Ely Folk School

Help the Ely Folk School continue to grow

The Ely Folk School builds community and provides learning experiences that celebrate the wilderness, heritage, art, history, culture, and craft of the people of northern Minnesota. We are rooted in the folk school movement which seeks to offer learning for life and meaningful cross-generational exchange in a welcoming and safe environment. 

EFS workshops and events offer a place to slow down in a fast-paced world. It’s somewhere to bond with strangers who aren’t really strangers over Grandma’s potica recipe or your family’s favorite ricing or blueberry spot. Or maybe you’re here to be introduced to ricing and homemade pastry, something lost along the lines of tradition. 

One student who recently participated in writing workshops at the Ely Folk School said “I feel like a better writer in these EFS classes than I do at any other time.” The “challenging and stimulating” exercises in the workshop brought the group together in a collaborative and supportive mindset. 

That’s what many of our programs embody - offering you the space to feel confident in your growth, to be held up by instructors and peers while challenging your mind, hands, and soul to new tasks. 

Everything, from donations of $10 to donations of $2500 helps make our folk education programs accessible and home to everyone. This year donors who give $100+ via the Ely Folk School Give to the Max campaign will be invited to an EXCLUSIVE Top Chef event on Saturday, November 26 at 6:00pm. Attendees will celebrate fall in the Northwoods by sampling dishes featuring local fall squash and specialty cocktails, which will all incorporate apples. Food and beverages will be prepared by four local competitors and attendees will vote on a winner at the end of the night. Qualifying donors who are not able to attend the exclusive event will be given a voucher to attend the class, or may donate in honor of a local who may be able to attend in their stead.