Events

Celebrate the opening of the We Are Water MN at the Ely Area Community Hub with interactive performances and exhibits

This class covers dyeing natural fibers with natural dyes from the beginning of the process to end. Natural dyes and fibers will be discussed and examples presented. We'll go through the process of scouring fibers and preparing fibers for natural dyeing (using mordants and tannins). We'll learn about natural dyes, how to make a dye bath, how to dye natural fibers, and modify colors. We'll explore the colors of 4 different natural dyes. Each student will go home with 2 types of dyed cellulose fibers (a linen scarf and a cotton bandana) and 2 types of dyed protein fiber (a skein of yarn and a silk scarf). This class is held in 3 sessions.

Make scones and a loaf of bread with sourdough starter

Join us for a two part class introducing you to the ASL alphabet and common phrases.

The mission of the Ely Area Writers Group (formerly Writers Read) is to encourage writers to write.

Northern Minnesota hosts a colorful variety of nesting songbirds each summer, from chestnut-sided warblers to goldfinches. Each species has a colorful song and this class focuses on learning to match the song with the singer while in the field.

Enjoy this free demonstration of hand pie crust making with instructor and EFS board chair Lacey Squier

Hear and participate in stories about water.

Our annual spring event welcomes back warm weather and invites Ely area residents, visitors, and friends/family to celebrate together.

Join local natural medicine expert Tatiana on this deep dive on altered states--why and how do people get high?

Northern Minnesota hosts a colorful variety of nesting songbirds each summer, from chestnut-sided warblers to goldfinches. Each species has a colorful song and this class focuses on learning to match the song with the singer while in the field.

Learn the history, significance, and techniques of book making.

Combine the art of card making and wood burning in this craft perfect to do WITH your mom, or as a gift FOR her!

Learn to make wontons!

Make and eat this Scandinavian teat!

Join us for a class for practicing "reading" hands

Join us for an evening of plant nerdery! Cuttings of current houseplants and rehoming welcome. Please bring at least one plant to swap.

Stop by anytime during this weekend to earn volunteer hours by helping us downsize, organize, and clean our facilities.

Northern Minnesota hosts a colorful variety of nesting songbirds each summer, from chestnut-sided warblers to goldfinches. Each species has a colorful song and this class focuses on learning to match the song with the singer while in the field.

Learn the foundations of creating your own infused oils and salves, and be prepared to take your custom creations home with you!

This three part class will cover everything from selecting wood and tools to starting your own carving projects with confidence

Go hunting for wild foods, learn about some others that aren’t yet ready for harvesting, and return to EFS to cook up a small, delicious snack.

Northern Minnesota hosts a colorful variety of nesting songbirds each summer, from chestnut-sided warblers to goldfinches. Each species has a colorful song and this class focuses on learning to match the song with the singer while in the field.

Learn to make carrot cake in this kids specific Folk School cooking class

Northern Minnesota hosts a colorful variety of nesting songbirds each summer, from chestnut-sided warblers to goldfinches. Each species has a colorful song and this class focuses on learning to match the song with the singer while in the field.

Come learn about the ethics and tips for foraging, the life cycle of a mushroom, the physical parts and purpose of mushrooms, and how to begin to confidently identify both edible and poisonous mushrooms.

Sew your own shirt customized to the style you want and that looks good on you--not just what some store sells.

Learn everything you need to know to make your very own batch of sauerkraut!

Join us for this evening edition of "Makers Morning" -- a special Ely Folk School 10th Birthday celebration for our regular weekly makers and anyone else interested in being in a community craft setting!

Learn how to throw pottery on a ceramics wheel over the course of this 7 week class.

Try paddling our 20 ft birch bark canoe built by students and volunteers -- a special Ely Folk School 10th Birthday event down at Semer's Beach.

As part of our "We Are Water MN" exhibit, please join us for a water themed poetry course.

Feeling overwhelmed? Always thought you had NO creativity at all? Come learn how to tap into the creativity that we ALL have!

Use scrap beaver hide to fashion an insulated pouch for you cell phone, perfect for winter outdoor adventures of all sorts.

Calm your nervous system with these plants that help center and calm.

Help us celebrate the Ely Folk School's 10th birthday at this potluck dinner!

hrough thoughtful readings and free-flowing writing prompts, you will practice shaping truths and fictions from your own observations and experiences.

Learn the art of upholstery in a supportive environment.

Join Wade and the Ely Folk School for this hands-on workshop. Wade will help you refine crafting large bowls, as well as give feedback as you give it a shot yourself.

Learn to personalize your own card for any occasion.

Pair group conversation and mid-summer refresh with the art of woodburning!

Follow Sig Olson's legacy of nature writing in a supportive group at his historic town home, now the headquarters of the Listening Point Foundation.

Start off with a lesson on the evolution of root beer that includes our own hometown root beer hero Dorothy Molter and end with root beer sampling and instruction on making your own homebrew.

Students can select from four hat styles, gnome, wizard, bucket or loopy sauna. The practice of wearing a hat in the sauna insulates and protects your head.

Students can select from four hat styles, gnome, wizard, bucket or loopy sauna. The practice of wearing a hat in the sauna insulates and protects your head.

Join Wade and the Ely Folk School for this hands-on workshop. Wade will help you refine crafting large bowls, as well as give feedback as you give it a shot yourself.

Start off with a lesson on the evolution of root beer that includes our own hometown root beer hero Dorothy Molter and end with root beer sampling and instruction on making your own homebrew.

Join Wade and the Ely Folk School for this hands-on workshop. Wade will help you refine crafting plates, as well as give feedback as you give it a shot yourself.

Start off with a lesson on the evolution of root beer that includes our own hometown root beer hero Dorothy Molter and end with root beer sampling and instruction on making your own homebrew.

Join Wade and the Ely Folk School for this hands-on workshop. Wade will go over a number of methods for throwing lids, as well as give feedback as you give it a shot yourself.

Follow Sig Olson's legacy of nature writing in a supportive group at his cabin retreat in this partnership with the Listening Point Foundation.

Start off with a lesson on the evolution of root beer that includes our own hometown root beer hero Dorothy Molter and end with root beer sampling and instruction on making your own homebrew.

Through thoughtful readings and free-flowing writing prompts, you will practice shaping truths and fictions from your own observations and experiences.

Create your own bike bag, perfect for a way to hold essentials or your first foray into bigger bike packing systems.

Please join us for a water themed poetry course.

Start off with a lesson on the evolution of root beer that includes our own hometown root beer hero Dorothy Molter and end with root beer sampling and instruction on making your own homebrew.

Students can select from four hat styles, gnome, wizard, bucket or loopy sauna. The practice of wearing a hat in the sauna insulates and protects your head.

Join us at the Ely Folk School for this beginner needle felting class with virtual instructor Laura Berlage.

Students can select from four hat styles, gnome, wizard, bucket or loopy sauna. The practice of wearing a hat in the sauna insulates and protects your head.

Start off with a lesson on the evolution of root beer that includes our own hometown root beer hero Dorothy Molter and end with root beer sampling and instruction on making your own homebrew.

Start off with a lesson on the evolution of root beer that includes our own hometown root beer hero Dorothy Molter and end with root beer sampling and instruction on making your own homebrew.

Start off with a lesson on the evolution of root beer that includes our own hometown root beer hero Dorothy Molter and end with root beer sampling and instruction on making your own homebrew.

Start off with a lesson on the evolution of root beer that includes our own hometown root beer hero Dorothy Molter and end with root beer sampling and instruction on making your own homebrew.

Start off with a lesson on the evolution of root beer that includes our own hometown root beer hero Dorothy Molter and end with root beer sampling and instruction on making your own homebrew.

Join the club! Membership gets you access to all 12 of our 2025 herbalism classes.