Dorothy Molter Museum | Ely

Dorothy Molter Museum – In Detail

Overview

The Dorothy Molter Museum in Ely, Minnesota, is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the legacy of Dorothy Molter (1907–1986), often referred to as the “Root Beer Lady.” She was the last full-time resident of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and lived on Knife Lake for over five decades, offering hospitality, guidance, and homemade root beer to thousands of canoeists passing through the area. Her life story embodies themes of independence, resilience, and harmony with nature.

Historical Significance

Dorothy Molter originally came to the Northwoods in the 1930s and took up residence at the Isle of Pines Resort on Knife Lake, eventually becoming its sole caretaker after the original owners died. Her existence became emblematic of the Northwoods spirit. Despite the increasing regulations following the BWCAW’s designation as wilderness, Molter was allowed to remain on her property as a unique exception until her death in 1986.

Afterward, a dedicated group of volunteers, with support from the Ely community, transported several of her cabins by snowmobile and helicopter from Knife Lake to Ely. In 1993, they opened the museum on what would have been Dorothy’s 86th birthday.

Museum Grounds and Layout

The museum site is nestled among pine trees and laid out to resemble the kind of forest setting Dorothy lived in, offering an immersive historical environment.

Main Components Include:

Winter Cabin: The largest of the cabins and the heart of the museum’s indoor exhibits. It displays her personal belongings, furniture, clothing, letters, and tools she used to survive in the wilderness. Artifacts are arranged authentically, giving a sense of the daily rhythm of her life. Root beer-making equipment and photographs line the walls, along with informational panels and audio recordings.

Point Cabin: This cabin focuses on Dorothy's seasonal routines and interactions with paddlers and the outside world. A video documentary about her life is shown here, highlighting her endurance, philosophy, and role as a beloved figure in Minnesota lore.

Cady Cabin: Used for rotating exhibits and deeper historical context, especially related to environmental legislation that shaped Dorothy’s later years, including the creation of the BWCAW. One popular exhibit titled “25 Objects, 25 Stories” walks visitors through key artifacts tied to her life and the cultural and political history of the Northwoods.

Interpretive Center/Gift Shop: The modern building at the entrance includes a reception desk, educational space, and shop. It offers books, souvenirs, and bottles of root beer made in Dorothy’s honor. This space also serves as an information hub for local events, historical education, and trail access.

Outdoor Features

Dorothy’s Discovery Trail: A short, interpretive trail through a small forested area next to the museum. Signs along the path explain Northwoods ecology, Dorothy’s daily routines like wood chopping and water hauling, and the wildlife she would have encountered.

Birds' Landing and Pollinator Garden: An open area planted with native flowers and designed to attract birds, butterflies, and bees. It offers benches and quiet observation points, aligning with the museum's emphasis on peaceful reflection and natural appreciation.

Canoe Display: Historic and replica canoes are displayed throughout the site, representing the key mode of travel in Dorothy’s life and how nearly all her guests arrived.

Interpretation and Programs

The museum's approach is heavily interpretive and personal, focused on conveying Dorothy’s life through stories, relics, and interactive experiences.

Guided Tours: Offered daily during the summer season. Trained docents walk guests through the cabins, sharing lesser-known facts, stories from visitors who met Dorothy, and how the museum was founded.

Educational Programs: School and scout groups often participate in wilderness education sessions that use Dorothy’s life as a springboard to discuss survival skills, environmental stewardship, and gender roles in the wilderness.

Seasonal Events:

Dorothy Day Open House in early summer features free admission and family-friendly activities.

Root Beer Socials where visitors can enjoy live music and try root beer floats made with Dorothy’s recipe.

Night at the Museum tours in late autumn offer candlelit explorations of the cabins.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Dorothy Molter has become an icon in northern Minnesota folklore. Her root beer became legendary not because of its ingredients (basic sassafras-style brew), but because of the lengths canoeists went through to reach her and the genuine hospitality she provided. Her cabins operated as a sanctuary for thousands of weary travelers.

The museum’s mission is not just to preserve Dorothy’s memory, but to inspire respect for the wilderness and self-reliance. Through her story, the museum advocates for conservation, sustainability, and the quiet power of individual lives lived with purpose.

Practical Information

Location:
2002 East Sheridan Street, Ely, MN 55731

Seasonal Hours (as of 2025):

Late May to early September: Daily from 10 AM to 5 PM

Mid-September to October: Friday–Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM

Off-season visits by appointment only

Admission Fees:

Adults: $7

Seniors: $6.50

Youth (6–17): $4.50

Children under 6: Free

Veterans and museum members: Free

Tips for Visitors:

Plan to spend 1–2 hours for a full visit.

Wear walking shoes; grounds are mostly flat but unpaved.

Bring a reusable water bottle.

Parking is free, with room for RVs and trailers.

Pets are allowed outside on leashes but not in buildings.

Summary

The Dorothy Molter Museum is more than a small-town historical site-it is a living tribute to a woman who became a symbol of strength, solitude, and kindness. Every cabin and trail speaks to her spirit, and every visitor walks away with an understanding not just of her story, but of the deeper connection between humanity and wilderness.