International Wolf Center
Ely, MN
An education center with a resident wolf pack behind large viewing windows. A good introduction to the North Woods before heading into canoe country.
The International Wolf Center is an education and research center about the wolf near Ely in northern Minnesota, in the Superior National Forest. It was founded in 1985 by biologists around the wolf researcher L. David Mech and opened to visitors in 1993. The center aims to provide current, factual information about wolves and takes no position on issues such as hunting or trapping.
The 17,000-square-foot (about 1,580 m²) building has large viewing windows, the exhibit "Discover Wolves!", an area for children aged three to nine ("Little Wolf"), a documentary theater and a shop. A pack of ambassador wolves of different North American subspecies, including Arctic, Northwestern and Great Plains wolves, lives in a 1.25-acre (about 0.5 ha) enclosure. You can watch them from inside.
The program includes howling excursions, snowshoe hikes, radio telemetry, dogsled rides, hikes and family activities. According to Wikivoyage the center is open daily from mid-May to mid-October and only on weekends in winter; check offers and hours in advance.
- Nearest town
- Ely, MN
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 47.9058, -91.8270
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
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Nearby
© Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States · CC BY-SA 2.0Soudan Underground Mine State Park
© Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States · CC BY 2.0Tettegouche State Park
© Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States · CC BY 2.0Palisade Head
© Thesavagenorwegian · CC BY 4.0Temperance River State Park
Campsites nearby
- Cliff Wold's CampgroundCampsite3 mi from International Wolf Center
- Fall Lake CampgroundCampsite6 mi from International Wolf Center
- Fenske Lake CampgroundCampsite7 mi from International Wolf Center
- Birch Lake CampgoundCampsite10 mi from International Wolf CenterTentsDrinking waterToilets
- Vermilion Ridge Campground.Campsite18 mi from International Wolf Center · 33 pitchesElectricityDrinking waterToilets
- McKinley Park CampgroundCampsite21 mi from International Wolf CenterElectricityDrinking waterToilets
All campsites in Minnesota · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is International Wolf Center?
International Wolf Center is in Ely, MN, at GPS 47.9058, -91.8270. It is about 20 mi from Soudan.
Can you camp near International Wolf Center?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Cliff Wold's Campground, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 15 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass International Wolf Center?
International Wolf Center is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Minnesota North Woods: iron mines to Voyageurs.
What is there to see near International Wolf Center?
Places worth a stop nearby: Soudan Underground Mine State Park (20 mi), Tettegouche State Park (49 mi), Palisade Head (50 mi) and Temperance River State Park (50 mi).
When is the best time to visit International Wolf Center?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)