Hike one of the North Shore’s most underrated trails at Temperance River State Park
With rushing waterfalls and impressive potholes, hike one of the North Shore’s trails along the Temperance River, to surprising vistas of Lake Superior.
TOP STORY:
Superior National Forest recreational fees increase
The USFS recently increased recreational fees throughout the forest. This was due to rising maintenance and operational costs. In the summer of 2023, the Forest Service invited public comment on the fee change proposal. An advisory committee representing multiple outdoor interests recently approved the proposal.
New cross-country ski race tracks through the Superior National Forest
Cross-country skiers have another way to embrace the season in the far north. Set in the woods along Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, the Ski North Ultra gives participants a chance to enjoy a day in the woods.
Silver Rapids Lodge abandons expansion plans near the BWCAW
Silver Rapids Lodge owners have canceled their plans to expand the resort near the BWCAW. As a result, they “surrendered” their permit that the Lake County Planning Commission had approved this fall. The Minnesota DNR and citizen groups had filed lawsuits against the commission, citing multiple concerns about the proposed expansion near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The DNR would like the case to move forward.
Trout stocking program reclaims Minnesota mine pits
State agencies continue to stock rainbow trout in retired mine pits in northern Minnesota, enhancing local fisheries and tourism. In the spring and fall of 2024, the Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) stocked area lakes with roughly 2,800 pounds of fish.
Northeast Minnesota’s best-kept secret – 5 fabulous State Forests
Tucked along winding, remote roads throughout Minnesota’s Arrowhead region are five fabulous state forests. Together, these five forests tout nearly 1.6 million acres of recreational land where you can camp, paddle, hike, hunt, fish, picnic, and cross-country ski. And unlike the other wonderful places I mentioned previously, these hidden gems are lesser known and see fewer visitors.
BWCAW visitor numbers stabilize as permit cancellations increase
The USFS–Superior National Forest recently released their visitor use report. While numbers have returned to pre-Covid levels, cancellations continue to rise. Federal officials and local outfitters consider the possible reasons behind this trend.
Interactive kiosks share stories of the North Shore
New kiosks are appearing in ranger stations, state parks, and local businesses along Minnesota’s North Shore, making it easier for visitors to connect with the region’s cultural, natural, and environmental history.
Minnesota DNR suspends review of PolyMet mine project
The MN DNR recently announced it will suspend its review of the PolyMet copper-nickel sulfide permit until late next year. “This decision recognizes that PolyMet owes Minnesotans transparency and honesty instead of continuing to waste scarce resources and everyone’s time.” said JT Haines from MCEA.
Lake Trout restored in Lake Superior
Researchers have announced that lake trout have fully recovered in most of Lake Superior. The Lake Superior Committee, which manages and protects the lake, credits this recovery to decades of sound research and conservation practices. However, they caution that, given climate predictions, species management must remain proactive and vigilant.
USFS budget cuts will impact Superior National Forest visitors
The Forest Service anticipates budget cuts across the entire organization for 2025. The federal agency has requested $8.9 billion in funding but expects to receive significantly less. This reduction could negatively impact the Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. As a result, visitors should prepare for potential changes.
Riding the Mesabi Trail – Minnesota’s longest paved bike route
Biking the Mesabi Trail between Tower and Ely, part of 165 miles of jaw-dropping beauty, connecting 28 communities in MN’s wild north.
Colder, snowier winter ahead for Northern Minnesota
Winter enthusiasts and residents should prepare for a colder, snowier winter in northern Minnesota. NOAA recently released its forecast for 2025. Although dry conditions persist in the north, the expected forecast should benefit those who recreate in the BWCAW and beyond.
One hike, two scenic vistas—Ted Tofte Overlook and Carlton Peak
“Do we have to go hiking?” our nephew fussed as we made our way up Highway 61 along Minnesota’s North Shore…“Hiking is just walking and walking is boring.” “Well, how about this?” I wagered. “Let’s do this hike to Carlton Peak and if you don’t like hiking, we won’t do any more hikes for the rest of the trip.” “Fine,” he grumbled. “But I already know I’m not going to like it.”
DNR and citizen groups sue over resort expansion near BWCAW
The Minnesota DNR and citizen groups have filed separate lawsuits against the Lake County Planning Commission, raising concerns about expanding Silver Rapids Resort near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
Film captures record-setting swim in warming Lake Superior
Marathon swimmers set a new distance relay record to highlight the impact of warming waters in Lake Superior. Over 24 hours, the athletes swam 46 miles without wetsuits. The documentary film, A Sea Change for Superior: The Warming of the World’s Largest Lake, captures what the effects of climate change mean for the ecosystems and communities that depend on it.
Voyageurs National Park expands to protect habitat
A private land acquisition has expanded Voyageurs National Park by 51 acres. The National Park Service and Voyageurs Conservancy partnered with the Ramsey family over the past year to secure permanent protection for the property. Located on an island in Rainy Lake, the park service sees this as a significant milestone in its ongoing mission to protect natural habitats and parklands for outdoor enjoyment.
Mining project could have long-term impacts for the North Shore
Advocates for clean water warn that a mining project near Lake Superior could harm human health and the environment in the long term.
Bogus Lake wildfire burning in Superior National Forest
A third wildfire has started in the Superior National Forest. USFS crews discovered the Bogus Lake fire in northeastern Minnesota on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. The fire has burned approximately 45 acres and remains active. Firefighters from the Superior National Forest and MN DNR have responded with aircraft and personnel to assist with suppression efforts.
Wood Lake fire burning in BWCAW grows to 45 acres
A fire detected September 10 is burning on an island of Wood Lake within the BWCAW, partially contained, according to the USDA Forest Service. The fire is suspected to be human-caused and is burning in an area that is difficult to access. Some portages, lakes and entry points are closed.