Ely, Minnesota Is One Of The Best Small Towns To Visit This Year

Minnesota is full of charming towns. In every part of the state, there’s at least one – but usually more – lovely community full of things to do. In southeastern Minnesota, Lanesboro and Winona are popular. On the North Shore, Grand Marais and Two Harbors draw visitors. And in the southwest, Luverne and Pipestone are great places to visit. This year, Smithsonian Magazine has named one Minnesota town as one of the best small towns to visit this year: Ely! It’s easy to see why thanks to the town’s beauty, attractions, and events. Read on below to learn about what you can find there.

Ely is a beautiful town in northern Minnesota. It's about 100 miles north of Duluth, or 250 miles north of the Twin Cities.

Though it is a small town - just under 3,500 people live there - it is quite popular. Once you visit, it's easy to see why. There is plenty to do! In town, many interesting shops line the downtown streets. They're fun to browse at any time of year.

In addition to stores, Ely is also home to many restaurants. Popular spots include the Boathouse Brewpub, Insula Restaurant, Rockwood, and many more. There are plenty of great place to try for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

Of course, people don't just flock to Ely for its stores and restaurants. The town is the gateway to the Boundary Waters, so it is surrounded by gorgeous lakes and forests. It's an oasis for people who love hiking, camping, and canoeing!

There are plenty of other outdoor activities, too. Bear Head Lake State Park is in Ely, as is the 9-hole Ely Golf Course.

People interested in wildlife can visit the International Wolf Center to observe wolves close up. The North American Bear Center is also in Ely. Visitors can learn about American black bears.

Ely is also full of fun events. Each winter, the WolfTrack Classic Dog Race draws crowds. If you're interested in trying dog sledding for yourself, there are also local outfitters who can help you have the experience safely.

Summer events in Ely are fun, too. The Blueberry/Art Festival helps the town showcase local artists and craftspeople. It's a great way to support the community, take in art, and maybe even score a new art piece for your home!

All in all, Ely is a great small town that is full of things to do. It’s no wonder it’s one of the best small towns in the country! What’s your favorite thing about Ely? Do you have any other favorite small towns in Minnesota? Tell us about them in the comments!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Featured Addresses

Ely, MN 55731, USA

It's Official: Minnesota's Very Own Ely Is One Of The Country's Best Small Towns To Visit This Year

Betsy Rathburn

Author

Related Stories

This Blink-And-You’ll-Miss-It Town In Minnesota Is So Worth Exploring

This Twin Cities Nature Sanctuary Makes For The Perfect Minnesota Day Trip

I've Lived In Minnesota My Entire Adult Life And I've Never Had Smelt

Want more Minnesota in your inbox?

Related Articles

Featured Addresses