Ely to Gary Road Trip: Hidden Gems & Scenic Stops

Ely, Minnesota, sits at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the largest wilderness east of the Rockies. Gary, Indiana, anchors the southern tip of Lake Michigan with its steel mills and proximity to Indiana Dunes National Park. The roughly 600-mile drive between them – via US-53, I-35, I-94, and I-80/90 – cuts through three states and crosses the Mississippi River at St. Paul.

This guide answers the essential questions: how long to drive Ely, MN to Gary, IN (about 9.5 hours without stops), is it worth driving (yes, for the diversity of landscapes), and things to do between Ely, MN and Gary, IN. For more on finding unplanned gems, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The route is a mix of straight freeways and two-lane highways. The most scenic stretch is the 30-mile drive along the North Shore of Lake Superior from Duluth to Two Harbors, but that adds an hour. For a direct route, stick to I-35 and I-94.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality: All freeways are well-lit and patrolled. The highest accident zones are the merge areas near Chicago (I-80/94 between Hammond and Gary). Construction is common in summer; check MnDOT, WisDOT, and INDOT websites. Wildlife (deer, moose) is a hazard on US-53 north of Duluth, especially at dawn/dusk.

• Emergency services: Cell coverage is good except near the Boundary Waters.
• Roadside assistance: AAA covers all three states; many gas stations offer basic repairs.

Family and Child Suitability: Excellent for families with children. Highlights include the Great Lakes Aquarium (Duluth), the Mall of America's amusement park (Bloomington), and the Madison Children's Museum. Rest stops on I-94 in Wisconsin have clean bathrooms and playgrounds.

• Kid-friendly food: Culver's (midwest chain) for custard and butter burgers.
• Pet-friendly framework: Most hotels along the route allow pets (e.g., La Quinta, Motel 6). Many rest areas have designated pet walking areas.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: The drive is 9.5 hours solo; plan two 30-minute breaks. Ideal rest stops: the Hinckley Rest Area (MN, I-35 mile 175) has a historical museum and picnic tables. The Janesville Rest Area (WI, I-90 mile 171) offers a shelter and vending. For longer breaks, consider an overnight in Madison, WI (midpoint).

• Recommended overtaking points: Cloquet, MN; Osseo, WI; Rockford, IL.
• Hidden off-route spots: The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace in Madison (5-min detour from I-90).

Natural Landscapes & Attractions: The drive begins in the boreal forests of the Boundary Waters. Near Duluth, stop at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park for dramatic cliffs and lighthouse views. South of the Twin Cities, the Driftless Region of Wisconsin offers rolling hills and deep river valleys. Wisconsin Dells (1 hr detour) has sandstone cliffs and water parks. Finally, the Indiana Dunes National Park (45 min from Gary) offers Lake Michigan beaches and dunes.

• Key landscapes: Superior Shore, Mississippi River bluffs, Kettle Moraine, Calumet prairies.
• Hidden gems: Jay Cooke State Park near Carlton, MN; Devil's Lake State Park near Baraboo, WI.

Culinary Infrastructure: Minnesota serves wild rice soup and walleye; Wisconsin offers cheese curds and bratwurst; and Indiana is known for pork tenderloin sandwiches. For a quick meal, try the Anchor Bay Supper Club near Duluth (live music and fish fry). In Madison, hit the farmer's market on the Capitol Square (Saturdays). In Gary, sample Polish and Serbian cuisine at local diners.

• Best coffee stop: Duluth Coffee Company (roastery on Lake Avenue).
• Local produce: stands selling blueberries and sweet corn along US-53 in July.

Local Commerce & Culture: Ely's downtown has outfitters for canoe trips. Duluth's Canal Park district is filled with breweries and gift shops. The Mall of America in Bloomington is a massive shopping and entertainment complex (1 hr stop). Madison's State Street connects the university to the capitol, with bookstores and boutiques. Gary's historic downtown includes the Gary Public Library and the Genesis Convention Center.

Fuel and Route Economics: Gas prices vary, with Minnesota typically 10–20¢ cheaper than Illinois or Indiana. A mid-size sedan will cost about $70–$90 one-way at current rates. Plan for a fill-up in the Twin Cities or Madison, where competition keeps prices low.

• Major fuel stops: Cloquet, MN (exit 245 on I-35); Osseo, WI (exit 115 on I-94); Rockford, IL (exit 22 on I-39/I-90).
• Road quality: I-35 and I-94 are well-maintained; winter driving can be hazardous, especially north of the Twin Cities.
• Tolls: None on the main route, but some express lanes near Chicago use electronic tolling (I-PASS).

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics: Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summer brings heat and humidity south of Madison. Winter requires snow tires and caution, especially near Duluth where lake-effect snow can reduce visibility. The aesthetics shift from boreal forest to farmland to industrial shores.

• Best driving months: May–June and September–October.
• Worst: January (blizzards) and July (construction).

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: None directly on the route, but a 90-minute detour to Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site (Collinsville, IL) – a UNESCO site – is worthwhile. Also near: the modernist architecture of Columbus, IN.