Bloomington to Ely Road Trip Guide: Forests, Iron Range & Northwoods

The drive from Bloomington, Illinois to Ely, Minnesota covers roughly 600 miles—about 9.5 hours of pure driving time, but plan for two days to absorb the transformation from prairie to boreal forest. Most travelers take I-39 N through Rockford, then US-51 N toward Wausau, Wisconsin, before turning onto WI-70 W and MN-1 W through Hayward and the Superior National Forest. The final stretch along MN-169 and County Road 88 delivers you to Ely's edge, where the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness begins. Traffic thins dramatically north of Wausau; cell service fades near the Wisconsin-Minnesota border.

Why This Drive Matters

Few road trips in the Midwest deliver such a clear ecological gradient. You start amid Illinois cornfields at 750 feet elevation and end at Ely's 1,450 feet among ancient granite and pine. The route crosses the Wisconsin River, skirts the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, and passes the headwaters of the St. Croix River. Spring brings heavy mosquito swarms; autumn offers peak colors around late September. For a deeper method of discovering offbeat stops, read how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Here's a quick snapshot of the drive:

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest surrounds WI-70 with towering white pine, hemlock, and maple. Stop at the Porcupine Lake Wilderness for a short hike to a pristine glacial lake. Near the Wisconsin-Minnesota border, the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway offers dramatic river gorges and sandstone bluffs. In Minnesota, the Superior National Forest provides access to the Boundary Waters—book a canoe permit if you plan to paddle. Ely itself is the gateway to the BWCAW, with dozens of hiking trails like the Trezona Trail (3 miles, moderate).

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

No UNESCO sites lie directly on the route, but the nearby Effigy Mounds National Monument (Iowa, 4 hours south) and the Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in Madison and Spring Green (Wisconsin) are within 2-hour detours. The route's cultural heritage lies in the Ojibwe presence; visit the Lac du Flambeau reservation near Minocqua for handmade birchbark baskets and wild rice harvesting traditions.

Culinary Infrastructure

Wisconsin's supper clubs are a mandatory stop. The 'Norske Nook' in Rice Lake (just west of WI-70) serves excellent Norwegian-themed pies and pot roast. In Ely, the Ely Steakhouse and Chocolate Moose offer hearty fare. For wild rice soup, try the Boathouse Brewpub. Vegetarian options are limited; pack snacks if you have dietary restrictions. Dairy-centric menus dominate; cheese curds and fried fish fries are staples.

Local Commerce & Culture

Ely's main street is lined with outfitters (Piragis Northwoods Company) and artisan galleries selling Ojibwe beadwork and birchbark art. The 'Ely Farmers Market' (summer Saturdays) features local honey and lake trout. In Wisconsin, Hayward's 'American Birkebeiner Trail' hosts a famous cross-country ski race; off-season, it's a hiking and biking trail. Support local by buying smoked fish from the 'St. Croix Fish House' near Grantsburg.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Long stretches between towns can cause driver fatigue. Use the 'Rest Area' at the Wisconsin River welcome center (mile marker 65 on US-51) for a 20-minute break. Other good rest stops: the 'Minocqua Park' gazebo area and the 'Hayward Wayside' along WI-70. In Minnesota, the 'Superior National Forest Scenic Overlook' on MN-1 provides picnic tables and lake views. Never drive more than 2.5 hours without stopping; caffeine stations are rare north of Hayward.

Family and Child Suitability

This route is excellent for families, especially those who enjoy outdoor activities. The 'Wilderness Walk Zoo & Animal Park' in Hayward offers petting zoo and zipline. 'Northland Wildlife Museum' in Ely shows live wolves and bears. The 'Cable Natural History Museum' has hands-on exhibits about logging and Ojibwe culture. Most hiking trails are short and kid-friendly; the 'Lost Creek Falls' hike near Cornucopia (1.5 miles round trip) is easy. Pack insect repellent; mosquitoes and ticks are prevalent.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most national forest land allows dogs on leash. Many motels along US-51 (Super 8 in Wausau, AmericInn in Hayward) accept pets with a fee ($20–$40). Ely's 'Grand Ely Lodge' is pet-friendly. Restaurants with outdoor patios (Boathouse Brewpub) welcome dogs. Never leave pets in the car for more than 10 minutes; temperatures can rise quickly even in summer shade. Carry a collapsible bowl and water; few water fountains exist along remote forest roads.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Just 15 miles west of WI-70, the 'Amnicon Falls State Park' near South Range features a historic covered bridge and four waterfalls. Plan an hour detour. Near the Minnesota line, 'Old Highway 61' (scenic bypass through Jay Cooke State Park) offers dramatic rock formations and swinging bridges. In Ely, the 'International Wolf Center' is a must-see but well-known; instead, hike the 'Hidden Lake Trail' via Farm Lake—less crowded than Bear Head Lake. Local tip: ask at the Ely Chamber for current bear sightings on the Echo Trail.

Fuel and Route Economics

Gas prices rise as you approach the Northwoods. Fill up in Rockford, IL or Madison, WI (cheaper), then again in Wausau, WI (moderate). After Wausau, stations become sparse—especially between Hayward and Ely, where a single Mobil in Balsam Lake may be the last option for 60 miles. Diesel is available but less common north of Minocqua. Budget $80–$100 for a standard sedan (20 mpg). Tolls are minimal; only a few dollars on I-39/I-90 near Rockford.

Road Quality and Infrastructure Safety

I-39 and I-39 N are well-maintained four-lane divided highways. US-51 two-lane sections north of Wausau are smooth but can be narrow with shoulder drop-offs. WI-70 W is a winding two-lane forest road; watch for deer, especially at dawn/dusk. MN-1 is similar—pavement quality drops after the state line. In winter, check 511mn.org for closures; many resorts close by mid-October. Summer construction is common on WI-70; plan 15-minute delays.

Detailed cost breakdown for typical sedan:

• Gas (600 miles @ 25 mpg, $3.50/gal): ~$84
• Overnight lodging (motel/cabin): $100–$150
• Meals (two days): $40 per person
• Park entrance fees: $0 (most national forest land free)