Sports & Outdoors
Outdoor AdventureLutsen Mountains
$50+Ski and ride across four peaks above Lake Superior, or take a summer gondola and alpine slide in the Sawtooth Mountains.
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Sports & OutdoorsIconicOutdoor Adventure
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Paddle and portage through more than 1,100 wilderness lakes and camp at remote lakeside sites.
Northern Superior National Forest, along the Canadian border · Ely, MN
About Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness covers more than one million acres of Superior National Forest and stretches nearly 150 miles along the international boundary. You travel by canoe across more than 1,100 lakes linked by over 1,200 miles of routes, and camp at nearly 2,000 designated sites, each with a fire grate and latrine. A permit is required all year, and quota permits reserved through Recreation.gov apply to overnight trips from May 1 through September 30.
- #canoeing
- #wilderness
- #backcountry camping
- #fishing
- #superior national forest
Printable maps
What's around here?
The closest stops to Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.
33 mi awayMore like this
- AttractionsFamily Favorite
International Wolf Center
Under $25Watch live ambassador wolves through viewing windows and explore exhibits on wolf behavior at this interpretive center in Ely.
35 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions
- Sports & OutdoorsOutdoor Adventure
Temperance River State Park
Under $25Hike the rim of a narrow river gorge full of waterfalls and potholes on Lake Superior's North Shore, or climb the rock of Carlton Peak.
37 mi awayMore like this
- Museums
Cross River Heritage Center
No admission feeA history museum run by the Schroeder Area Historical Society, covering the local area and Minnesota's North Shore.
38 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums
- Sports & OutdoorsOutdoor Adventure
Bear Head Lake State Park
Check pricesSwim, fish and paddle a Northwoods lake near Ely with Boundary Waters scenery, then sleep in a heated camper cabin any time of year.
48 mi awayMore like this
- Sports & OutdoorsOutdoor Adventure
Judge C. R. Magney State Park
Under $25Hike the river trail on Minnesota's North Shore to see the Devil's Kettle, where half the Brule River drops into a hole in the rock.
52 mi awayMore like this
