2025
MAY
History Happy Hour
Wednesday, May 21 – 5-5:30pm – FREE
Boathouse Brewpub Lookout Lounge
Lounge open 4:30-6pm with full service
Join us in supporting this free, monthly community program on Ely Area local history in about the time it takes to enjoy a pint of ale!
The format is intended to be informal with education through entertaining and interesting stories that inspire attendants to dig deeper.
JUNE
MN Paddling Opener
Minnesota Paddling Expo & Root Beer Float Race
Sunday, June 15 – 12-5pm – FREE
307 East River Parkway
Champlin, MN 55316
We’re proud to sponsor the 2025 5-mile Root Beer Float race, perfect for families and beginners, on the Mississippi River, just north of Minneapolis!
Whether you’re looking to race or take a scenic tour, there’s something for everyone—races and relays from 5 to 145 miles. All self-powered boats are welcome (canoes, kayaks, SUPs, and more!).
At the finish line, don’t miss us at the MN Paddling Expo where the Museum will host a booth —open to the public! Enjoy live music by Uncle Kenny, explore paddling and river organizations, and watch over 100 boats cross the finish line!
Dorothy Molter Experience: Women’s Canoe Trip
June 16-20, 2025 – FULL as of 3.11.2025
$895/person
4 min/7 max participation
Must be 18+
Check out this fantastic, women’s-only trip to Knife Lake in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota and learn about the last (non-indigenous), permanent resident, Dorothy Molter.
Fully outfitted and guided through Ely Outfitting Company – your outdoor adventure awaits!
Dorothy Day Open House
June 27, 2025 – 11am-2pm
FREE admission all day with special activities, guests and/or refreshments available 11am-2pm
Join us for our free annual June open house event and take the opportunity to explore the cabin exhibits, walk our nature trail or chat with staff about Dorothy’s legacy.
Special activities, guests and/or refreshments TBD
JULY
CLOSED
July 4, 2025
Please enjoy the many other activities, events and opportunities in Ely on the Fourth of July!
Donuts at Dorothy’s Open House
& Blueberry Fest Weekend Sale
July 27, 2025 – 11am-2pm
FREE admission all day with special activities and/or guests plus tasty refreshments from Brainstorm Bakery available 11am-2pm
Join us for our free annual July open house event and take the opportunity to explore the cabin exhibits, walk our nature trail or chat with staff about Dorothy’s legacy.
Special activities, guests and/or refreshments TBD
AUGUST
Supporter Appreciation Open House
August 17, 2025 – 11am-2pm
FREE admission all day with special activities, guests and/or refreshments available 11am-2pm
Join us for our free annual August open house event and take the opportunity to explore the cabin exhibits, walk our nature trail or chat with staff about Dorothy’s legacy.
Special activities, guests and/or refreshments TBD
SEPTEMBER
Root Beer & Beverage Tent Fundraiser
at the Ely Marathon Finish Line
September 19 & 20, 2025
Root Beer, Tap Beer, Canned Seltzer, Bottled Water & Canned Pop available for purchase. Hot Coffee available with free will donation.
Join the fun at Whiteside Park during the Ely Marathon Weekend of events!
The Museum will operate a beverage tent to raise funds to support the mission.
Dorothy’s Root Beer Run
Kid’s Marathon
September 20, 2025 – 8:45-10am
Kids who will be in grades 2-5 in Sept 2025
Sponsored by the Dorothy Molter Museum
The Ely Marathon is working hard to instill the joy of running in children!
Youth run 25 miles at some point prior to race day. On race day, they will complete the final 1.2 miles of the course and end at the official finish line.
2026
FEBRUARY
BW Experience: Dogsled to Dorothy’s
2026 Dates TBD
$1,650/Member
$1,850/Non-member
Available seats: 4
Join the Dorothy Molter Museum and Hauling Dogs, LLC on this unique adventure “up to Dorothy’s” in the winter by dogsled!
Travel from Moose Lake Landing up to Knife where you’ll camp for two nights, visit Dorothy’s Isle of Pines, and spend time trout fishing. Your outdoor adventure awaits!
Speaker Services & Programs
Need a speaker with an inspiring story for your next event? Want to offer a fun party activity? Presentations (virtual and in-person) on the life of Dorothy Molter and/or root beer making events are available year-round. Presentations can be formatted to fit the needs of your organization and audience, and include additional topics such as the Boundary Waters, Northwoods ecology, and wilderness living.
Dorothy’s story is perfect for all ages and can be told at:
- Club meetings
- Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner events
- Conferences
- Conventions
- Corporate retreats
- Special events & birthdays
- Root beer float socials or parties using Dorothy’s Isle of Pines Root Beer
Speaker Program fee: $25 per hour presentation plus travel expenses (time to travel, cost of travel, lodging, meals, etc.); Discounts available for programs in the Ely Area.
Root Beer Float or Root Beer Making Party fee: Per person fee based on type of program interest and audience type, call/email for a quote!
218 365 4451 info@rootbeerlady.com
Duration: One hour minimum
Minimum equipment requirement: Access to electricity and a projector screen or presentation monitor