Trezona Trail | Ely

Trezona Trail – In Detail

Location and General Overview

The Trezona Trail is a well-maintained, multi-use recreational loop located on the north edge of Ely, Minnesota. Encircling the scenic Miners Lake, this approximately 3.9-mile paved trail (around 6.3 km) is popular year-round for walking, running, biking, and cross-country skiing. Its proximity to Ely’s historic center, natural beauty, and historical significance makes it a staple experience for both locals and visitors.

The trail derives its name from Charles Trezona, a former Ely mayor and civic leader with ties to the area’s mining heritage. It follows the perimeter of what was once a major mining pit now filled with water-Miners Lake-a transformed landscape that reflects the region’s shift from industrial extraction to outdoor recreation and environmental restoration.

Trail Layout and Accessibility

Trail Type: Fully paved loop

Length: ~3.9 miles (6.3 km)

Elevation Gain: Minimal (approx. 160 ft total)

Trailhead: Common access points include the Pioneer Mine Complex and the trailhead parking lot off Miners Drive, both with signage and informational panels.

Surface: Asphalt, making it suitable for walkers, bikers, wheelchairs, and strollers

Accessibility: ADA-compliant, wide path with gentle grades throughout

Time to Complete: Approximately 60–90 minutes walking at a moderate pace

The trail is popular in both summer and winter. In winter, it's groomed for cross-country skiing, with designated skate and classic ski tracks. Snowshoers and walkers are welcome but asked to stay off the groomed lanes.

Natural Features and Scenery

Miners Lake, formerly the Zenith and Savoy open-pit mines, dominates the southern and eastern portions of the trail. It is now a striking turquoise-blue lake due to mineral content and is a key attraction on the route.

On the north and west sides, the trail passes through patches of northern boreal forest-a mix of white pine, aspen, birch, spruce, and occasional cedar. These sections are cooler and shaded, providing shelter and a quiet wooded atmosphere. The trees give way to open shoreline views along the lake, especially during fall when colorful foliage reflects off the water.

Wildlife along the trail includes:

White-tailed deer

Red fox

Beavers near wetland outlets

Loons, ducks, and seasonal songbirds

Occasionally, sightings of timber wolves have been reported in surrounding forested areas, though interactions are rare.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Ely was built on mining, and the Trezona Trail overlays that industrial legacy. The loop passes several interpretive signs detailing the history of local iron ore mining, the geological features of the Vermilion Range, and the evolution of Ely from a mining town to a hub for wilderness tourism.

Near the northwestern portion of the trail, hikers can view the preserved Pioneer Mine headframe and engine house, both important relics of Ely’s early 20th-century mining boom. This site, once the economic heart of the town, has been restored and includes the Ely Arts & Heritage Center, which hosts community events and exhibits.

Trail Use and Amenities

Multi-season Use:

Summer: Walking, jogging, biking, inline skating

Winter: Groomed skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking

Dogs: Permitted on leash year-round

Lighting: Sections near town are dimly lit; the full trail is not lit at night

Restrooms: Seasonal portable toilets available at the main trailhead

Water: No drinking water stations; visitors should bring their own

Benches and Overlooks: Scattered benches, especially near lake overlooks on the south side

Parking: Ample parking at the trailhead by Miners Drive and at the Pioneer Mine site

Community and Events

The Trezona Trail often serves as a venue for local events, such as:

5K/10K community runs and races

Ski races and clinics during the winter, organized by local groups like the Ely Nordic Ski Club

Seasonal educational walks hosted by local naturalists and historical societies

Because of its accessibility, it is also a favorite for early morning walkers, school groups, and local families.

Tips for Visitors

Early morning and late evening offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities and quieter trail conditions.

Fall foliage (late September through mid-October) transforms the trail into a corridor of golds, oranges, and reds.

In winter, check local trail grooming reports before skiing. Walkers should stay to the side to preserve ski lanes.

There is cell service throughout the trail, though some wooded areas may have reduced reception.

Cyclists should ride at reduced speed, especially near pedestrian groups and interpretive stops.

Summary

The Trezona Trail is a loop that combines nature, local history, and recreational flexibility. It tells the story of Ely’s past while showcasing its present commitment to sustainability and outdoor access. Whether you’re a casual walker, a skier, a cyclist, or a local historian, the trail offers something unique-easy terrain, rich heritage, serene scenery, and strong community ties-all just steps from downtown Ely.