With all the fires going on and the heatwave that came through, we decided to get out of the cabin…read moreand go explore the wolf center. The wolves get some sort of activity a couple times a day. At 4pm they called out overhead that there would be a demo. The wolves were presented with some treats and came out for viewing behind the glass of the auditorium. They have five wolves, only one is female and two of the wolves are brothers; all are neutered. We enjoyed the interactive museum- listening to wolf howls and touching pelts. They had some skulls of dogs to compare to the skull of a wolf. Wow. They explained wolf population decline and conservation efforts. There was even some Native American expressions of wolves. They have so many stuffed wolves in their exhibit- some are huge. There's a lot of history there- a lot to read. I would say this place serves adults and kids alike. The interactive part is good for the kids as well as seeing the live wolves. The adults can watch short clips and learn about wolves behavior and safety. The employees are very kind and answered my wolf questions. They have a gift shop with attire and many other wolf related items, as well as snacks and non alcoholic drinks. They have the local root beer in a can! They have ample parking (electric car charger available) and clean restrooms. Admission fees are reasonable. We spent about 1.5 hours there but you could easily spend more. I would recommend a visit here.

This is absolutely worth a stop if you're near Ely. It is so fun to see the wolves and talk to…read moreguides about all your wolf questions. People working here are very knowledgeable and passionate about what they do. The center and facilities are beautiful and well maintained. My only wish is that there was an outdoor viewing platform or area.

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.