Explore the Wonders of the North American Bear Center
Discover the North American Bear Center: a unique wildlife park in Ely, Minnesota, dedicated to bear education and conservation while offering engaging exhibits and live bear viewing.
The North American Bear Center in Ely, Minnesota, is a captivating destination for tourists seeking to learn about and observe bears in a natural setting. This unique wildlife park offers an educational experience with engaging exhibits, live bear viewing, and the opportunity to connect with nature in a serene environment.
A brief summary to North American Bear Center
- 1926 MN-169, Ely, Minnesota, 55731, US
- +1218-365-7879
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit during feeding times for the best chance to see bears in action.
- Check the weather and dress accordingly, as much of the experience is outdoors.
- Plan to spend at least a few hours to fully enjoy the exhibits and trails.
- Bring binoculars for a closer view of the bears in their habitats.
- Don't miss the gift shop for unique bear-themed souvenirs and educational materials.
Getting There
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Walking
From the center of Ely, head east on Sheridan Street towards MN-169. Continue straight for about 0.5 miles until you reach the intersection with MN-169. Turn left onto MN-169 and walk for approximately 1 mile. The North American Bear Center will be on your left at 1926 MN-169.
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Bicycling
Start at the Ely City Park. From the park, head east on E Sheridan St towards MN-169. Continue straight for about 0.5 miles. When you reach MN-169, turn left. Cycle along MN-169 for about 1 mile. The North American Bear Center will be on the left side at 1926 MN-169.
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Public Transportation (Bus)
Check with the local transit authority for bus schedules that service MN-169. Take a bus heading towards MN-169 and get off at the nearest stop to the North American Bear Center. From there, it will be a short walk (approximately 0.2 miles) to the center located at 1926 MN-169.
Discover more about North American Bear Center
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Stony Ridge Resort & Cafe
1.2 km
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Kwazy Wabbit
1.6 km
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The Chocolate Moose
1.6 km
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Northern Grounds
1.6 km
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Elyite.com
1.6 km
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Piragis Northwoods Company
1.6 km
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Britton's Café Inc.
1.6 km
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Ely Steam Bath
1.6 km
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Mealey's Gift & Sauna Shop
1.6 km
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Brandenburg Gallery
1.7 km
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Dee's Bar & Lounge
1.7 km
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Merhar's Ace Hardware
1.7 km
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Northern Expressions
1.7 km
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Boathouse Brewpub & Restaurant
1.7 km
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Canadian Waters Inc
1.8 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Trezona Trail Trailhead
1.7 km
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Whiteside Park
2.3 km
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Ely Arts & Heritage Center at Pioneer Mine
2.4 km
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Pioneer Mine Museum and Tour
2.5 km
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Pillow Rocks
3.2 km
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Cliff Wold's Outfitting Co.
3.6 km
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Dorothy Molter Museum
4.0 km
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International Wolf Center
4.5 km
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Bass Lake Trail
5.7 km
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Burntside Lake
9.5 km
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Kawishiwi Falls Trail
10.5 km
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Fall Lake Campground
14.0 km
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Bear Head Lake State Park
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Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park
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Superior National Forest
30.6 km
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Essential places to dine
Hunt Brothers Pizza
1.5 km
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Domino's pizza
1.7 km
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Ely Steak House
1.9 km
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Frisky Otter
2.0 km
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thai cuisine by paan
2.2 km
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Evergreen Restaurant
2.5 km
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Holiday Stationstores
2.8 km
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Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
3.2 km
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Subway
3.4 km
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Burntside Lodge
5.6 km
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Rudy's Bar & Grill
48.7 km
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Trail's End Resort, Restaurant and Bar
55.4 km
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Echo Trail Tavern
55.7 km
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South Switch
57.4 km
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Sawmill Saloon & Restaurant
66.1 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Custom Theaters of Ely
1.3 km
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The Art Corner
1.3 km
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Stinky Petes Tiny Weed Shop
1.4 km
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Ely Flower & Seed Store
1.5 km
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Sisu DesignsYarn Shop
1.5 km
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Praigis Boat House
1.6 km
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Boundary Waters Catalog
1.6 km
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ElyWear
1.6 km
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Blue Loon Gallery & Boutique
1.6 km
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Ely Surplus & Outdoor
1.6 km
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Ely Mercantile Co.
1.6 km
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Ely SportsWear
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Potluck Kitchenware
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The Cabin
1.8 km
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Prarie Fire Tobacco & Chapman Street Books
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness
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Boundary Waters Blues Festival
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Sam'z Place
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The Rusty Cup
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Hide Away Supper Club
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Fish Tales Tavern
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Canadian Border Outfitters
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Happy Wanderer
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Good Ol' Days Bar & Grill
30.5 km
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Lake One public access (Entry Point 30)
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Benchwarmer Grille
31.1 km
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Kawishiwi Lodge & Outfitters
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NorthStar Bar
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The Bar
48.6 km
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Log Cabin Tavern & Cafe
59.9 km
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