Ely is a city in Saint Louis County, Minnesota, United States. It was once named "Que Quam Chep", which means "land of the berries" in the Chippewa language. The population was 3,460 at the 2010 census. It is located in the Vermilion Iron Range, and was historically home to several Iron ore mines. Today the city of Ely is best known as a popular entry point for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness; and is home to the International Wolf Center and the North American Bear Center. It is home to community-oriented newspapers Ely Echo and North Country Angler, and to radio stations WELY and Boundary Waters Radio. Ely is host to many community events located in Whiteside Park such as the Blueberry Arts Festival in July, the Harvest Moon Festival in September and the Winter Festival in February. The city's main street is lined with outfitters, outdoor clothing stores, and restaurants. State Highway 1, State Highway 169 and County Road 21 (Central Avenue) are the main routes in the city.