on the Bass Lake Trail; Fall Lake at the bottom of Kawishiwi Falls (watch for poison ivy), the Longbranch in Winton. There are no lifeguards. Good biking to most of these places.
Tofte Lake Center TofteLake.com
Artists on creative retreats and residencies fill the cabins and studio space here each summer. Public programs can be found in the calendar on page 85. If you need creative space in a northwoods setting, check out the website and plan an artist residency here. Some scholarships available. 2209 Fernberg Rd.
Tour Ely TourEly.VisitElyMN.org
Walk, bike, or drive to historic sites, notable houses, museums and other points of interest with this website. Create your own route or just notice these spots as you go by. Use the QR code on page 59.
Trezona
Trail
Four miles around Miners Lake for biking or hiking within the city limits. Some interpretive signs at historic mine sites. Spurs to International Wolf Center, USFS, and the college. Picnic shelter near the parking lot overlooks the lake. Leashed dogs welcome, but clean up after them!
U.S. Forest Service Ely Visitor Center (218) 365-7600 • Recreation.gov
Find informative brochures and maps, kids activities, and displays on wildlife, fire, wilderness history, and more. No permit pickup this year; see an outfitter. 8-4:30 daily 1393 Hwy 169.
Vermilion Range Trap Club (218) 343-2697
Join local sports shooters at this shooting range. Trap and skeet are available at the clubhouse 4 to dusk Wednesdays and 11-4 pm Sundays. Special events are held through the summer. Visitors and newcomers always welcome. Check the Facebook page for more info and updates.
Whiteside Park
Located in the middle of town, this is the site of many summer events including Blueberry Festival, Harvest Moon, and Farmers and Artists Market. Playground, gardens, band shell, restrooms, scribed-log pavilion, bronze statues, and plenty of space for Frisbee games.
Ely Photographic Collaborative Find them on Facebook
Ely Folk School
209 E Sheridan Street
Gardeners Humanities Trust GardenerTrust.org
Northern Lakes Arts Association NorthernLakesArts.org
Tofte Lake Center
TofteLake.org
Ely Arts
Walls & Shelves
Consie Powell ConsiePowell.com
Chris Koivisto Ceramics ElyArt.com
Eric Sherman Photography
EricShermanImages.com
Dafne Caruso Arts DafneCaruso.com
Larry Ricker Photography LHRimages.com
Fernberg
Gallery
Kekekabic
Mealey's
Nancy Scheibe NancyScheibe.com
Sarah Vogl Illustration StudioVogl.com
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Little Wolf is the new ambassador at the International Wolf Center this summer. Ely artist Consie Powell has spent the winter and spring birthing this pup and his story on life-size murals that are installed in the children’s area. Young guests will enter the room through an artistic portrayal of a den full of wolf pups and their mama. From there, they can move along the mural to see that Little Wolf opens his eyes and ears, tussles with his litter mates, nurses and grows, and scampers into the big world. Children can crawl through the den, emerging to listen to Little Wolf’s first attempts to howl and see how he begins to socialize with the pack.
A trip to Ely would be incomplete without meeting the live wolf pack. Rieka, a 4-year-old female, is the oldest and loves to socialize with both humans and the other wolves. Caz and Blackstone are 3-year-old litter mates,
The new Wolf Center murals by Consie Powell
Blackstone being a go-with-the-flow kind of guy and Caz being focused on the year-old pups, Cedar and Rowan. These wolves share their enclosure with some bold chipmunks, red squirrels, and a resident woodchuck.
Visitors can attend “What’s for Dinner?” on Saturday evenings when the pack is served their special of the week–usually road-killed deer and perhaps a beaver carcass or two. See the Calendar on page 85 for programs and workshops offered for all ages.
There will be other evenings to spend in town as a group of downtown merchants is making plans to stay open until 8 pm on select nights this summer. It’s pretty special to spend a full day on the lake and then enjoy our long summer evenings with time to wander through shops, catch some live music, and grab something delicious in town.
Night Owl Thursdays–happening the first Thursday of each month through October–provide some of those times. Participating shops will each offer their own take on the evening with specials, treats, and a welcoming atmosphere. While not every business will be open late, you can expect a handful of locally owned shops in our downtown area to keep their doors open into the evening. Spot participating businesses by their red Downtown Business “OPEN” sign and maybe a few red balloons to guide you. Tune in to WELY and follow along on the Downtown Ely social media account for updates.
Consie Powell in her home studio
Even if you don’t live in Ely, you’re welcome to come to the Meet Your Neighbor potlucks at the Ely Folk School. Held quarterly, they are a great way to expand your social circle, find others with similar interests, and get to know newcomers. There is a potluck and dance on May 30th. Come for the delicious food and stay for the energizing music and movement.
Check for more of these social events at BoundaryWatersConnect.com.
In the delicious department, Ely now has a dirty soda shop. If that’s not a familiar term, don’t worry–it’s not about
mud, germs, or sex. It’s about blending tasty syrups with carbonated drinks, topped with cream to form a refreshing beverage. Think Blueberry-Basil with a hint of citrus or strawberry mango topped with a swirl of sweet cream. You can keep it sentimentally simple with an old-fashioned Cherry Coke. Sip your refreshment on the porch of the former Pebble Spa and watch Sheridan Street’s
summer bustle. Need food? No problem. There may be one or more of the food trucks nearby or you can grab a hot dog or popcorn from the theater concession across the street. Bringing your own food is fine.
Although we’re very sad to see The Pebble Spa close, the new building owners have plans to make this a lively place with arcade games, crafting space, and whatever other fun ideas they can bring to upstairs are now rental office space.
Speaking of delicious, Ely has a new source of homemade breads and baked treats. Once a month Starbeam Bakery brings pies and pastries, cookies and cakes, buns and more, all baked right here in Ely and so fresh you can smell the yumminess from
Folk School Potluck
Carbonation's Dirty soda
the front door. These goodies are for sale along with local artisans’ crafts once a month at the Ely Community Center from 10-4. Visit their Facebook page for dates and details. The baked goods are going to go fast, so get there early and take some home for the freezer. If you would like to become a vendor at these events, call Elliott at (218) 235-1871.
If you are a serious paddler, you have probably admired (or if you were lucky, owned) Bell Canoes. A top-ofthe-line brand, these canoes had hull shapes that slipped silently through the water and turned the paddler’s
effort into easy miles. Unfortunately, the brand became unavailable once Ted Bell and the dedicated canoe builders who followed him reached retirement age. But the finely crafted canoes never lost their appeal. Now the Bell models are available again through Redfeather Outdoors at a new retail store on Central Avenue. Like the snowshoes, pulks, and other outdoor gear they sell, Redfeather canoes are manufactured in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. The store will be open seven days a week throughout the summer, so stop by to admire (and maybe own) these legendary boats. The store will be open year round, so get familiar with their winter gear too, and come back to Ely to use it.
Excitement will be building all summer as the finishing touches are put
on the new luxury hotel, The Elysium, in the former Community Center and Border Lakes Brewery in the old train depot. See the article on page 42.
Speaking of old buildings, the Bowling Alley, originally built in 1895! as the Opera House, is home to a shuffleboard construction operation. The wood used to build bowling lanes is perfect for creating enduring surfaces such as those needed on a shuffleboard. Orders are coming in from resorts, bars, and game arcades looking for an alternative to video games. Plans are developing to make more use of this historic site.
The Ely Art Walk has been part of the Ely Winter Festival since 1998, when it began with 16 artists displaying 30 works in several storefronts for the duration of the festival. Those numbers grew to dozens of artists, hundreds of pieces of
art, and 60-some store windows over the years. Realizing how much work it is to set up the Art Walk and how few February days there are that have abovezero temperatures, the board decided to extend it to the whole month for 2021. For 2026 it has moved to the month of September so that summer residents and tourists will be able to view and purchase the diverse works of many Ely area artists. Watch ElyArtwalk.org for artist registration information and a reception date.
If you have a dog friend or two who would just love to go wild off leash, you and they are in luck. Ely now has a completely fenced and gated dog park. Head to the recycling center and softball
Greenstone Art Camp will change from its usual summer timing to Fridays in October
fields on Old Airport Road at the east end of town. You’ll see the bone sign on the fence.
Of course, canine courtesy is required, and owners must follow the posted rules. You wouldn’t take a dump in Whiteside Park, but your dog doesn’t buy into that human custom, so bring a poo bag in case the poop station is empty. Not all dogs are welcome at all times– aggressive individuals, some breeds known to be aggressive, and
Fencing is complete with a separate area for small dogs. More is planned.
females in heat may not play well with others or with humans. If you have a newly-adopted dog, be sure to test their reactions before you bring them. Dogs must have an Ely city license tag. Those from out of town can just have a rabies vaccination tag.
There is no staff to do maintenance here, so please help with upkeep if you are able. The Ely Dog Park volunteers are working to develop the park with trees for shade and more facilities. See the Facebook page for updates, donations, and volunteering.
There are old-timers and not-so-old timers in Ely who have memories, mostly fond, tied to the buildings they see every day. The neighbor’s house may have once been a grocery store; a gift store housed a veterinary clinic and later an ice cream shop; canoes are displayed in a building that long ago sold used furniture and tools that some residents still own. Ely Folk School was Fisherman’s Headquarters, where the radio show “Let’s Go Fishing!” was broadcast and Boy Scouts bought tackle and flirted with the girls from town. A kitchen remodeling was completed there last fall. Frisky Otter was a Hardee's that closed and stood empty for several years. So many old buildings in town hold history and memories.
The Ely Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) is a group of volunteers dedicated to saving the bits of history that might disappear if no one is paying attention. Pride in the past and dedication to the future are reflected in the way a town maintains its historic sites and structures. In a more practical vein, restoring, reusing, and repurposing provides higher quality spaces at a lower cost than demolition and rebuilding. It is satisfying to see the renewal of Ely’s old buildings. Although some may be beyond the fixer-upper stage, many others have been, are being, and could be resurrected for new businesses and homes.
Passing by the former Community Center, a New Deal project costing $210,000 in the 1930s, some recall a rendition of the Sleeping Beauty ballet performed on the stage in the third floor auditorium in 1975. Countless wedding dances there followed bountiful reception buffets two floors down in the sprawling kitchen and dining area. Many generations can recall sitting on Santa’s knee in the entry area and hoping ever so hard that he really would bring that dearly desired toy; and checking out books from the library with its fireplace and unrecognized painting worth half a million dollars. Prominent figures, including mayors, Miss Elys, dignitaries and celebrities from out of town, addressed crowds during city celebrations. Gymnastics and ballet classes used barres, a balance beam, and rolling mirrors hand-made by local fathers and grandfathers who wanted the best for Ely kids. There were craft fairs and bake sales, the annual spaghetti dinner in mid-winter, offices for the arts, tourism, and city business. A big bull moose splashing along a wilderness shoreline was portrayed on a roomsize mural by Carl Gawboy. Once the building was no longer new, did anyone other than architects and historians pay attention to the brass fixtures, marble floors and stairways, and Art Deco and Neo-classical styling? These fine touches suddenly became worthy of admiration
Carl Gawboy Mural in a deteriorating office space in 2014
in 2014 when the building was about to be shut down with no idea of its fate; just a certainty that the upkeep wasn’t something the city could afford. Demolition seemed likely, but very sad. Fortunately the HPC was able to save the building and place it on the National Register of Historic Places, which greatly enhanced its value as a piece of real estate.
Moving a few blocks northwest, there was the train depot, which was built shortly after the train track pushed into town in 1888 to carry ore dug from the new mining operations. There’s no one still living to remember the early days when having a train station elevated the status of Ely and provided the means
for people and industry to move in and prosper. But many recall the trains chugging through town to carry the valuable ore to Duluth to be shipped to the steel mills, where it was made into the materials that built skyscrapers, machinery, and weapons of war. 86 million tons left by train between 1888 and 1967.
Although it was the mining industry that brought the train to Ely, the availability of passenger service was extremely popular. Regular passenger service began just a few days after the ore trains started in July 1888. This soon led to a rapid increase in population: from 104 people in 18 88 to 901 just two years later, and 2,266 five years after that. The depot was at the center of the 1889 commercial district, located along the Camp St. and Central Ave. corner, but no newspaper articles made mention of its construction or opening. The state
Winton kids headed to Ely for the movies
Carl Gawboy Depot Painting
required railroads that went through towns to build a passenger depot with two rooms so men and women could have their own spaces, so perhaps it was assumed that the depot came with the railroad, about which there was plenty of information. No doubt it was here sometime in 1888.
The depot building served other purposes. Telephone operators worked on the second floor, which also had bedrooms for the railroad workers. While cleaning up, workers found a 1904 phone book, bottles of malt beverage from Duluth Brewery, and pieces of woodwork from the passenger area, which will be restored to their original location.
Some Winton seniors might recall taking the train to Ely on a Saturday
afternoon to see the movie matinee and splurge on penny candy. Others took the train to nearby towns to visit relatives or to Duluth to shop in the classy department stores. Many remember the last train ride to Winton in 1981, offered free to all. Families piled aboard to say goodbye to an era that was surely ending. But the depot building survived and was soon the new home of Wilderness Outfitters, Ely’s first outfitter that had opened in 1921. Canoes filled the parking lot and the depot building became a retail store and storage. The train yard was an industrial area for construction companies. Finally, in 2017, the lights went out in the old depot and it remained empty until recently.
The Ott family is an important part of the Ely historic preservation story. Experienced in renovating historic buildings to the demanding standards required to add them to the National Register of Historic Places, the Otts have
The depot building as Wilderness Outfitters, 2000s
Last passenger train leaving Ely, 1981
invested time, effort, and capital in Ely. Ely’s Historic State Theater is perhaps the pinnacle of their accomplishments, but Ely Folk School, the James Drug Building, and the buildings housing Insula, Northern Grounds, and many others have been transformed from dull to magnificent, giving Ely streets a look to be proud of. (See the Alley A Realty Facebook page for some of the details of their renovations.) Their renovation of the train depot includes restoring the exterior with siding and windows that replicate the classic look of small town depots in the late 19th century.
By this fall or sometime soon (construction projects being rather unpredictable), both the Depot and the former Community Center will open as modern, stylish establishments that
will generate the same kind of fond memories they did a century ago. These two renovations are giving Ely new, well-paying, year-round jobs and providing visitors with reasons to spend more time in our vibrant town. What they have in common is the investment of millions of dollars–much of it going to local contractors, long hours of hard work, and owners who believe in Ely as a thriving community with a promising future. They complement one another in that one provides an enchanting place to spend the night after indulging in enough of the local brew to prefer a soft bed to a long drive. The other provides a choice for great dining when enjoying an extended stay in a first-class hotel to take advantage of Ely’s arts and culture opportunities, extensive multi-use trails,
and serene natural settings just moments from the center of town.
Future generations will have memories of these buildings that are different from the old-timers, but equally special. In the old Community Center there will be weddings, concerts, and romantic nights at the newly named Hotel Elysium, a boutique hotel with luxury accommodations on two floors and a third-floor ballroom available for events large and small. Spacious and bright, the building’s transformation from a run-down once-lovely city gem to a place at least as dazzling as it was at its opening in 1938 will amaze Elyites and visitors alike.
Border Lakes Brewing will provide future Elyites with fond reminiscing about delicious outdoor dinners, pitchers of local brews, and summer sunsets on the deck, even when no one remembers the building as a train depot. The five families investing in this business have extensive histories in the Ely area and a firm commitment to Ely’s prosperous future. They have hired local workers and construction companies for the renovation and will be ready to hire several more by late summer. They enlisted a local designer for their branding and web development. Two families from out of town will also move here to take on some of the upper management jobs.
Patrons of Border Lakes Brewing will enjoy a varied lunch and dinner menu, indoor space for group meetings or quiet dinners, and the outdoor patio and beer garden. A large deck will provide seating overlooking the Trezona Trail. Game nights, live music, and other entertainment will provide year-round fun. Having another fullservice restaurant in town will relieve some of the congestion on busy summer weekends when it can be hard to find a seat at the existing restaurants. Both new establishments have websites coming soon that will offer
Open from 6am to 2pm for coffee, tea, made-from-scratch hot breakfast and lunch, quiches, and baked items. Indoor seating, plus a spacious dog-friendly patio.
343 E Sheridan St, (218) 504-4036
additional information through the summer. See TheElysiumHotel.com and BorderLakesBrewing.com for updates and job opportunities.
For more area history, follow Ely Heritage Preservation Commission on Facebook, visit the Ely-Winton History Museum and Ely Arts & Heritage Center at Pioneer Mine, and take the Ely Historic Walking Tour.
The depot building, Winter 2026
A crowd gathering on Central Avenue to bid farewell to the first group of Ely draftees and enlisted men that served in World War I
Boathouse Brewpub Local brewery with full bar, big screens for sports, and family dining area. Appetizer options include duck wings and steak bites. Walleye, burgers, salads, and besttopped pizza in town. Events upstairs. Beer to go in Boundary Waters-approved growlers. #69
$11-17 • 47 E Sheridan St • (218) 365-4301
Find specialty groceries and organic produce, a breakfast sandwich to keep you going all day, and other hearty foods at the hot deli. Sit in the sunny dining nook or choose grab & go or take & bake. Extensive catering options, pop-up dinners. #78 $7-50 • 141 E Chapman St • (218) 365-3228
Add healthy fiber to your diet with Crapola granola made here. Pastries, fresh-baked bread, and yogurt parfaits, fair trade coffee and tea. Pun-filled gifts to take home. Live music outdoors through August: Thur 6pm, Sat 10am, some Tues 4:30. #89
$5-9 • 402 E Sheridan St • (218) 235-6161
Dairy Queen Evening ice cream treats at DQ–an Ely tradition since 1967. Try some of this summer’s new menu items like the delectable Strawberry Angel Food Cake Blizzard. Order custom cakes for your special occasions or get a pre-made one. Free pup cups. #46
$6-10 • 1441 E Sheridan St • (218) 365-5101
Burntside Lodge
Elegant meals with fresh seasonal ingredients, everything made in house–even the ice cream! Outstanding wine list. White tablecloth fine dining, but casual enough atmosphere to arrive by boat or canoe. Open until Sept 19th. Reservations are advised. #1
$16-60 • 2755 Burntside Lodge Rd • (218) 365-3894
Evergreen
Restaurant & Antlers Lounge
At Grand Ely Lodge. Open 365 days a year. Sunset views of Shagawa Lake. Extensive dinner menu, breakfast and lunch specials. Pasta dishes, steak, walleye, salads, desserts. Dine on the deck in good weather or by the fireplace on cool days. #37
$10-31 • 400 N Pioneer Rd • (218) 365-6875
Gator's Grilled Cheese Emporium
Comfort foods and healthy alternatives. Full breakfast menu, scratch-made soups, salads, and hearty grilled sandwiches. Ask about pasties to go. Dog-friendly sunny deck and shady side lawn or fireplace seating for chilly times. Little Free Library. #39
• (218) 365-7348 Insula Restaurant New American cuisine using locally sourced and many organic ingredients. Daily featured pasta dish, market catch, and butcher’s cut. Select desserts. Elevated casual ambiance. Specialty cocktails, large beer selection, and fine wines. #82
$9-32 • 145 E Sheridan St • (218) 365-4855
Northern Grounds Coffee and wine bar with quiches, charcuterie, soup and sandwiches. Coffee roasted on site, available by the bag. Largest wine selection in Ely and on-tap cocktails. Housemade baked goods. Fine cheeses, cold cuts, and olives to go. Wine and spirits tasting events. #63
$5-15 • 2 W Sheridan St • (218) 235-6125
Sheridan Street Deli Earliest coffee and hearty breakfast at 6am. Everything wholesome and made thoughtfully. Brown bag lunches for the construction site or fishing trip. Freshly baked cookies, bars, and sometimes pies and cakes. Dog friendly deck. #88
$8-15 • 343 E Sheridan St • (218) 504-4036
Palm & Pine Juice Cafe Gluten-free, vegan, mostly organic ingredients are not just nutritious, but truly tasty. Immunity-building smoothies and fresh-pressed juices, avocado toast, fruit or veggie and high-protein grain bowls. You won’t miss the meat! Convenient in the Hub. #33
$5-20 • 760 Miners Dr E • (651) 373-4908
Summer Food Trucks
Do you have a hankering for Thai curries, a hot dog with all the trimmings, or maybe wood-fired pizza? All these and much more are available at Ely food trucks during Farmers Market on Tuesdays, at Blueberry and Harvest Moon festivals, and on the streets in various locations through the summer. New this year is the American Legion food trailer serving your favorite summer brats and burger, chicken wings, fries, tacos and more.
ely bars
Dee's Bar 17 E Sheridan St
Antlers Lounge 400 N Pioneer Rd
Kwazy Wabbit 11 N Central Ave
Sam'z Place 1203 Old Winton Rd
Silver Rapids Lodge 450 Kawishiwi Tr
Zaverl's Bar 509 E Sheridan St
ely farmers market
Tuesdays 4-7pm in Whiteside Park. First Tuesday in June through Last Tuesday in September.
Britton's Café A favorite spot with locals and those about to spend the day working (or fishing) hard. Catering with home cooked food. Take out. $9-18 • 5 E Chapman St • (218) 365-3195
Domino's Pizza Ely's late-night option. Pizza and much more. Open 10am until midnight 7 days a week. Find coupons there and at Dominos.com. $6-26 • 32 E Sheridan St • (218) 235-6262
Frisky Otter Italian specialties, salmon, walleye, and steak. Breakfast Thur-Sun. Covered outdoor seating, newly remodeled interior fireside dining. Sports bar. $10-50 • 302 E Sheridan St • (218) 235-6266
The Happy Wanderer Open every day. Polish, pizza, wings, Friday fish fry and shrimp, taco truck on the highway or for catering. On the best fall color drive. $7-16 • 10502 Hwy 1 • (218) 404-3312
The Lazy Loon at Silver Rapids Lodge Deck overlooking White Iron. Sandwiches, wraps, smash burgers. Full bar. Live music to end of Sept. $16-18 • 459 Kawishiwi Tr • (218) 365-4877
Oriental Orchid More than 100 authentic Vietnamese and Chinese menu items. Weekday lunch specials and dinner combinations. Call for faster service. $9-21 • 506 E Sheridan St • (218) 365-7502
Subway Healthy fast food. Breakfast, subs, wraps, protein bowls, and all the drinks, chips, and treats to go with it. Catering for families and parties. $7-16 • 1520 E Sheridan St • (218) 365-2699
Zup's Deli Fresh sushi daily, fried chicken, pasties, and plenty of side dishes. Daily specials include meals you'd find in Ely homes with Grandmas doing the cooking. $6-9 • 1500 E Sheridan St • (218) 365-3188
camp menu the ultimate
Frontcountry camping breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes that are:
• fail-proof & simple
• prepped in advance
• insanely delicious
• easy clean up
by Sarah Vogl
Growing up, camping meant waking up to the smell of a full spread: bacon, eggs, hash browns, and toast, all sizzling over the fire before the sun was fully up, lovingly prepared by my mom. It was magic, and those memories make up the foundation of my love for the outdoors.
But, as I started camping with my own family, I realized that my personal “great outdoors” happy place involves a little less time at the camp stove and a lot more time in a hammock or on the water. I’ve traded the early-morning marathon for a more streamlined approach. By shifting the heavy lifting from the campsite to my home kitchen, I’ve found the sweet spot: eating like royalty without spending the whole trip
prepping at the picnic table and heating dish water. Many of the recipes in this article are staples on our menu at home–so I make double batches and freeze, drastically reducing the time it takes to prepare for a camping trip.
This menu was created for a frontcountry camping trip–i.e. in a tent, your car, or a camper at a campground with drive-up or cart-in campsites. Backcountry trips, including the BWCAW, are a whole different story. Before we get into the camp menu and list, here are my top three food-related camping tips:
1) Night One = Ready-Made Meals
On arrival day, we bring a fully premade, no-assembly-required dinner that does not require heating or clean
Lemon Prosciutto Pasta
up. Or we pick up takeout on our way (yes, that’s okay). Have to heat it? Assembly required? There’s probably a better option. If you put the time in to preparing cold favorites at home that are ready to grab-and-eat, you’ll thank yourself when putting up the tent later.
2) Set the Table
You can afford to take a few luxuries with you when you’re frontcountry camping. My three favorite mealrelated extras are:
• A durable, easy-to-clean, reusable picnic table cloth with metal clips.
• Candles or a gas/kerosene lantern for non-battery operated ambiance–essential!
• If camping in Northern Minnesota late May to late July: a lightweight, easy-up screen tent with rain roof. The bugs can get intense around dinner time. Those are also peak summer storm months and keeping your picnic table dry is paramount.
3) Make a Hand-Washing Station Sanitizer and/or walking to the bathroom just doesn’t cut it when you’re camping in the dirt, especially with kids. We use a 2.5-gallon spigot container set on the end of the picnic table, biodegradable soap, and a bucket to catch the soapy water.
Campfire or Camp Stove?
I prefer to do most cooking and reheating over/in the campfire, but we also bring a gas camp stove for quickly heating water, and in cases where a campfire might be difficult. To make a cooking fire, start a half hour or so before you want to roast or bake something. Boil water or heat food in a pot over the fire while coals are forming. Add thicker pieces of dry solid wood about the size you can wrap your hand around. Let these burn until they are charred and glowing, then spread them out and add your foil-wrapped food next to or on top of them. Turn frequently.
Cookware & Dishware Needed
• Camp stove, fuel, and lighter
• Tongs
• Serving spoon
• Cast iron Dutch oven
• Potholder/oven glove
• A campfire grate
• Parchment paper & tin foil
• Disposable plates, bowls, cutlery
• Muffin tins for charcuterie tray
My mom with camp dinner in the ‘80s
Our youngest kid's first camping trip
Arrival Night Meals
Gourmet Turkey Subs Make the night before or morning you leave.
Buttered & Toasted Hoagie Roll + Homemade Slaw + Thick-Cut Deli Turkey Lunch Meat + Bacon + Preferred Condiments
Make the Slaw: cabbage, mayo, pepperoncini, bell peppers, finely chopped wine vinegar, garlic powder, drizzle of honey, Italian seasoning. Toast the bread and assemble the sandwiches (use romaine lettuce leaves or cheese next to bread to prevent sogginess). Wrap tightly.
Pasta Salad Use protein pasta and/or add grilled chicken if this is your main Make up to three days beforehand.
Combine cooked and cooled al dente pasta with rest of ingredients (oil, vinegar & spices, to taste), add any other veggies, pepperoni, and cheese cubes if you’d like.
Skewer ingredients and lay them in a baking tray with lid. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic, sprinkle with Italian Seasoning. Slice, butter, and wrap crusty bread for a completely ready meal. You can sub quality lunch meat for the Prosciutto.
Breakfasts
Breakfast Burritos Pre-assembled & frozen at home, heated in coals at camp • Make & freeze up to two months beforehand or make & refrigerate 1-2 days beforehand
Tortillas + Scrambled Eggs + Sauteed peppers, onions, and spinach + Cheese + Sausage or Bacon + Tater Tots + S&P
At home: Cook eggs, tots, and meat. Sauté vegetables. Assemble burritos. Double wrap parchment, then double wrap in foil. At camp: Place wrapped burritos near edge of coal bed. Turn often. Check every 5-10 minutes until hot. These can also be reheated in Dutch oven on camp stove, but it takes longer.
Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes Pre-assembled and frozen at home, cooked over a fire at camp • Make & freeze patties up to 2 months beforehand
At home: Cook and crumble bacon. Dice green onions. Combine leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, green onions, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and eggs. Measure with your heart. Add flour, a little at a time until you can form patties. Form 1/3” thick potato patties by pressing balls of dough between two pieces of parchment. Place patties on parchment-lined cookie sheet, freeze. Once frozen, transfer to freezer bag and keep in freezer, ensuring patties don’t touch. Keep frozen until packed. At camp: Over a low cooking fire/ coals, heat avocado (or canola) oil in your cast iron on the campfire grate. Cook potato pancakes until golden, flip. Patties will fall apart if flipped too early. Top with sour cream, green onions, bacon, salsa and/or hot sauce, and a fried egg if you’re feeling ambitious.
Sourdough Breakfast Grilled Cheese Pre-assembled at home, cooked on coals at camp • Make the night before Buttered Bread + Scrambled or Fried Eggs (cooled) + Spinach + Tomato + Cheese
At home: Cook eggs and assemble the sandwiches to your liking. Wrap If adding tomatoes, keep them separate until right before cooking. At camp: cooking coals, put unwrapped sandwiches in sandwich cookers and place on edge of coal bed. Turn every 2-3 minutes, checking often, until melted.
Morning Snack Tray Pre-assembled, no-cook, portable breakfast tray Hardboiled Eggs + Prosciutto or Bacon + Nuts + Dried & Fresh Fruit + Yogurt The night before your trip, assemble ingredients in muffin tins and wrap with beeswax wrap. You can also pre-slice ingredients and store in containers, assembling at camp. Soak apple slices in cold water & lemon juice before storing to prevent browning.
Four better things to do than dishes while camping:
Next time you make mashed potatoes, double the batch and stash these potato pancakes in the freezer for camping They're the perfect quick, hearty camp breakfast!
At camp: Cook pasta (camp stove is easiest). While still hot, add diced tomatoes, Parmesan, olive oil. Toss with a little lemon juice and basil. Top with Prosciutto or bacon.
Jacket Potatoes Pre-cooked at home, heated on coals at camp • Bake 1-2 days before Potatoes + Oil + S&P + Garlic Powder + Cheese + Bacon + Green Onions + Sour Cream + Butter
At home: Scrub a 5 pound bag of potatoes clean. Stab each one with a fork a couple of times. Coat in oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder. Bake at 350° for 60-90 minutes, until fork tender. Allow to cool, double wrap in parchment, double wrap in tin foil. Refrigerate. At Camp: When you have a bed of coals, place wrapped potatoes near edge of coal bed. Turn often. Check every 5-10 minutes until hot. Top with sour cream, bacon, green onions & steakhouse seasoning.
Falafel Pockets Pre-made & frozen falafel patties, cooked & assembled at camp • Make up to 2 months ahead of time
Falafel: 2 Cans Chickpeas + 1/2 Red Onion + Handful Parsley + 4-6 Cloves Garlic + 1 t Salt + 1 t Cumin + 1 t Baking Powder + 1/2 c Flour + Zest of 1/2-1 Lemon + Neutral Oil Pockets & Dressing: Pita Pockets + Greek Yogurt + Lemon Juice + 1-2 Cloves Garlic + Dill + Thin Sliced Red Onion + Thinly Sliced Cucumber + Spinach
At home: Add all ingredients–except for baking powder and flour–to food processor. Pulse just until a textured paste forms. Transfer mixture to bowl, add baking powder. Add flour a bit at a time until you can form patties. Use 2-3 T of mixture per patty, lay out on a parchment-covered cookie sheet and freeze. Once frozen, place neatly in freezer bags–keep frozen until packed. A day before departure, prep the toppings: thinly sliced red onion and cucumber, and yogurt sauce: Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, garlic and salt & pepper to taste. At camp: when fire and coals are ready, heat avocado (or canola) oil in your cast iron on campfire grate. Cook falafel until golden brown, flip. Patties will fall apart if flipped too early. Stuff pita bread with falafel, spinach, chopped red onion, cucumber, and yogurt sauce.
Potato Gnocchi Sausage Soup Pre-cooked & frozen at home, heated in Dutch oven at camp • Make & freeze up to 2 months beforehand
1 lb Ground Italian Sausage + 2 Cans Diced Tomatoes + Stock + 1 small can tomato paste + 1/2 Head Green Cabbage + 2 Small Onions + 1-2 Packages Potato Gnocchi + Kale + Garlic Powder + Italian Seasoning + Cauliflower + Rosemary + S&P + Balsamic
Perfect for cool nights!
At home: Brown sausage. Put everything but kale and gnocchi in the crock pot, cook on low 4 hours. Add kale, gnocchi, a drizzle of aged balsamic and cook 2-3 hours more. Cool and freeze in leak-proof freezer containers. Remove from freezer and refrigerate about two days before you leave. At camp: Reheat soup in a Dutch oven with lid on grate over a low fire, stirring often. Serve with crusty bread & butter.
Hummingbird Desk
by Becca Manlove
My friend John says I’m the only writer he knows who writes with hummingbirds hovering around her head. My writing desk is parked under a deep eave on the deck of a cabin perched balsam-treeheight above the lakeshore. The “desk” is really a white enamel table with fading red trim and rusting metal legs–circa 1956. In other words, about my age and condition. We’ve both spent more time outside than is probably good for our chrome. Her pullout extensions and little drawer don’t slide like they should. My joints don’t slide and bend like they should either. But I can still portage a four-year-old–we call it Giggy back rides–and my desk can still serve as a buffet table for ten kids and assorted parents when I’m not using her as my writing desk.
The cabin deck is generous and the cabin itself is snug--the deck has more square footage. The cabin has aboveground plumbing, no toilet other than a very nice outhouse, and no insulation in the walls. It’s only livable from Fishing Opener until Halloween. For the first few summers, I carried my laptop out to the deck and bounced among the deck furniture until one day I brought a chair out and plunked it beside the table.
To my right was the sunrise, the lake, and distant islands. On my left were stairs up to the outhouse. The sun warmed my back and the screen door beside the table meant easy access to coffee pot and bug relief. And in front of me was a clear surface–plenty of space for a laptop, a couple of journals, and any jumble of books I carried from inside. Best of all, though, were the hummingbirds.
When I found the cabin, tiny rubythroated hummingbirds frequented the deck. They loved the flowers left behind by the previous owner. I hung a feeder under the eave and asked a horticulturalist
about which flowers were best for them. She recommended the firecracker, which are leggy little plants. Each blossom holds no more than a sip of nectar. The birds hover before these blooms and somehow thread their needle-nosed beaks into the minute centers.
Here are a smattering of journal entries, written mostly at my Deck Desk, during the summer of 2025.
April 22, 2025–Earth Day (after reading Susan Szymanski’s ‘In Search of the Mother Tree’): Surprise! Turns out a Mother Tree shares nutrients, warnings, and teachings with her offspring and with other plants through an underground web of fungus, mycelium. Love sung in a language we don’t hear–thrumming beneath the duff.
Cinco de Mayo: slowly setting up for the cabin season. My kids carried down the deck furniture and we repaired a few things. Warm today–78 degrees! Ice off the lake just a few days ago. Rachel, neighbor and also a writer, was paddling around in the candle ice for a few days before that. Next year, I want to do that!
May 9: Spent my first night here of this season–without heat–chilly! And
a morning writing session at my Deck Desk with chickadee serenades, twentyfoot wind in the pines but calm below, intense sunlight on the lake–totally worth the challenges.
May 18: I’ve been trying to describe the scent of blooming saskatoons–aka Juneberries or serviceberries. Their perfume is like the hermit thrush’s evening song–strong in the air and yet requiring attention to notice it. The saskatoons’ small white petals rain with any slight disturbance–a breeze, a chickadee landing, a child grasping a branch.
May 19: It’s a mess inside, but too chilly and breezy for my outside Deck Desk. Last Tuesday I was meeting with a plumber while watching barely four-yearold Sive play at the little beach. The water is still so cold it shoots pain up my legs, but she dashed in and out “saving” leaves and sticks. While we were talking, our neighbor called. He told me about the app, Watch Duty. He said we were just north of the Ready–as in Ready-Set-Go–evacuation alert for the Jenkins Fire. He was out of the area for the day and asked that I check on his dogs–maybe load them up–if things got bad.
Finally, I said goodbye to the plumber, dragged an unhappy Sive out of the sand and water, grabbed my tools and a few
other treasures before I ran up to meet my other granddaughter as she got off the school bus. As I drove down our narrow, winding road, I thought of another neighbor’s dog in his kennel and a few neighbors at home with health issues. The zones reached just south of a friend’s camp at the end of another winding road. I was suddenly aware of being circled by precious people and pets. How many could I carry in my little Subaru?
The next few days were tense. We loaded our cars with photo albums, journals, and art. Friends and family came to help move valuables to safety and improve fire breaks around buildings. We looked at property and belongings with fresh eyes. Six-year-old Ailish observed our work and became anxious. Her mother reassured her that things can always be replaced but people never can. That we’re safe is the most important thing.
Thursday afternoon was alarming with fire starts all over–even within town limits. One blaze started at the bottom of a steep hill just below a family’s home. Fire leaps up hills, but firefighters caught that one. Luckily, the gusty winds were in advance of a cold front carrying rain. But that brought its own hazards. Wind tore off the top of a big balsam and smashed it into a neighbor’s roof. The cabin road was without power for hours.
Our treasures–journals and photo albums, books and mementos–squat in bins in the middle of other things deemed less important. We savor relationships with loved ones and neighbors–even those few who are a little smug about not preparing to evacuate.
May 24, 4:30 a.m.: Through the little kitchen window–a sliver moon and a lone
star in the eastern sky and in the lake. Despite a night of frost warnings, I step out the door barefoot. Inside, I can’t hear the cacophony of bird song. Why do they sing the sun up? Gentle goose squawks sift down from the sky, too, in rhythm with the wavering moon on the water.
May 27: According to my phone, the sun will rise at 5:16. At 5:07 there’s a quiet pink in the saddle between the bump of the big island and the point to the north. Strokes of pink lie across the water. And now through the scruffy branches of the spruce on the lakeshore, here she comes. Really, here we go–spinning into her light, again.
A wavering line of geese just flew by and the birch leaves are out. Black flies–aka sand flies–are out but tolerable and blueberry bushes are thick with blossoms. Light wavers across the birch leaves–bands from light reflected off gentle waves, moved by a gentle breeze, and maybe even by the vibrations of a woodpecker announcing his availability for a hookup.
June (already!) 1: The pump keeps losing pressure. I’m reminded again of how precious water is. I have the whole lake out there, but no dock in yet and the beach is awash with jack pine pollen–gold but stinky. No good way to scoop water out of the lake. I’m grateful for the places I can get water for drinking and washing. I’m glad for the strength to haul three-gallon jugs.
June 2: Red sun despite its height at 7 a.m. Smokey air. May our Canadian neighbors find relief from fires. Sticky birch bits, the sheds from bursting leaf buds, are everywhere–a sure sign of spring.
June 3: The dock is in!
June 5: A lovely morning, but I’m
inside. My neck is lumpy and bleeding from black fly bites.
June 21: Summer Solstice! Elevated on the deck, I am in the tops of trees sighing with the morning breeze. The air is freshly damp from a storm last night. Almost cool enough for a sweatshirt despite heat advisories for later today.
June 26: We had a pod of kids and moms here yesterday. Heat warnings were posted. Everyone was in and out of the water all afternoon. And that lovely evening, I took a dive in by myself. I’ll need another swim this morning to fix my went-to-bed-with-wet-hair mess.
July 2: This little cabin feels a lot like a pop-up tent in a busy campground when shades and curtains are open and carpenters start work next door at 7 a.m. In a real tent, we feel a little vulnerable. Is that rustling we hear a mouse or a moose? Our bodies must conform to the cradle of earth–slope and lumps, temperature and scents, hermit thrush lullaby with whippoorwill percussion, thunderstorm alarm, and sunrise a little too early.
July 7: A song sparrow (Thanks, Merlin app ID) keeps perching very close–first above my head on a maple branch and then on an alder nearby. She’s chipping loudly, clearly saying “Get out of here!” Celestial light streams from clouds above the islands. The carpenters plan their day’s work in murmurs and soft laughter. The song sparrow returns to the alder to protest. Her partner is behind me somewhere. They have me surrounded. OK, I’ll leave. My apologies for invading your quiet, Singing Sparrows.
July 9: Mist over the water–it was chilly last night. How very quickly we slide toward fall. OK, that’s silly. We have a lot of summer left. I just don’t like to lose any heat out of our swimming lake.
July 21: So many delights to list! This is a fat berry time–raspberries, saskatoons, and blueberries are all ripe. We’ve picked quite a lot but kept only a few cups full as our little girl bears grab handfuls from any bucket or adult hand while picking their own, too. These wild berries are sweetened by the effort it took to gather them and by the company of children.
July 24: Four inches of rain fell yesterday. We’ve gone from drought and fire to deluge this summer. Today’s delights: red sunlight on a calm lake and two hummingbirds buzzing the feeder beside my chair. I know that a red sun means smoke and fire burning somewhere, so I feel selfish about enjoying the beauty of red light.
July 30: My granddaughters were here for an impromptu sleepover. They were up before six. Sweatshirts over nightgowns and life jackets over that, me in clothes with a few swallows of yesterday’s coffee, the six-year-old on her kid-size kayak, me with the four-year-old on my lap in my kayak–and off we went. A lovely, calm, red-sun, misty morning with the girls’ eager chatter and laughter and debates about loon sightings and water lily plucking probably waking the entire row of cabins along shore.
August 11: John and I admired the Super Moon rising over the lake last evening. At 4:30 this morning I went down
to the dock. Two planets shone steadily in the eastern sky and wavered in the water. Now two or maybe three hummingbirds are buzzing the feeder and the firecracker plants and each other.
August 15: A strange steamy morning. At 6:18 the light is still dusk-like so not the best for Deck Desk writing, but I’m in scarcity-mode about how many mornings are left for this season. Thoughts after a swim: The water is cool, but not yet icy. Noticing the wonder that is treading water–turning hands in and out making slow infinity signs. A moment of solitude despite a library of docks and lives cluttering the rocky tumble of shoreline behind me.
September 1: A hummingbird flew in and sipped from the firecracker plant at my elbow. I turned my head slowly and was eye to eye with the tiny flyer–as close as I might get to one of my granddaughters’ faces when we share a delightful secret.
September 15: This morning the deck was littered with crunchy, yellow birch leaves. I thought the hummingbirds were gone but a tiny one sipped the bedraggled firecracker blooms. I lay down on the dock last night, watching the aurora borealis. I felt tiny as wavering lights streamed to the crown of the sky, nosing the stars. I don’t have rich enough words for this delight!
September 24: Starry, starry nights and the dock–my viewing platform–is still in. The plumbers installed a lake water system giving me running water–joy!
October 1: Fallen leaves crackle underfoot. Four-year-old granddaughter
says the air smells like French fries. It does: earth, and crisp leaves, and something a little sweet–maybe the trees’ sighs as their summer sugar-rush ends.
October 27: We moved my Deck Desk into the cabin yesterday. I’m loving its position, looking out the big window at the lake, and I look forward to moving it outside next spring. Who knows what we’ll witness from there next summer?
Becca’s collection of essays, Hauling Water, is available at the library and perhaps Chapman Street Books. Her newly released novel, On Butterfly Wings, will be for sale at Piragis Bookstore early this summer. Watch for a book signing.
Anishinaabe Place Names
Thespot where the canoe gets stuck in mud, the beaver dam where there was a wolf, the street that has bad potholes, the hunting stand by the big ash tree, the place in the lake that freezes up last. People often refer to specific locations with this kind of detail, but the official names of places on our maps and signs is much shorter and less descriptive.
In Ely, most streets carry the name of men influential in industrial development in the late 1800s–mining executives, surveyors, and investors. In 1884, when Ely was a 40-acre ragtag assortment of muddy paths, hastily constructed log buildings, and open pits where iron ore was being dug out with shovels and picks, mine captain John Pengilly named the soon-to-be-booming community after his daughter, Florence. But in 1888, when the city sought official status with the State of Minnesota, there was another town of that name. So Ely was named after a Michigan mining man who never even visited.
Place names in the United States are commonly numbers, people’s names, or nearby notable features. Numbers, such as Ely’s avenues, may help with
Anishinaabe Maps at Ely Folk School
navigation but are useless in providing information about the place. Names of people commemorate folks who were influential, such as the recently named Linda Fryer Way in Ely. She was the Chamber of Commerce director who was instrumental in establishing Blueberry and Harvest Moon festivals. The street appropriately runs along Whiteside Park.
Lakeview Avenue, Railroad Street, and Boundary Street, which was once the edge of the city of Ely, indicate characteristics or history. Of course, there are plenty of others, some with interesting stories, but not very many with the long descriptions used for spots that don’t have
an official title. Unless you use the Anishinaabe names.
The language of the Anishinaabe, Ely area’s native people, is Anishinaabemowin or Ojibwemowin. -Mowin is the suffix that means a spoken language. English is zhaaganaashimowin. For a time, one slightly derogatory word for the English language was gitchi-mookomaanimowin, literally “big knife language” because the European visitors who first came in contact with the Ojibwe carried swords. (“Ojibwe” and “English” are used in this article to save space.) The Ojibwe language was oral, not written, with stories, ceremonies, medicine, and instructions for living a good life passed on through the generations without the need for writing. When Europeans arrived and transcribed phonetically what they heard, there was much variation in their spellings. Hence, Ojibwe, Ojibway, and Chippewa all were the same word, which refers to the puckered toe moccasin style that the natives crafted. Even today, there is a large variety of spellings in the written Ojibwemowin words.
Ojibwe place names are descriptive and often in a verb form in their language, which is heavy on verbs and light on nouns. For example, the name
of White Iron Lake is Wabishka-biwabiko, which is literally “iron that is being white in color.” (Notice that biwabik, meaning "iron," is also the name of a nearby town.) Since their relationship to the land was more organic and communities were small, the Ojibwe people didn’t have a grid system layout for their towns, and it was unnecessary to name paths between one wiigiwaam and the next. A trail or route would be referred to by the places along it or its qualities, a number not being helpful in way-finding when walking through the woods rather than checking a route in Google Maps.
In spite of that, there are Boundary Waters lakes named Bezhig, Niizh, Niswii, and Niiwin–One, Two, Three, and Four in English. They are small lakes northwest of Cummings Lake, not on a major water route for today’s paddlers, although they would have
n 10 miles of Ely are mainly comprised of an 8-lake chain looked after by the White Iron Chain 1993, this group of homeowners and lake users have helped ensure these lakes remain clean an s monitor water quality each year and promote strategies for avoiding pollution and the spread invasive species. Their education efforts also include acknowledging the Indigenous Ame who have lived here for centuries. On this map, you'll find the WICOLA lakes and other Ely-area lakes with their original Anishinaabemowen names & meanings (in italics). O
Gaa-zhaagawigama
Lake
ne-ia-bi-giteia-ga-mak
Burntside Lake ”The lake where the timber has been burned off on one side”
Wabishkabiwabiko
“White Iron” Lake
Gitigaannug zagaigun Farm & Garden Lakes “place for growing food”
Dagwa “
Shagawa Lake was Gaa-zhaagawigama or “where we live on an oblong lake.” That was simplified to Long Lake in Ely’s early days, but eventually became Shagawa. It might seem that Fall Lake would be named for the dramatic Kawishiwi Falls that pour into it at the downstream end of the Kawishiwi River. But the word Dagwaagin in the Ojibwe name refers to the harvest season in fall.
Ojibwe families raised vegetables on Garden and Farm Lakes, which together
were named Gitigaanug zagaigun, “place for growing food.” Gaawishiwug ziibi was the name for the Kawishiwi River. Ziibi means river or stream. A common interpretation of this name is “river with many beaver lodges,” but another interpretation has been “a place where the spirits change,” which might reflect the geological change along the river’s channel from light-colored granite outcroppings to the darker gabbro rock shorelines. This is noticeable while paddling the river, and also crossing the river traveling south on Highway 1.
Lake Vermilion’s Ojibwe name is Onamani Zaaga’iganiin, “brilliant red on our lake,” likely referring to the sunset glow on the lake’s surface or the red soil from iron deposits. Other picturesque names on Lake Vermilion give hints about wildlife sightings, sites of traditional activities, and locations of resources. Gabaishibatigong translates as “raven duck going under a log,” now known as Black Duck Island. “Place for making maple sugar,” “bear’s place for gathering wild rice,” and “lake where they cache goods between carries” are places whose Ojibwe names are nearly as long as these descriptions.
Anishinaabemowin fell out of use as the boarding school generation was forced to speak English and compelled to assimilate into European culture. But the elder native speakers preserved the
Pockets of tillable soil allowed Anishinaabe families like this one on Farm Lake in 1890 to grow vegetables in the Garden and Farm Lake areas, hence these names.
language and are now a resource for those who would embrace their native heritage. One of those elders, Karen Drift of Nett Lake, helped to create maps with the Ojibwe place names. Along with other Bois Forte band members and the Ely Folk School staff and board, Karen provided wisdom and practical assistance with lake names and their interpretations. Others helped with the map-making and design.
Today Anishinabemowin and other native languages are being introduced beyond the cultural education programs on reservations. Public signs along roadways and even in buildings may include the native words along with English. For instance, you might see ikwewag and ininiwag on restroom doors to indicate women’s and men’s rooms. At the Folk School, there is a sign gigawabemin miinawaa, loosely “come again” in English. Travelers are becoming more aware of the preEuropean names that are in common use. In this area, the towns of Keewatin (north wind) and Biwabik (iron), the
region name Mesabi (big mountain), and many lake names reflect what they were called by the people living here before European contact. Other words with Ojibwe origins that appear on maps of the region include Odena (town), Nipigon (lake you can’t see the end of), Noopiming (in the woods), and Manoomin (wild rice).
Quetico, the provincial park north of the Boundary Waters, has created an interactive map display with native place names at the Dawson Creek center and the Lac LaCroix native village. They plan to have an online version. Perhaps they will also print copies, and Ely will develop an online interactive version of the maps here. There is interest in creating another map to include Boundary Waters lakes to the north and east. Lake names such as Gabemichigami, Kekekabik, and Ogishkemuncie seem to have origins in Ojibwemowin, and hopefully there are native language speakers to help discover the meaning behind the words.
The maps, one of the Lake Vermilion area and the other further east that includes Burntside, Shagawa, Birch, Garden, Farm, and much of the southern portion of the Kawishiwi River, are on
display at the Ely Folk School and other locations. Poster-size prints of the maps can be purchased at the Ely Echo or Ely Folk School, either two-sided with area information on the back or mounted on foam core, ready to hang.
To learn more about the Bois Forte Ojibwe, visit the The Bois Forte Heritage Center & Cultural Museum, located on the shores of Lake Vermilion. The museum tour begins with the Mural of Migration, which traces the journey from the East Coast to the Great Lakes region over 500 years. Other exhibits include a birch bark dwelling called a Waaginogan, a replica fur trading post, and the Lake Vermilion Indian Boarding School exhibit.
The Lifeways exhibit shows traditional harvest activities including maple syruping, wild ricing, games, and bead work. A Veterans Wall honors Bois Forte Band members who served in the military. The museum ends with a display of pow wow dancing regalia and visitors can watch a film about Bois Forte history told by tribal elders. For more information, see page 26 or visit BoisForteHeritageCenter.com.
ummer in Ely calls for a good book tucked into your day pack. Whether you’re lounging by the lake or camping under the pines, we’ve gathered great reads for all ages to enjoy!
We Became Wild: Haunted by memories of their best friend and inspired by her plans to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, two troubled teen girls tumble into their own quest on the PCT. They carry guilt, fear, anger, their friend’s ashes, an old tent, inappropriate clothing, an inadequate supply of water, and little else of any use. Rated R for language, but a satisfying read for older teen girls and their parents in need of reassurance that they can make it to adulthood and that nature can help them heal and grow.
A Spark of Courage: With anxiety rising among youth for many reasons–including ever-increasing screen time–A Spark of Courage is a beautiful reminder of the power of getting kids into nature. In this story, an uncle takes his nephew on a canoe-and-camp adventure that helps the boy discover his true self and the value of the wilderness. With practical outdoor tips and vibrant illustrations, it’s the perfect book for kids of all ages.
Chapman Street Books
Quality used books on all topics, including many with local interest. Bring yours in for a discount. Big free box. Home to Prairie Fire Tobacco, with imported and domestic blends. 139 E. Chapman St. 218-365-2212
The Ultimate Wildlife Habitat Garden: Drawing on wisdom from the many great gardeners in her life, Stacy Tornio offers an inviting, accessible guide to gardening for wildlife. Skipping statistics, she dives straight into how to attract and support birds, bees, butterflies, and other essential creatures. Organized by the wildlife you want to welcome, each section highlights key species and the plants that best meet their needs. With simple guidance, stunning photos, and fun facts throughout, this book is both inspiring and easy to use.
Congrats
We’re proud to share in the mission of connecting and celebrating our northern communities. Here’s to many more years ahead.
— Northern Wilds Magazine
It’s the perfect companion to keep on hand as you plan your garden each year in Ely or beyond.
My First Day Fishing: by author Will Millard’s memory of catching his first fish in his boot, Day Fishing guide to all things angling. From rods to hooks, to bait, casting, and fun surprises –like learning corn can make great bait! This book is an inviting and practical introduction for any young person who wants to learn about fishing, with beautiful illustrations to reel them in.
Photo Credit: Ben Schmidt
Scat Finder: Have you ever been on a trail, spotted scat, and wondered which animal left it behind? Or stepped outside in the morning to find unfamiliar poop in your yard and felt curious about what wandered through overnight?
Scat Finder is the perfect pocket-sized guide for anyone who wants to learn how to identify animals by what they leave behind. From bobcats to weasels, rodents, and more, this little book breaks down each species’ diet and digestive habits while showing exactly what their scat looks like. It’s a handy resource that turns every hike into a chance to learn.
Deepstone: Northern Minnesota native Dean Lappi draws inspiration from the Soudan Underground Mine to craft a horror thriller that hooks you from the start. A once-active mine turned tourist attraction becomes the hunting ground for a prehistoric predator, and the tension spikes when two military teams are sent underground–one to rescue, one to eliminate. With the right pace and steady suspense, Deepstone keeps you on edge. Mining is a rich part of Ely’s history, and Lappi’s novel will have you thinking differently about what it means to be deep underground…and maybe looking over your shoulder.
Ripple Effects: A charming Northwoods love story, Ripple Effects
brings together relatable characters and a setting that will have you romanticizing the Boundary Waters. In a familiar, Elylike town, Penny O’Brien and Beckett Young form an unexpected connection. Their romance unfolds with a heartfelt push-and-pull as they navigate longdistance challenges, family interference, and personal conflict. You’ll find yourself rooting for them with every page turn. This is the perfect book to curl up with. Northwoods Lullaby: Northern Minnesota author Mary Casanova is back with another lyrical northwoods gem. Northwoods Lullaby reads like a gentle bedtime song, paired with whimsical illustrations that follow a child and their grown-up on an evening hike as the forest comes alive around them. Wolf pups wrestle, a baby loon rests on its papa, and swans hatch nearby. It’s a sweet celebration of new life and the magic of the woods–perfect
for lulling a young one to sleep. Into the Wind, Fighting Suicide One Step at a Time: This is a fast, powerful read about Evan “Sweet” Hansen, who portaged a yellow canoe 313 miles across Minnesota after losing three people in his life to suicide. An avid outdoorsman with ties to Voyageur Outward Bound near Ely, Hansen writes with a fluid, poetic touch as he meets others carrying their own stories of loss. His journey is a stark reminder of how many lives suicide impacts–and how one person’s grit can spark change. As Hansen writes, “While adventures tend to leave us covered with smoke and dirt, they also have the habit of revealing our mistakes and secrets.” His journey is worth the read, and may give you new perspective the next time you portage a canoe.
If you or someone you know is struggling, 24/7 help is available. Speak with someone today: Dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Ely Cultural Alliance:
Supporting a Thriving Arts & Culture Community in a Wilderness Town
Did you notice the insert in this year’s Summer Times? What about the new billboard by Motel Ely? The Ely Cultural Alliance (ECA) is making Ely more visible as a town full of experiences in the arts community and exploration into the rich heritage of our past.
Even in its earliest days, Ely had a lively arts community far beyond what would be expected for this end-of-theroad town where the primary activities focused on extracting iron ore, cutting down forests, and carving a life out of the wilderness. Entertainment by both local and traveling talent was popular in the 1880s. The Opera Hall was showing silent movies by 1895 and was later named the Temperance Hall, which offered social events that avoided “the evils of alcohol.” (The building later became a tavern and bowling alley.) In the 1950s, when the town was approaching age 70, wise community leaders decided it was time to start recording Ely’s history before everyone who remembered it was gone. They started the Ely-Winton Historical Society. Clearly, Arts and
Culture have always had a significant role in Ely’s identity.
Today, the Ely Cultural Alliance is building on that foundation. This group of organizations and individuals is working to connect people and encourage collaboration through engagement with the wide array of art and cultural organizations in the community.. Member organizations have collaborated on a shared website, a community billboard, and the ECA Passport that is tucked into the centerfold of this magazine. These are simple projects, but they prove that
“Ely is a freakin’ gem. I was expecting to enjoy a trip to Northern MN and the Boundary Waters but I was blown away by the organization, the overall “vibe”, the enthusiasm for the arts and filmmakers, the crowd turnout…”
Craft beers locally brewed in the northwoods. BWCA safe Growlers to go. burgers, salads, and pub specialties.
47 E Sheridan 218-365-4301
small towns can do big things when their people work together.
The impact is apparent in the way people talk about Ely today. Again and again, both local residents–especially newcomers who didn’t expect so much culture–and out-of-town audience members describe this town as vibrant, welcoming, and unexpectedly rich in arts and culture. Some have even called Ely an arts destination. That kind of response matters, because it reflects something deeper than attendance. It reflects identity.
One outstanding example of ECA teamwork is the 4-year-old Ely Film Festival. Major players partnering with the Film Festival include Ely’s Historic State Theater, Tofte Lake Center, and Ely Folk School, and the magic of working together goes far beyond that. The involvement of Bois Forte and WaaWaaTe programs showcases our rich Ojibwe culture and provides a source of pride for the many young native students who
attend for a whole day of indigenous films plus a lunch of traditional foods. Outdoor adventurers look to Ely as a supportive community for their aspirations and accomplishments, some of which appear in the most popular films at the festival. Ely’s Well Being Development has provided meals to grab and take back to the theater. As a fundraiser, this helps sustain the recovery house and other mental health programs. Most of the restaurants in town extend their hours, offer specials, or host an after-event party or early breakfast to accommodate the needs of the hundreds of people who come to town. This is a boon in mid-March for an otherwise slow time of year.
The Ely Art Walk collaborates with the business community, individual artists, and some arts- oriented organizations such as the Ely Photography Club and Heart of the Woods Quilters to showcase Day
local talent and make some of their work available for sale. Tofte Lake Center, Reflections Dance Company, and individual yoga and meditation teachers partner up to make Ely more aware of TLC’s presence and provide space for dance workshops and weekly wellbeing practice.
This summer the ECA Passport program leads pass holders to members’ activities where they receive a stamp for participation. A filled passport is a ticket to the end-of-summer celebration and prizes. If you can’t attend the September 13th party, you can email a photo of your filled passport to qualify for the prize drawing. You can get the kids involved and make it a family summer project.
In a town where seasonal tourism alone cannot sustain the economy, the financial impact of Ely’s arts and culture sector is important. Expenditures related to our cultural institutions surged more than 68% from 2019 to 2022 and have continued to grow, now providing about $1,500,000 to the local economy.
What does the future look like for a wilderness town with world-class cultural ambition? The ECA envisions a future where people don’t just gear up for the woods, but also look forward to browsing our art galleries, catching a theater performance, and learning more about Ely’s remarkable history.
The Ely Cultural Alliance is not an exclusive group. It’s open to anyone who believes in the significance of the arts and culture in Ely’s future and wants to collaborate with other like- minded people. Educators, organizations, businesses, and community members all have a role to play in shaping what comes next. Anyone interested is invited to the quarterly meetings, which can be found on the website, ElyCulturalAlliance.org.
Inthe boreal forests surrounding Ely, Minnesota, a groundbreaking collaboration is about to spark a new conversation about fire, forest health, and the power of art to transform how we see our environment.
This September, Tofte Lake Center (TLC) will launch “The Art of Fire: Artistic Journeys in Forest Stewardship and Fire,” a pioneering week-long residency that brings six Minnesota artists into the heart of the woods to learn, create, and help reshape how residents and visitors here view living with wildfire. By placing artists directly in conversation with fire ecology experts, the residency aims to translate complex science into compelling, understandable stories that inspire artists in a variety of disciplines.
The need is acute. Ely’s wildfire risk exceeds 87% of U.S. communities. Yet fire isn’t the enemy–it’s a natural, essential occurrence in forest ecosystems. The challenge lies in learning to live with fire rather than fear it, and that’s where art enters the picture.
After three years of educational visits from Forest Service experts to share their knowledge of the region’s ecosystem with TLC’s artists in residence, it became clear that the information they imparted was showing up in the artists’ creative work. The impact was creatively catalytic. Add the community match that is Thea Sheldon, and the spark was lit.
During the September residency, participating artists will immerse themselves in three days of intensive field education. They’ll journey with U.S. Forest Service specialists and local experts to witness firsthand the stark contrast between managed and untreated forestland. A visit to the site of the 2021 Greenwood Fire will help them understand how prescribed burns can be used to stop catastrophic wildfires in their tracks. And they’ll learn about indigenous cultural fire practices that sustained healthy forests for generations before modern suppression policies disrupted natural cycles. The following days will give the artists time
dedicated to their creative projects. A wrapup session will generate ideas for future residencies, with the goal of these becoming an annual event inspiring artists to engage in their local community’s forest management efforts, and eventually creating an Ely fire festival that showcases fire-inspired artwork.
Superior National Forest, The Nature Conservancy, and a robust network of firewise organizations stand ready to support this project with expertise and in-kind contributions. Financial support is being secured from grants and private donors.
For more info & to support this innovative program, contact Thea Sheldon: (218) 235-7699 / thea@theasheldon.com.
For up-to-date event information go to Ely.org, check posters, the local papers, the Ely Shopper, and the "What's Up Ely" FB page. Visit Wolf.org and Bear.org for daily programs for all ages at the International Wolf Center and the Bear Center. Check out NorthernLakesArts.org, ElyFolkSchool.org for class schedules, and ElyClasses.com for pickleball and other classes. Maps on page 94; church addresses on pg 93. Events are open to the public; registration may be required. NLAA shows Pay What You Can ticket prices are usually the 2nd Thursday of NLAA shows; check website for others. Kid-focused activities in green.
MONTHLY EVENTS
All Month Games and Take and Make Craft Kits
2nd Monday, 3pm Friends of the Library book discussion
2nd Tuesday, 4pm Ely Climate Group, discussion and more
2nd Tuesday, 6pm Ely Palestine Solidarity Group
Ely Public Library
Ely Public Library
Ely Community Center
See FB page for location and more info
3rd Tuesday, 11am Caregivers Support Group The Hub
3rd Tuesday, 1pm Ladies of Kalevala, all welcome, Sept-May
Ely Community Center
3rd Tuesday, 2pm Tasty Tuesday, nutritious food on a budget, May-Sept, Register (218) 302-1778 The Hub
3rd Tuesday, 5:30pm Sound Healing, all welcome End of the Road Yoga
1st Wednesdays, 11:30 Wellness Wednesday, BP checks and other activities
1st Wednesday, 11:30 Potluck before Bingo, $5 or bring a dish to share
Ely Community Center
Ely Community Center
2nd Wednesday, 6pm Cancer Support Group, (218) 365-4927 Ely Senior Center
Ely Comm Resource May-June Nudibranch Soft Sculptures, Anna Faye Crockett, Art Exhibit
The Hub 22, 6pm Hammer Bike Races, registration 5pm, family event Hidden Valley 23, 10-3 Painting with Wool, needle felting, register DafneCaruso.com
The Art Corner 23, 10-4 Starbeam Craft Sale, Memorial Day Edition
Ely Community Center 23, 10-5 Summer Season Opening, RootBeerLady.com
Dorothy Molter Museum 23, 3-5 Houseplant and Seed Swap
Ely Folk School 26, 10:30 Pre-school Move and Groove, kids with an adult
Ely Public Library 26, 6pm Creative Writing Hike, Friends-BWCA.org
Bass Lake Trailhead 27, 6pm Braver Angels Ely Alliance, see FB page for details
Ely Community Center 29, 4-6pm Creative Kids Open House, come and explore Ely Folk School 29, 6pm Hammer Bike Races, registration starts at 5pm, family event
Hidden Valley 29, 7pm Ely Memorial High School Graduation
Washington Auditorium 29, 8 pm Stargazing Meditation, come out and enjoy the dark
Tofte Lake Center 30, 10-1 Mushroom Foraging for Beginners
Ely Folk School 30, 2-4 Making Infused Oils and Salves
30, 6pm Hello Neighbor! Potluck, everyone welcome
Ely Folk School
Ely Folk School 30, 8pm Hello Neighbor! Let’s Dance
JUNE
1-5, 9-12
Vacation Bible School, register (218) 365-4890
1, 1pm Get Crafty, older teens & adults
2 or after Register for Summer Reading Program, (218) 365-5140
2, 1-3 Community Sing, all welcome
3, 10am Reptile Experience with live critters
4, 11am Yoga for Kids, grades K-3
Northern Grounds, upstairs
Ledgerock Community Church
Ely Public Library
Ely Public Library
Ely Folk School
Ely Public Library
Ely Public Library
4, 5:30-7 Community birch bark canoe paddle Semer's Beach Park
Learn to make Slovenian Walnut Potica, online or in-person
6-9, 9am Youth Golf Camp
6, 9-3
National Sauna Day, games, food, displays, baby goats, and more
6, 10-2 Free Art Workshop, parade,puppets & costumes, NorthernLakesArts.org
Shagawa Lake & Ely Golf Club
Ely Folk School
Ely Golf Course
Nelimark Museum
Ely Community Center 6, 4-5 Old time String jam session, listen or play
6, 6-8pm Potluck 11th Birthday Celebration
Ely Folk School
Ely Folk School 6, 7pm Community Contra Barn Dance, no experience necessary Ethel’s Acres 2231 Robich Rd 8 Reflections Summer Dance classes begin Register NorthernLakesArts.org
Tofte Lake Center 10, 4pm Jigsaw Puzzle Swap, bring some, take some
Ely Public Library 11, 10-2 Household Hazardous Waste Collection, StLouisCountyMN.gov
Ely Public Works 12, 6pm Hammer Bike Races, register starts at 5pm, family event Hidden Valley 13,10am Yellow Ball Golf Tournament, (218) 365-5932
Ely Golf Club 13, 10-4 Starbeam Craft Sale, Sunshine edition
Ely Community Center 13, 11-4+ Walleye Whamma fish contest, register at Babbitt Beach Birch Lake 13-14 Noon, Wolf Family Rendezvous, all ages, Wolf.org, (218) 365-HOWL
International Wolf Ctr
14, 2pm Ely Miners Memorial, unveiling and dedication
Pioneer Mine Museum 15-19 Women’s Canoe Trip to Dorothy’s, pre-registration required Knife Lake 15, 6pm First City Band Rehearsal, all welcome, rehearsals M, T till 7/1
Ely School Band room 16, 1:30
All About Bears with North American Bear Center
Ely Public Library 16, 5-7 Beginning Sign Language, age 7 and up, learn some basics Ely Folk School 18, noon Deadly Knits for teens and adults, true crime and knitting
Ely Public Library 18-28 7 & 2pm, Oklahoma! details and tickets at NorthernLakesArts.org
Vermilion Theater 19-20
Ojibwe Storytelling and Painting Ely Folk School 19-21 Peter Mitchell Fun Days, Carnival and Activities Babbitt 20, TBA Ely Pride Celebration, all welcome, see Instagram update Semer's Park 22-7/3 9-12, NLAA Youth Theater Camp, ages 8-18, NorthernLakesArts.org
Vermilion Theater 23, 2pm Armchair Traveler: Mexico with Karl Kubiak, for adults
Ely Public Library 24, TBA Accidental Ensemble with Wild Strings, music close-up
Ely Public Library 24, 6:00 Braver Angels Ely Alliance, see FB page for details
Ely Community Center 25-26 8am, Junior Wolf Biologist Mini-Camp, age 7-17, Wolf.org, (218) 365-HOWL International Wolf Center 25, 11 Get Crafty, for kids
Ely Public Library 25, 5pm Northwoods Partners Fundraiser Dinner, B&W Masquerade, (218) 365-8019 Miners Dry 27, TBA Kids Fishing Derby, more info at ElyCommunityResource.org Vets on the Lake 27, 9-4
Nisky ATV Ride to benefit Vets on the Lake, guided rides and dinner
27, 9am Burntside Lake Paddle Tour with Friends of BW
28, 10 Dorothy Day: Preserving a Legacy, free entry all day
29, 11am Wolf 101 with International Wolf Center staff
29, 8pm Mindful Star Gazing, come and enjoy the dark
30, 10:30 Pre-school Move and Groove, kids with an adult
JULY
1-29 July Art Show, Seasons of the Birch
1, 11am Library Scientists
1, 5 pm Community Cookout, free food, games and music, Friends-BWCA.org
3, 10:30 Mary Casanova book signing for new title Northwoods Lullaby
3, 2&5pm Newsies Youth Theater Camp performance
Sam'z Place Bar
Public Access Van Vac Rd
Dorothy Molter Museum
Ely Public Library
Tofte Lake Center
Ely Public Library
Art & Soul Gallery
Ely Public Library
Semer's Beach Park
Ely Public Library
Puddle Jumper Park
Piragis Bookstore
Vermilion Theater
3, 4-11pm Rock the Park, 3 bands, music and fun for all ages Whiteside Park
4, 8am 4 on the 4th, 4-Mile Run & Walk supporting Ely Track Club, (218) 235-3956
Trezona Trailhead
4, 10am Flag Raising and Patriotic Program Veteran’s Memorial
4, 11-4 City of Ely 4th of July Celebration, 1pm parade, kids activities, food Whiteside Park
4, 6pm Ely City Band Concert, BYO chair, 1st of 138th season!
4, dusk Fireworks (Please send donations to PO Box 231, Ely 55731)
Whiteside Park Band Shell
Over Miner’s Lake
6, 6pm Sound Bathing, healing sounds and silence
7, 6pm Ely City Band Concert, BYO chair
Tofte Lake Center
Whiteside Park Band Shell
8, 6pm Tofte Lake Center presents a theatrical performance by/with canoes TBA 9-10, 8am Junior Wolf Biologist Mini-Camp, age 7-17 Wolf.org, (218) 365-HOWL
9, 11am Yoga for Kids
9, 11am Get Crafty for adults
9, 7pm Northern Lights Music Festival, chamber music concert
Ely Folk School 10, 4-7 Painting with Wool, needle felting, register at DafneCaruso.com
The Art Corner 11, 10-4 Starbeam Craft Sale, Mid-Summer edition
Ely Community Center 13-8/1, 9-2 Teen Theater Intensive workshop, ages 12-18, NorthernLakesArts.org
Vermilion Theater 13, 3pm Friends of the Library Book Club, adults and older teens, Black Woods, Blue Sky
Ely Public Library 13-16 5:30, Reflections Dance Co. Workshop, show piece “Honey” ages 12+
Register: (218) 410-9457 13, 7pm Northern Lights Music Festival, opera “L’Italiana in Algeri”
Washington Auditorium 16-19 10-5, 46th Annual Water Color Club Show and Sale, all local artists Miners Dry 16, noon Deadly Knits for teens and adults, true crime and knitting Ely Public Library 16, 7pm Northern Lights Festival Musicians Concert Apostolic Church, Embarrass 16, 8pm Mindful Star Gazing, come and enjoy the dark Tofte Lake Center 17-26
7 & 2pm Jesus Christ Superstar, details and tickets at NorthernLakesArts.org
Ely Golf Club 19, 12-2 Art Workshop, Create a pet ID tag, NorthernLakesArts.org
Meadows Gallery 21, 6pm Ely City Band Concert, BYO chair
Whiteside Park Band Shell 22, 5pm Braver Angels Ely Alliance Social, see FB page for details
Sam'z Place Bar 23-24 8am Junior Wolf Biologist Mini-Camp, age 7-17 Wolf.org, (218) 365-HOWL International Wolf Center 24-26 45th Annual Blueberry Arts Festival Whiteside Park 24, 9-11 Chickadee Club, ages 4-5, crafts, storytelling, nature activities
Ely Folk School 24-25 9-5 Blueberry Bazaar, indoor vendors (218) 365-4139
Ely Comm Center 26-27 Tap and Body Percussion Reflections Dance workshop, (218) 410-9457
TBA 26, 11-2 Donuts with Dorothy, free entry all day
Dorothy Molter Museum 28, 10:30 Preschooler Move and Groove, with adult
Ely Public Library 28, 6pm Ely City Band Concert, BYO chair
Whiteside Park Band Shell 29, 10am Bugs at the Library, live aquatic invertebrates in touch tanks
Ely Public Library 30-31 Salsa and Bachata Reflections Dance workshop, (218) 410-9457
TBA Aug-Oct Cecilia Rolando Art Show
AUGUST
1, 8am Great River Energy Mesabi Trail Bike Tour, all ages
The Hub
Timber Hall Embarrass 1, 9am Wildlife Career Day, ages 12+, Wolf.org, (218) 365-HOWL
Vermilion Theater
International Wolf Center 1-2, 6pm Mean Girls, High School Theater Camp show
1, 12-4
A Day at the Lake, workshops, BBQ, music
3, 9am Senior Men’s Golf Tournament
3-29 August Art Show, Year of the Horse
3-6, TBA Cooking and Culture, grades 4-8, ElyCommunityResource.org
15, 11-9 Ely Heritage Festival, music, food, mine tours, history walks FREE Miners Dry 15-16 Noon Wolf Family Rendezvous, all ages, Wolf.org, (218) 365-HOWL
International Wolf Center
18, 4pm Puzzle Swap, bring one, take one
18, 8pm Mindful Star Gazing, come and enjoy the dark
Ely Public Library
Tofte Lake Center 20, 11am 1000 books before Kindergarten graduation
20, noon Deadly Knits for teens and adults, true crime and knitting
Ely Public Library
Ely Public Library
21-23 Team Penning and Ranch Sorting (kind of a rodeo), Free Embarrass Fairgrounds 22, TBA 50th Anniversary Bike Ride, Friends-BWCA.org TBA 23, 11-2 Supporters Appreciation Day, free entry all day
Dorothy Molter Museum 23, 6pm Sound Bathing, healing sounds and silence
25, 10:30 Preschooler Move and Groove, with adult
25, 6pm Braver Angels Gathering
26, 11am Get Crafty for Kids
Tofte Lake Center
Ely Public Library
Ely Community Center
Ely Public Library
27, 10-2 Household Hazardous Waste Collection, StLouiscountyMN.gov Northwoods Transfer 27, 11am Wolf Ecology 101 with International Wolf Center staff
2-29 Ely Art Walk, area artists display in store windows Downtown Ely 2-30 Applications for Gardner Trust Artist Grants open Ely City Hall 4-6, 4pm Women & Wolves BW Weekend ages 21+, Wolf.org, (218) 365-HOWL International Wolf Center 4-7 Fest du Nord music festival Camp du Nord 4, 5:30 90th Year Gala
Ely’s Historic State Theater 6, 4pm Community Night Out, music and food, (218) 984-3012
Seitaniemi Homestead Embarrass 10, 5-7 10th Anniversary Open House Art & Soul Gallery 11-13 32nd Annual Harvest Moon Festival Whiteside Park 12, 5pm Listening Point Fundraiser, reservations ListeningPointFoundation.org Grand Ely Lodge 12-13, 9am Soup Cup Scramble Golf Tournament, (218) 365-5932 Ely Golf Club 13, 12-1:30 Ely Cultural Alliance Toast to the Season
Ely's Historic State Theater 13, 8pm Mindful Star Gazing, come and enjoy the dark Tofte Lake Center 14 Studio North youth dance and gymnastics begins, StudioNorthElyMN.com Studio North 19, 5pm Wolves after Dark, overnight ages 12+, pre-register, Wolf.org
International Wolf Center 20, 3pm Dean and Debbie Concert, old favorites Apostolic Church, Embarrass 21, 6pm Sound Bathing, healing sounds and silence Tofte Lake Center 23, 6pm Braver Angels Gathering, see FB page for details
Ely Community Center 25, 7pm 5K Northern Lights Glow Run, all ages and abilities Whiteside Park
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER
Oct 3-4 9am Wolf Photography Weekend, Wolf.org, (218) 365 HOWL
Wolf Center
Oct 7 5pm, Chapman St. Block Party Puddle Jumper Park
Oct 11 Intro to Silversmithing, make a ring, NorthernLakesArts.org
Oct 17-18 Noon, Wolf Family Rendezvous, all ages, Wolf.org, 365-HOWL
Oct 21 5pm, First History Happy Hour of the season
Oct 23` Time TBA, Farm Lake Ski Trails Clearing, Friends-BWCA.org
The Meadows Gallery
International Wolf Center
Boathouse Brewpub Upstairs
TBA
Oct 25 4pm, 100 Women Who Care, come to learn about Ely non-profits Ely Community Center
Oct 28 6pm, Braver Angels Gathering, see FB page for details Ely Community Center
Oct 30 Time TBA, Pumpkin Hike, Friends-BWCA.org TBA
Nov 26 Thanksgiving Potluck, all welcome, two servings 11am and 4pm Ely Folk School
CHURCHES
Berean Baptist Church
2281 Hwy 169 • (218) 365-5413 • BaptistChurchEly.com Sun 10:30
Ely Gospel Church 3 E Allaire St • (218) 235-1142 Sunday School 9,
(218) 365-3348
(218) 365-5605
Ledgerock Comm. Church • 1515 E Camp St • (218) 365-4890
Hall Jehovah's Witness 2263 Hwy 21 • (218) 504-4003
Main St,
(218) 365-3355
ELY AREA 12-STEP & RECOVERY MEETINGS
Alcoholics Anonymous
Women’s Open • Ledgerock Church • Mon noon
Miracle on Camp St, open • First Lutheran Church • Mon 7pm
Primary Purpose Men’s Group • First Presbyterian Ely • Tues 7pm
Babbitt AA Group, open • First Lutheran • Tue 7pm
Ely AA Group, open • First Lutheran Church • Wed and Sat 7:30pm
Ely Big Book • St. Anthony’s Church basement • Thu noon
Lake Vermilion 12x12, open • Immanuel Lutheran Tower • Thu 6:30
Babbitt Back2Basics, open • Woodland Presbyterian Church • Thu 7pm
Happy, Joyous, and Free • First Presbyterian Church • Fri 7pm
Al-Anon
Ely Willingness AFG • First Lutheran Church • Wed 7pm Ely Al-Anon • St. Anthony’s Church • Sun 8pm Babbitt Al-Anon • Woodland Presbyterian • Thu 7pm
Recovery – For yourself, friends, or family Sober Squad • 248 N 3rd Ave E • Fri 6:30pm
MARCH 10 - 14
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JANISCH REALTY is a small, local company who has worked diligently to become a WATERFRONT MARKET LEADER 14 YEARS IN A ROW!
JANISCH REALTY is a small, local company who has worked diligently to become a WATERFRONT MARKET LEADER 14 YEARS IN A ROW!
Local Professional Expertise | Global Network Unrivaled Personal Service | Ethics Committee Member
Local Professional Expertise | Global Network Unrivaled Personal Service | Ethics Committee Member
FOR BUYERS:
FOR BUYERS:
• Reliable Competent Advice
• Reliable Competent Advice
• Knowledge of the area
• Knowledge of the area
• Insight into market trends
• Insight into market trends
• Proficient in construction techniques
• Proficient in construction techniques
• Expertise in real estate negotiations
• Expertise in real estate negotiations
We listen to our clients and make finding the right property a straight-forward, transparent experience.
We listen to our clients and make finding the right property a straight-forward, transparent experience.
FOR SELLERS:
FOR SELLERS:
• Unparalleled Exposure
• Unparalleled Exposure
• Access to our global network of potential buyers
• Access to our global network of potential buyers
• Aggressive marketing
• Aggressive marketing
• Professional & aerial photography, online 3D virtual tours
• Professional & aerial photography, online 3D virtual tours
• Use of cutting edge technology
• Use of cutting edge technology
We serve as trusted advisors from the listing and marketing stage through the negotiating and closing process.
We serve as trusted advisors from the listing and marketing stage through the negotiating and closing process.
It would be an honor to have the opportunity to work with you!
It would be an honor to have the opportunity to work with you!
Give us a call or send us an email and let’s get started TODAY!
Give us a call or send us an email and let’s get started TODAY!
