Boundary Waters Canoe Area Parks and Outdoors Travel Guide

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Parks and Outdoors Travel Guide

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Parks and Outdoors Destinations In or Near Boundary Waters Canoe Area

Travel Guides In or Near Boundary Waters Canoe Area

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Loon on the lake in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota (Debbie Hartmann/courtesy, Superior National Forest)
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Boundary Waters Canoe Area Parks and Outdoors Travel Tips

By Brian Kevin

  • Within Minnesota's Superior National Forest lies the renowned Boundary Waters Canoe Area. This labyrinth of lakes and rock has been specifically protected as a true American wilderness; no roads, power lines, or motorized craft may enter its borders.
  • Waterfalls, sheer rock cliffs, and deep, crystal-clear lakes abound. Moose, deer, beaver, and otter are just a few of the mammals you may encounter during your travels. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area is also one of the largest bald eagle nesting areas in the lower forty-eight states. Ospreys, loons, ducks, and songbirds fill the woods and waterways with their enchanting songs and calls.
  • Smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and lake trout are abundant throughout both the Boundary Waters and Quetico Park. With "canoe only" access, fishing in these wilderness lakes is superior to areas more exposed to public use.
  • Forest Service campsites in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area are sprinkled with many lakes, and each has a backcountry latrine and steel fire grate. Camping outside of the Forest Service campgrounds is prohibited. Sites cannot be reserved, and while there are usually plenty to go around, it is wise to find your spot early in high-traffic areas.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Within Minnesota's Superior National Forest lies the renowned Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). This labyrinth of lakes and rock has been specifically protected as a true American wilderness; no roads, powerlines, or motorized craft may enter its borders, so the Boundary Waters has changed little since its unveiling when the glaciers melted 10,000 years ago. Over one million acres in size, the BWCAW extends nearly 150 miles along the Canadian border adjacent to Quetico Provincial Park. Read More

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1 Questions | 1 Answers
  • What is the best spot to camp in the BWCA that can be driven to? We have a group of 10-20 men and their sons. A church group. That have been looking at doing a wilderness retreat in the BWCA region. We are looking for a great spot to drive to, camp, do some hiking and sight seeing. And potentially canoe and fish a little. Basically a get away...
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Hotels

Bearskin Lodge

Best Resorts & Lodges
124 East Bearskin Rd.
Grand Marais, MN 55604 Map

Distance: 38.2 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
3.0

Gunflint Pines Resort and Campground

217 South Gunflint Lake Rd.
Grand Marais, MN 55604 Map

Distance: 24.1 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
3.0
3.0
from: $131

Grand Ely Lodge Resort and Conference Center

400 N. Pioneer Road
Ely, MN 55731 Map

Distance: 30.3 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 2 class stars

expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
3.0
3.0
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Attractions

Brandenburg Gallery

expert favorite attraction
11 E. Sheridan St.
Ely, Minnesota

Distance: 30.3 mi. (from destination center)

Description: The Brandenburg Gallery houses the works of renowned nature photographer Jim Brandenburg. The... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
5_0

International Wolf Center

expert favorite attraction
1396 Hwy. 169
Ely, Minnesota 55731

Distance: 27.7 mi. (from destination center)

Description: The International Wolf Center's mission is to advance the survival of wolf populations by teaching... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
4_0
4_0

Soudan Underground Mine

expert favorite attraction
20 miles east of Ely on Hwy. 1
P.O. Box 335
Soudan, Minnesota 55782

Distance: 48.1 mi. (from destination center)

Description: The Soudan Underground Mine, opened in 1882, is Minnesota's first iron ore mine. Today, it offers a... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
4_0
4_0
All Boundary Waters Canoe Area Attractions »

Airports

Major Airports near Boundary Waters Canoe Area

Distance (mi.)
Minneapolis St Paul International Airport 231.0 map

Other Smaller Airports near Boundary Waters Canoe Area

Distance (mi.)
Hibbing Chisholm Airport 84.7 map
Duluth International Airport 89.1 map
International Falls Falls International Airport 109.5 map

Flight Deals to Boundary Waters Canoe Area

Originating From
Milwaukee (MKE) to Minneapolis/St Paul (MSP) $104
Chicago (CHI) to Minneapolis/St Paul (MSP) $126
Atlanta (ATL) to Minneapolis/St Paul (MSP) $169
Orlando (ORL) to Minneapolis/St Paul (MSP) $176
New York City (NYC) to Minneapolis/St Paul (MSP) $178

Feature Articles

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