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Ely, Minnesota

Top Spots in and near Ely

  • Ely, Minnesota

    Kawishiwi Falls

    4.0
    1 mi / 121 ft gain
    The trail to Kawishiwi Falls begins at the parking lot and winds through a wooded trail with minimal elevation gain. There are several different vantage points of the falls that are accessible from the trail (above, below, and from the side). The trail is also part of the portage between Garden a...
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  • Ely, Minnesota

    Hike the Bass and Dry Lake Loop

    6.3 mi / 518 ft gain
    This is a moderate trail, that gets a bit steep at times.  Great views of the lake and has lots of spots to stop for a quick snack.  Trail is well maintained, and there is a fun waterfall, which is great to splash around in.   The trailhead is super close to Ely, MN and has bathrooms.   Make sure...
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  • Ely, Minnesota

    Camp on BWCA's Lake 2

    A trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area requires some planning ahead. First, you'll need acquire a permit/reservation via recreation.gov . Specify how many people are in your group, the number of watercraft you plan to use and how many days you'll be in the BWCA. You'll also need to select a gro...
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  • Ely, Minnesota

    Explore Rifle Lake in the BWCA

    The best part of Rifle Lake is how remote it is. There's no quick way to find this small, secluded lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. The lake supports just one campsite and is less than a half-mile long, according to rook.org. It is also part of the Rifle/Bridge Loop, which is a good option...
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  • Ely, Minnesota

    Canoe or Kayak the Ensign and Birch Lake Loop

    This is a great 24 mile loop if you are last minute planning or are only doing a weekend kayak/canoe trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, MN. The starting point is at Moose Lake boat launch and parking lot, which is about a 30 minute drive north of Ely, MN on Co Hwy 18. You must obtain a permi...
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  • Tower, Minnesota

    Canoe to Loon Lake from Entry #14

    The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is located in the northern portion of the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. What once used to be covered by glaciers is now home to approximately 1.1 million acres of land with 1,200 miles of canoe routes. Permits are required for access...
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  • Finland, Minnesota

    Drive Superior National Forest's Fall Color Route

    5.0
    Every Autumn, Superior National Forest in northern Minnesota designates some of it's best roads as official Fall Color Routes. These roads go deep into the forest, far from towns and cell phone reception to show off the best Minnesota has to offer. Peak season is short, only a week or two sometim...
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  • Grand Marais, Minnesota

    Cliff Jump at Beth Lake in the BWCA

    Beth Lake is part of the "Lady Chain" of lakes in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. It's secluded, serene and worth the trip, especially if you're up for an afternoon of cliff jumping.You can reach Beth Lake in half of a day, assuming you set out in the morning and are efficient with your time. But...
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  • Grand Marais, Minnesota

    Camp at Alton Lake in the BWCA

    5.0
    A trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area requires some planning ahead. First, you'll need to book a permit/reservation via recreation.gov. Specify how many people are in your group, the number of watercraft you plan to use and how many days you'll be in the BWCA. You'll also need to select a grou...
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  • Silver Bay, Minnesota

    Camp at George H. Manitou Crosby State Park

    5.0
    George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is a lesser known park along Minnesota's North Shore. There are only backcountry sites, and it's not conveniently along the scenic road, so you really have to plan on going here. This makes it quiet, peaceful, and absolutely perfect for someone looking for a li...
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  • Silver Bay, Minnesota

    Tettegouche Lake Overlook

    5.0
    1.87 mi / 302 ft gain
    Getting to the parking lot:From Highway 61, turn onto MN-1 and continue for just over 4 miles. Then turn left onto Lax Lake Road. The parking lot will be on your left after about 3 miles. You will see a sign with park maps/information. The Hike:From the parking lot, follow the gravel service roa...
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  • Finland, Minnesota

    Hike to the Superior Hiking Trail's Section 13

    4.0
    2 mi / 450 ft gain
    Getting there:From Duluth, follow Highway 61 until you reach mile marker 65 -- shortly after this you will turn left on Lake County Road 6. Continue for just over 2 miles and the trailhead parking lot will be on your right. There is a sign with mileage to nearby backpacking campsites if you want ...
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  • Grand Marais, Minnesota

    Canoe to the Palisades on Seagull Lake in the BWCA

    Begin your trip at the Seagull Lake boat launch at Trail's End Campground. The campground, located in Superior National Forest at the very end of the Gunflint Trail, is an hour and half drive from the nearest town of Grand Marais and is a great place to stay the night before. There are no motors ...
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  • Grand Marais, Minnesota

    Camp at Trail's End Campground

    5.0
    Trail's End Campground is located at the very end of the Gunflint Trail, a remote highway that cuts into the heart of the Minnesota Northwoods. Catch the Gunflint Trail in Grand Marais along Highway 61 on the North Shore of Lake Superior. From Grand Marais, you'll wind your way sixty miles along ...
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  • Silver Bay, Minnesota

    Explore Illgen Falls

    5.0
    0.5 mi
    After you drive past Tettegouche State Park, continue until you reach Highway 1. Turn left and continue on the road for 1.6 miles until you see a small gravel pull-off on the lefthand side of the road. Follow the path that leads to the river (easy to hear the waterfall). The trail will go past a ...
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  • Grand Marais, Minnesota

    Paddle the Boundary Waters' Seagull to Saganaga Loop

    29 mi
    First, things first - plan your trip well! There are many details that need to go into planning even a short trip into the Boundary Waters. Various websites and companies exist to help you plan and check off all of the boxes prior to your departure date. The bwca.com website is one I found to be ...
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Camping and Lodging in Ely

Fall Lake
Ely, Minnesota

Fall Lake

South Kawishiwi River
Forest 183 Road

South Kawishiwi River

Fenske Lake Campground
Ely, Minnesota

Fenske Lake Campground

Birch Lake Campground
Ely, Minnesota

Birch Lake Campground

Jeanette Lake
Crane Lake, Minnesota

Jeanette Lake

Pfeiffer Lake
Cook, Minnesota

Pfeiffer Lake