Dorothy Molter Museum

The Dorothy Molter Museum preserves and interprets Northwoods wilderness heritage through learning opportunities inspired by Dorothy Molter.

Dorothy Molter was the last of a special type of person, and the last non-indigenous resident of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. A self-reliant and resilient woman ahead of her time, she believed in herself and in her abilities to live on her own, often in the harshest conditions and against prevailing social norms, and overcame great challenges. Living in harmony with the environment, she respected the people, plants and animals with which she shared her world.

Today, 6,000-7,000 visitors visit the Dorothy Molter Museum in Ely, Minnesota to explore three of her historic log cabins and learn about her inspiring life in the wilderness. As an organization dedicated to preserving and interpreting Northwoods wilderness heritage through learning opportunities inspired by Dorothy Molter, the Museum offers seasonal general admission hours, 6-7 free open houses each year, children's camp, root beer making programs, BWCAW adventure trips (summer and winter) as well as community programming in collaboration with multiple Ely organizations and a Small Museum Internship Program.

The Museum also gives back through donations of goods and services to other local and regional nonprofit and community organizations.

Like Dorothy, the Museum relies on a network of support to remain sustainable. Please consider making a charitable donation to the Museum today. Your support.