& TRAVEL
EXCURSIONS
Winter Wilderness Adventure Starts in
Ely , MN
In Ely , Minnesota , winter is more than just a season — it is a snow-packed playland . Located on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness , this vast expanse of forest and icecovered lakes is a destination to cross-country ski , snowmobile , photograph , fish , snowshoe , or dog sled . With an average annual snowfall of 64 inches , Ely offers an unparalleled experience for winter adventure seekers .
Dog Sledding
A dog sled excursion is an exhilarating adventure deep into the wilderness . No experience required ! Outfitters teach you everything you need to know ; learn to harness the dogs and guide the sled . Trips range from family-friendly guided day outings or overnight lodge-to-lodge treks to more challenging camping trips .
Snowmobiling
If snowmobiling gets you excited about winter , then you need to ride in the Ely area ! The trails stretch through state and national forests — over 250 miles of groomed woodland trails with many spur routes that take you through remote areas for a true wilderness experience .
Cross-country Skiing
The cross country ski season in Ely is longer than anywhere else in Minnesota . There are over 80 miles of groomed trails meandering through beautiful rolling terrain and backcountry user-tracked trails through forests and across snowcovered lakes — all offer the opportunity to see wildlife .
Icefishing
Frozen lakes have plenty of hungry fish and hard to access lakes are easier to get to by snowmobile , skiing or dog sled . Your fishing trip can be as comfortable or as rugged as you like . Combine winter camping with an extended trip to an area lake or drop a line in the comfort of a heated fish house .
Snowshoeing
Want to experience a whole different world where the only company is the wildlife you will see ? Snowshoeing gets you off trail , allowing you to go places where skiers and snowmobilers cannot go . It ’ s the perfect way to take a wilderness trek .
The late CBS news journalist , Charles Kuralt , named Ely his “ No . 1 vacation destination ” and in 2009 , National Geographic Adventure Magazine named Ely to its 100 Best Adventure Towns . Come find out why Ely , Minnesota is called “ the last great pure experience .”
130 Fall 2016 Adventure Outdoors