February 2017 news
- Tinley Park, IL February 11th-12th Show Info
- Eau Claire, WI March 17th-19th Show Info
- Minneapolis, MN March 23rd-26th Show Info
This coming season of 2017 will be White Iron Beach Resort’s 100th year of continuous operation. Hope you will be a part of our celebration throughout the 2017 season. We wish everyone a wonderful New Year!
Take care,
Fishing Reports
Walleye anglers are still struggling to find limits of keepers. Many small fish in the six to ten inch range are common, but weeding through them enables you to come home with at least a couple for dinner.
Area Events
ELY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LOG CABIN/INFORMATION CENTER
1600 E. Sheridan Street (Intersection of Hwy 169 & Hwy 1) (218) 365-6123 or (800) 777-7281 or www.ely.org. Winter Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm – closed weekends – Summer Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 4 pm, Sundays, 10 am to 1 pm. This cabin, once located on Basswood Lake, was built in 1938 by Finnish Lumberjacks. Using an axe, they shaped and fitted the logs. The winter of 1975 & 1976 the cabin was dismantled log by log, moved over ice and rebuilt at the present location. For the most up to date listing of activities, please check out our Event Calendar at www.ely.org.
KAWISHIWI WILDERNESS STATION
From the Chamber of Commerce: ½ mile East of Ely on Hwy 169 (218) 365-7600. Hours: May 1 thru Sept. 30, 8 am to 4:30 pm daily. Oct 1 to April 30- 8:00 am to 4:30 pm M-F – BWCAW Permits are issued here. You will also find a beautiful interpretive center filled with information about hiking, camping, canoeing, biking, and backpacking in the forest; books and other publications; gift items and various displays.
From the Chamber of Commerce: 1/4 Mile E. Hwy 169, on the right 218/365-4451. Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day Weekend, open Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5:00pm,; September 12 – 25th Saturday & Sundays 10am-5pm.; October –Saturdays 10 am to 5 pm. Check out www.rootbeerlady.com for more details. Best known as the Root Beer Lady or Lady of the Wilderness, Dorothy Molter (also a registered nurse) was the last of a special breed of people, and the last legal resident of the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area. She believed in herself, even in the harshest conditions and facing great challenges. She lived in harmony with the environment. Adults $6.50; Seniors (62+) $6.00; Youth (6-17) $4.50.
From the Chamber of Commerce: ½ mile East on Hwy 169, on the right (218) 365-4695 or 1-800-ELY-WOLF (359-9653). May 16 – June 12 open Sunday-Friday 10-5 and Saturday 9-5. June 13 – August 12-Open Daily, 9am-6pm; August 13 – October 16- Open Daily, 10am-5pm, Saturday 9 am – 5 pm. October 17-December 31 open Friday 10-5, Saturday 9-5 & Sunday 10-2. January 1-May 15 open Friday 10-5, Saturday 9-5 & Sunday 10-2. Check out www.wolf.org for additional details. The museum features ambassador gray wolves in their north woods habitat and a variety of exciting programs such as What’s For Dinner?, Wolf Communication and Family PACK activities. When you visit, don’t miss the award-winning films, Little Wolf children’s exhibit, daily presentations, and field trip. Two new rare arctic pups have joined the pack in 2016! Adults $12.00; Seniors (60+) $10.00; Children 4-12 $7.00.
One mile west of Ely on Hwy 169 (218) 365-7879. May 1- May 26 Open Daily 10am-4 pm; May 27 – September 11 Open Daily 9am-6pm; Sept. 12- October 23, 10 am – 5 pm daily. Oct 24 – Oct 31 open Friday, Saturday 10am – 5 pm; November thru April 14 Closed; (groups of 15+ by appointment, call for rates). Facility features live bears in a 2 acre forested enclosure with a pond and 4 waterfalls. Observe bear thru windows or from the outdoor observation deck. Our newest bear, Tasha, a female yearling, has joined Ted, Holly, & Lucky this year. Adults/teens $12.00; Seniors (65+) $10.00; Children 3-12 $7.00.
From the Chamber: Turn left on 169, go to the 2ND stop light, make a right and go 1 mile. Located at historic Pioneer Mine on Ely’s north side, the site is managed by Ely Greenstone Public Art (www.elygreenstone.org). The Shaft House, 401 North Pioneer Road, is open Memorial Day through Labor Day on Tuesdays from 2-5 pm, Fridays from 3 – 6 pm and by appointment (218-235-1721). Photos and artifacts from the underground mine which closed in 1967 are displayed. The Miners Dry House, 105 Miners Lake Landing Road, features events, art shows and classes throughout the year and is located alongside the Trezona Trail. New in summer of 2013, “Stains of Toil” to be shown during tour hours, the video recently published to YouTube featuring a montage of historic images set to original music and honors Ely’s underground iron miners from 1888 to 1967.
Location: Vermilion Community College History of Ely including the Ojibwe (Chippewa) Indians, the Voyageurs who came here to trade furs, the development of the iron ore mining industry in the late 1800’s and the life of the men who labored in the underground mines, the logging industry which employed thousands of men in camps and mills, the role of women who came here in the early years. Video films on topics of local interest are shown upon request. Open June through August, M-F, Noon to 4 pm; Sept–May, Tu-F, noon to 4 pm.
1379 Stuntz Bay Road, (20 miles west of Ely on Hwy 169) (218) 300-7000. Memorial Day – end of September and weekends only in October through MEA weekend. Warm clothing & shoes are needed. A State Park Permit no longer required. Mine Tours – Memorial Day weekend, May 26 – Sept. 30, 10am-4pm, on the hour; Physics Lab Tour – daily at 10am AND 4pm. After Labor Day the weekday tours will run at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm and the weekend tours will run hourly from 10am to 4 pm. The tour is approximately 90 minutes and is ADA accessible. After Labor Day the physics tour will run at noon only. The tour lasts approximately 1 1/4 hours.
From the Chamber: Turn left on 169, go 4 blocks and follow historical marker sign at 13th Avenue East. Take a right turn and follow the signs 4 blocks to Pillow Rock on Main Street. Pillow Rock is an ellipsoidal greenstone outcrop of an age estimated at 2.7 billion years. The pillowed structure is characteristic of lava that solidified under water. Please note there is a sculpture in Whiteside Park also.
Parties wishing to visit Sigurd Olson’s beloved Listening Point should contact Alanna Dore at (218) 365-8889 to schedule a tour.
ELY FOLK SCHOOL Check out the full listing of courses available during your visit to Ely at www.elyfolkschool.org.
Ely Area Weekly Events
Pickle Ball – Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9-11 am at the Vermilion Community College Gym. Free.
Tuesday Group – Every Tuesday at the Grand Ely Lodge at Noon. Buy your own lunch. All are invited.
Story Hour – Fridays at 10:30 AM/ Ely Public Library 224 E. Chapman St. FREE 218-365-5140
Watercolor Painting – Fridays 9:15 am – Noon. All experience levels welcome. Fees: $2 LedgeRock Community Church 1515 E. Camp St, Ely
Micro Art Classes – Every Tuesday & Thursday from 1-3 pm. Paint a Lake Superior Rock with Joe. Learn basic painting skills and bring home a gift. If the time does not work just call us and we can see if another time can be arranged. Fees: $35 Northwind Lodge 2267 Fernberg Road Ely
Ely Area Special Events
Ely Winter Fest February 2, 2017 – February 12, 2017 | All Day Ten days of winter fun in Ely. Snow carvings in the park, art in merchant windows, food, music, winter sports and many other events. Fun for the entire family. Don’t miss out on this spectacular annual event. Fees: Most events are free – see website for details on specific events and fees.
Ely Art Walk February 2, 2017 – February 12, 2017 | All Day Tour Ely and view breath-taking artwork created by local artisans. Map of locations available at Ely Greenstone website. Free
Ely Northwoods Medallion Hunt – February 2, 2017 – February 12, 2017 | All Day As part of the 2017 Ely Winter Festival, the Ely Chamber of Commerce Merchant Committee will host the first annual Ely Northwoods Medallion Hunt. This will become an annual event with a different, Northwoods theme each year. There will be a total of ten clues released at 10:00 a.m. each day (starting February 2, with the final clue posted February 11) to lead hunters to the medallion. The clues will be posted at the Chamber of Commerce building at 1600 E. Sheridan St., on our website page (www.ely.org/medallionhunt), on the Ely MN Events Facebook page and at participating Ely merchants.
The first one to find the medallion will win $250 in Chamber Bucks!! But there are more chances to win! Each participating Ely merchant will also have Northwoods Medallion Hunt commemorative wooden nickels. For every ten wooden nickels turned in at the Chamber of Commerce, you will receive an entry form for a drawing for four prizes: first place – $100 Chamber Bucks, second place – $75 Chamber Bucks, third place – $50 Chamber Bucks and fourth place – $25 Chamber Bucks. No purchase necessary. Visit participating merchants often to collect a coin – one coin per person at each store per day. There is no limit to the amount of days you visit each store, so you can collect wooden nickels galore to turn in for an entry form for the drawings (just remember it takes ten wooden nickels to get an entry for the drawing). 2017 is The Year of the Wolf! The first medallion and commemorative wooden nickels will be etched with the likeness of our furry wilderness neighbors. Why not collect eleven wooden nickels, keep one for the start of your collection and turn in the other ten for an entry into the drawing? For more information about this event, please visit www.ely.org/medallionhunt. Fees: FREE
Wolf Photography Weekend February 3, 2017 – February 5, 2017 | 5:00 pm – 12:00 pm Discover the art of photographing wolves at the International Wolf Center. Participants will learn important information about wolves and what to look for capturing their unique behaviors. Spend time photographing wolves at the Center, followed by a field trip on Saturday. This will be the first winter for the 2016 arctic pups and they should be in their prime physically and behaviorally. Note: the emphasis on this program is placed on photographing wolf behaviors; we are not teaching you how to use your camera but rather how to interpret behaviors and anticipating what “comes next.” Fees: Non-member $175, Member $157.50 Deposit: $50 International Wolf Center 1396 Highway 169, Ely, MN, 55731
The Great Nordic Beardfest February 3, 2017 – February 4, 2017 | 7:00 pm – 2:00 am Throwdown for the Belt Tournament and Christopher David Hanson Band greatnordicbeardfest.com Boathouse Brewpub 47 East Sheridan, Ely
Herbal Eye Pillow February 4, 2017 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm This short and fun class combines herbs and sewing to create a soothing, relaxing yet simple gift to make. It’s been reported that eye pillows containing lavender have helped people sleep better and have helped to reduce tension headaches. Use your pillow to take a restful break during the day or at night to help you drift off to sleep. Select your choice of fabric, cut out and sew by hand or machine, fill and then with a few more stitches your pillow is ready to be enjoyed. Tuition: $20 Materials: $10 Ely Folk School 209 E Sheridan Street, Ely, MN, 55731
Beaver Fur Hat February 4, 2017 | 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Ely folks know there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. A beaver fur hat is just the answer for those deep wind chills, which Bert can attest to. In this class you will make a pattern to fit your head, learn how to cut the pattern pieces from two beaver pelts and stitch them together to create your hat. You will receive instructions for adding the liner at home using glue and hand stitching and then you’ll have a completed hat to keep you toasty warm. Tuition: $40 Materials: $85 Ely Folk School 209 E Sheridan Street, Ely, MN, 55731
Make Your Own Pasties February 4, 2017 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Perhaps no traditional food is more closely associated with the Iron Range than pasties (pronounced “past tees”). Brought here by Cornish miners, these hearty & healthy lunch pies are created from chopped fresh veggies (carrots, potatoes, onions, rutabagas), and meat (beef & pork) sealed & baked in delectable pastry shells. Ely’s mining families appreciated how well they transported & held their heat in a lunch bucket – you’ll enjoy their great taste! In this class, you will learn how to prepare the filling, and how to roll & crimp the dough. You’ll take home a freshly made pasty to bake & the skills to make more on your own! Tuition: $35, Materials: $6 Ely Folk School 209 E Sheridan Street Simple Stab-Bound Book February 5, 2017 | 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Create a lovely little side-bound blank book, just perfect for any number of uses: jot down thoughts or poems, sketch in it, or give it to someone special for Valentine’s Day. Your book will have a hard cloth cover, and as many (up to about 2 dozen) or as few pages as you’d like. Tuition: $60 Ely Folk School 209 E Sheridan Street, Ely, MN, 55731
Wolves after Dark February 10, 2017 – February 11, 2017 | 5:00 pm – 9:00 am Have you wondered what happens after nightfall with the International Wolf Center’s ambassador wolves? Here’s your opportunity to participate in a “Citizen Science” project and document important behavioral data critical to understanding the Exhibit Pack dynamics. Participants camp out in the Center’s auditorium in full view of the wolf viewing windows! Bring your sense of adventure, a sleeping bag and pillow for this unique overnight opportunity at the Center! Fees: Adult Non-member (18+): $70, Member $65 Student Non-member (12-17): $40, Member $35 International Wolf Center 1396 Highway 169, Ely, MN
Intro to Digital Photography February 11, 2017 | 9:00 am – 2:00 pm This class is intended for beginner to intermediate photographers, and it’s just in time for you to get great shots at Ely’s Winter Festival. Topics covered include equipment selection – camera, lens, tripods, shutter releases, flash and a few other odds and ends. Camera and lens use – menu, knobs, buttons, care of and manuals. Theory – shutter/aperture/ISO relationships and how to use them to the best advantage for your settings….. Tuition: $60 Ely Folk School 209 E Sheridan Street, Ely, MN, 55731
Snowshoe Weaving Workshop February 18, 2017 – February 19, 2017 | 4:00 pm – 3:00 pm Learn to weave your very own set of Ojibwa Style snowshoes in our Snowshoe Weaving Workshop! Ely local Peta barrett will be teaching participants the traditional method of creating a pair of snowshoes. Enjoy free admission to the International Wolf Center, Dinner and Breakfast, and our What’s For Dinner feeding program as added perks to this program, and walk away with a newly weaved set of snowshoes created by you! Fees: Non-member $400, Member $360 International Wolf Center
Nature Storytime February 21, 2017 | 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Join naturalist James Pointer for an entertaining hour of learning about the world around us. Kids will listen to a story, learn about the topic, and then do a related craft or activity. The topic for this month has not yet been selected. This activity is geared to kids aged 4 to 8. This program is presented in cooperation with the Lake Vermilion – Soudan Underground Mine State Park. Fees: Free Ely Public Library 224 E Chapman Street, Ely, MN, 55731
Pink Ribbon Riders 11th Annual Snow Run February 24, 2017 – February 25, 2017 | All Day The Snow Run is an event open to both men and women, including a welcome social, snowmobile ride(s), awards banquet and more! Fees to participate. Grand Ely Lodge 400 N Pioneer Road, Ely, MN, 55731
WolfTrack Classic Vet Check & Meet the Dogs & Mushers February 25, 2017 | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm The vet check runs from 11 am – 3 pm at Vermilion Community College. Meet the dogs and mushers. Wilderness Club Concessions Fund Raiser during Vet Check
WolfTrack Classic Pre-Race Dinner February 25, 2017 | 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm Our pre-race lasagna dinner runs from 4 pm to 7 pm. Social hour 4-5 pm, dinner 5-6:30 pm, musher meeting from 6:30-7 pm and presentation of the bibs at 7 pm. Fee is $10.00/person at the door. Credit cards welcome.
Fees: $10.00/person for meal Ely Senior Center 7 S 1st Ave E., Ely, MN, 55731
WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race February 26, 2017 | All Day Join us for this premier mid-distance sled dog race spanning 65 miles through northern Minnesota’s State Trail system. The WolfTrack Classic is known for its unrelenting hills that test the stamina of mushers and dogs across the scenic north woods terrain. Race starts at 9 am. Fees: No spectator fees Softball Fields Old Airport Road and State Highway #1, Ely, MN, 55731