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Trail Report: Ely, Minnesota – December 22, 2016

Ely, MN Chamber of Commerce

Trail Conditions: Poor
Snow Cover: 10-15 inches
Date of Report: December 22, 2016
Area Report:

Ely Area Lakes & Trails: There is snow in the woods.  With the recent cold weather, the swamps and wetlands now have 4-6” of ice.  Over 15” of ice is needed before grooming is possible over these areas.  Trail crews are working to clear the Taconite and Arrowhead trails of debris and trees from the November 18 storm.  They are also packing trails so the swamps and wetlands will freeze sooner.  Trail use is not recommended, please use extreme caution and travel at your own risk.  Area lakes do have ice cover.  Medium to large lakes may not have sufficient ice for foot travel yet.  Use caution when traveling out onto lakes – check ice conditions as you move across the ice.  Use recommended safety gear for protection when skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling or ice fishing on area lakes.

 

Babbitt Trails: No report

Taconite Trail: Snow – 10-15” depth  Base – 0”  Groomed – no  Condition – poor

 

 Arrowhead Trail: Snow – 10-15” depth  Base – 0”  Groomed – no  Condition – poor

 

Putnam-Fishing Lakes Trail: No report

 

Lake Vermilion State Park and Soudan Underground Mine State Park: Trails are closed

 

Taconite Spur Trails and Stony Spur Trails: Base – 0”  Trail condition – poor  Swamps and wetlands have not frozen yet, so grooming cannot commence.  Trail use Is no recommended.

 

Tomahawk Trail & Local Trails: Trail not groomed but open from Ely to the Kawishiwi River bridge – this portion of trail has been cut open and will be rough.  Remaining sections of trails still need to be opened up from wind storm.  Wetlands and swamps have not frozen solid along sections of the trail.  Ice conditions may not yet be safe for traveling by snowmobile.  Check ice conditions before venturing out.


News and Reports:

Dogsled Yurt Adventure  January 20, 2017 – January 22, 2017 | 5:00 pm – 12:00 pm  Join the International Wolf Center staff as they conduct winter track counts in the Superior National Forest and travel the trails and frozen lakes of wolf range. Fees: Non-member $980, Member $882 International Wolf Center  1396 Highway 169, Ely, MN, 55731

Ely Winter Fest  February 2, 2017 – February 12, 2017 | All Day  Ten days of winter fun in Ely.  Snow carvings in the park, art in merchant windows, food, music, winter sports and many other events.  Fun for the entire family.  Don’t miss out on this spectacular annual event!  Fees: Most events are free – see website for details on specific events and fees.

Ely Art Walk  February 2, 2017 – February 12, 2017 | All Day  Tour Ely and view breath-taking artwork created by local artisans.  Map of locations available at Ely Greenstone website.

WolfTrack Classic Vet Check & Meet the Dogs & Mushers  February 25, 2017 | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm  The vet check runs from 11 am – 3 pm at Vermilion Community College.  Meet the dogs and mushers.  No fee for admission into the Vet Check area.  Free Vermilion Community College

WolfTrack Classic Pre-Race Dinner  February 25, 2017 | 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm  Our pre-race lasagna dinner runs from 4 pm to 7 pm.  Social hour 4-5 pm, dinner 5-6:30 pm, musher meeting from 6:30-7 pm and presentation of the bibs at 7 pm.  Fee is $10.00/person at the door.  Credit cards welcome.  Fees: $10.00/person for meal  Ely Senior Center  7 S 1st Ave E., Ely, MN, 55731

WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race  February 26, 2017 | All Day  Join us for this premier mid-distance sled dog race spanning 65 miles through northern Minnesota’s State Trail system.  The WolfTrack Classic is known for its unrelenting hills that test the stamina of mushers and dogs across the scenic north woods terrain.   Race starts at 9 am.  Fees: No spectator fees  Softball Fields  Old Airport Road and State Highway #1, Ely, MN, 55731


Snowmobile Information:

Northland 300 – Snowmobile Event  January 18, 2017 – January 22, 2017 | All Day  Four day event includes trail riding, banquet and prize drawings.  Fees to participate.  Learn more at www.northland300.org.   Grand Ely Lodge  400 N Pioneer Road, Ely, MN, 55731

Fun Run – Snowmobile Event  January 28, 2017 | All Day Spend a day of fun – either by snowmobile or car – traveling the northland.  Money raised goes to support snowmobile trails in the Ely, Tower and Babbitt area. Fees to participate  Fortune Bay 1430 Bois Forte Rd, Tower, MN, 55790

Pink Ribbon Riders 11th Annual Snow Run  February 24, 2017 – February 25, 2017 | All Day  The Snow Run is an event open to both men and women, including a welcome social, snowmobile ride(s), awards banquet and more! Click on the “More Information” button below to access event site and more details.  See flyer for participation fees  Grand Ely Lodge  400 N Pioneer Road, Ely, MN, 55731