Minnesota: Ely - Part 4 - Orlando / Florida Guide
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Artists and photographers worldwide descend on Ely each fall. The unspoiled, lush green terrain of the 1500-plus waterways of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are transformed into canvasses of vibrant gold, deep orange and ravishing red
In short, life slows down a little more as you venture north during fall. Golf courses are a lot less crowded. Campsites take on a quiet all their own. Forests open up and wildlife is more visible. Meandering biking and hiking trails, canoe passages and water routes offer intriguing exploration and photography opportunities second to none.
SHOPPING – DINING
The great draw of Ely is proximity to the vast, pure wilderness that surround. But few who visit Ely will not leave without visiting the shops, studios and galleries.
Locally owned shops offer everything from incredible paintings, jewellery, glassware and fiber art by local artists, to candy, mukluks, winter gear and furniture. Whatever the reasons, you will be amazed by the variety and quality of handmade products, as well as an impressive array of imported items that reflect culture and individuality.
It all adds up to a unique shopping experience. Downtown Ely you could buy a kayak, browse a gallery, try an outdoor gear, find handmade natural-stone earrings, stock up on groceries. To complement your shopping experience you will want a bite to eat. Restaurants, coffee shops, unique northwoods eateries and fine dining are on the menu.
Relax with tea and muffins, a sizzling steak, a wild rice dish, one-of-a-kind sandwiches with a northwoods flair and many other mouthwatering delights.
ATTRACTIONS
Traditionally the Ely area has long been treasured for abundant natural resources. With the first French explorers in the early 1700’s trapping and the fur trade quickly grew as a local industry. In the mid-1800’s, the gold craze was on, and while the region never produced great wealth for gold seekers, another precious metal, iron ore was unearthed. Northern Minnesota's early ore mines helped launch the nation’s steel industry. Ore exploration also led to an upsurge in the local logging industry.
Today’s explorers, of course, are more interested in discovering nature’s beauty, but in and around Ely, there are plenty of attractions that nicely incorporate our natural history and love of recreation with the legends, stories and experiences of pioneers and miners. The International Wolf Center is famed for its high-quality exhibits and programs. View bears in the wild and learn about their history at the North American Bear Centre.
The Dorothy Molter museum commemorates the £Root Beer Lady” who lived more than 56 years alone in the wilderness.
Two local nine-hole golf courses and the area’s championship 18-hole courses deliver exhilarating play without crowds or city noise.
Continued part 5
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