Our annual raffle fundraiser drawing was held at 4pm on Saturday, October 25 – our last day of the 2025 general admission season.
The Dorothy Molter Museum’s annual raffle ticket fundraiser helps raise much needed funds for general operations and basic needs such as utilities, internet, job supplies and office supplies.
Brand new in 2025, we created a four-tiered drawing with prizes that are appealing to folks from across the country and reduce expenses in offering the raffle.
Prizes
First Draw Prize Winner: Doug from Cook, MN with ticket #146
Wenonah Spirit II Tandem Ultra-light w/Kevlar® Canoe (17′ long, 44lbs)
Donated back to the Museum by our 2024 Canoe Raffle Winner, Alan H from Colorado
Like a Swiss Army Knife, the Spirit II does everything. As efficient as a long-hulled canoe and as maneuverable as a short one, the Spirit II strikes a balance between all good things. Roomy enough for Boundary Waters trips, stable enough for fishing. Perfect for lake travel but at home on moving water. Seaworthy and predictable in wind and waves. The Spirit does it all.
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Retail value of canoe $3,800. Winner is required to pick up their canoe no later than April 1, 2026 or make arrangements for it to be removed. Winner must pay all registration fees, insurance and taxes.
Second Draw Prize Winner: Scott from Proctor, MN with ticket #32
3 Day/2 Night Complete Outfitting Package & $100 Gift Card
Donor: Spirit of the Wilderness in Ely, MN & Gift Card by the Dorothy Molter Museum
Take the hard work out of planning a Boundary Waters trip! This package will incorporate your personal preferences, comfort and safety on your next wilderness adventure into the Boundary Waters or Quetico.
This package includes: Tandem Kevlar canoe, wood bent shaft paddles, vest style life jackets, food (3 meals/day + snacks), 1 set of route maps, sleeping bags w/pads, tent, 10×12 dining tarp, cook kit w/utensils, soap & sponge, stove w/fuel, water purification tablets, matches, toilet paper, paper towel, camp saw, packs for personal items, gear and food as well as trip routing & orientation to make sure you have a successful trip.
Plus, add extra gear, camp food or a day to your rental with the $100 gift card!
Retail value of package: $690. Winner will receive a certificate that must be presented at time of redemption and is valid through June 30, 2027. Certificate is transferable but not redeemable for cash. Extra Days may be purchased if winner chooses. BWCA permit & USFS user fees are extra. No other discounts apply. Winner must pay taxes.
Third Draw Prize Winner: James from Lakeville, MN with ticket #313
4 Day/3 Night Kevlar Tandem Canoe Rental & $100 Gift Card
Donor: Ely Outfitting Company in Ely, MN & Gift Card by the Dorothy Molter Museum
Plan your next four day trip to explore the Boundary Waters in a lightweight canoe. Plus, add extra gear, camp food or a day to your rental with the $100 gift card!
All boat rentals include life vests, paddles, comfy portage pads, cartop tie down supplies, and expert trip planning assistance at no extra charge. All canoe models are ideal for wilderness traveling.
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Retail value of rental: $208. Winner will receive a certificate that must be presented at time of redemption and is valid through October 1, 2027. Certificate is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash. Extra days may be purchased if winner chooses. BWCA permit & USFS user fees are extra. No other discounts apply.
Fourth Draw Prize Winner: Tawnia from Mounds View, MN with ticket #342
Case of Dorothy’s Root Beer shipped anywhere in the Continental U.S.
Donor: Dorothy Molter Museum
Savor a taste of history with Dorothy’s Isle of Pines Root Beer, brewed for the Dorothy Molter Museum and inspired by Dorothy’s legendary recipe from Knife Lake. This prize includes one case, 24 bottles, of the Museum’s legendary beverage.
We’ve stayed true to her original recipe, ensuring every sip brings back memories of her warm hospitality and the spirit of the wilderness.
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Retail Value: $80. Our root beer is securely packaged to guarantee safe transit to your home. This product has a two-year shelf life when stored in a cool, dry location. Prize must be redeemed by December 31, 2025.
Drawing
Our 2026 raffle fundraiser will begin on May 23, 2026 with the drawing at the Museum on the last day of the season, October 31, 2026 at 4:00pm. Ticket holders do not need to be present. Winners will be notified by phone immediately with a voicemail left if there is no answer, and an email sent. Winners will have two weeks to respond to either correspondence.
Purchase
Per MN State Law, tickets may be purchased in person or via postal mail by individuals 18 years old or older. Send a check or money order for payment (made out to DMM), and your full name, address, phone number and email to: DMM-Raffle, PO Box 391, Ely MN 55731. If you have return address labels to include, it saves our staff time filling out your ticket.