Preserving and promoting the art, culture, and history of canoeing and canoe country.
From First Nations and Indigenous People of North America who created beautiful and rugged canoes to modern creators of high-tech racing, recreational, and work canoes, the Minnesota Canoe Museum embraces the history and culture of the canoe.
Minnesota provides a unique contribution to North American canoeing, with the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) Wilderness, Voyagers National Park, natural boreal forest landscapes, and pristine waters.
The Minnesota Canoe Museum (MCM) vision is to provide year-round experiences, including viewing our historic canoe collection, paddling opportunities, and classes where adults and children can learn about the construction of canoes as well as being caretakers of our lands and waters .
Our Organization
The MCM is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization that is supported by contributions from members, grant funders, and volunteers. We are affiliated with the Ely Folk School, where canoe exhibits are displayed and programming takes place (209 E. Sheridan St., Ely, MN). We are developing plans for a new site as well!
Learn and Embrace
The MCM promotes the Ely Folk School’s Birch Bark Canoe Project and classes, where students can participate in canoe building, from gathering and processing forest materials to constructing a beautiful vessel.
Visit our collection of heritage canoes (currently unavailable for exhibit redesign) at the Ely Folk School, 209 E. Sheridan Street, Ely, MN 55731.
To support the museum, mail your tax-deductible check to the Minnesota Canoe Museum, PO Box 22, Ely, MN 55731.
We appreciate your ongoing support!