Your Online Trail and Travel Guide for Snowmobiling the U.S. & Canada

Ely, Minnesota

Ely, MN Chamber of Commerce

Ely, MN Chamber of Commerce

Reporter:Ely Chamber of Commerce/Explore MN Visitor Center
Trail Conditions: No Snow
Snow Cover: None
Date of Report: March 4, 2024
Area Report:

Ely Area Trail Conditions

March 4, 2024

 

Taconite State Trail, Arrowhead State Trail, Putnam/Fishing Lakes Trails, and Lake Vermilion Soudan Underground Mine State Park Tails:  Due to warm weather and No Snow, we do not recommend riding at this time. Bare ground and open water are present throughout the system, and it is not safe for travel. Continue to monitor conditions online, as they may change rapidly if we get snowfall: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html

Snow: 0 inches with a base of 0 inches. Groomed: No Condition: Poor

Babbitt Golf Course Trail: Not Skiable.

Babbitt Birch Lake Plantation:  Not Skiable.

Bear Head Lake State Park:  Ski trails are closed and open to hiking. Be sure to bring foot traction devices as there are patches of ice due to the melting and rain in previous weeks.

REMINDER: It is unlawful to walk, snowshoe, have pets, or destroy any part of the groomed ski trails in any manner.

Skiing Base: 0-2 inches. Conditions: Poor Groomed: No

Snowmobiling conditions: Closed. Groomed: No.  Base: 0-2 inches

 

Along with the DNR trail conditions website, continue to monitor these clubs’ websites (www.ridetheborders.com/trail-report.html & www.snowmobilevacation.org/trail-updates) for the most current Arrowhead State Trail conditions.




Snowmobiling Information

The Ely area is northern Minnesota’s premier snowmobile hub with numerous on-trail facilities, accommodations for both large and small groups, and with plenty of food, entertainment and service centers. The Taconite Trail is the main thoroughfare in and out of Ely in the winter. Stretching 170 miles between Ely and Grand Rapids to the southwest, many spur routes will take you just about anywhere you want to go. The Tomahawk Trail, heading to the east, has 86 miles of varied terrain which the avid snowmobiler can use to connect up with hundreds of miles more of groomed trails.

If good snowmobiling gets you excited about winter, then try out the 170 mile long Taconite Trail and the 80 mile Tomahawk Trail. The Taconite Trail, or the “Mighty Taconite” as the locals call it, runs from Ely to Grand Rapids. It stretches across three state forests and the Superior National Forest. Smooth rides along this famous route are loaded with history and the Taconite’s many spurs and loops make for some quality modern day pioneering.

The Tomahawk Trail runs from Ely to the North Shore and Yukon Trails. The trail works closely with natural terrain and is one of the most scenic trails in the state. The tree cover that surrounds the trail edges, the lack of traffic and development allows you to have an uninhabited experience.

Many riders return to the Ely area each winter to enjoy its sheer beauty and varied terrain. It’s a region where people clearly love snowmobiling and they know how to make you feel welcome. Find out for yourself!