Whiteside Park | Ely

Whiteside Park – In Detail

Overview

Whiteside Park is the cultural and recreational centerpiece of Ely, Minnesota. Nestled in the heart of the city, this two-block green space functions as both a quiet community gathering place and the setting for some of the region’s most iconic seasonal events. With its open lawns, shaded picnic tables, and family-friendly amenities, the park is designed to be welcoming and accessible to all ages. It reflects Ely’s strong sense of community and its deep ties to art, nature, and heritage.

History

The park was named after Robert B. Whiteside, an early Ely resident and businessman who donated the land to the city in 1915. Since then, the park has evolved from a quiet lawn with trees into a lively community venue that balances historical preservation with modern use. Over time, it has hosted town meetings, wartime rallies, school field days, and musical performances, all while remaining a place where locals gather for simple leisure.

Layout & Features

Whiteside Park spans the equivalent of two full city blocks and is bordered by South 7th Avenue East and East Sheridan Street. Its design emphasizes openness and accessibility:

Tree-Covered Lawns: Dozens of tall maple and pine trees provide shade, especially valuable during the summer months.

Walking Paths: Smooth, paved paths cut through the park, allowing for leisurely strolls or wheelchair-accessible navigation.

Band Shell: The permanent performance stage is used during festivals, concerts, and public gatherings.

Public Restrooms: Located near the park center and open seasonally (typically May through October).

Playground Areas: Divided by age group, the playgrounds include climbing equipment, swings, musical features like outdoor xylophones, and a sand play zone.

Picnic Tables & Pavilion: Scattered seating areas and a larger covered pavilion make it ideal for both spontaneous picnics and scheduled group events.

Community Events

Whiteside Park hosts many of Ely’s most popular events, transforming the space from peaceful green lawns into a hub of bustling activity:

Blueberry Arts Festival (late July): Drawing over 30,000 visitors annually, this three-day celebration features hundreds of arts and crafts booths, food trucks, music, and local heritage demonstrations.

Ely Winter Festival (early February): The park becomes a frozen art gallery filled with giant snow sculptures carved by artists from around the region. It’s one of Minnesota’s most unique winter traditions.

Farmers and Artists Market: Held weekly on summer Tuesdays (5–7 PM), this market includes locally grown produce, hand-made art, baked goods, and live music.

Fourth of July Celebrations: Includes a small-town parade, community picnic, and often live music or games in the park.

Cultural & Artistic Highlights

Whiteside Park isn't just about recreation-it’s also a canvas for Ely’s artistic identity:

Voyageur Canoe Sculpture: A large bronze sculpture by Vic Payne honors the voyageurs of the Boundary Waters era. It features dramatic imagery of paddlers battling waves in a fur trade canoe and symbolizes Ely’s deep historical roots.

Smaller Art Installations: Various pieces reflect themes of wilderness, Native American heritage, and mining history-fitting for a city so closely tied to the outdoors and its past.

Community Murals and Displays: Temporary exhibits often accompany events like the Winter Festival or summer art fairs.

Atmosphere & Visitor Experience

For Families: The clean restrooms, shaded benches, and variety of child-safe play structures make it especially appealing to parents and grandparents.

For Tourists: Those visiting Ely as a gateway to the Boundary Waters often find the park a relaxing stop before or after their wilderness experience.

For Locals: The park is a backdrop to everyday life in Ely-used for reading, picnics, walking dogs, or chatting with neighbors.

Accessibility: Wide, paved paths and level terrain make it fully accessible to people using strollers, walkers, or wheelchairs.

Practical Information

Address: 58 South 7th Avenue East, Ely, MN

Restrooms: Open May to mid-October

Pet Policy: Dogs are welcome on leashes

Parking: On-street parking surrounds the park; spaces are usually available except during large events

Pavilion Rental: Available through the Ely city website for private events like birthdays or reunions

Summary

Whiteside Park is more than just a public green space-it's a cornerstone of Ely’s identity. Whether bustling with the energy of a festival or calm under the shade of its towering trees, it remains a place where the community gathers, traditions are celebrated, and visitors feel welcomed. Its unique balance of art, nature, play, and culture makes it an essential destination for anyone exploring northern Minnesota.