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We are excited to introduce you to the remarkable individuals who make Ely, Minnesota an extraordinary place to live, work, and visit. Through candid interviews we shine a spotlight on the people who embody the spirit of the Ely community.
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Ely is known for its stunning wild places, but its greatest treasure is its people. From adventurous outdoor enthusiasts who’ve spent years guiding trips in the Boundary Waters, to talented artists capturing the essence of nature, to local business owners making an impact on the town’s economy, each "Elyite" has a fascinating story to tell. Whether they've lived here for generations or are recent transplants, these individuals share a love for this special corner of Minnesota.
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Boundary Waters Connect celebrates the wonderful people here in Ely, and we’re thrilled to share just a few of their stories with you. Whether you’re a local looking to learn more about your neighbors, or a visitor hoping to understand the heartbeat of our community, this is a great place to start.
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Abby Dare: Nurturing Nature,
Creativity, & Community in Ely
In 2012, Abby Dare arrived in Ely, Minnesota, for what she thought would be a job. Little did she know, it would turn into a transformative decade-long journey that would reshape her identity, deepen her love for nature, and root her in a close-knit community.
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Working at the Voyageur Outward Bound School (VOBS), Abby spent more than ten years immersed in the wilderness, teaching others how to navigate challenging landscapes and survive in the elements.
But this wasn’t just about technical skills but a period of profound self-discovery. “I got to spend so much time in the wilderness,” she reflects. “Sure, there was a lot to do, but for me, it was about more than just work. It was spending hundreds and hundreds of days camping, reflecting, and learning.”
Those years spent in the wild provided Abby with an education that extended far beyond survival skills. “I think I learned a lot about myself—how I want to show up in the world and what kind of person I want to be,” she says. This wasn’t just about achieving self-confidence but also understanding the responsibility that comes with living in such a unique and sacred place.
“One of my biggest takeaways from VOB is the sense that I can do anything I put my mind to. It's easy to tell people, especially young people, ’You can do, or you can be whatever you want’. But there's so much to unpack on how you actually navigate to that confidence. For me, guiding guests, especially winter instructing, unlocked this different level of confidence in myself. It started to make sense and I began to really believe I could do anything.”
“I'm so proud to have worked for such a radical organization that believes it can make the world a better place.”
A Steward of the Land: Connecting to Anishinaabe and Local History
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Abby’s connection to the land wasn’t just personal; it brought up important questions about stewardship and belonging. “I spent a lot of time thinking about who really feels welcome in these spaces—especially when we consider the history of the Anishinaabe people and other Indigenous groups who have called this land home for centuries,” she reflects. “It’s not just about being in the wilderness; it’s about understanding the layers of history, the people who were here long before us, and how we respect that.”
She also acknowledges, “the generations of Ely area folks who have so much local area knowledge and experience in the wilderness area and the surrounding national forest region. These folks, who still live in the area today, may or not feel welcome in the designated wilderness area and I think that is a big loss and a big problem to continue to pursue”.
As Abby became more ingrained in the Ely community, these questions remained at the forefront of her mind. How do people from different backgrounds and histories feel about their relationship to the wilderness? Who gets to claim stewardship over such a vast, historical landscape? “I don’t know the answers to those questions, but I think it’s important to keep asking them, especially living here in Ely, where history and wilderness are so intertwined,” she says.
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Leaving Outward Bound: The Toughest Decision
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After ten years, Abby found herself at a crossroads. In 2020, like many others, she was deeply affected by the global pandemic. The work at Outward Bound continued, but the challenges of operating during such a tumultuous time began to take their toll. “Outward Bound did an amazing job of striving respectfully and with integrity, but it still drained me,” she admits. “There was so much uncertainty, and it became really challenging to maintain the energy that the job required.”
By the end of 2022, Abby made the difficult decision to leave Outward Bound. “It was tough. So much of my identity, friendships, and relationships were tied to that place,” she says. “But there was a teaching from VOBS that kept coming to mind: ‘A ship is safe in the harbor, but that’s not what ships are built for.’” For Abby, it became clear that while Outward Bound had been a major part of her life, it was time to let go.
Building a New Life: The Meadows and Creative Community
Stepping away from Outward Bound didn’t just mark the end of one chapter; it also made room for new possibilities. In 2020, Abby purchased a home in Ely, a move that helped her later transition from her identity as a wilderness instructor to something broader. “I started living a different life here, one that wasn’t all tied to Outward Bound,” she reflects.
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This shift coincided with another major change in her life—meeting her partner, John. John, a talented general contractor and creator, became not only a life partner but also a collaborator. “John has this incredible energy—he’s creative, skilled, and so patient. As I transitioned out of Outward Bound, John offered new perspective and encouragement to me as I considered what I wanted to do next.” she says.
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After a period of rest and reflection, Abby and John embarked on a new venture: renovating a commercial space in Ely to create a business that reflected their shared values. After months of hard work, The Meadows was born. The space evolved into both a gallery for local and regional artists and a creative hub with studio spaces available for rent. Abby’s vision for The Meadows was not just about showcasing art but also about fostering a community where creativity and inclusivity thrive.
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“We wanted to create a space where artists could afford to work and share their art, but we also recognized the financial barriers that exist,” she explains. To help address this, they partnered with the Northern Lakes Arts Association (NLAA) to launch the Creative Spirit Award. This initiative offers a year-long residency at The Meadows to an artist who might not otherwise have access to a studio, helping to remove barriers and make creativity more accessible.
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For Abby, The Meadows represents more than just a business. It’s an expression of her values—community, inclusivity, and creativity. “We’re still figuring out how to balance everything, but I’m really proud of what we’ve built,” she says. “It’s not just about making a living; it’s about creating something that serves the community in a meaningful way.”
Reconnecting with Nature: A Return to the Wild
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After spending the better part of a year focused on renovating The Meadows, Abby realized that she had lost touch with one of the most important aspects of her life—her connection to nature. “I had been so focused on the project that I wasn’t spending as much time outdoors as I used to,” she says.
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Now that The Meadows is up and running, Abby has made it a priority to carve out time for herself in the wild. Most mornings, you’ll find her hiking or running through the woods near Ely, often with her two beloved dogs, Debbie and Bender, by her side. “Debbie is a Husky-Shepherd mix, and Bender is a Black Lab—they’re the best companions for exploring,” she says with a smile. “They make my time outdoors so much richer.”
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Being back in nature has helped Abby rediscover the spiritual connection she developed during her Outward Bound days. “I’ve had so many profound moments out on the trails recently,” she reflects. “Sometimes, I’ll be walking, and the beauty of the trees will just hit me. It’s a reminder to look up, to breathe it in, and to reconnect with that higher frequency of existence.”
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For Abby, these moments are more than just a way to reset; they’re a way to reorient her entire perspective. “Daily life tasks can feel overwhelming, but spending time in nature reminds me that there’s something much bigger than all of us. It helps me stay grounded and focused on what really matters.”
