Rumors of a gold strike first lured fortune seekers to the region. The gold turned out to be iron, but its discovery led to the railroad that later put the town on the map.
Ely lends its name to a rare local rock formation known as Ely greenstone, which formed more than 2 billion years ago when lava flows solidified underwater. An outcropping of Ely greenstone known as Pillow Rocks can be seen at 12th and Main streets.
Visitor Centers
Ely Chamber of Commerce 1600 E. Sheridan St. Ely, MN 55731. Phone:(218)365-6123 or (800)777-7281
Things to Do
Dorothy Molter Museum
Recreational Activities