Must-see: majestic Minnesota waterfalls
Watch the Arrowhead region’s waterfalls roar through emerald green forests in spring, discover these spectacular waterfall hikes and plan a road trip to remember.
Parks & Regions
All eyes on the ice: Canoe country still frozen as permit season starts
Spring has been slow to arrive in northern Minnesota this year, and it’s keeping the region cold.
Voyageurs National Park launches effort to contain zebra mussels
Portages out of infested Rainy Lake will require precautions to prevent spread of invasive species.
10 questions to ask before booking your first (or twenty-first) Boundary Waters permit
Ready for the solitude and challenge of the BWCAW? Here are some key questions to ask yourself before booking your first Boundary Waters permit.
Calling on volunteers for Boundary Waters wilderness hiking trails
The BWCAW isn’t just for canoeing. Volunteers help clear and maintain 200 miles of hiking trails in the Boundary Waters annually.
A winter weekend at Lake Vermilion State Park
“There are so many wonderful winter getaways in Minnesota – on our bucket list: the new camper cabins at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park…”
Proposal would add more of Quetico-Superior to prestigious Canadian Heritage Rivers
A coalition of groups is seeking national designation for the historic canoe routes near the Minnesota-Ontario border.
Lessons from the Wilderness: K-12 students learn from Isle Royale wolf reintroduction
New materials help teachers share challenges and hopes of restoring wolves to unique National Park in Lake Superior.
Voyageurs National Park launching new tour boat on Kabetogama Lake
The 42-foot craft will be based at the Kabetogama Visitors Center and provide access to popular parts of the park that are only accessible by water.
Duluth woman will cross Boundary Waters to support wilderness education
Emily Ford will follow up inspiring trip last winter with trip along the frozen Border Route.
Forest Service finalizes BWCAW entry point permit cuts
After pressure on lakes and campsites in recent years, the Forest Service decided to cut about 37 BWCAW permits per day across 27 entry points.
New tribal liaison helps Superior National Forest respect treaty rights
A new staff member with the U.S. Forest Service will provide dedicated communication and coordination with tribes and tribal entities in northern Minnesota.
Rare October tornado reported in Boundary Waters
Unusual autumn twister leaves four-mile path of downed trees across popular BWCA wilderness lakes.
Feds consider mining ban upstream of Boundary Waters
Officials with the U.S. Forest Service have taken a decisive step toward long-term protection of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, resuming study, could lead to 20-year mining moratorium.
Harmful algae blooms in Voyageurs, Isle Royale focus of new study
Federal agencies conducting research to understand threat of toxins produced by cyanobacteria
Shovel Point at sunrise – unforgettable North Shore fall color hike
“For as long as I’ve been exploring the great outdoors, I’ve been mesmerized by how I can hike my favorite spots over and over and it’s always a new experience. The seasons, weather, sun, and clouds bring surprise and delight to every hour of every day. No matter how many times I’ve done a hike, it’s never been the same twice.”
Tracking change in the path of the Pagami Creek Fire 10 years later
Ten years after the biggest wildfire in a century, the forest is full of life, and reminders of the Boundary Waters inferno.
Fire FAQs: Critical context for canoe country wildfires
Questions and answers about the wildfires consuming parts of northern Minnesota. Where do the animals go? How much of the BWCA has burned?
Boundary Waters Wildfires 2021
Superior Hiking Trail closed, Boundary Waters closed due to fires. Updated maps, photos from fires in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Superior National Forest as official information is available. Greenwood Fire grows, Moose Lake Fire detected…
Celebrations of northern Minnesota’s dark skies feature meteor shower shows
Shooting stars will light up the night as public programs help visitors learn and enjoy the region’s dark skies.