Dorothy Molter Museum Gift & Greeting Card

Business Description

Nestled in the quaint grove of pines on the east side of Ely, Minnesota, lies the Dorothy Molter Museum. This museum is a must-see for anyone who values history, nature, and the determination of the human spirit.

The museum pays tribute to the life and legacy of Dorothy Molter, a remarkable woman who lived in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Visitors to the museum can learn about her life, which began in Chicago and took an unexpected turn when she fell in love with the wilderness of northern Minnesota. She spent most of her life in the wilderness, offering help to injured travelers and selling homemade root beer to summer visitors.

The museum itself is a testament to the strength of Molter's spirit. After her death in 1986, her cabins were dismantled log by log and hauled over frozen lakes and portages by dog team to Moose Lake. The cabins were then shipped to Ely, where they were reassembled to create the museum. The museum opened to the public in May of 1993.

Molter's spirit shines through the exhibits and artifacts at the museum. Visitors can see her hand-built cabins, which are filled with personal belongings and mementos. The museum also houses a collection of photographs, letters, and documents that showcase Molter's life in the wilderness.

One of the highlights of visiting the Dorothy Molter Museum is the chance to taste her famous homemade root beer. Molter brewed and sold between 10,000 and 11,000 bottles of the beverage each summer, and visitors can still taste it today. The root beer is served ice-cold and is a refreshing treat after a day of exploring the museum and the surrounding area.

The staff at the Dorothy Molter Museum are dedicated to inspiring the next generation of Northwoods stewards through Molter's story of perseverance, independence, and generosity. The museum is a testament to her spirit, and visitors will leave with a deeper appreciation for the beauty and power of the wilderness.

Gift Ideas for Dorothy Molter Museum

For anyone who loves nature, history, and unique gifts, the Dorothy Molter Museum has a treasure trove of options for you to choose from. The museum celebrates the life and legacy of Dorothy Molter, a remarkable woman who lived in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Her spirit and love for the wilderness live on through the museum, and visitors can take a piece of that spirit home with them through the thoughtful and unique gifts available.

One of the most popular gift options is, of course, Molter's famous homemade root beer. Visitors can purchase bottles of the beverage, which is still brewed according to Molter's original recipe. It's the perfect gift for anyone who wants to taste a piece of history and experience the refreshing taste of the wilderness.

For those who want to take a piece of the museum home with them, there are a variety of unique and handmade items available for purchase. From hand-crafted wooden bowls and utensils to hand-knitted wool hats and mittens, these gifts are perfect for anyone who appreciates the artistry and craftsmanship of handmade items.

Another gift option is the museum's collection of books, which includes both historical and contemporary accounts of life in the wilderness. From Molter's own biography to books about the flora and fauna of the region, there's something for everyone.

For those who want a more practical gift, the museum also offers maps and guidebooks of the region. These items are perfect for anyone planning a trip to the wilderness or who wants to explore the area more deeply.

No matter what gift you choose, it will be a meaningful and thoughtful reminder of the spirit of Dorothy Molter and the beauty of the wilderness she loved.

Great Alternatives