Tucked into the birch and pines forests near Ely are four groomed cross-country ski trails over rolling terrain, plus several other wilderness trails through Superior National Forest. Ely is also snowmobile central, tying into both the 170-mile Taconite Trail and the 80-mile Tomahawk Trail, with their numerous spurs. Rent a snowmobile in town if you don't have your own.
Ely is also Minnesota's unofficial dogsled capital. A half dozen guides offer dogsled trips ranging from half-day rides to week-long adventures. Camp under the starry skies or return to a cozy lodge at night. By day, learn how to handle a team of dogs and become a musher.
The intriguing International Wolf Center is open on winter weekends, with displays on wolf behavior and a resident wolf pack to watch. The center also offers long-weekend learning vacations, including dogsledding, snowshoeing, learning about animal tracks and howling to a local wolf pack. New in town is the American Bear Center, also open on winter weekends. Learn about black bears and grizzlies, and how researchers study Minnesota's bear population.
Ely celebrates the season with its Winter Festival February 4-14, 2010. The fun includes snow sculptures, a mukluk ball, a voyageur encampment, the Frozen Film Festival and the Artwalk, with downtown shops displaying paintings, pottery, and other work from local and regional artists.
You can stay at a trailside resort, a lakeside B&B, or at an in-town lodge or motel
In the area:
More info: www.elywinterfestival.com/, 800-777-7281
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