5 Anniversary Trip Ideas Near Ely, MN That Couples Will Love

Looking for anniversary trip ideas near Ely, Minnesota? Couples who want quiet, nature, and meaningful time together will find plenty of options. From lakes to forests, the region offers spots that make it easy to relax and reconnect. One highlight is Timber Trail Lodge, which mixes comfort with outdoor adventure perfectly.

Here are five anniversary trip ideas near Ely, MN that couples will enjoy.

1. Lakeside Escape at Timber Trail Lodge

Timber Trail Lodge in Ely, MN, is great for couples seeking a blend of rustic charm and outdoor adventure. The peaceful, nature-focused escape makes for an unforgettable anniversary celebration place. Here’s why it’s the best option for couples.

Romantic Setting

The calming atmosphere of the place, away from city lights, is romantic in itself. Activities like stargazing allow couples to connect with each other, strengthening their bond.

Outdoor Activities

The lodge offers varied activities. These include kayaking, hiking forest trails, and exploring the BWCA. All of this allows couples to enjoy many shared adventures.

Cozy Accommodations

Timber Trail Lodge, with its rustic, comfortable cabins and rooms, gives couples a home-away-from-home. You can cook together in fully equipped kitchens and unwind in soft beds after a day of outdoor activities.

Proximity to Ely

The lodge is close to the International Wolf Center and downtown Ely. The location makes it perfect for added exploration.

2. Hiking Through Kawishiwi Trails

Kawishiwi Trails are accessible and are surrounded by waterfalls and woods. Here’s what the experience offers to couples.

Shared Experience & Adventure

Hiking with your loved one offers a novel challenge. It gives you both a sense of accomplishment. This, in turn, strengthens your bond. 

Natural Beauty & Serenity

The trail offers enchanting views and waterfalls. The Kaswishiwi Falls are stunning and calming. So, the place offers a gorgeous background for romantic moments. 

Seclusion & Intimacy

Weekdays in Kaswishiwi Falls witness fewer crowds. This is the perfect time to plan a trip here. Couples can have more private conversations. They can also enjoy nature uninterruptedly. 

Simple Pleasures

You can pack a picnic or bring old love letters and read them aloud here. Another option is just to sit and talk by the falls, making unforgettable memories. 

Accessibility

The trails are not overly strenuous. It has only slight inclines. So, they are enjoyable for couples with different fitness levels. 

Unique Scenery

The tree roots and rocks create a very intriguing landscape. It adds to the magical and romantic vibe of the place. 

3. Scenic Drive Around Fall Lake

A drive around Fall Lake offers you a glimpse of the Northwoods scenery. The intimate drive to the lake is ideal for couples celebrating their anniversary. Here’s what makes it a charming trip idea.

Breathtaking Scenery

Be prepared for mesmerizing views of birches, aspens, and pines. The trees, with intense yellows, reds, and greens, offer an excellent backdrop for clicking pics. The best time to visit this place is during the fall. 

Intimate & Peaceful

Roads like New Tomahawk mostly remain uncrowded. Thus, they offer the right amount of seclusion and quiet for couples to talk. You can enjoy the drive while spotting deer, moose, and other wildlife. 

Romantic Activities

There are ruggedly beautiful trails in this area. A noteworthy mention is the Bass Lake Trail. It has scenic overlooks and waterfalls. So, it offers a great chance for couples to enjoy activities like hiking. 

Photography Opportunities

The dramatic colors and diverse landscapes offer plenty of chances for clicking anniversary photos. The trip will certainly remain carved in your memories forever. 

Proximity to Ely

You’re very near to the idyllic town of Ely. It has many cozy places to eat, stay, and explore. This adds to the romantic feel. 

4. Dorothy Molter Museum in Ely, MN

The Dorothy Molter Museum in Ely, MN, offers a glimpse of legendary independent wilderness life. It's perfect for couples who love history, nature, and stories of resilience. The museum provides a memorable, intimate connection to the Northwoods' spirit. 

Inspiring Story of Independence

Dorothy Molter was the last legal non-indigenous resident of the BWCA, He lived self-sufficiently for decades. The museum offers couples a powerful story of determination and living life on one's own terms.

Unique Wilderness Experience

The place preserves three of her original cabins. It gives an authentic, tangible connection to a life lived in harmony with nature. The museum is perfect for couples who appreciate rustic charm and history.

Taste of History (and Root Beer!)

You can still buy and enjoy Dorothy's famous homemade root beer. It's a nostalgic treat that connects you directly to her legacy and the paddlers she hosted.

Gateway to Adventure

Located in Ely, the museum serves as a launch point for exploring the vast BWCAW. It offers canoeing, hiking, and quiet moments in nature for couples to enjoy together.

Intimate & Educational

The museum is rich in personal artifacts, photographs, and stories. This makes it an engaging visit that sparks conversation and shared discovery.

A Symbol of Resilience

Her story of facing challenges and living freely is a beautiful theme for couples. You can use it as an inspiration to reflect on your own journey and partnership.

5. Visit the International Wolf Center

The International Wolf Center in Ely is a unique place for couples who enjoy wildlife and learning together. It is close to the heart of Minnesota’s wild lands. The center offers a calm but powerful way to spend time together.

Up‑Close Wolf Viewing
Inside, there are large wolf habitats with viewing areas. Couples can watch real wolves move, play, and interact. The wolves are active and curious. Seeing them together creates a shared sense of wonder. 

Educational Talks and Programs
Throughout the day, staff give talks about wolf behavior, pack life, and conservation. These brief sessions are easy to follow and absorb. Listening to stories about wolves gives couples a topic to have engaging conversations long after the visit ends.

Outdoor Trails Around the Center
The grounds around the Wolf Center have walking paths. These paths wind through quiet woods and open spaces. Partners can stroll hand in hand while talking about what they saw inside. It turns learning into movement, which feels freeing and light.

Interactive Exhibits
There are displays about wolf history, science, and myths. Couples can explore at their own pace. Some exhibits let you hear wolf calls or learn how a pack works. It’s fun and interesting without feeling like a chore.

Relaxed Shared Experience
This visit isn’t rushed. Couples can spend as little or as much time as they want. Some stay an hour. Others stay longer, sipping coffee outside afterward or browsing local gift items. The whole experience feels thoughtful, not packed with activities.

Summing Up

Each of these trips highlights different ways couples can celebrate an anniversary near Ely, MN. Some focus on nature, some on quiet reflection, and others on light adventure. All offer opportunities to relax, connect, and make memories together that will last a lifetime