Firstly, I know everyone is excited about the BWCA opening and the fire ban being lifted. And although I love being out in the BWCA, getting to enjoy the town of Ely is also a great part of my trip.

Can anyone who lives locally or knows what's going on in Ely tell me what's open? Can I eat at a restaurant (ely steakhouse or boathouse)? Am I able to do some last minute shopping at the local outfitters? Are any of the coffee shops open?

I live in Cincinnati and I don't want to assume everyone is doing carry out like we are here. Might be a dumb post, but I appreciate all the responses.

Drop me a line if you'll be heading out to the Bdub for memorial weekend!

Not a dumb post at all. I too would like to know? I'm just curious if businesses in Ely would prefer if BWCA trippers come into town to spend some $$$, as long as we follow the distancing guidelines and wear a mask. Or would they prefer we spend as little time as possible in town and just go straight into our entry points. I'm prepared to do either. I know that we’re not supposed to be travelling from out of state at the moment. But let's be real, people are coming from all over to do their BW trip.

trailchief: "Not a dumb post at all. I too would like to know? I'm just curious if businesses in Ely would prefer if BWCA trippers come into town to spend some $$$, as long as we follow the distancing guidelines and wear a mask. Or would they prefer we spend as little time as possible in town and just go straight into our entry points. I'm prepared to do either. I know that were not supposed to be travelling from out of state at the moment. But let's be real, people are coming from all over to do there BW trip. "

Thanks Trailchief. Hoping we get a bit of feedback from some folks. I hope we are able to spend some $$$ at the local shops. But if not, there's always next time!

I was through Ely last weekend for fishing opener. It was generally dead. I believe Briton’s was open for carry out only. I think the Steak House is opening, and a few others, but only for take out. Grocery stores are open as well as bait shops. Im not sure about the coffee shops, but I think the drive through was open when I passed.

Restaurants and bars in Minnesota are not allowed so seat or serve people inside or outside until at least June 1st - and that may or may not happen either. Currently it is all pickup or drive through orders. Pretty sure coffee shops are the same.

Most retail has been closed too but they are allowed to open on Monday May 18th with proper precautions and lower capacity.

From sawtooth outfitters Sawtooth Outfitters

All of us outfitters and resorts are open as well as bait and tackle shops. Grocery stores are open and pretty well stocked. In regards to restaurants , most are open for take out and drive up. Retail stores will be opening monday 18th for (i believe) 50% capacity. Ely is pretty much open and is excited to host our summer visitors in q safe and healthy way.