Experience the inspiring place that Sig called Home

Visit the Olson family home, Sig's iconic Writing Shack, and nearby Listening Point. If you are headed to the Ely area, we invite you to join one of our free, volunteer-guided tours.

*Tours of Listening Point, Writing Shack, and Olson Home are closed for the fall. We invite you back June 01, 2024!*

TOUR TIMES AND SCHEDULING BELOW! 


ABOUT THE TOUR
Our tours are small-group experiences where participants learn more about the life, philosophy, and legacy of Sig Olson. The general tours start at a common meeting point (direction provided upon registration) and head directly to Listening Point. The guided tour usually last up to around 2 hours (may vary depending on group preference), and there is no set cost. We do, however, greatly appreciate any donation you care to make.

This summer we will also reopen the Olson family home and Sig’s Writing Shack to those who have signed up for a Listening Point guided tour. Information for visiting and directions will be provided in your confirmation email upon registration.

The Olson family home is also the location of both the Writing Shack and the main offices for the Listening Point Foundation. Sig’s books and other related items — Listening Point hats, additional wilderness books (by other authors) and our Outdoor Adventure Cards — are usually available for purchase at the end of your tour or at the house in our gift shop.

WHY TOURS?
We have over 600 visitors visit Listening Point on a annual basis. In order to preserve the character of Listening Point as a place of contemplation and reflection, we ask that all first-time visitors (and returning folks) to contact us to schedule a tour. In order to preserve the experience of the place and to protect the flora from trampling we aim to keep our tour groups small (usually ten people or less).

WHO LEADS THE TOURS?
We have a great group of volunteers who take guide our visitors on the tours of the Olson family home, Sig’s Writing Shack, and Listening Point. Our trained, volunteer guides each have a unique perspective and connection to Listening Point. They provide thoughtful perspectives, ecological information, and interesting stories that connect the past to the present. If you are interested in volunteering as a tour guide for the Listening Point Foundation, please check out our Community page and Contact our office for more information!

We respectfully ask all potential visitors (first-time and folks returning) to contact us prior to their desired date of visiting.

We can occasionally accommodate day-of requests and we will try to be as flexible as possible. Our tours are all volunteer-led, and it can be difficult to schedule last-minute. Please note that self-guided tours are not permitted on the Listening Point private property without express permission from the Executive Director. We thank you for your understanding!

 

General and Event Tours of Listening Point are available!

Note: Student groups and special event groups may arrange tours outside of normally scheduled tour days and times. Please contact our office for more details!

Tour Days

Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays: 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Olson Family Home and Writing Shack: Wednesdays 1:00 - 4:00pm