Approximately 319 miles—or 5 hours and 37 minutes—from the Winona State University Campus sits the beautiful town of Ely, Minnesota. Located in the majestic Superior National Forest, Ely and its surrounding area is the epitome of Minnesota’s natural beauty year-round. Its beauty isn’t its only attraction though.
During the summer, specifically one weekend in July, Ely hosts an annual Blueberry Festival. As of 2021, the festival will be 40 years old. The festival includes many things.
Here are a few highlights of the festival:
1. Blueberry Pancake Breakfast
In the morning, there is a blueberry pancake breakfast on the festival grounds. The breakfast, from my experience, includes blueberry pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs and juice.
2. The Vendors
There are rows of booths set up across the green space with the cutest arts, crafts and much more. My favorite booth is the one with salsa. My dad and I love their blueberry salsa!
3. The Playground
Okay, yes, almost every town or city has a playground. But the playground sits a bit off to the side, so it is nice to take a break and let the kids play on the playground.
My favorite part about the festival is the enthusiasm of the townsfolk. If you travel to Ely during the festival weekend, the store owners and employees in its quaint downtown area are always welcoming and friendly.
Here are a few stores you should check out while in town:
1. Mostly Moose & More
8 E Sheridan St
Ely, MN 55731
2. Pengal’s Basswood Trading Co.
137 E Sheridan St
Ely, MN 55731
3. Piragis Northwoods Company
105 N Central Ave
Ely, MN 55731
4. Mealey’s Gift & Sauna Shop
124 N Central Ave
Ely, MN 55731
5. Ely’s Old-Fashioned Candy
228 E Sheridan St
Ely, MN 55731
If you haven’t been to Ely, MN, then you need to schedule it into your summer agenda because it is totally worth it—especially if you love the outdoors! Who knows, it may become your new favorite little Minnesota town.