Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Wilderness
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is about 430 kilometers north of Minneapolis, Minnesota, near the towns of Grand Marais and Ely. The Superior National Forest covers most parts of the state’s northeast. If you want to explore the unspoiled landscape, this wilderness sanctuary is the ultimate place to enjoy the natural beauty of Northern Minnesota.
Meanwhile, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area is in the forest, along the US-Canada border. Here, you can canoe, fish, and kayak while enjoying being surrounded by wildlife, such as wolves, moose, and bears. With the water covering 700 square miles and the forest going on for 445,000 acres, you’ll be blanketed by nature. The area also has some cool hiking places in Minnesota that you can find on their official site. While you are visiting, be sure to stop by the International Wolf Center to meet some new friends and get a glimpse of the local history of these fascinating animals.
Camping is incredibly popular, and you can pop up your tent within view of a clear stream or spot a moose at dawn. Even if you’re not a particularly enthusiastic canoe paddler, the pristine wilderness and stunning scenery makes this one of the best places to visit in Minnesota.
Most visitors come May through September. Minnesota winters are extreme; temperatures can plummet far below 0 degrees Celsius and snowdrifts pile 1.5 meters or higher. That said, winter offers ideal conditions for outdoor sports like dogsledding, skiing and snowshoeing. Keep in mind that this is a true wilderness. Restrooms are available at some campsites, but otherwise it’s you and nature. Everything must be brought in and carried out with you when you leave.
- Best Time To Visit: From Early May Until Late October
- Best Places To Stay: Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast, Deer Ridge Resort, Moose Track Adventures Resort
- Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/superior/recarea/?recid=84168
- Tripadvisor Rating: 5.0/5
- Location: Duluth, Minnesota
