Dark Sky Week emphasizes more stars, less light pollution
Experience Minnesota’s dark skies during International Dark Sky Week, April 21-28. Minnesota is home to two certified dark-sky sanctuaries – the BWCAW and Voyageurs National Park.
Inspiration
8 must-see waterfalls in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Waterfalls and cascades appear throughout many parts of the BWCAW. These natural features, often found between lakes and rivers, add excitement and beauty for paddlers and anglers exploring by canoe. Many portage trails follow these dynamic stretches of moving water. In fact, these waterfalls are a big reason portages exist in the first place.
Paddling and camping the Timber-Frear Canoe Route
The Timber-Frear is located about 15 miles northwest of Tofte in Superior National Forest. If you make the trek, consider extending your trip to explore additional camping, hiking, paddling, and fishing opportunities in the area. The route is about 10 miles long and can be explored as a day trip.
All-women expedition from Lake Superior to Hudson Bay
A four-person paddling crew will tackle 1,200 miles of historic routes between Minnesota and Canada. Their journey will take them from Grand Portage on Lake Superior to York Factory on Hudson Bay this summer and is expected to take 85 days. Through their journey, they aim to inspire young women and girls while advocating for gender equality in paddlesports.
The Fond du Lac Band and DNR partner to restore elk on native land
A plan is in place to return elk to some of their native range as early as 2026. The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, in partnership with the Minnesota DNR, plans to move 100-150 elk from northwestern MN to the Tribe’s reservation and surrounding areas in Carlton and southern St. Louis counties.
Winter camping in the BWCAW: 3 scenic routes
Winter camping in the BWCAW is a magical way to embrace the season’s silence. It’s a great time to explore the region by snowshoe or skis. We’re highlighting three winter camping routes for all interests and experience levels. Plus, we’ll share a few helpful resources to get you started.
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.
Savoring Fall Solitude on the Gunflint Trail
From Minnesota’s highest peak to the mysteries of Magnetic Rock, there’s no better place to experience fall color than the Gunflint Trail. Tips for where to hike, camp and the best overlooks…
Plan the perfect paddling and camping trip in Voyageurs (Part 2)
Planning a trip to Voyageurs may seem daunting at first, but it’s one of the most beautiful of our National Parks and a must-see. Check out our deep dive into maps, hiking trails, reserving permits, paddling big water, protecting your food from bears, where to camp and more.
Hike Minnesota’s best-kept secrets – Vermilion Gorge and waterfall
This trail is a delight year-round with raging water during the spring melt, wildflowers and berries in the summer, spectacular colors in the fall, and a wintery wonderland in the colder months. You’ll find the trailhead to the Vermilion Gorge Trail…
5 best places for stand-up paddleboarding in Northeast Minnesota
With 11,842 lakes and 69,200 miles of rivers and streams, it’s not hard to find somewhere to go stand-up paddleboarding in Minnesota. But in my opinion, the very best place to paddle is northeast Minnesota.
Hike to Devil’s Kettle at Judge C.R. Magney State Park
Where does the water from Devil’s Kettle go? Hike to the mysterious waterfall that splits across ancient rock, tumbles down 50 feet and disappears into a giant pothole…
Northeast Minnesota summer bucket list
I wonder if this has ever been true for you. Somewhere around mid-August, you realize that summer is almost over and you have yet to do most of your favorite summer activities. Here are six must-dos in northeast Minnesota this summer. #1 Camp in breathtaking places. #2 Hike a remote trail. #3 Swim in a lake…
New Voyageurs education program reaches students of all ages far beyond park borders
Its a new era at Voyageurs National Park – reaching students of all ages with mobile classroom, virtual sessions, teen ambassadors. Young people can learn about the park from near and far, and throughout their educational careers.
The most unique hike in Duluth that you’ve probably never heard of
Beaches, lighthouses, sand dunes, rare plants, and an old-growth forest make Minnesota Point Pine Forest SNA one of the state’s most unique hikes.
Millions of pines planted in northern Minnesota provide new possibilities
More than a century of lumbering in northern MN didn’t just remove trees, it upset an entire ecosystem. The Rajala Woods Foundation pledged to plant three million seedlings across 30,000 acres of land as a living memorial to Jack Rajala, longtime northern Minnesota lumberman and community leader.
New podcasts highlight northern Minnesota
Two new podcasts explore hot topics from Superior National Forest, the Boundary Waters and Quetico. In-depth interviews and key experts talk about everything from the challenges of wind and wilderness tripping, to this year’s ‘go-live’ day for BWCA permits.
The peaks and valleys of a Superior Hiking Trail thru-hike – Part II
A Superior Hiking Trail thru-hike is truly an adventure of a lifetime, get insider tips and find out if Holly finished her 16-day SHT trip.
The peaks and valleys of a Superior Hiking Trail thru-hike – Part I
Planning a Superior Hiking Trail thru-hike? This article tells you everything you need to know and whether a thru-hike is right for you.
An unforgettable 12-day journey through the heart of the BWCA
No matter how well you plan your BWCA canoe trip, not everything goes as expected. This journey through the Boundary Waters was no exception. Rough water, difficult portages were just the beginning.