PARKS ADVENTURE AWAITS IN THE BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA WILDERNESS Fishing at Iron Lake, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, photo by Gary Hamer The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness , extending 150 miles along the Canadian border in northeast Minnesota, is one of America’s most stunning destinations. With most of its water bodies closed to motorboats, this pristine wilderness offers solitude, beauty and, for those who seek it, adventure like nowhere else. Once you figure out where you want to begin your paddling adventure, the next step is to apply for a permit for that exact entry point from recreation.gov. You might also want to get a fishing license from mndnr.gov, because the lakes are full of lunkers. Canoes and other gear are available from numerous local outfitters. Some outfitters also offer guided trips. If you like, you can nab the first open campsite you find, or you can portage between lakes to reach more remote areas of the wilderness. Paddling in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, photo by Paul Vincent Keep your eye out for moose and bears and listen for loon calls as you explore the area. Far from city lights, the BWCAW has been designated a Dark Sky Sanctuary , so expect to see lots of stars and maybe even the Northern Lights. For a sense of what the boundary waters are like read the writings of Minnesota native Sigurd Olson . Camping in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, photo by Paul Vincent MORE GREAT PARKS FOR SPRING AND SUMMER » Hike a mile-long boardwalk (the longest in Soudan Underground Mine State Park in the U.S.!) to see rare plants, climb a 100-foot northeastern Minnesota, Minnesota’s newest observation tower, go fishing or swimming state park. in Upper Red Lake and explore the Tamarac » Cast a line from the fishing pier, hike up to River in a canoe or kayak at Big Bog State Anderson Hill Overlook or explore six miles Recreation Area in northwestern Minnnesota. of horse trails ( BYOH ) at Lake Maria State Park near St. Cloud. » Hike and bike above ground, then experience what it was like to be a miner by descending » See another resident bison herd and stay a half-mile underground for a guided overnight in a tipi at Blue Mounds State Park mine tour in a rail car at Lake Vermilion-in the southwest corner of Minnesota. @mnbucketlist @xith_thesolivagant @lorjalmighty @murbanthony SUMMER # ONLYIN MN | 17
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2022 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 17
