Growing up, my grandfather, Charlie Maki, a forester, often taught me about trees, conservation, and the importance of preserving nature during our walks in the woods.
It all began with a desire to experience a winter landscape: pristine lake ecosystems and the vast boreal forest where my grandfather grew up. I mapped out an abundance of sites for nature photography and even some spots to view the Aurora Borealis.
So, my husband and I packed up for Ely, looked at each other, and agreed— it would be an incredible way to experience nature in winter.
Excited to venture off the beaten path, we drove from Duluth into Ely, taking forest service roads through the Superior National Forest. Looking up, I marveled at the sturdy, towering pines dusted with heavy snow, framing the roadway—it felt as if we were in a fantasy film by J.R.R. Tolkien.
In Ely, we enthusiastically trudged around in our parkas and wool-lined boots through powdery snow and deep drifts. Locals we spoke with wondered why we chose to visit in the middle of winter! Back home in Memphis, winter precipitation usually means ice or a slushy mix. A highlight was hiking across frozen Shagawa Lake, an otherworldly expanse of snow and sky edged by the deep greens of the transitional boreal forest.
Night temperatures can plunge to -40°F, as they did during our stay. By contrast, our second trip this past September brought balmy days in the mid-60s and nights in the 50s.
Ely sits at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) - one of the largest contiguous forests in the United States and an international outdoor adventure destination. Many organizations work tirelessly to preserve its beauty. Ely is a gateway to canoe portage routes across an extensive network of lakes. The town itself is walkable, filled with specialty shops, outfitters, locally sourced eateries, and art galleries. Stores offer items crafted over generations for life in northern Minnesota’s remote climate.
Highlights to visit include International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center of Ely. The region is also home to the Anishinaabe peoples.
The Ely-Winton Historical Society Museum offers history and a spectacular display of an historic sauna and research center, where I spent time researching my book on Finnish-American life.
Activities for adventure include:
• Canoeing, skiing, snow shoeing, hiking and dog sledding just to name a few.
• Notable festivals in Ely include the Night Sky Festival, Blueberry/Art Festival and Ely Winter Festival.
The nature photography community in Ely is supportive and inspiring! Later I was invited to the Aurora Summit and was delighted to connect with other photographers.
Ely, MN, is the gateway to the BWCAW and a springboard to a multitude destinations like Voyageurs National Park and Canada. Its skies, forests, wildlife, and lakes invite your imagination to wander and your spirit to recharge. Our ancient ancestors had it right—being close to nature is key for a rich and meaningful life!
Kelly Blumenthal is a nature photojournalist living in Memphis, TN, who strives to connect people to the biodiversity of the natural world while “placing nature center stage.”
