While Ely, Minnesota is world-famous as the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the adventure doesn’t stop at the water’s edge. After a day of paddling, hiking, or exploring the Northwoods, the town of Ely offers a warm welcome with its unique local shops and diverse dining scene.
Here is your guide to the best shopping and dining experiences Ely has to offer.
Retail Therapy: From Wilderness Gear to Handcrafted Art
Ely’s shopping scene is as unique as its landscape. Whether you need to restock your tackle box or find a one-of-a-kind souvenir to commemorate your trip, the local business owners on and around Sheridan Street have you covered.
Gear and Apparel You can’t visit Ely without noticing the deep connection to the outdoors. Stores like Wintergreen offer high-quality clothing perfect for brave Northwoods elements. If you are an angler, local bait and tackle shops like Lily Pads ensure you have everything you need to land your next big catch.
Arts and Souvenirs Ely is home to a thriving artistic community. You can browse beautiful galleries like Sunset on the Lake for photography that captures the spirit of the region. For those who love to create, Daisy & Dragonfly offers art and craft supplies. If you happen to be in town during the season, don’t miss the Ely Farmers & Artists Market, where you can find the finest local produce and handcrafted goods in Whiteside Park.
A Taste of the North: Dining in Ely
After working up an appetite exploring the shops or the wilderness, Ely’s restaurants stand ready to serve up local favorites. You can expect menus featuring regional staples like sizzling steaks, wild rice dishes, and, of course, walleye fillets cooked to perfection.
Casual Bites and Brews For a relaxed atmosphere where you can swap stories about “the one that got away,” check out the Boathouse Brewpub & Restaurant or the Frisky Otter Pub & Eatery. If you are looking for a quick treat, the Ely D.Q. Grill and Chill is a local favorite.
Sit-Down Dining If you are looking for a more substantial meal to cap off your day, Insula Restaurant offers a wonderful dining experience right on Sheridan Street. For a cozy Northwoods vibe, Evergreen Restaurant & Antlers Lounge is a great spot to unwind.
Coffee and More Need a morning pick-me-up or a place to relax? Northern Grounds is an excellent stop for coffee and wine, acting as a hub for both locals and visitors.