Minnesota is full of charming towns. In every part of the state, there’s at least one – but usually more – lovely community full of things to do. In southeastern Minnesota, Lanesboro and Winona are popular. On the North Shore, Grand Marais and Two Harbors draw visitors. And in the southwest, Luverne and Pipestone are great places to visit. This year, Smithsonian Magazine has named one Minnesota town as one of the best small towns to visit this year: Ely! It’s easy to see why thanks to the town’s beauty, attractions, and events. Read on below to learn about what you can find there.

Ely is a beautiful town in northern Minnesota. It's about 100 miles north of Duluth, or 250 miles north of the Twin Cities.
Tony Webster/Flickr
Though it is a small town - just under 3,500 people live there - it is quite popular. Once you visit, it's easy to see why. There is plenty to do! In town, many interesting shops line the downtown streets. They're fun to browse at any time of year.
ShakataGaNai/Wikipedia
In addition to stores, Ely is also home to many restaurants. Popular spots include the Boathouse Brewpub, Insula Restaurant, Rockwood, and many more. There are plenty of great place to try for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
Boathouse Brewpub & Restaurant/Google
Of course, people don't just flock to Ely for its stores and restaurants. The town is the gateway to the Boundary Waters, so it is surrounded by gorgeous lakes and forests. It's an oasis for people who love hiking, camping, and canoeing!
Greg Gjerdingen/Flickr

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There are plenty of other outdoor activities, too. Bear Head Lake State Park is in Ely, as is the 9-hole Ely Golf Course.
Gwyn Isaacson/Google
People interested in wildlife can visit the International Wolf Center to observe wolves close up. The North American Bear Center is also in Ely. Visitors can learn about American black bears.
Sharon Mollerus/Flickr
Ely is also full of fun events. Each winter, the WolfTrack Classic Dog Race draws crowds. If you're interested in trying dog sledding for yourself, there are also local outfitters who can help you have the experience safely.
Ann/Flickr
Summer events in Ely are fun, too. The Blueberry/Art Festival helps the town showcase local artists and craftspeople. It's a great way to support the community, take in art, and maybe even score a new art piece for your home!
Blueberry/Art Festival/Facebook

All in all, Ely is a great small town that is full of things to do. It’s no wonder it’s one of the best small towns in the country! What’s your favorite thing about Ely? Do you have any other favorite small towns in Minnesota? Tell us about them in the comments!

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Ely, MN 55731, USA