Ely is a city in Saint Louis County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 3,460 at the 2010 census. It is located on the Vermilion Iron Range, and is historically home to several iron ore mines.Today the city of Ely is best known as a popular entry point for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness; the International Wolf Center, and the North American Bear Center.The main street of Ely is lined with outfitters, outdoor clothing stores, and restaurants. State Highway 1, State Highway 169 and County Road 21 are the main routes in Ely.