A tiny village in the middle of Minnesota has drawn notice from all around the world for its distinctive Finnish cultural connections.
This quaint neighborhood provides a window into the rich history and customs of the Nordic nation, thanks to its distinctive Finnish ancestry.
This article will go into the unusual history of this Minnesota town and reveal the origins of its intriguing moniker, “The Finland of the US.”
Ely: The Minnesota Town That’s Like the “Finland of the US”
Ely, Minnesota, was dubbed the “Finland of the US” due to its resemblance to the environment and way of life of the nation. Ely, which is situated just outside Lake County close to the Ontario border, is encircled by pristine lakes and thick forests with a variety of topographies that resemble Finland.
Similar to Finland, Ely is well-known for its outdoor pursuits, like as hiking and canoeing. Both locations have a close relationship to nature, making them ideal for people looking to escape the bustle of the big metropolis.
Ely has a rich Finnish-American heritage that extends beyond its landscape.
Between 1902 and 1906, the majority of Finnish immigrants arrived in Minnesota by boat in order to avoid being drafted into the Russian Army under Tsar Nicholas II. Finding employment through friends and family, many made their homes in communities like Ely.
The Nordic Beard Festival and the St. Urho’s Day Celebration are two examples of the Finnish-inspired activities that Ely hosts to preserve Finnish culture today.
A Finnish mainstay, saunas are also well-liked in Ely. The town’s saunas are a popular destination for locals and tourists alike who want to unwind and experience real Finnish culture.
Activities in Ely, Minnesota
For those seeking adventure and an outdoor experience, Ely, Minnesota, is the ideal location. There are plenty of canoeing, kayaking, and camping options in the neighboring Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), which covers more than a million acres.
Visitors can also take in beautiful views, hike along its hiking paths, and see wildlife including gray wolves, bald eagles, and moose.
The most well-known paths in Ely consist of:
- Blackstone, Secret, and Ennis Lakes
- Trezona Trail
- Kawishiwi Falls Trail
- Bass Lake Trail
- Angleworm Trail
The International Wolf Center is another must-see destination in Ely. Grayson, Rieka, Caz, and Blackstone are the four gray wolves who make up the exhibit pack at the family-friendly facility.
In addition to its instructional program, the center provides field trips into wolf habitat so that guests can have a deeper understanding of wolf study.
| Months | Activities |
| December-February |
Skiing, Snowshoeing, Dog Sledding, Northern Lights
|
| March-May |
Birdwatching, Hiking, Fishing
|
| June-August |
Festivals, Canoeing, Fishing
|
| September-November |
Hiking, Fall Foliage
|
The Best Time To Go To Ely, Minnesota, The “Finland Of The US”
Your desired experience will determine the ideal time of year to visit Ely, Minnesota. Because there are activities for every season, it’s a fantastic place to visit all year round.
December through February is the ideal time to visit if you enjoy winter scenery. Ely is blanketed in beautiful snow throughout these months, making it the ideal destination for winter sports aficionados.
Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and even dog sledding—a popular sport reminiscent of Finnish culture—are available to visitors.
One of the greatest locations in the US to view the Northern Lights in the winter is Minnesota. Ely provides an excellent vantage point to view the vibrant lights in the sky on a clear night.
In Ely, the spring months of March through May are when the snow starts to melt. For people who prefer pleasant, often cool weather, this season is ideal.
Hiking and early-season fishing are best during these months. Spring is one of the best seasons for birdwatchers since migratory species come to the area.
The town is busiest in the summer months of June through August. The town hosts more festivals and outdoor events when there is more daylight during the day.
