The Minnesota DNR is seeking public comment on the state’s Lake Superior Coastal Program. They have provided a draft plan that evaluates the program’s effectiveness and suggests priorities for future improvements. …
Minnesotans have become increasingly interested in winter camping, particularly in the BWCA. But, as in other seasons, it’s essential to minimize your impact and practice good etiquette. We’re sharing both written and unwritten guidelines to help everyone enjoy a positive experience while protecting the natural environment.
The Trump administration and Rep. Pete Stauber are using the Congressional Review Act in an unprecedented effort to undo a 20-year mineral leasing withdrawal in the Superior National Forest. Critics warn the move sets a dangerous precedent and threatens the Boundary Waters watershed.
Ely has many great trail systems, some of which are especially fun in the winter. A favorite winter hike is the Secret Blackstone Trail. Located near Moose Lake, quiet trails loop around scenic lakes flanked by thick woods. It has a wilderness feel, though it’s not far from town. Here’s what you’ll need to know before you go.
The USFS has updated the regulations concerning food storage in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Hanging items in a tree or using approved bear-resistant containers has been a part of the regulations and rules, and now violations can bring penalties. Learn how to hang a food pack from a tree and travel safely through bear habitat.
Permit reservations open on Jan 28. Planning a trip to the BWCA and not sure where to start? Here are a few tips to help plan your canoe trip and secure your permit so you can create memories that last a lifetime.
Canadian authorities have provided an update to the Remote Area Border Crossing Permit program (RABC). They announced the introduction of a telephone reporting system in areas previously covered by the RABC program. The new system will begin September 14, 2026. Until then, those who currently have a valid RABC permit can use it until September 13, 2026.
Once a network of logging roads, the Banadad Ski Trail has become a beloved winter route through the BWCAW. Groomed since the early 1980s and maintained by volunteers, the 27-kilometer trail connects skiers to both the region’s past and its quiet, snow-covered present.
For years, visitors to Tettegouche State Park had to detour around the High Falls. This was due to record storms over the past few years that destroyed the bridge over the Baptism River. After several years of closure, a new, higher, and stronger bridge now carries foot traffic across the river.
Hike to scenic vistas with fabulous foraging. Known as the Cove Point Loop, this six-mile lollipop loop section was built in 1996. While the trail begins across Highway 61 from the lodge, there’s no public parking on-site. Cove Point Lodge guests can walk across Highway 61 to access the trail. If you’re not staying at the lodge, consider these two alternative routes…
In an important move, The Nature Conservancy has purchased more than 12,000 acres of dense forest and wetland north of Two Harbors, marking its largest land acquisition in over 25 years. Conservation efforts will focus on sustainable management that supports the health of forests, wildlife, and clean water.
Sometimes the best adventures aren’t planned months in advance. On a whim, we secured a Boundary Waters permit and found ourselves paddling through Minnesota’s cliff-lined lakes. From calm waters and rugged portages to surprise sunsets and rainstorms, this last-minute trip reminded us that every BWCA journey holds its own unforgettable magic.
High above Duluth, thousands of raptors soar past Hawk Ridge each year during migration season. From bald eagles to kestrels, this world-class birding destination offers unforgettable views, expert-led programs, and hiking trails surrounded by fall color. Here’s how to plan your visit to Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory.
A slight chill hangs in the air. Maple trees begin turning deep red at their tips. Fall settles into the BWCA, bringing solitude and silence. Our top tips to help you plan a canoe trip and enjoy one of the best times to explore the northwoods.
The BWCAW isn’t the only place for unforgettable canoe-camping adventures. We’ve selected thirteen routes in the Superior National Forest, outside the designated wilderness. These routes offer excellent paddling without the need for a permit. We include maps and key details to help you plan your trip.
While the overall number of visitors has remained steady since the pandemic, the number of visitors increased between May 1 and September 30 last year. This was largely due to a rise in day-use (non-motorized) permit reservations. Off-season visits also grew, though summer continues to draw the most traffic.
In The Scenic Route: Building America’s North Shore, author Arnold R. Alanen takes readers on a 150-mile journey that showcases the man-made features and unique personal stories that define one of Minnesota’s most scenic byways. This in-depth field guide will draw readers back to its photos and maps time and time again.
For those who truly want to get off the beaten path, the BWCAW’s twelve Primitive Management Areas (PMAs) offer the most remote and untouched wilderness experience. Exploring these areas involves risk and demands strong outdoor skills with proper planning. Help may be hours or even days away, and local resources are limited.
The U.S. Forest Service–Superior National Forest is inviting public comments on a proposal to increase recreation fees in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The Forest Service would use the additional revenue to improve campsites and portage trails, expand outdoor education programs, and support Search and Rescue operations.
A lightning strike sparked a wildfire near the Horse River in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This comes after an active wildfire season has scorched nearly 30,000 acres in the Superior National Forest this year. The Forest Service has issued a closure order for the route along the Dog Sled Portage and has encouraged visitors to avoid the area.