Trip planning takes priority as summer season approaches
First-timers and experienced wilderness visitors can learn from several upcoming programs and events focused on safe and successful paddling and hiking trips.
Parks & Regions
Artists invited to spend time this summer living and creating in Quetico Provincial Park
Rustic residency program provides time and support to find inspiration in the Ontario wilderness.
Search-and-rescue crew recaps year of Boundary Waters emergencies
Respected northern Minnesota rescue squad responded to hundreds of calls last year, including almost 20 in the Boundary Waters wilderness.
New evidence from Voyageurs National Park shows blueberries are a big deal for wolf packs
Field observations in remote areas shed new light on wolf behavior, including how they feed their pups when meat is hard to come by.
Boundary Waters permits go on sale January 29 for restricted quota season
Are you ready to reserve your dates and entry point? Permits to camp in the popular wilderness area this summer will soon be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
New legislation in Congress would prohibit mining in Boundary Waters watershed
Bill introduced today by Rep. Betty McCollum seeks to stop any and all copper-nickel mining activity in parts of the Superior National Forest where water flows into the wilderness.
Heart of the Continent sustainable tourism partnership to host winter meeting on edge of Quetico
International gathering near Atikokan will offer presentations, discussions, and the chance to take part in a wilderness ski adventure the following day.
Photo gallery: Winter’s wilderness wonders await in the Boundary Waters
Inspiring images from around the region show how to have fun in the snow and enjoy the unique beauty of the season.
Boundary Waters counties get good news about federal reimbursement for wilderness
Local governments will continue to receive the same level of compensation from the Forest Service to make up for lost revenue, until a new appraisal is completed.
Ghosts of the Northwoods
Photojournalist Ben Olson shares his trek to find Minnesota’s elusive lynx. “My obsession with Canada lynx stems from a series of unexpected events and chance encounters…”
History in the Air – Bushplanes in Quetico Park
As far back as the 1930’s, airplanes have flown into the remote reaches of Quetico, patrolling for poachers, delivering supplies to rangers, fighting forest fires… Jill Legault from Quetico Provincial Park shares this look back to the ‘bush planes’ and intrepid pilots that flew into the border lakes backcountry.
Wolves transplanted to Isle Royale are eating more than moose
Researchers studying summer predation find wolves transported to the island by the National Park Service are eating the abundant moose, as well as other prey animals.
Harmful algae a toxicity concern in northern Minnesota lake
Scientists say cyanobacteria in Voyageurs National Park’s Kabetogama Lake can cause toxic water even when there is no visible bloom.
Minnesota’s newest state park: Lake Vermilion – Soudan Underground Mine State Park
Preserving ten miles of glistening shoreline, 15 islands featuring old growth pine forests, 3,900 acres of freshwater, and 4,000 acres of park, trails and campsites, this park is a gateway to the northwoods and the result of community collaboration and innovative planning.
Sugarloaf Cove – lots to discover just steps off the north shore drive
Worth stopping for – a one-mile nature trail, a DNR Scientific and Natural Area, and a beautiful stretch of undeveloped Lake Superior shoreline. Preserved by dedicated stewards and harboring rare species and unique geology…
Choose Your Own Adventure – Fall Hike on the Upper Gunflint Trail
A fall hike along the edge of the Boundary Waters. Ada Igoe shares one of her favorite trails, easily accessible from the Gunflint, on marked ski trails through aspen and jackpine to incredible vistas…
International ranger crew partners to improve flood-prone portage on Granite River
Quetico and Boundary Waters crews come together on the border of the U.S. and Canada to reduce hazards on portage and facilitate wilderness visitors.
Volunteers save the Powwow Trail
Volunteers and a nonprofit group worked tirelessly to clear deadfall and regrowth from the Powwow Trail in the BWCAW, after Pagami Creek Fire.
Measuring dark night skies in Quetico-Superior a first step in light pollution protection
Wilderness rangers recently traveled through Quetico and Boundary Waters to take measurements of the night skies are, as regional efforts get underway to recognize and preserve its darkness.
Prescribed fires planned this fall in the Boundary Waters to protect outside areas
Fires will reduce the amount of flammable forest materials in areas hit by the 1999 blowdown, and hopefully reduce the risk that a wildfire could escape the wilderness.