Whether you are a resident of the area or traveling to Ely for this event, there are a variety of activities to round out your visit!
Wednesday, October 7
Root Beer: History You Can Taste Class
October 7 – 2-3:30pm
Location: Ely Folk School, pre-registration required
Classes are limited so register early!
Discover the rich history of root beer as a beverage from its origins as an Indigenous tea to the modern soda pop we love today.
Then you will learn how to make your own homemade root beer just like Dorothy! You’ll take home a 32oz growler of brew as well as instructions and leftover ingredients to continue making root beer at home.
You’ll finish with plenty of time to see The Root Beer Lady play later the same evening!
Chapman Street Block Party
Wednesday, October 7 at 5-7pm
FREE!
Location: Puddle Jumper Park at 115 E Chapman Street, Ely
Sponsored by Boundary Waters Connect and Potluck Kitchenware, not affiliated with the Dorothy Molter Museum
The Chapman Street Block Party is coming back for a second year!
This year, Chapman Street will be closed between Central and Second to have even more fun. There will be games, food catered by Boundary Waters Kitchen & Market, shops open, music, and another BINGO style scavenger hunt.
It’ll be another fun evening as the sun sets over Chapman Street!
The Root Beer Lady Play
Wednesday, October 7 at 7pm
Location: Vermilion Fine Arts Theater, Ely
Produced and coordinated by Bourgoin Productions and sponsored by Friends of the Boundary Waters
See Dorothy’s story through the lens of theater in this play written by Kim Schultz, who also plays Dorothy Molter in this this dramatic, funny, and nostalgic interpretation of Dorothy Molter’s life.
Premiered via the St. Paul History Theatre and now traveling in northern MN and WI this fall, it tells the story of the indomitable Dorothy Molter, the last legal non-indigenous resident of the Boundary Waters.
Thursday, October 8
RBL Play Ticket-holder Tours
Thursday, October 8 at 8-10a.m.
The Museum is closed to the public Sunday-Thursday. This is a private event for RBL play ticket-holders only.
Visit the Museum after seeing The Root Beer Lady play!
Explore the original cabins Dorothy owned, including the Winter Cabin, which is the set for most of the one-woman, one-act play The Root Beer Lady.
Learn more about Dorothy’s childhood, life in the Wilderness, details about the creation of the Boundary Waters and visit our museum gift shop.
Octoberfest at the Grand Ely Lodge
Thursday, October 8 at 5-8p.m.
Tickets $35 at the front desk, all ages
This event is not affiliated with the Dorothy Molter Museum
Celebrate Oktoberfest with delicious German food, fun, atmosphere, and of course beer!
-Prizes & Costume Contest
-Limited Seating
-Advance ticket purchase required