This post featuring things to do in Ely, Minnesota, with kids may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy. This article also includes a hosted stay at Ely Log Cabin. All thoughts and opinions about the stay are my own.
Located in northern Minnesota, Ely is a charming small town with big heart. Just 4.5 hours from Minneapolis, Ely is a fantastic road trip destination with kids. One of the main entrance points to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), the area offers plenty of fun things to do with kids, from hiking and canoeing to unique museums and opportunities to learn about Minnesota wildlife (think black bears and wolves!).
If you’re planning a family trip with kids to Ely, Minnesota, this article is filled with fantastic tips and recommendations from our recent trip. In fact, to help make your planning more manageable, I’ve included everything from how to plan a weekend itinerary for Ely with kids to where to eat and family-friendly places to stay.
During our recent trip, our family found Ely to be the perfect balance of quiet wilderness mixed with a lovely downtown and friendly locals. There are plenty of beautiful places to hike throughout the region, even if you don’t want to trek into the BWCAW with kids. In fact, Ely is located within 30 minutes of two Minnesota State Parks (Bear Head Lake State Park and Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park). Plus, you can also visit Jay Cooke State Park on the way. Without further ado, here’s how to plan a trip with kids to Ely, Minnesota!
Tips + Packing List for the Ely, Minnesota
Before we dive into the best things to do in Ely with kids, there are a few things you should know about visiting the area first.
A Few Tips
Here are a few tips for visiting Ely, Minnesota, with kids:
- Stay in a cozy cabin! One of the best ways to experience Ely together is to stay in a cabin surrounded by its natural wilderness (ideas below!).
- Ely is very quiet during the off-season. If you are planning a late fall, winter, or early spring trip, map out your restaurants and things to do before booking. Many restaurants and museums experience closures from October to May.
- Don’t pack it all in. Ely is best explored at a slower pace. Don’t miss out on the chance to relax by the lake, take long walks in the woods, or simply play some cards together.
- If you’re traveling from Minneapolis (like we did), Ely is a 4.5-hour drive.
- See an account of our highlights on Instagram here!
Packing
In addition to the things you usually pack for a vacation with kids, don’t forget these things on your Ely packing list:
- Layers! Regardless of the season, the temperatures can change quickly and may be unpredictable (especially during the winter and off-season).
- If you plan to hike (which you should!), pack hiking boots and gear. Here are the hiking shoes we like for kids and for me, women’s hiking shoes. Many of the hikes include rocky and steep terrain.
- Water bottles or a hydration pack.
- Games for cozy afternoons at the cabin!
- Fishing pole and tackle, if you plan to fish. Don’t forget you need a license to fish in Minnesota.
- Swimming suits for a summer visit – there are plenty of lakes to take a dip in together!
- Insect repellent if you are visiting between May and October.
- Sun protection is recommended for all seasons.
Ready to Pack? Here Are a Few More Family Travel Items We Love:
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3-Day Itinerary for Ely, Minnesota, with Kids
Based on our recent family trip, this is how I recommend planning a weekend itinerary for Ely, Minnesota, with kids. There are so many fun things to do in Ely with kids; this 3-day itinerary only scratches the surface! Once you have read through our itinerary, you’ll find more ideas for fun things to do, yummy places to eat, and cozy places to stay in Ely with kids below. Keep reading to plan your trip!
Day 1 in Ely with Kids
Once you arrive, get settled in your chosen accommodations. I’ve shared more below, but we stayed at Ely Log Cabin (hosted) and really enjoyed it! The cabin is very private, has a great location just outside Ely, and is super cozy. When you’re ready, it’s time to check out some of the many fun things to do in Ely with kids!
If You Have Time, Stop at Jay Cooke State Park
On your way to Ely, Minnesota, with kids, Jay Cooke State Park is an excellent option if you have time for a roadside hike. The park is about halfway between Minneapolis and Ely, so it’s a great spot to stretch your legs and have a quick snack.
If you’re short on time, stick near the swinging bridge. There are plenty of fun places to explore and hike here. If your kids are anything like my daughter, they will love hopping to and fro along the large rocks jutting out of the river!
While it is known for its iconic green swinging bridge over the St. Louis River, this state park also features several historical markers. If you have time, check out Oldenburg Point for Civilian Conservation Corps structures and excellent views of the St. Louis River valley. Then, stop at the Thomson Pioneer Cemetery. It dates back to the late 1800s!
Dinner at Boat House Brew Pub & Restaurant
After settling in your accommodations, your Ely weekend itinerary with kids starts at dinner. Located in downtown Ely, Boat House Brew Pub & Restaurant is an excellent spot for your first night in town.
The menu features an extensive list of options, including sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and more. We loved the pretzel with cheese and the cheese curds! And, of course, adults can try one of their iconic Blueberry Blonde pints. Ely is known for their blueberries (even wolves have been known to eat and love them!).
As one of the best places to eat in Ely with kids, it also has a great kids’ menu. Finally, there are several tables on the brew pub and restaurant sides, respectively, including space to seat large parties.
Catch the Sunset Together + Go Stargazing
After dinner, there are two things you have to do in Ely with kids! First, be sure to catch the sunset together. In fact, Ely boasts some pretty epic sunsets. There isn’t a bad place to see one! If you’re lucky, you can find a scenic spot near a lake and enjoy the show of colors together. There is something extraordinary about sunsets in northern Minnesota!
Once the sun sets, another exciting show begins. The stargazing in Ely is unparalleled! Grab some blankets and cuddle together outside to enjoy the view. Be sure to bring a constellation guide with you. Kids will delight in trying to find them all.
If you’re lucky, the Northern Lights may also be out in full force. You can learn more about when and how to see them in Ely here.
Day 2 in Ely with Kids
Day two starts with coffee and breakfast at Northern Grounds. Located in downtown Ely, they offer great coffee, smoothies, tea, and a few other drinks, too. Plus, they have food items like hot breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and muffins. This is an excellent spot if you’re wondering where to eat breakfast in Ely with kids. You can dine in or grab a few things to go.
We opted to take our items back to the cabin for breakfast. They also have a small cooler and pantry area featuring items for charcuterie, snacks, etc. In addition to breakfast, I grabbed a few items for lunch, too.
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International Wolf Center
After breakfast, it’s time to head to one of the best things to do in Ely with kids—the International Wolf Center! In fact, the International Wolf Center inspired our trip to Ely. I’ve wanted to take our daughter for ages, and it did not disappoint!
Once you arrive, you’ll be directed to the many things you can do on-site with kids. Begin your visit in the small, but well-curated museum. Here, you can learn important facts about wolves and their place in Minnesota. Head to the kid’s area next if you have littles in tow. This interactive space is ideal for toddlers to elementary-aged kids who want to get hands-on and play a bit.
Across from the kid’s area are the observation windows. From these windows, you can see and learn about the five ambassador wolves who live on-site. They often wander about and may even come up to the windows during your visit. Then, staff members are also around to answer questions.
Then, don’t miss one of the daily programs or films. Both are offered throughout the day on a variety of topics. We attend a Gray Wolf 101 during our visit. During the talk, a knowledgeable staff member shared some fantastic information about gray wolves, including how they hunt, pack life, and how they communicate. Even better, you can continue to observe the wolves during the talk. Plus, they pass a few artifacts around for you to touch, including skulls, pelts, and other items. It was fascinating!
If you are planning a family trip to Ely, the International Wolf Center has to be at the top of your list!
Lunch
After you visit the International Wolf Center, it’s time for lunch. We opted to grab supplies from Northern Grounds for a charcuterie board at the cabin. You can do this, too, or I’ve listed more restaurants that would work for lunch below.
Take a Hike – You Have Many Options!
After lunch, there are plenty of family-friendly hikes in Ely to keep exploring the area together. We were lucky to have some hiking trails on-site at our cabin. If you don’t have this luxury, here are two great options:
- Trezona Trail Head – easy, 3.9-mile paved loop near downtown Ely.
- Kawishiwi Falls – easy, 1-mile loop with a beautiful waterfall. It’s about 10 minutes from downtown Ely, in Winton.
Play Games at the Cabin Together
We love playing games when we travel, especially during cozy cabin getaways! Card and board games are a great way to have low-key fun and make memories together. They can also be a great way to build in periods of rest or downtime during a trip.
Many cabins and hotels in Ely offer games on-site. But if they don’t, a few of our favorites to travel with include Farkle, Skip-Bo, and Five Crowns. During your trip to Ely, Minnesota, with kids, don’t forget to add these fun family moments to your itinerary!
Sunset Dinner at Evergreen Restaurant
End your second day in Ely at Evergreen Restaurant. Located in the Grand Ely Lodge on Shagawa Lake, this is a great place to enjoy a sunset dinner together. In fact, the dining room faces the lake. The dinner views here are hard to beat!
This supper club-style restaurant offers a variety of menu items, from fish and steak dinners to pasta and light bites. My husband and I both selected the Shore Lunch Bluegille Dinner. It was excellent! The meal also came with soup or salad, and a potato.
As one of the best places to eat in Ely with kids, Evergreen Restaurant also offers a great kids’ menu. Finally, Evergreen Restaurant takes reservations (it is one of the only restaurants in town that does) and can seat large parties.
Day 3 in Ely with Kids
Day three starts with breakfast at Britton’s Café Inc. This cash-only eatery is a local favorite for a hearty breakfast. They have a kids’ menu. After breakfast, it’s time to check out of your accommodations and enjoy one last stop in Ely before heading home.
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Take a Hike at Bear Head Lake State Park
Before leaving Ely, add Bear Head Lake State Park to your itinerary! This state park is beloved for its beautiful trails that move through secluded pine forests and around pristine lakes. Since the park is just south of the Boundary Waters, they share many similarities in terms of scenery and wildlife. It’s a great option if you want to enjoy the beauty of Ely’s untouched wilderness without trekking into the Boundary Waters with kids.
There are 14 miles of hiking trails within Bear Head Lake State Park. We did a portion of the 3.5-mile Norberg Lake Trail (Hiking Club Trail) during our visit. This loop trail is steep and rocky in some areas, but the excellent pine wilderness and lake views are worth it! If you’re lucky, there is even a chance of spotting wildlife like moose, white-tail deer, eagles, and more.
As one of the best things to do in Ely with kids, there are several things you can do in this state park. In addition to hiking, families can snowshoe and cross-country ski in the winter. Meanwhile, in the summer, families can go canoeing, kayaking, fishing, camping (including backpack and canoe sites), and swimming. In fact, you can even rent a paddleboard from the park office and explore one of the lakes!
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Roadside Stop for Lunch at Gordy’s Hi-Hat
On your way home, stop in Cloquet at Gordy’s Hi-Hat for a late lunch! This iconic diner has been serving some of the best burgers in northern Minnesota since 1960. It was even featured in Diners, Drive-Ins, and Drives. In addition to their famous burgers, the menu also includes fish, hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches. Don’t forget to order a malt! There is outdoor and indoor seating available.
This was my husband and daughter’s first visit to Gordy’s Hi-Hat – and it won’t be our last! My daughter absolutely loved munching on chicken strips and drinking a marshmallow malt.
If you are traveling to Ely during the summer, have a backup plan for lunch. Gordy’s Hi-Hat can get quite busy on the weekend, especially during standard meal times, which could get tricky with hungry kiddos. Finally, Gordy’s Hi-Hat is only seasonally open and may not be open from October to April. Check their website for updated hours.
More Fun Things to Do in Ely with Kids
Do you have more time in your Ely weekend itinerary with kids? Or, perhaps you are planning a more extended visit? Don’t miss adding these fun family things to do in Ely with kids. Remember that some of these Ely attractions are seasonal and only available during the summer months.
Hiking + Outdoor Adventures in Ely with Kids
- Kawishiwi Falls Trail is a 1.0-mile loop trail near Ely. It is generally considered an easy hike, and it includes waterfall views!
- Trezona Trail Head is another great hike to add to your list. This 3.9-mile loop trail is paved and circles beautiful Miners Lake. The trailhead is located at the edge of downtown Ely.
- Explore Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park in nearby Vermilion. Here, you’ll find mine tours and several miles of hiking trails.
- Get on the water at Shagawa Lake with a rented canoe from Piragis Northwoods Company.
Museums + More in Ely with Kids
- Dorothy Molter Museum (summer only) is dedicated to the life and legacy of the Boundary Waters’ beloved “rootbeer lady”, as well as the area’s natural and cultural history. Be sure to try her famed rootbeer (it’s the best I’ve ever had)!
- North American Bear Center (summer only) is an excellent option for exploring Ely with kids. The center is dedicated to educating people about black bears and other wildlife. Kids will love learning about these fantastic creatures and observing the ambassador bears!
- Ely-Winton Historical Society is one of the best museums in Ely! Their collections share the unique history of Ely and the surrounding area.
- Pioneer Mine Museum and Tour (summer only) is another place to see artifacts from the local underground mine, which closed in 1967.
- Go Shopping in Downtown Ely! There are plenty of charming shops in downtown Ely. Meander Sheridan Street, 1st Avenue, and 2nd Avenue in search of souvenirs and other unique items to bring home.
More Great Places to Eat in Ely with Kids
When you are exploring Ely, Minnesota, with kids, there are plenty of great places to eat! We enjoyed only a few during our recent trip. Keep in mind, however, that many restaurants in Ely are seasonal and may only be open during the summer months. Google may not always be accurate, so check the individual websites or Facebook pages for up-to-date information. Off-season visitors should map out their restaurants before arriving to ensure availability. Still wondering where to eat in Ely with kids? Keep reading to discover a few more options to add to your itinerary!
- Insula Restaurant offers classic American fare with a twist, like bison burgers, walleye sandwiches, and more. It is arguably one of the best restaurants in Ely (unfortunately, it was closed during our visit!). They also offer a kids’ menu.
- Stony Ridge Resort & Cafe for coffee and breakfast.
- Log Cabin Coffee Drive-Thru has coffee, smoothies, and baked goods.
- The Chocolate Moose offers brunch, lunch, or dinner – supper club style (summer only).
- Ely Steak House for a fun menu filled with burgers, steaks, and more (summer only). They have a kids’ menu.
- Northern Expressions for a little ice cream pick me up!
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Where to Stay in Ely with Kids
While planning your weekend itinerary for Ely with kids, you’ll need to know where to stay! We stayed at Ely Log Cabin (hosted) during our recent trip. It’s a beautiful off-grid (solar-powered) property just outside of Ely that sleeps up to 6 people in a loft arrangement, plus a pull-out couch.
Ely Log Cabin is fantastic for families with older kids, especially if you want Ely’s iconic wilderness just outside your door! In fact, they even have 1 mile of trails available to hike right on the property. Then, Ely Log Cabin also has a small, but efficiently designed kitchen. Outside, there is a fire pit and gas grill, too. We found the cabin to be cozy, well-appointed, and ideally located for fun outdoor adventures in Ely!
Please note: Due to the steep stairway design and fireplace, Ely Log Cabin may not be the best fit for families with kids ages 2-6.
More of the Best Places to Stay in Ely with kids:
If you’re looking for more options for your upcoming family trip to Ely, consider staying at one of the hotels. You can also search Vrbo for more listings.
- Grand Ely Lodge (has a pool + on-site restaurant)
- Moose Track Adventures (cabins with direct access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area)
- YMCA Camp Northern Lights (cabins on the shores of Bear Island Lake on the edge of BWCAW)
- Canoe On Inn (located in downtown Ely)
Keep Exploring Ely, Minnesota, with Kids
I hope this article on the best things to do in Ely with kids helps you plan your own family trip! In addition to what to do together, I’ve included where to eat in Ely with kids and the best places to stay for families to make planning as easy as possible. Whether your family is looking for a cozy cabin getaway or a fun outdoor adventure weekend itinerary for Ely with kids, this guide will have you exploring Ely, Minnesota, together in no time! There’s nothing quite like a family trip to Ely with kids.
Unless otherwise noted, all images in this article were taken by and belong to the blog’s author, Antonia Grant. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.
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