Boundary Waters Connect

Building a Thriving Community at the Edge of Wilderness

Support Boundary Waters Connect this Give to the Max Day and help us strengthen our Wilderness-edge community

At the edge of America's most visited Wilderness, something special is happening. People are gathering, connecting, and building a community where they can live and work with intention while also recreating in the Wilderness. 

Boundary Waters Connect is creating meaningful connections that make the Ely area not just a place to visit, but a place to call home. Through weekly gatherings, leadership workshops, and new resident programs, we're fostering the relationships and resources that help our community thrive.

So far this year, we have:

• Hosted 42 (and counting!) educational forums that sparked conversation and learning

• Brought together an average of 62 community members meeting weekly at Tuesday Group gatherings

• Convened over 250 residents in celebrating downtown Chapman Street via our Chapman Street Block Party

• Facilitated 9 professional development opportunities and organized one leadership workshop under our Ely for Ely umbrella 

• Supported, sponsored, or collaborated with dozens of Ely-area partner organizations and programs, including but not limited to the Northern Lakes Arts Association, Ely Film Festival, Ely Trivia Night, History Happy Hour, Ely PTO, and more

Every week, neighbors become friends. New residents find their footing. Local leaders develop skills to strengthen our economy. And our community grows stronger, one connection at a time.

This Give to the Max Day, help us reach our goal of $5,000 to continue programs that:

• Welcomes and supports new residents finding their place in our community

• Cultivates entrepreneurial spirit and local leadership

• Creates spaces for meaningful dialogue and connection

• Strengthens the economic vitality of our wilderness-edge community

When you support Boundary Waters Connect, you're investing in more than programs—you're investing in strengthening the fabric of community life in northeastern Minnesota.