It's Not Too Late to Explore Ely This Summer

It's not too late to book a summer or fall getaway in the town at the end of the road - Ely, Minn. - and its one million acres of pristine wilderness.

Ely, just four hours north of the Twin Cities, provides ample opportunity for families to unwind with outdoor and indoor activities. The town and its neighboring Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the state's largest wilderness preserve, offers a variety of pursuits - including scenic hiking trails, ideal for daytrips or extended treks; and pristine canoe routes. Ely's lodging choices will appeal to everyone, from comfortable resorts and B&Bs to houseboats and cabins.

And if fishing is a family favorite, Ely is proving this summer to be the perfect place to catch walleye, northern pike, bass and trout.

Ely declared on April 1 that it had cut off access to social media within its borders. City officials banned social media in all its forms - to encourage visitors to look up from their handheld screens and enjoy the real outdoors. Though this was actually the town's annual April Fool's prank, the truth rang true for many. The Huffington Post covered the story, helping Ely raise awareness about the time people spend online and how important it is instead to appreciate nature, enjoy a getaway vacation and reconnect face-to-face with friends and family.

"Ely is a great place to disconnect from everyday distractions with your family before the start of crazy school year schedules," says Linda Fryer, Ely Tourism Bureau. "Our delayed summer has made it particularly wonderful for fishing, and our trails are in excellent condition."

For more information about Ely, named "Coolest Small Town in America" by Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel; and to book a vacation that's less than four hours from the Twin Cities, visit www.ely.org.

SOURCE: BUSINESS WIRE