Our destination was Bear Head Lake State Park and we decided to take a detour to check out the…read morecenter. So glad we did. While there are several areas to peruse, my favorites were the presentation by the guides and the enrichment activity. At 3:15pm, the guide gave a very educational and engaging presentation about several aspects of wolves, I.e. their color, what they eat, how they hunt, how they work and live together, etc. the presentation was made in front of the viewing area so as the wolves walked by, she also talked specifically about that individual. She had props and answered many questions. Very nicely done. At 4pm, and enrichment activity was held for the wolves. Trainers enter the wolves' enclosure and hide various treats for them to explore. It allows guests to see the wolves doing natural behaviors. Their large paws were fascinating to me. Such a beautiful animal. So glad we stopped.

This was a very expensive stop. Granted I did not feel bad about giving back to the wolves but the…read moreexperience was lacking. The majority of the hands on activities did not work (howl room in particular) which was a huge bummer. They didn't talk about the wolves themselves - mentioned them but didn't go into much detail. It would have been awesome if they did a presentation on the wolves they have at the facility and then went on to chat about different things during the presentation. The staff was nice, the building was clean, but it just lacked information. For the ticket price - I'd like to learn more!

We had brunch for mothers day in the convention room the food was good but they could have had…read moremore meat options.

Wonderful place to do all kinds of fun things. Planning an event with a Maid of Honor, so excited…read morethis summer will be great.

I'm in town for the week , trying to find somewhere open in this winter tundra for gifts…read more Jackpot,found this adorable shop! Mmmm the lovely smell as you walk in. Lots of Ely stuff here. Saunas are a big thing up here, they have a whole section dedicated to sauna stuff. Lots of essential oils! Jewelry,kitchen stuff,garden deco. And lots more! The girl working here was very friendly and helpful. You need to stop in here!

We found this gift shop exploring around the city of Ely. It had lots of unique items and Ely…read moregifts we could not find at any of the other Ely shops. It has a section dedicated to soaps and sauna stuff. It became our favorite gift shop in Ely.

This is a fantastic arena, one of the finest in Minnesota. It has three (3) sheets of ice; the main…read moreevent is a spectacular classic arena, one newer rink in a rectangular addition, and a covered outdoor ice sheet. IRA is the Itasca Recreation Association, a civic group started many years ago to build an arena to support youth hockey. The locals have done a great job! You are greeted with boozhoo, a welcome greeting in Ojibwe and enter a large common area with access to both rinks, bench and booth seating, banners of local hockey heros and concessions. The main arena is a gem. Wooden beams, championship banners, seating on four sides with one end viewing from heated second floor lobby and large posters of local kids who played college, NHL and Olympic hockey. If this rink does not impress you, nothing much will. Rink two is a standard second rink in a rectangle building likely also used for non-hockey events, trade shows and conferences. It's heated for fans and has much smaller bleachers than rink one. Rink three is the covered outside rink. This is a real beauty. Stands, fresh air, wind and sunshine, access to indoor arena, lockers and other arena amenities. I wish MN had more of this covered yet open ice. For the hockey fan, this building is packed with trophies, some really old, and also a lot of great history. Not just the posters of NHLers from GR, but history of the arena, and those who built this monument to youth activities.

An incredibly different (odd?) restaurant on an incredible piece of property on White Iron Lake…read more The food was decent, but the place has an odd supper club, old-timey vibe that just felt kind of out of place. Of course, that's a pretty subjective view, so take it with a grain of salt. The property is beautiful though, especially the area near the lake. Place feels like it has way more potential. Visit and make up your own mind about the place. Interesting if nothing else.

I have been here a few times for the prime rib dinner (my favorite), and cocktails at the bar and…read moredining room. Entertaining live accordion and button box music may accompany your meal thanks to Dr. U and friends. This place is quite unique-chalet style lodge, restaurant and bar with very nice rooms to rent. I may stay here for the winter trout opener. Located on white iron lake, not far from the city of Ely.