Discover the Majestic North American Bear Center
Explore the North American Bear Center in Ely, Minnesota, an educational wildlife park dedicated to bear conservation and a unique wildlife experience.
The North American Bear Center in Ely, Minnesota, offers an immersive experience into the lives of bears and their habitats. This unique wildlife park combines education and conservation, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and families alike. Explore exhibits, observe live bears, and learn from expert staff about the importance of bear conservation in North America.
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
- Plan your visit during feeding times for the best chance to see bears active and engaging.
- Bring binoculars for a closer view of the bears in their habitats.
- Check the schedule for live presentations and talks to enhance your understanding of bears.
- Visit during weekdays if possible to avoid larger crowds on weekends.
- Dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly in Minnesota's wilderness.
Getting There
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Car
If you are traveling by car within Superior National Forest, head southeast on MN-1 from any location in the forest. Continue for approximately 20 miles until you reach the junction with MN-169 in Ely. Turn right onto MN-169 and continue for about 4 miles. The North American Bear Center will be on your right at 1926 MN-169, Ely, MN 55731.
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Public Transportation
For public transportation, you can use the local bus service that connects various towns in the area. However, schedules may be limited. From Ely, take the bus that operates towards the Bear Center; check the local transit authority for current schedules and routes. Once you reach the closest stop to MN-169, you may need to walk approximately 0.5 miles to reach the North American Bear Center at 1926 MN-169.
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Taxi or Rideshare
If you prefer a more direct route or are limited by public transport, consider using a local taxi service or rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft. From any point in Ely, input the destination as 1926 MN-169, Ely, MN 55731. Expect to pay a fare that varies depending on distance but generally ranges from $10 to $20.
Discover more about North American Bear Center
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Stony Ridge Resort & Cafe
1.2 km
Discover the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure at Stony Ridge Resort & Cafe, your gateway to Minnesota's stunning natural landscapes.
Kwazy Wabbit
1.6 km
Experience the local nightlife at Kwazy Wabbit, Ely's go-to bar for cold drinks, pool games, and a friendly atmosphere.
The Chocolate Moose
1.6 km
Discover the sweet side of Ely at The Chocolate Moose, where delectable desserts and local flavors unite in a cozy atmosphere.
Northern Grounds
1.6 km
Discover the charm of Ely, Minnesota at Northern Grounds, where exceptional coffee, baked goods, and live music create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation.
Elyite.com
1.6 km
Explore Elyite.com, Ely's premier business networking hub, connecting entrepreneurs and professionals in the heart of Minnesota.
Piragis Northwoods Company
1.6 km
Discover the ultimate outdoor gear hub in Ely, Minnesota, at Piragis Northwoods Company, your gateway to the Boundary Waters adventures.
Britton's Café Inc.
1.6 km
Discover the warmth and flavor of Ely's favorite breakfast spot at Britton's Café Inc., where every meal is a delightful experience.
Ely Steam Bath
1.6 km
Discover the ultimate relaxation retreat at Ely Steam Bath in Ely, Minnesota, where wellness meets tranquility for an unforgettable sauna experience.
Mealey's Gift & Sauna Shop
1.6 km
Explore Mealey's Gift & Sauna Shop in Ely, MN for unique local crafts, sauna essentials, and memorable gifts to cherish your adventures.
Brandenburg Gallery
1.7 km
Explore Brandenburg Gallery in Ely, Minnesota – a haven for art lovers, featuring local artistry, photography, and unique gifts in a charming setting.
Dee's Bar & Lounge
1.7 km
Experience the cozy charm of Dee's Bar & Lounge in Ely, Minnesota, where great drinks and vibrant nightlife await visitors.
Merhar's Ace Hardware
1.7 km
Discover Merhar's Ace Hardware in Ely, MN—your essential destination for home improvement supplies and expert advice during your travels.
Northern Expressions
1.7 km
Indulge in the finest homemade ice cream at Northern Expressions in Ely, Minnesota, where unique flavors and friendly service create a delightful experience.
Boathouse Brewpub & Restaurant
1.7 km
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Canadian Waters Inc
1.8 km
Discover the beauty of Ely, Minnesota with Canadian Waters Inc. - your ultimate destination for canoeing, kayaking, and outdoor adventures in the Boundary Waters.
Unmissable attractions to see
Trezona Trail Trailhead
1.7 km
Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Trezona Trail Trailhead, a premier hiking destination in Ely, Minnesota, perfect for all nature lovers.
Whiteside Park
2.3 km
Explore the serene beauty of Whiteside Park in Ely, Minnesota - your ultimate destination for relaxation and outdoor fun.
Ely Arts & Heritage Center at Pioneer Mine
2.4 km
Explore the Ely Arts & Heritage Center at Pioneer Mine - a vibrant hub for art and culture in the heart of Minnesota's scenic Ely.
Pioneer Mine Museum and Tour
2.5 km
Explore the depths of Ely's mining history at the Pioneer Mine Museum, where the past comes alive through fascinating exhibits and underground tours.
Pillow Rocks
3.2 km
Explore Pillow Rocks in Ely, Minnesota, where geological wonders and scenic beauty converge to create a unique tourist attraction.
Cliff Wold's Outfitting Co.
3.6 km
Explore the pristine waters of Ely, Minnesota with canoe and kayak rentals from Cliff Wold's Outfitting Co., your gateway to adventure.
Dorothy Molter Museum
4.0 km
Explore the Dorothy Molter Museum in Ely, MN, and discover the captivating heritage of root beer through the life of the 'Root Beer Lady.'
International Wolf Center
4.5 km
Explore the International Wolf Center in Ely, MN, where adventure meets education about the majestic world of wolves and their conservation.
Bass Lake Trail
5.7 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Bass Lake Trail in Ely, Minnesota, a perfect hiking destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Burntside Lake
9.5 km
Experience the tranquility and natural beauty of Burntside Lake, a serene escape for outdoor adventures and relaxation in Minnesota.
Kawishiwi Falls Trail
10.5 km
Explore the breathtaking Kawishiwi Falls Trail in Ely, Minnesota, a premier hiking destination featuring stunning waterfalls and rich natural beauty.
Fall Lake Campground
14.0 km
Experience the natural beauty of Fall Lake Campground in Ely, Minnesota - a perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Bear Head Lake State Park
18.2 km
Experience the serene beauty and recreational adventures at Bear Head Lake State Park, a natural paradise in Minnesota's north woods.
Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park
27.7 km
Explore Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park: A unique blend of scenic beauty, hiking adventures, and rich mining history in Minnesota.
Superior National Forest
30.6 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Superior National Forest, a natural gem in Minnesota with endless outdoor adventures and stunning landscapes.
Essential places to dine
Hunt Brothers Pizza
1.5 km
Experience delicious pizza made with fresh ingredients at Hunt Brothers Pizza in Ely - where every slice tells a story.
Domino's pizza
1.7 km
Discover delicious pizzas at Domino's Pizza in Ely, Minnesota - perfect for refueling after outdoor adventures.
Ely Steak House
1.9 km
Experience mouthwatering steaks and warm hospitality at Ely Steak House in Minnesota's scenic town of Ely.
Frisky Otter
2.0 km
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thai cuisine by paan
2.2 km
Discover authentic Thai flavors at Thai Cuisine by Paan in Ely – a culinary journey awaits with every delicious dish served.
Evergreen Restaurant
2.5 km
Experience delightful American cuisine at Evergreen Restaurant in Ely, MN – where local flavors meet warm hospitality.
Holiday Stationstores
2.8 km
Discover convenience and comfort at Holiday Stationstores in Ely, MN - your ultimate travel companion for snacks and essentials.
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
3.2 km
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Subway
3.4 km
Discover deliciously fresh sandwiches at Subway Ely while exploring Minnesota's scenic beauty.
Burntside Lodge
5.6 km
Experience nature's beauty at Burntside Lodge – a serene retreat with cozy accommodations and delicious dining options on Burntside Lake.
Rudy's Bar & Grill
48.7 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of American cuisine at Rudy's Bar & Grill in Aurora, Minnesota - your go-to spot for delicious meals and lively atmosphere.
Trail's End Resort, Restaurant and Bar
55.4 km
Experience outdoor adventures at Trail's End Resort while enjoying delicious meals and cozy accommodations amidst Minnesota's natural beauty.
Echo Trail Tavern
55.7 km
Discover Echo Trail Tavern in Buyck, MN - where delicious grilled dishes meet breathtaking natural beauty in the heart of Minnesota.
South Switch
57.4 km
Discover South Switch in Angora: Where delicious grilled cuisine meets Minnesota's breathtaking landscapes.
Sawmill Saloon & Restaurant
66.1 km
Experience the flavors of Minnesota at Sawmill Saloon & Restaurant with grilled delights and local charm.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Custom Theaters of Ely
1.3 km
Discover your artistic side at Custom Theaters of Ely, where creativity meets community in the heart of Minnesota's beautiful Ely.
The Art Corner
1.3 km
Explore a diverse range of high-quality art supplies at The Art Corner in Ely, Minnesota - a creative haven for artists and art lovers alike.
Stinky Petes Tiny Weed Shop
1.4 km
Explore Stinky Pete's Tiny Weed Shop in Ely, MN for unique local gifts and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the North.
Ely Flower & Seed Store
1.5 km
Explore the Ely Flower & Seed Store for a vibrant selection of plants and gardening supplies in Minnesota's picturesque Ely.
Sisu DesignsYarn Shop
1.5 km
Explore Sisu Designs in Ely, Minnesota, where vibrant yarns and a warm community inspire your next crafting adventure.
Praigis Boat House
1.6 km
Discover the Praigis Boat House in Ely, MN – your ultimate destination for canoeing and kayaking adventures in the Boundary Waters!
Boundary Waters Catalog
1.6 km
Discover top-notch outdoor gear at Boundary Waters Catalog in Ely, MN, your ultimate destination for exploring the breathtaking Boundary Waters.
ElyWear
1.6 km
Explore ElyWear for high-quality outdoor sportswear and gear in Ely, Minnesota, your ultimate destination for adventure essentials.
Blue Loon Gallery & Boutique
1.6 km
Explore Blue Loon Gallery & Boutique in Ely, MN – a charming gift shop blending art, clothing, and home goods for unique souvenirs and local craftsmanship.
Ely Surplus & Outdoor
1.6 km
Discover the best outdoor gear and stylish clothing at Ely Surplus & Outdoor, your go-to store for adventure in beautiful Ely, Minnesota.
Ely Mercantile Co.
1.6 km
Explore Ely Mercantile Co., a charming gift shop in Ely, MN, offering unique local crafts and souvenirs that capture the essence of the North Woods.
Ely SportsWear
1.7 km
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Potluck Kitchenware
1.7 km
Explore Potluck Kitchenware in Ely, Minnesota for unique kitchen supplies and charming antiques, perfect for gifts or personal use.
The Cabin
1.8 km
Explore The Cabin, Ely's charming gift shop, for unique local crafts, treasures, and souvenirs that capture the essence of Minnesota.
Prarie Fire Tobacco & Chapman Street Books
1.8 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness
1.6 km
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Boundary Waters Blues Festival
1.8 km
Immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds and community spirit at the Boundary Waters Blues Festival in Ely, Minnesota, a true celebration of blues music.
Sam'z Place
6.5 km
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The Rusty Cup
9.9 km
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Hide Away Supper Club
21.0 km
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Fish Tales Tavern
21.0 km
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Canadian Border Outfitters
27.7 km
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Happy Wanderer
29.5 km
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Good Ol' Days Bar & Grill
30.5 km
Experience comfort food and local flavors at Good Ol' Days Bar & Grill, the heart of Tower, Minnesota's dining scene.
Lake One public access (Entry Point 30)
30.8 km
Experience the tranquil beauty of Lake One, a premier canoeing area in Minnesota's wilderness, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Benchwarmer Grille
31.1 km
Discover the delectable delights of Benchwarmer Grille, a vibrant grill and bar in Tower, Minnesota, serving comfort food and sweet treats.
Kawishiwi Lodge & Outfitters
31.9 km
Experience the natural beauty of Minnesota at Kawishiwi Lodge & Outfitters, offering canoe rentals and cozy accommodations in a serene wilderness setting.
NorthStar Bar
35.1 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of NorthStar Bar in Tower, Minnesota, where locals and tourists come together for good drinks and unforgettable nights.
The Bar
48.6 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bar in Aurora, where friendly faces and refreshing drinks create a perfect retreat.
Log Cabin Tavern & Cafe
59.9 km
Experience the warmth of Minnesota's north woods at Log Cabin Tavern & Cafe, a perfect blend of rustic charm and delicious cuisine.
