The best cycling routes around Winton

Ely is a key gateway town and a meeting point for several trails, including the Mesabi Trail, the NCT, and the Kekekabic Trail. It’s a convenient stop before or after heading into the Boundary Waters Wilderness. Stock up on trail gear or food, enjoy a meal at Insula or the Boat House Brewpub, and stretch your legs on the Trezona Trail around Miners Lake. If you have time, make the short trip to Kawishiwi Falls—it’s well worth it for the beautiful views and a welcome break from the long trail miles.

Armstrong Lake is a 382-acre lake, reaching depths of 34 feet, and is popular for fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, northern pike, crappie, perch, pumpkinseed, rock bass, and smallmouth bass.

The Pioneer Mine Shaft House is a part of the Ely Arts & Heritage Center, sitting directly across from the Grand Ely Lodge. This historic site gives visitors a look into Ely's mining history with exhibits of artifacts and photographs from the underground mine, which operated from 1889 until it closed its doors in 1967. The Shaft House is open to visitors from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with hours on Tuesdays from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM and Fridays from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Tours are led by guides, many of whom are former miners or have family ties to the mining community.

The eastern terminus of the Mesabi Trail in Ely marks one end of the 165-mile trail, which takes riders to Grand Rapids, Minnesota. If you hear howling, don't be alarmed; less than .1 mile away is the International Wolf Center.