CITY OF ELY
Ely offers the ultimate wilderness experience with the benefits of a full-service community. Whether you're canoeing the unspoiled world-famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness or relaxing at one of Ely's full-service resorts, you'll discover how life takes on a new meaning. Relaxing here is easy. The air is clear, the water pure; the woods are inspiring, the sights breathtaking and the night sky is bright with millions of stars. If you want a vacation where you can relish the beauty and peacefulness of one of America's most natural wilderness areas, escape the crowds and come to Ely.
The Ojibwe, or Chippewa Indians have called the Ely area home for hundreds of years. In the 1700s "voyageurs" made their way into the area seeking furs - often trading with the Indians for abundant beaver pelts. After the trappers and voyageurs moved on to other regions in the early 1800s, explorers and prospectors soon moved in. The mid-1800s gold fever that struck other parts of the country led many men to the area to hunt for gold. Unfortunately, the only "gold" these prospectors found was iron pyrite - fool's gold. However, they did discover rich and plentiful iron ore deposits along the Laurentian Divide. This very old group of mountains was called the Vermilion Range. First discovered in 1883 near the west edge of what is now known as Miner's Lake, the extremely high grade iron ore has made Ely and Minnesota famous.
Ely was incorporated as a village in 1888. The initial settlement was near the east end of Shagawa Lake in the area now known as Spaulding. When more ore was discovered farther west, the community was moved to its present location. At first the settlement was called Florence. When it was learned that another community in Minnesota was named Florence, the name was changed to Ely. The name change was in honor of Samuel B. Ely - a Michigan miner who never actually was in the community which bears his name.
The first mine in Ely to begin shipping ore was the Chandler Mine, which sent out its first cargo in August of 1888. Because the discovery of ore was made near the surface, the mine was an open pit operation. As the ore body dipper deeper, mines had to be operated by shafts. As many as 1,200 men at a time were employed in the mines locally. These underground mines initiated another industry - logging. The timber was used to support the underground mine shafts. This, in turn, led to the establishment of sawmills. Logging and the increasing sawmill production necessitated increased rail systems. The tracks entering Ely were extended to Winton, where the big sawmills were operated by the St. Croix and Swallow-Hopkins companies. Today, logging continues on a limited scale, with harvesting destined for the production of paper pulp.
Due to the high cost of mining ore underground, the Pioneer Mine, the last of the 11 operating mines in the Ely area, was closed in 1967. Today, Ely is best known as the world's greatest canoe country and recognized for its unique wilderness and secluded resorts.
The Ely area boasts some of the best professional canoe trip outfitters available anywhere. An outfitter will make your wilderness canoe trip worry-free by providing you with advice, specially designed lightweight equipment, and food supplies. Combine the breathtaking beauty, wildlife, fishing and the just plain fun of camping and you'll have memories of the canoe country to last a lifetime.
Area resorts offer many exciting vacation opportunities. Guests have the opportunity to select a resort that matches their individual needs and personalities. While fishing remains the primary attraction, most resorts now offer a variety of outdoor experiences including naturalist and children's programs, campfires, swimming, biking, hiking, and total relaxation.
The Ely area has an amazingly large percentage of talented artists, craftspersons and adventurers in its midst. Don't let the quaint, small-town atmosphere fool you. You'll find some of the finest shopping and most intriguing gifts anywhere. Try on a pair of Mukluks or comfortable moccasins. Browse through the anoraks, hats, mittens and other outdoor garments manufactured in Ely and sold in area shops.
The Ely area also has many scenic drives. Exploring the beautiful lake and forest region to the north and south, you'll discover campgrounds, boat landings, picnic areas, swimming beaches and lots of wildlife. You can find extra beauty if you travel the area in the fall. Scenic vistas throughout the area explode in bright fall colors in September. Regardless of the time of year, be sure that you bring your camera.