Fenske Lake in Ely? (Echo, Trail: work, home, move)

[tinky]

Greetings,

Moved to MN last summer and next week my husband and I are headed up to some cabins in Ely for our first true, Northern MN experience. I can't wait!

We're staying on Fenske Lake and I know it's okay for fishing, but is it decent for swimming? Or, it a little too mucky-bottomed or nasty for swimming? I'm trying to decide if we should pack suits.

Thanks in advance for any info!
Tinky

[crazyme4878]

Pack your suits!!! I miss Ely, I miss swimming in the cold lakes! Lets see... Fenske--on the Echo Trail (sorry, its been a couple years). We never went swimming there, but my husband seems to remember a swimming beach at the campground. Our favorite spot (that I'm revealing that is) was at the Little Long boat ramp. Its only a couple miles up the Echo on the left. Right across from the little road that leads to the boat ramp is a parking lot for Bass Lake Trail. A couple miles down the trail (or maybe just a mile) is a small waterfall emptying into the lake. I've been swimming there and had a good time.

There are a lot of good lakes for swimming--a lot of cold, clear water, although there are also ones that a more weedy. I would suggest bringing some kind of water shoe to go swimming in, since most of them are rocky. Plus the best sites are ones without dedicated swimming areas!

I will try to think of some other lakes, but we really did go to Little Long a lot because it was so convenient.

[crazyme4878]

Okay, doing a second post for you on things in Ely--did I mention I miss it? Lisa's Bookstore on the second floor of Piragis is excellent! From what I understand, the Front Porch Coffee Shop is the place to go for coffee or tea (it use to be the Northern Grounds for better or worse but I'm not sure if they are even open anymore). Listen to WELY. I've always had a soft spot for Mealys, and Upperlands. Wintergreens and Stegers are mainstays that are almost mandatory while visiting. Go down to Somners Beach--not to swim, but to walk around the islands and watch the sea planes. If you are a fan of Sigurd Olson, get in touch with the Listening Foundation for a tour of his cabin on Burntside. They always have artsy things going on--I guess they have something going on Tueday nights around town. If Sherry's Custard is still open on the north end of town, stop at least once. Of course there is the Wolf Center as well.

Do you want trails, too?

[tinky]

Crazyme,

Thanks for all the info! I'm cutting and pasting it into my notes (I've been looking at the Ely Chamber of commerce site for info, too). Actually, I should be packing right now instead of messing around on the PC. lol I've a feeling I'm not going to want to come home. We were at the Lutsen Lodge for a wedding a couple weekends ago and I was so depressed to leave!

Tinky

[crazyme4878]

I know! My heart really does lay with Ely and with Lake Superior--I don't know which I love more. I'm sure you know this stuff, but make sure you pack: warm clothes, light-weight long sleeve shirt/pants (for bugs), bug spray, and things to do if it rains. Visiting town when it rains may sound like a good idea, but it also sounds good to the thousands of other people too! It can get quite crowded! Oh--if you visit the Wolf Center, try to do it when it is morning or cool outside. When its hot, the wolves tend to hide in the shade.

Oh, and if you are going to eat out, what use to be called Shagawa Sams (I think it is Stony Point now, is an excellent place. My old co-workers swear by it for breakfast, I have always liked it for lunch (never went there for breakfast, actually. My husband has--he says the stuffed hashbrowns are excellent). Its by the beach.

[Wolfwatcher]

Ahhh, Ely. Love the place, in fact we just came home from a quick 4th of July visit. Definitely visit the Wolf Center -- two new wolf pups, Aidan and Denali are very cute! Pup 101 is scheduled for 11:00, 1:00, 3:00 and 5:00 daily (until August 4).

Stony Ridge Cafe down by Semers Park -- had breakfast there last Saturday. Oh my, enough great food for a week. Definitely go for the stuffed hashbrowns.

Also, be sure to check out the new North American Bear Center (Bear.org) on the West side (about a mile out of town). Very nice facility with indoor and outdoor viewing and the three bears, Ted, Honey Bear and cub Lucky.

Enjoy Fenske Lake -- it's great! Oh, it's bug season -- be prepared, although we camped at Fall Lake and it really wasn't too bad.