United States

Ely

Ely

Ely is a small city located in the northeastern part of the state of Minnesota, United States. With a population of just over 3,000 people,…

Best for you if…

  • A 4–5 day trip
  • Hiking travelers
  • Camping travelers
  • Visiting in Summer
Recommended stay
3-5 days
Best time
Summer
Walkability
Moderate
Guide depth
Solid guide
More about this guide

Ely is a strong pick for hiking & camping — plan about 3-5 days. Peak season: Summer.

Solid guide guide · about 3 min to read · depth score 66/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)

Moderate density — A mix of walkable clusters with some longer hops. (≈10.6 km span)

8 Places to explore
3-5 Recommended days
Summer Best season
8 Nearby places

Find nearby destinations

When to go

High season: Summer

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC

Best months for lower-cost travel: March · April · September · October

Weather

Fall

50°F - 70°F

Spring

60°F - 80°F

Summer

70°F - 90°F

Winter

30°F - 50°F

How to get there

How to Reach Ely, United States

Ely, a charming city located in the eastern part of Nevada, can be easily reached by various means of transportation. Whether you prefer flying, driving, or taking a scenic train ride, here are the options to reach Ely:

By Air:

If you are traveling from a distant location, the most convenient way to reach Ely is by air. The nearest major airport is the Ely Airport (ELY), offering regular flights from various cities in the United States. Once you arrive at Ely Airport, you can easily rent a car or take a taxi to reach the city center.

By Car:

Ely is well-connected to major highways, making it easily accessible by car. If you are driving from Las Vegas, take US-93 North and enjoy the scenic journey through the Nevada desert. The drive takes approximately 4 hours, covering a distance of around 250 miles. From Salt Lake City, Utah, take I-80 West and then US-93 South, which will take you to Ely in about 3.5 hours.

By Train:

If you're looking for a unique travel experience, consider taking the historic Nevada Northern Railway. The railway operates scenic train rides from Ely to the nearby town of Ruth. You can board the train at the East Ely Depot and enjoy the picturesque views along the way. The train ride is a popular attraction and offers a nostalgic journey through Nevada's mining history.

By Bus:

While there is no direct bus service to Ely, you can reach the city by taking a Greyhound bus to the nearby town of Eureka, which is approximately 77 miles away. From Eureka, you can arrange for a taxi or rental car to reach Ely.

Whichever mode of transportation you choose, reaching Ely will reward you with a delightful experience. The city's rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and warm hospitality await your arrival.

Getting to know Ely

Ely is a small city located in the northeastern part of the state of Minnesota, United States. With a population of just over 3,000 people, Ely is known for its natural beauty and abundant outdoor recreational activities. The city is situated on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which covers over a million acres of pristine lakes, forests, and rivers.

In addition to its natural attractions, Ely also has a rich history. The city was founded in the late 19th century as a mining town, and many of its original buildings have been preserved as part of the Ely Historic District. Today, visitors can explore a variety of museums and historical sites, including the International Wolf Center and the Soudan Underground Mine State Park.

Ely is a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities such as fishing, hunting, hiking, canoeing, and camping. The city has a number of resorts, lodges, and campsites that cater to visitors, as well as several shops, restaurants, and cafes. Overall, Ely is a charming and picturesque destination with something to offer for everyone.

Pre-trip checklist

Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.

Local tips

  • Pack layers for changing weather
  • Bring insect repellent for outdoor activities
  • Book accommodations well in advance

Places worth exploring

8 places mapped for this destination

0–1
1–3
3–8
8–20
20+

Walking loops

Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.

Suggested 3-day outline

Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.

How many days do you need in Ely?

Most travelers spend about 3-5 days in Ely, United States.

When is the best time to visit Ely?

High season is typically Summer.

Which months are more budget-friendly in Ely?

Travelers often find better value in March, April, September, October.

What kind of trip is Ely good for?

Ely suits Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Sightseeing.

Is Ely walkable?

A mix of walkable clusters with some longer hops.

Any local tips for Ely?

Pack layers for changing weather

Build your trip

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Multi-city ideas

Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes

  • Ely → Mcgill → West Wendover · ≈177 km
  • Ely → Mcgill → Wendover, United States - A Brief Overview · ≈177 km
  • Ely → Mcgill → Pioche: A Historic Town in the United States · ≈180 km

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