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Highway 1: Finland to Ely, Superior National Forest, Minnesota
Photo: Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States · CC BY-SA 2.0

Drives Minnesota Minnesota

Highway 1: Finland to Ely

MN 1 · Illgen City → Ely

Leisurely62 mi1 hr 30 min2,600 ft climbHigh point ≈ 2,000 ftOne way
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The drive

Highway 1 starts at Highway 61 in Illgen City on the North Shore of Lake Superior and runs west to Ely. The drive covers about 62 miles in 1 hr 30 min, passing Finland and Isabella, and it is rated Leisurely.

Wikipedia says the road crosses the Superior National Forest, Finland State Forest and Bear Island State Forest, and that Highway 1 is the longest state route in Minnesota.

Along the way

  1. Illgen City (Highway 61)
  2. Finland
  3. Isabella
  4. Ely
Elevation
2,600 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 2,000 ft
Illgen CityEly
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
Illgen CityEly
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Culvert replacements on Highway 1 east of Ely have brought traffic impacts and a 44-mile detour, so check MnDOT before you go.
  • Check 511 for current conditions before you go.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Minnesota 511 (MnDOT).

Questions about this drive

How long does Highway 1 from Finland to Ely take?

Highway 1 from Illgen City through Finland to Ely is 62 miles and takes about 1 hr 30 min without stops.

Where does Highway 1 start in Minnesota?

Highway 1 begins at Highway 61 in Illgen City on the North Shore and runs west toward Ely.

Is there construction on Highway 1 near Ely?

Culvert replacements east of Ely can bring traffic impacts and detours, so check MnDOT's page before you go.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
Drive it with no signalAPEXDownload the map and every turn before you go.
Live Group TrackingAPEXEveryone on the route, on the map, by name.
Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Highway 1: Finland to Ely, from Illgen City to Ely