October 7, 2026 – 7PM
Vermilion Fine Arts Theater
1900 E Camp St, Ely, MN

We are proud to present a touring production of THE ROOT BEER LADY, coming soon to Ely, MN. Written by Kim Schultz, THE ROOT BEER LADY tells the story of the indomitable Dorothy Molter, the last legal non-indigenous resident of the Boundary Waters. The story reflects the beauty and hardships of Molter’s solitary yet satisfying life beginning in 1934.

The play, funny and passionate, explores her independence, fortitude, and love of nature. Molter pushes back against the premise that her time in the North Woods made her the “Loneliest Woman in America,” as the Saturday Evening Post  claimed in 1952. Kim Schultz is a nationally and internationally acclaimed writer, actor, and solo show artist working across mediums. THE ROOT BEER LADY marks Kim’s third solo show. The tour is produced by Bourgoin Productions.

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Additional Root Beer Lady Events in Ely

Root Beer: History You Can Taste Class
Location: Ely Folk School
October 7 – 2-3:30pm

Discover the rich history of root beer as a beverage from its origins as an Indigenous tea to the modern soda pop we love today.
Then you will learn how to make your own homemade root beer just like Dorothy! You’ll take home a 32oz growler of brew as well as instructions and leftover ingredients to continue making root beer at home.
You’ll finish with plenty of time to see The Root Beer Lady play later the same evening!

Visit the Museum after seeing The Root Beer Lady play!
(For Root Beer Lady play ticket holders)
Location: Dorothy Molter Museum
October 8, 8-10 AM
Explore the original cabins Dorothy owned, including the Winter Cabin, which is the set for most of the one-woman, one-act play The Root Beer Lady. Learn more about Dorothy’s childhood, life in the Wilderness, details about the creation of the Boundary Waters and visit our museum gift shop.