3-Day Winter Itinerary for Ely, Minnesota, with Kids Who Love Snow

This post featuring a winter itinerary for Ely with kids may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy (linked below). This article also includes a hosted stay at Piney Woods Retreat. All thoughts and opinions about the stay are my own.

If your family loves snow and winter adventures, Ely is the perfect getaway in northern Minnesota with kids (just be sure to pack for the cold!). Expect heaps and heaps of snow, along with some of winter's best adventures. During our most recent visit, we experienced snow-packed trails and sub-zero temps, but Ely's charm more than made up for the chill. 

Located 4.5 hours from Minneapolis, Ely is a small town with a big heart. It's an ideal winter road trip destination for families with kids of all ages. One of the main gateways to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Ely offers endless winter activities for families. Think hiking, dog-sledding, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and more! You'll even have a chance to see and learn about Minnesota's wolves. You'll need more than one quick weekend to experience it all!

During our winter trip, we enjoyed a mix of quiet wilderness, charming shops, and friendly locals. With beautiful state parks, cozy eateries, and family-friendly places to stay, Ely makes planning a winter itinerary with kids easier than you might think. Here's our guide to a 3-day winter weekend adventure in Ely (including the best restaurants and places to stay)!

Tips + Packing Reminders for Ely, Minnesota, with Kids

Before exploring the top winter things to do in Ely with kids, there are a few key things to know about visiting this snowy destination. Here are a few tips for visiting Ely, Minnesota, with kids this winter:

• Stay in a cozy cabin! One of the best ways to experience Ely is in a cabin surrounded by nature.
• Ely is quieter in the winter/off-season. If you are planning a winter trip, map out your restaurants and activities before booking. Many restaurants and museums have seasonal hours or may be closed on certain days. Summer is the busy season.
• If you're traveling from Minneapolis (like we did), Ely is a 4.5-hour drive. 
• Pack layers! The temperatures can change quickly and may be unpredictable (especially during the winter and off-season). Packing layers will let you dress for the weather and better enjoy outdoor adventures.
• If you plan to hike (which you absolutely should!), pack hiking boots, ice cleats, and winter gear. Here are some winter gear items that we love for exploring northern Minnesota.
• Sun protection is recommended year-round.
• Bring groceries with you (or grab some in town). Seasonal restaurant closures are common in the winter. Having groceries for breakfast and lunch will help.

Day 1 in Ely with Kids

Now that you know some of the essentials for visiting, let's jump into Day 1 of our winter itinerary for Ely with kids. The first day (which was a Friday for us) is all about arriving and getting settled for the fun weekend ahead. While there are tons of winter activities in Ely for families (and it's easy to want to pack it all in!), taking it slow on arrival day will help set the tone for a memorable getaway. 

Arrive + Get Settled in Your Accommodations

Kick off your winter itinerary for Ely by settling into the perfect home base with kids: Piney Woods Retreat. We absolutely adored our stay here! We traveled to Ely with my parents, and there was more than enough room for all of us.

Just 16 minutes from downtown Ely, this cozy cabin is surrounded by towering pines, offering a peaceful retreat into nature while still keeping you close to all the town has to offer. The main cabin sleeps up to eight. It features a fully stocked kitchen, spacious living area, indoor fireplace, and even a sauna. 

During your stay, you can explore the property's trails, spot wildlife in the fresh snow (we saw several deer!), or unwind around the outdoor fire pit. Spend the evening getting cozy, unpacking, and getting ready for a weekend filled with fun winter activities in Ely for families.

Whether you're traveling with little ones or larger families, Piney Woods Retreat is ideal for families, offering plenty of space to relax, play, and make memories together this winter!

A Few More Kid-Friendly Hotels + Cabins in Ely, Minnesota

• Grand Ely Lodge (pool + on-site restaurant)
• Moose Track Adventures (cabins with direct access to BWCAW)
• YMCA Camp Northern Lights (cabins on Bear Island Lake + the edge of BWCAW)
• Canoe On Inn (located in downtown Ely)
• Search Vrbo for more local listings

Dinner at Boathouse Brewpub & Restaurant

After settling into your cabin, it's time to officially kick off your Ely weekend itinerary with a delicious dinner with your kids. Located in downtown Ely, Boathouse Brewpub & Restaurant is a fantastic choice if you're wondering where to eat on your first night in Ely with kids.

The menu has something for everyone. Think sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and more. We loved sharing the pretzel with cheese and the cheesy curds (YUM!). A few of the adults enjoyed a local Blueberry Blonde pint (yes, Ely is famous for its blueberries!). With a kid-friendly menu, laidback local vibe, and plenty of seating for families or larger groups, Boat House Brew Pub & Restaurant is one of the best winter restaurants in Ely.

Day 2 in Ely with Kids

Kick off Day 2 of your winter itinerary for Ely with kids with breakfast and coffee at Northern Grounds in downtown Ely. This cozy spot serves up excellent coffee, smoothies, and tea. Plus, a lovely selection of hot breakfast sandwiches, pastries (get anything maple!), and muffins. You can enjoy your meal in their welcoming space or grab a few items to take back to your cabin.

We chose to bring our breakfast back to Piney Woods Retreat and enjoyed it by the fireplace. Northern Grounds also has a small cooler and pantry stocked with charcuterie items, snacks, and more, making it easy to pick up a few things for lunch or afternoon adventures.

Hike Kawishiwi Falls Trail

No winter itinerary for Ely with kids is complete without hiking to Kawishiwi Falls. Just 10 minutes from downtown Ely, this easy ~1-mile loop trail is perfect for families looking for a short hike in the snow with a big payoff. 

The trail winds through wooded scenery and leads to the stunning 70-foot drop of Kawishiwi Falls. The frozen falls are GORGEOUS! The trail is relatively flat, but there are some inclines and declines along the way. Don't worry, there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way, too.

"Kawishiwi" means "river full of beaver or muskrat houses" in the Ojibwe language. This area was historically portaged by Native Americans, explorers, and voyageurs. The watershed drains from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and flows all the way to the Hudson Bay (how cool is that?!). 

The trail is located in nearby Winton, Minnesota. The trailhead is about 5 miles from Ely (off Fernberg Road). Parking is available in a small parking lot.

Explore Downtown Ely + Grab Lunch

After your morning hike, it's time to refuel. We picked up supplies from Northern Grounds to create a cozy charcuterie lunch back at the cabin. If that's not your jam, there are also several family-friendly spots in town if you'd rather dine out. Consider Britton's Café (cash only) or Evergreen Restaurant.

Take some time to explore downtown Ely with your kids, too! Stroll through the charming shops along Sheridan Street, 1st Avenue, and 2nd Avenue. From unique souvenirs to seasonal treats, there's plenty to browse. Just be sure to check each shop's off-season hours. It's the perfect way to soak in some small-town charm before your next winter adventure.

International Wolf Center

In the afternoon, visit the International Wolf Center. It is hands-down one of the best winter things to do in Ely with kids. We've been here twice now and loved it both times. I think visiting the International Wolf Center in the winter is best because the wolves are much more active in the snow (compared to summer visits)! 

Start your visit in the small but well-curated museum. Here, kids and adults alike can learn about wolves and their role in Minnesota's ecosystem. Young kids will love the interactive kids' area. It is designed for hands-on learning and play. 

Across from the kids' area, observation windows offer a close-up view of the on-site ambassador wolves. They may even wander right up to the glass! Knowledgeable staff are available to answer questions throughout your visit.

Don't miss one of the daily programs or films. We've attended Ambassadors to the Wild and Gray Wolf 101. No matter which program you attend, a staff member will share fascinating insights about wolf behavior, development, hunting, or communication. You can continue observing the wolves during the talk and even handle artifacts such as skulls, pelts, and more.

The International Wolf Center is worth the visit to Ely alone!

Dinner at Insula Restaurant

Located right in downtown Ely, Insula Restaurant's warm atmosphere sets the perfect tone for a cozy family dinner on your weekend itinerary for Ely with kids. It is undoubltedy one of the best places to eat in Ely during a winter visit.

Insula is known for its chef-driven menu that puts creative spins on classic American fare. With gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, there truly is something for everyone. Their locally sourced ingredients shine, especially in their nightly specials. 

For me, the perfectly cooked salmon was a standout. That said, the burger and nightly specials we tried were big hits with our whole crew, too. Families will also appreciate their dedicated kids' menu, making it an easy, delicious choice for your night out in Ely.

Day 3 in Ely with Kids

Day 3 of your winter itinerary for Ely with kids starts with a hearty breakfast at Britton's Café. This cash-only local favorite serves generous portions, classic comfort dishes, and even has a dedicated kids' menu. It's the perfect fuel for any day of winter activities in Ely for families.

If you're in the mood for something quicker, Log Cabin Coffee Drive-Thru offers great coffee, smoothies, and baked goods to grab and go. Alternatively, pack pancake supplies to enjoy a slow final morning at the cabin. No matter which option you go with, you'll be ready to enjoy your final day in Ely.

Play Games at the Cabin Together

Before you check out, you may still have time to squeeze in a game or two (one of our favorite winter things to do in Ely at the cabin with kids!). We love playing games when we travel, especially during cozy cabin getaways. Card and board games create easy, low-key fun and help build in those much-needed moments of rest during a busy trip.

Many cabins and hotels in Ely offer games on-site, but if yours doesn't, a few of our go-to travel-friendly options include Farkle, Skip-Bo, and Five Crowns. These simple, packable games are perfect for snowy mornings, quiet evenings, or anytime you want to slow down and reconnect.

During your upcoming trip to Ely with kids, don't forget to carve out time for these small-but-memorable family moments. They often end up being everyone's favorite part of the weekend!

Take a Hike at Bear Head Lake State Park

We have two final stops before wrapping up this winter itinerary to Ely with kids. First, a visit to Bear Head Lake State Park. 

Just a short drive from town (and even faster from Piney Woods Retreat), this park is known for its towering pine forests, classic Minnesota lakes, and beautiful trails. Because it sits just south of the Boundary Waters, the scenery feels just as wild and untouched. It's the perfect option for families who want that classic Ely wilderness experience without trekking too deep into the BWCA.

With 14 miles of hiking trails, there's something for every family. We hiked the 3.5-mile Norberg Lake Trail (a Hiking Club Trail) during our visit. While some sections are steep or rocky, the sweeping pine forest and lake views make it well worth the effort. You might even spot deer or winter birds along the way. As you plan your winter weekend itinerary to Ely, this is undoubtedly a top stop with kids. 

Enjoy a Late Lunch at the Frisky Otter

Before you head out of town, treat your family to a meal at The Frisky Otter Pub & Eatery. This casual Northwoods spot serves hearty hand-helds, juicy burgers, steaks, and plenty of shareable appetizers, making it easy to find something everyone will enjoy. It is the perfect place to share memories and recap your visit to Ely.

Kids will especially love the playful children's menu. My daughter thought the meal names were hilarious-choices like "I'm Not Hungry," "I Don't Care," and "This IS My Inside Voice!" definitely added some extra fun to lunch.

More Winter Things to Do in Ely with Kids

Planning an extended winter itinerary to Ely with your kids? Don't miss adding or swapping these exciting winter activities in Ely into your family itinerary. 

• Go dog sledding! There are a few local outfitters, including Chilly Dogs Sled Dog Trips, White Wilderness Sled Dog Adventures, and Cast Outdoor Adventures.
• Snowshoe, cross-country ski, and snowmobile trails are also available locally. Snowmobile rentals are available through Lossings Power Sports in nearby Babbitt.
• Trezona Trail Head is a 3.9-mile paved loop trail that 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. 
• Ely-Winton Historical Society is one of the best museums in Ely! Their collections share the unique history of Ely and the surrounding area.
• Attend the Ely Winter Festival (typically held in mid-February).
• Ely is an excellent spot for ice fishing, too! Guides can be booked through Piragis Northwoods Company.
• Enjoy a sunset, stargazing, or watch for the northern lights.

Have Fun Exploring Ely, Minnesota, with Kids

I hope this article featuring our recommended winter itinerary for Ely with kids helps you plan your own family trip! In addition to what to do together, I've included places to eat in Ely with kids and a few of 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 snowy weekend itinerary for Ely with kids, this guide will have you exploring the area together in no time! There's nothing quite like a winter 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.