What's Up Ely
Ely, Minnesota is a small town on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness -- the most visited Wilderness in the United States and a hub for outdoor recreation. But Ely is not merely a gateway to the Boundary Waters; it is a vibrant community with a rich history and a dynamic arts and cultural scene, as evidenced by a plethora of events that are actively welcoming of visitors.
Indeed, all roads lead to Ely, Minnesota, a delicious little slice of Americana. This What’s Up Ely Podcast helps people near and far deepen their connection to this special little town.
There is truly always something fun to do and so many places to find belonging in Ely! With an abundance of opportunities for social engagement and adventure in Ely, how is one to know where to start? Let us help!
New episodes of the What's Up Ely Podcast air twice a month. Each episode features an engaging conversation about 'what's up' in Ely, whether that be an upcoming event or a lifestyle. Each episode also includes an event round up -- a list of upcoming events that are relevant to tourists and locals alike.
What's Up Ely
Adaptive Wilderness Within Reach with Sean & Jill Leary
In this episode Lacey will have a conversation with Sean and Jill Leary. Sean and Jill are the founders of Adaptive Wilderness Within Reach, and owners of North of North Resort on Birch Lake. Adaptive Wilderness Within Reach is a nonprofit organization that brings adaptive outdoor recreation within reach for people living with permanent physical disabilities. They work to remove physical and community preparedness obstacles to inclusive wilderness experiences. They are on a mission to make the great outdoors accessible for all. As such, they developed the North of North Resort cabins according to the principles of universal design so that they are accessible to people of all abilities.
Lacey, Sean, and Jill will discuss what they love about the wilderness, what compelled them to choose the Ely area for their entrepreneurial spirit, and more.
Show Notes:
Ely, Minnesota is not merely a gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. It’s also a vibrant community with a dynamic schedule of events that are open to tourists. There is truly always something fun to do in town! We encourage listeners to consult the resources below for additional details.
- Email Lacey whatsup@ely.org
- Get the Ely Winter Adventure Guide
- Adaptive Wilderness Within Reach
- North of North Resort
- Cast Outdoors
- Ely Film Festival (March 13-16, 2025)
- What’s Up Ely Facebook Group
- Forest North Podcast
- Ely Public Library Calendar of Events
