Thinking about visiting the Fortune Bay Casino Resort for a few days around the 4th of July. We would plan to rent a pontoon at the marina, golf at the course, and visit Ely for some shopping and also a hike or two on the edge of the BWCA. I've tripped into the BWCA out of Ely many times, but haven't stayed at this resort. Any thoughts on the resort and kid friendly things to do at the resort? We kind of have a plan for what we want to do around Ely.

First, check with Fortune Bay on availability. Over the fourth of July they are usually sold out months in advance. Perhaps with the virus things are different but I would start there.
They do have an indoor pool and whirlpool.

I have secured reservations already. With current restrictions they have boat rentals available, golf is open, restaurants are open...should be good to go. Thinking boating 1 day, golfing one morning, Ely for an afternoon, maybe a hike or quick paddle, possibly the mine in Soudan (done before), plenty to do. Anybody have thoughts on the resort and things to do for kids?

CoachWalleye74: "I have secured reservations already. With current restrictions they have boat rentals available, golf is open, restaurants are open...should be good to go. Thinking boating 1 day, golfing one morning, Ely for an afternoon, maybe a hike or quick paddle, possibly the mine in Soudan (done before), plenty to do. Anybody have thoughts on the resort and things to do for kids? "

Golfed there yesterday afternoon. Was the only one on the course. Fun day.

As far as things to do for kids there. Not much. They have a marina and an indoor pool. That is about it for kids. The golf course is very big and difficult.....but awesome. Meaning, not very kid friendly.

Also, if golfing do it after 2:00....will save yourself money.

Beautiful course. I am not a great golfer so they are all tough to me. Butt, I didn't think it was unfair. Just looking out over the course refreshes me.

CoachWalleye74: "I have secured reservations already. With current restrictions they have boat rentals available, golf is open, restaurants are open...should be good to go. Thinking boating 1 day, golfing one morning, Ely for an afternoon, maybe a hike or quick paddle, possibly the mine in Soudan (done before), plenty to do. Anybody have thoughts on the resort and things to do for kids? "

I would be very very surprised if the Tower-Soudan mine shaft trip is open. Sush a small space in the elevator.

I'm an average golfer, but enjoy seeing new/different courses and this one comes with very high recommendations. Between fishing, touring the lake on a boat, swimming and biking we will have some activities to keep us busy. It will also be fun to go to Ely and show others on the trip this great MN town. Then there's a little time in the casino during the evenings :).

We would also like to take a short hike or walk along the edge of the BWCA. Any recommendations...Kawishiwi Falls? There will be a few on the trip that will have challenges with a lengthy and/or rigorous walk due to some mobility challenges.

There is, or at least was, a mini golf course just out Hwy 77. For all I know it has been gone for 20 years---or is still operating.

Still there

CoachWalleye74: "I'm an average golfer, but enjoy seeing new/different courses and this one comes with very high recommendations. Between fishing, touring the lake on a boat, swimming and biking we will have some activities to keep us busy. It will also be fun to go to Ely and show others on the trip this great MN town. Then there's a little time in the casino during the evenings :).


We would also like to take a short hike or walk along the edge of the BWCA. Any recommendations...Kawishiwi Falls? There will be a few on the trip that will have challenges with a lengthy and/or rigorous walk due to some mobility challenges. "

The falls would be a cool stop.

How is the hike to the falls?

The Kawishiwi falls hike is easy, about a 1/4 mile, not too many rocks or roots overall, just a couple spots to be a little careful. The view is spectacular and you can also hike to the bottom of the portage to Fall Lake and there’s a small beach there. Added bonus, they just sprayed for poison ivy last week. ??
Tony

GopherAdventure: "The Kawishiwi falls hike is easy, about a 1/4 mile, not too many rocks or roots overall, just a couple spots to be a little careful. The view is spectacular and you can also hike to the bottom of the portage to Fall Lake and there’s a small beach there. Added bonus, they just sprayed for poison ivy last week. ??


The poison Ivy if you went back to the 1970's wasn't really found around Ely. Like many things with people and all it has moved northward.

Kawishiwi Falls. This is Spartan1 and our grandson, age 7. It's a nice hike, and I have done it once alone, we did it with each grandchild. The waterfall is fairly impressive.
Robert took some really nice pictures that day.

I will be up there too about a week before you. I looked a the Tower-Soudan mine shaft is closed. Bummer I wanted our friends to see it.

How are things opening up in Ely? Bear center, wolf center, eateries, etc?

The hike to Kawishiwi falls, do you think it is possible for someone in advanced age with some slight mobility issues?

I saw on the news that the Wolf Center has now opened. It looks like you need to book in advance. The Bear Center is also now opened. I can’t tell from their website if you need to book ahead of time. The only info I see is that it is open at 25% capacity.

CoachWalleye74: "How are things opening up in Ely? Bear center, wolf center, eateries, etc?


The hike to Kawishiwi falls, do you think it is possible for someone in advanced age with some slight mobility issues? "

Without knowing what "advanced age and slight mobility issues" means, I would say yes, it is possible. Quite a bit of trail has a boardwalk, and the rest is a climb, but not a really difficult one. I might suggest a pair of trekking poles, and you would be good to go. (But then I would suggest trekking poles for anyone with reduced mobility who is going hiking.) I was just a few months away from a knee replacement the last time we did the hike (with our grandson) and I did fine.

Like any trail, you have to take some precautions with your footing, but I would describe this is an easy hike.

As far as activities for the kids, I highly recommend the Dorothy Molter Museum if it is open now, and the Wolf Center.

Trekking poles are a good idea, thanks! Yes, the wolf center and Dorothy Molter museum are on the list. Thanks everyone.