Getting to Ely & Moose Track Adventures

Ready for your Boundary Waters adventure? Whether you’re coming from the West Coast, East Coast, or somewhere in between, here’s how to reach Ely, Minnesota, and Moose Track Adventures—your gateway to wilderness fun. We’re located just 7 miles outside Ely, right on Farm Lake, with easy access to the BWCAW.

By Air: Flying to Ely
– Closest Airports:
– Duluth International Airport (DLH): 110 miles (2-hour drive) from Ely. Major airlines like Delta and United serve Duluth, with connections from hubs like Minneapolis, Chicago, and beyond. Rent a car at the airport and head north on MN-53 and MN-169.
– Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP): 250 miles (4.5-hour drive) from Ely. Ideal for those flying from farther afield (e.g., California, Texas, New York). Rent a car and take I-35N to MN-33, then MN-169 through the scenic Northwoods.
– Ely Municipal Airport (ELO): Small planes only, perfect for private flyers or charters. It’s just 5 miles from town—no car rental available, so arrange a shuttle with us or a local taxi.
– Pro Tip: Book flights early for summer (May-September), as Duluth and MSP get busy. Contact us at Moose Track Adventures (218-365-4106) to coordinate a pickup if needed!

By Car: Driving to Ely
Ely’s nestled in northeastern Minnesota, a straight shot from many U.S. regions. Here’s how to drive to Moose Track Adventures (593 Kawishiwi Trail, Ely, MN 55731):
– From the Midwest (e.g., Chicago, IL): 550 miles, ~9 hours. Take I-90W to I-35N, then MN-33 and MN-169N to Ely. Turn right onto Kawishiwi Trail (County Rd 16) 1.5 miles past town—look for our sign 4 miles down on the left.
– From the West (e.g., Denver, CO): 1,050 miles, ~17 hours. Head east on I-80 to I-35N, then MN-169N. Stop in Duluth for a breather if needed!
– From the East (e.g., New York, NY): 1,300 miles, ~21 hours. Take I-90W through Ohio and Wisconsin, then I-35N to MN-169N. Break it up with an overnight in Madison, WI.
– From the South (e.g., Dallas, TX): 1,200 miles, ~19 hours. Drive I-35N all the way to MN-169N. It’s a long haul—consider a pit stop in Minneapolis.
– Once in Ely: From downtown, go east on MN-169 for 1.5 miles, turn right onto Kawishiwi Trail, and drive 4 miles. We’re on the left—welcome to paradise!
– Road Trip Tip: Gas up in Ely (stations like Holiday or Shell) before heading to us. The drive’s gorgeous—think pines, lakes, and maybe a moose sighting!

Why Moose Track Adventures?
Once you’re here, we’ve got you covered. Stay in our cozy lakeside cabins, rent a canoe, or let us outfit your BWCAW trip from start to finish. Planning to paddle? Our team helps you pick the perfect entry point and route—stress-free. Call us at 218-235-9049 or email info@moosetrackadventures.com to book your spot!

Travel Times at a Glance
– Seattle, WA: Fly to MSP (3.5 hrs), drive 4.5 hrs = ~8 hrs total.
– Miami, FL: Fly to MSP (3.5 hrs), drive 4.5 hrs = ~8 hrs total.
– Chicago, IL: Drive 9 hrs or fly to DLH (1 hr) + drive 2 hrs = ~3-9 hrs.
– Minneapolis, MN: Drive 4.5 hrs—day trip possible!

Get here, unplug, and let Moose Track Adventures make your wilderness dream a reality. See you on the lake!

•   Moose Track Adventures is a full service Boundary Waters Outfitter in Ely, MN.   •

Adventure Starts Here


Just 7 miles from Ely, Minnesota, Moose Track Adventures is your gateway to an unforgettable Boundary Waters experience! As a premier Boundary Waters outfitter, we provide top-tier Kevlar canoe rentals and full-service BWCA outfitting to make your trip seamless, exciting, and hassle-free. With over 20 years of expertise in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA), we know what it takes to craft the perfect canoe adventure. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or a first-time explorer, we equip you with lightweight Kevlar canoes, high-quality gear, and expert guidance—so you can focus on the thrill of the wild. Are you ready to paddle into adventure? Let’s make your Boundary Waters journey extraordinary!

Ely, MN, USA Book your adventure now