Inspiration

Boundary Waters Trail Volunteers

Preserving the path: how BWAC volunteers maintain 200 miles of wilderness

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From the successful restoration of the fire-ravaged Powwow Trail to an ambitious new project rebuilding boardwalks on the popular Eagle Mountain Trail, BWAC volunteers are the boots on the ground keeping wilderness paths open. Crews paddle or hike in, and use traditional hand tools to clear deadfalls and protect the trail experience for thousands of hikers.

87 acres in northern Minnesota returned to Grand Portage Band

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Three important parcels of land totaling 87 acres that originally belonged to the Grand Portage Band of Chippewa in northern Minnesota have been returned. The agreement was reached through a collaboration with the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation and the Minnesota Land Trust. Although the land was lost through questionable actions, the Band sees this as a hopeful step towards restoration.

canoe on beach in Quetico with sunset over lake

A snapshot of Quetico Provincial Park’s past

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Most people think of Quetico as a paddler’s paradise with over 1 million acres to explore. But the land has played an important role in the lives of the Anishinabeg people for thousands of years, as they lived, hunted, and travelled in the region, and continue to do so.

Campsite on ice BWCA

Good winter camping etiquette in the Boundary Waters

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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.

Winter hike on the Secret Blackstone Trail near Ely

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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.  

three canoes on Ensign Lake BWCA

Quetico Superior’s top posts of 2025

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We’re revisiting our most-viewed posts of 2025! Throughout the year, we shared important updates on ongoing protection and preservation efforts in the Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Popular stories highlighted conservation initiatives, revealed hidden spots to explore, and provided updates for crossing remote areas along the Minnesota–Canada border.

Choose your adventure on the Bass Lake Trail

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If giant ridges flanked with red and white pines towering over crystal-clear, undeveloped lakes sound like your happy place, make sure to visit the Bass Lake Trail. The elevation changes and rocky footing makes this rewarding for experienced hikers, while the varying route options make it accessible for families and those with less experience. Hike, snowshoe or paddle, for a true choose-your-own-adventure.

Cove Point Hiking Trail Loop near Beaver Bay

Off the Beaten Path: The 6-Mile Superior Hiking Trail Loop with Epic Rewards

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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…

Paddling to Crooked Lake Pictographs

Paddling through time: visiting Crooked Lake pictographs

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Just north of Lower Basswood Falls in the BWCA, a striking set of pictographs appears on a granite wall, one of at least forty sites scattered across the wilderness. These culturally significant images connect deeply to the history of the Anishinaabe people, who regard this land as sacred.

BWCA waterfall

An unforgettable last-minute BWCA trip through Minnesota’s rugged ridges

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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.

New film explores St. Louis River Estuary, largest in North America

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Scientists and environmentalists regard estuaries as some of the most biologically diverse yet endangered ecosystems on Earth. A new film, Estuaries in the Balance: Freshwater Nurseries of Lake Superior, highlights both the human impact and ongoing restoration of North America’s largest freshwater estuary.

No permit required: Superior National Forest’s 13 hidden canoe routes

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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.