FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Dominick Olivanti
dominick.olivanti@aeoa.org
218-735-6815
arrowheadtransit.com
New Bus Route Connects Ely to Virginia, Expanding Access Across the Iron Range
ELY, MN – Beginning Tuesday, June 24, 2025, Arrowhead Transit will launch a new weekly service connecting Ely to Virginia and beyond. The new Boundary Waters Loop will make reliable stops in Babbitt, Embarrass, and Tower before reaching Virginia, offering Ely-area residents’ new access to essential services, groceries, expanded healthcare options, and Iron Range destinations like the Range Regional Airport and Hibbing.
“This is more than a route—it’s a connection to opportunity,” said Adam Roen, Transit Manager for St. Louis County. “It gives Ely residents access not only to hospitals and major retailers, but also to job centers, the airport, and connecting transit routes that reach across the region. It’s one more way we’re closing the gap for rural communities.”
The new service responds directly to feedback from Ely and Babbitt residents requesting improved transportation to the Quad Cities. Riders can now plan medical appointments at Virginia’s Essentia Health, pick up groceries at Super One, Target, and Walmart, or continue toward Hibbing and other Range locations through Arrowhead’s broader network.
Boundary Waters Loop – Operating Every Tuesday
Morning Route (To Ely and Tower):
- 7:00 a.m. – Depart Gilbert
- 7:15 a.m. – Virginia
- 8:00 a.m. – Embarrass
- 8:20 a.m. – Babbitt (Dollar General)
- 8:45 a.m. – Ely (Minnesota North – Vermilion)
- 9:30 a.m. – Tower
- 10:15 a.m. –Virginia (drop-offs at Essentia Health, Super One, Target, and Walmart)
Afternoon Return Trip (Back to Gilbert):
- 2:00 p.m. – Pickups in Virginia (Walmart, Essentia, Super One, Target)
- 3:00 p.m. – Tower
- 3:45 p.m. – Ely (Minnesota North – Vermilion)
- 4:10 p.m. – Babbitt (Dollar General)
- 4:30 p.m. – Embarrass
- 5:15 p.m. – Virginia
- 5:30 p.m. – Arrive in Gilbert
Fare: $5 one-way
Start Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Reservations Required: Call 1-800-862-0175 (Option 2)
“This is about giving people choices,” said Brandon Nurmi, Director of Arrowhead Transit. “Trying to make a specialist appointment, catch a flight, or just get your shopping done, you now have a safe and reliable ride.”
For more details or to reserve a ride, visit arrowheadtransit.com.