Ely (Minnesota) Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
city in St. Louis County, Minnesota, United States
About Ely (Minnesota)
The first Europeans to explore the area were fur traders who made their way into the wilderness in search of furs. But it was the Lake Vermillion gold rush that brought the first groups of pioneers to the area in 1865. Although hardly any gold was ever found, it was discovered that the area did contain large deposits of iron ore. Many immigrants arriving in America came to the area later to be known as the Minnesota Iron Range, looking for work. When the Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range Railway was extended to Ely in 1888, mining operations begsn with the opening of the Chandler Mine. Ore was shipped by rail to docks on Lake Superior in Two Harbors and Duluth. From there it was shipped by lake freighter for processing in Ashtabula and other points in Ohio. The name "Ely” was chosen in honor
Top Attractions in Ely (Minnesota)
Explore the best things to see and do in Ely (Minnesota):
- ★Boundary Waters Guide Service
- ★Dorothy Molter Museum
- ★Ely Arts and Heritage Center
- ★International Wolf Center
- ★North American Bear Center
- ★Northern Lakes Girl Scout Canoe Base
- ★Northern Tier National High Adventure Base
- ★Soudan Mine
Where to Eat in Ely (Minnesota)
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Britton's Cafe
- 🍴Burntside Lodge
- 🍴Ely Steak House
- 🍴Evergreen Restaurant
- 🍴Sir G Italian Restaurant
- 🍴The Chocolate Moose
Where to Stay in Ely (Minnesota)
- 🏨Adventure Inn
- 🏨A Stay Inn Ely
- 🏨Grand Ely Lodge
- 🏨Motel Ely Budget Host
- 🏨Northwoods Inn & Suites
- 🏨Shagawa Inn Resort
Ely (Minnesota) Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 10 sections including: