Category: News and Updates
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Get Ready to Get Quota Permits For Your 2025 Adventures
_Written for Rockwood by_
Permit reservations for the 2025 quota season are available beginning at 9 a.m. CST on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. The quota system limits the number of groups entering the BWCAW daily by limiting the number of permits available for each entry point.
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What our customers are saying…
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Customers review September 2024, 5 stars on Google: I have used Rockwood for two years. This was my first solo trip going into the BWCA. Mike set me up with a Wenonah Prism, and gave me some ponters on handling the canoe. He also explained the ineeach device and prepared me for my teip. The…
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Satellite Communication in the BWCAW
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Exploring the BWCAW offers a refreshing escape into nature. With advancements in satellite communication, staying connected while off the grid is easier than ever. The new iPhone technology allows seamless messaging without cell service. Rockwood ensures you can enjoy your wilderness adventure with safety and peace of mind, enhancing your overall experience.
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Choosing Ely or Gunflint Trail For Your BWCAW Adventure
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This time of year is a quiet time to visit with memories of past trips to the wilderness and contemplate the entry points and routes for your wilderness trip next year. Both Ely and The Gunflint Trail offer access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), but each has unique advantages. There are no…
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The Last Act of Fall Color–Tamaracks
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The Boreal Forest of northeast Minnesota is renowned for its diverse flora. Among its most iconic trees is the tamarack (Larix laricina). This deciduous conifer, often called the “American larch,” is a unique and vital part of Minnesota’s natural heritage, standing out with its distinct characteristics that set it apart from other trees. “We absolutely…
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Solar Cycles and Northern Lights in the Dark Sky Sanctuary of the BWCAW
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The Aurora Borealis is a truly awe-inspiring sight, and observing it can be a life-changing experience. While most often seen in Arctic regions, observing the Northern Lights in other parts of the world during periods of intense solar activity is possible. This summer, a friend of this writer who lives in the south of Spain…
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Art Along The Shore Sept 27 to Oct 6
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Visiting the Gunflint Trail is an adventure that involves self-guided activities. An exciting, self-guided thing to see and experience every fall when you visit the Gunflint area is Art Along the Lake. For ten days this fall, from Friday, September 27, through Sunday, October 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., you may visit one…
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Securing Safe Drinking Water: A Gunflint Trail Imperative
_Written for Rockwood by_
The Gunflint Trail area along the BWCAW has enchanting forests and pristine lakes. Water, in all its forms, is the lifeblood of our community. We paddle through it in the summer and snowshoe over it in winter. It sustains our economy, allowing us to reside in and explore the most extraordinary of natural landscapes. Despite…
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Cabin 3 Restored To Its Original Character With Modern Conveniences And Prime Location
_Written for Rockwood by_
Historic Cabin 3 at Rockwood Lodge, a unique blend of historical charm and modern comfort, is ready to host your lakefront holiday.
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Beat The Heat and Retreat to The Gunflint Trail This Summer
_Written for Rockwood by_
— As we approach the official beginning of Summer, June 20th (the Summer Solstice), the often-cited Farmer’s Almanac tells us that this summer will be hotter and muggier than usual for most of the country. The Arrowhead region of Minnesota and our beloved Gunflint Trail are not just areas of “refuge” from the worst of…
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Long-Time Rockwood Customer Steve Dawson Completes His “Revenge Hike.”
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— Just last week, Steve Dawson, a testament to human resilience, and his two unwavering companions embarked on a challenging adventure he fondly calls his “revenge hike.” Despite the unpredictable weather, they persevered and covered 23 miles over three days, all without the nuisance of bugs. Two years ago, the group began a hike over…
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A BWCAW Awakening
_Written for Rockwood by_
— Here at Rockwood, the BWCAW is coming to life again. Halfway through May, we’ve already outfitted a number of wilderness explorers. Quota entry permits for up to nine people in a group and four canoes/kayaks have been in effect since the first of the month. With below-normal snowfall and relatively warm temperatures, Spring arrived…
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Waterfalls Along Highway 61 and the Gunflint Trail
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Many waterfalls are easily accessed from Minnesota Highway 61. To add a little adventure to your trip to the BWCAW, plan some extra time to stop and visit these wonders on your way here.
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Talking Canoes
_Written for Rockwood by_
— Pesse canoe The first known canoe is The Pesse canoe. Found in the Netherlands in 1955, it is the oldest known canoe. Carbon dating showed it to be almost 10,000 years old. At 10 feet long with a 17-inch beam, it is a dugout canoe made from a Scots pine log. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pesse_canoe It’s probably…
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Spring and Trees in the BWCAW
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— Exploring the BWCAW is not just a journey through hauntingly beautiful landscapes; it’s an opportunity to appreciate the iconic White Pine and the different tree species that make up our forest. Each, with its unique characteristics and role in the ecosystem, contributes to the environment that makes this wilderness area unique. It’s springtime in…
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Artwork at Rockwood
_Written for Rockwood by_
— Our website and social media are essential ways we communicate with our regular guests and those we hope to see at our BWCAW area resort and outfitting business. Visual communication through photographs and artwork at Rockwood seems the best use of social media. Carl, one of the resort’s owners, is a lifelong techie. “My first…
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Respecting Tradition to Make Your Gunflint Trail Adventure Meaningful
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— Rockwood Lodge and Outfitters has hosted wilderness adventurers for almost 100 years on beautiful Poplar Lake at the edge of the BWCAW. Its history is inextricably bound to the history of development and recreation along the Gunflint Trail. Founded by Jennie and Paul Stoltz along with Wally Anderson in 1926, Rockwood still operates out…
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Prevent Forest Fires: Ninety percent of wildfires in Minnesota are human-caused
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“Ninety percent of wildfires in Minnesota are human-caused,” said Leanne Langenberg, MNICS’s Public Information Officer in Grand Rapids, MN. In addition to burning brush and garbage piles, careless discarding of cigarettes, sparks from lawnmowers, chainsaws, and other outdoor activities can lead to fires that burn quickly out of control.
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Low Snow And Warm Temperatures Tempt The Intrepid Into The BWCAW
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— Low snow Spring 2024 As the winter of low snow and unseasonably warm temperatures have brought March in like a lamb, many intrepid BWCAW adventurers are thinking about an early trip. And why not? Cool temperatures, no bugs, and few fellow travelers make an early trip almost irresistible. On social media sites dedicated to…
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A life worth living
_Written for Rockwood by_
A great way to redirect that pattern is a trip into the canoe country wilderness of the BWCAW or the Quetico Provincial Park with your phone turned off and packed safely away. Periodic breaks from cellphone use, sometimes called a technology fast, are highly recommended by professionals who see handheld devices becoming addictive and harmful…
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The Gunflint Trail–A National Scenic Byway
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— Preserving, protecting, and honoring the historic Gunflint Trail is the focus of The Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway Committee, which consists of residents, seasonal property owners, and business owners here at our gateway to the BWCAW. The Scenic Byway Committee operates under the auspices of the Gunflint Trail Association. The Chair of the Byway Committee…
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Resilience: Rockwood Lodge and Resort During the Austin Era
_Written for Rockwood by_
Dana and Tim Austin purchased Rockwood Lodge and Resort in 1979 from Don Lobdell and Rick Whitney. After taking the reins, Dana and Tim brought their son, Rick Austin, into the ownership ranks.
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Remembering Fine Dining at Rockwood Lodge
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Good food, plenty of it, and treating people well was the secret of our success Rick said. In the 20 years the Austins operated the restaurant, dinner guests came from near and far. The excellent service and better food attracted them. After a day of fishing, a steaming plate of spaghetti or a heaping serving…
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Unpredictable Weather–Everybody Talks About It, El Nino Does Something About It
_Written for Rockwood by_
The effects of weather with little snow and warm temperatures have profoundly affected our region.
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Ice Fishing in Gunflint Trail and BWCAW Lakes
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— We will start this post about ice fishing on our beautiful lakes with an important reminder for those planning to visit the BWCAW in the upcoming softwater season. Quota permits for the BWCAW go on sale on January 31st at 9 a.m. CST. The quota season for the BWCAW is May 1 through September…
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BWCAW Quota Permits For 2024 Season Go On Sale January 31st–Here’s what you need to know
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Quota permits for the BWCAW go on sale January 31st at 9 a.m. CST. The quota season for the BWCAW is May 1 through September 30. All parties entering the BWCAW for overnight adventures during that time must have a quota permit. The permits are sold online at recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Your outfitter…
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Wilderness food – The Way to a Canoeist’s Heart is Through Their Stomach–So Many Ways
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Paddling and portaging for a day will burn more calories than your average day at home. You don’t need to be a dietitian, but plan well to make sure you get the nutrition your body and those of your wilderness partners will need. High quality wilderness food is essential.
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Stone Fireplaces–Iconic Symbols of the Northwoods
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A stone fireplace is hand-built with locally sourced stones by experienced masonry professionals. Many of the fireplaces in our neck of the woods were built decades ago, and the artisans who created them are gone and largely forgotten. The legacy of their exceptional craftsmanship lives on
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BWCAW for Beginners: Conquering Your First Canoe Trip With Confidence
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BWCAW for beginners – All those folks have vivid memories of their first wilderness visit, years ago or in 2022. They have memories of who they were with, where they entered, and all the experiences that make a multiple-day trip in the wilderness rewarding.
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Connecting With Nature: Mindfulness, Meditation, and Finding Peace in the BWCAW
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— Finding peace in the BWCAW According to a 2020 survey by Unify Cosmos, the BWCAW came in the top five places in the world for the most relaxing sounds. Since almost all the sounds you’ll hear on your BWCAW adventure are natural, almost all of those sounds are relaxing. The howl of wolves nearby…
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Solo Trips in the BWCAW–for Introverts and Adventurers
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— Solo travel is a growing trend within the tourism industry. And it’s not just for introverts. Introverts are people who are more interested in their own thoughts and ideas. They may also be shy, reserved, and enjoy spending time alone. But extroverts can enjoy spending time alone, too. According to surveys, one out of…
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A Brief History of the Boundary Waters Wilderness Area
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— A Brief History of the Boundary Waters The history of conservation of wild areas in the USA can be said to have started during the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt, sometimes called the Conservation President. During almost two consecutive terms as President, Teddy set aside approximately 230 million acres of public lands between 1901 and…
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Cross-Country Skiing on The Gunflint Trail
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As you can see on Rockwood’s webcam today, winter is finally here. It won’t be long, and our massive trail system will be groomed and open for you to explore the unparalleled wilderness while gliding on skinny skis. Cross-Country Skiing Nordic, or cross-country skiing, is a great activity to share with family and friends. Rockwood’s…
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Eight Years Here and Ready for Next Year
_Written for Rockwood by_
Last week, we (Carl, Stephanie, Mike, and Carol) celebrated eight years of owning and operating the wonderful Rockwood Lodge and Outfitters. As we light a fire in the stone fireplace in the main lodge and reflect on those eight years, we have much to be thankful for on this week’s day of Thanksgiving. Most significantly,…
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Dogs and Sleds Helped Settle the Gunflint Trail
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The commotion is striking. Eight dogs are yipping, bouncing, and barking excitedly as they are harnessed to the sled. The musher releases the claw brake and calls to the dogs, and all becomes orderly and quiet as they move down the trail. All you hear is the soft padding of 32 paws and the hiss…
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Superior National Forest and BWCA Hit by Derecho on July 4th, 1999
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Many of us in Cook and Lake County had never heard the word “Derecho” until a massive summer storm knocked down an estimated 25 million trees in the Superior National Forest and a large part of the BWCAW the afternoon of the Fourth of July in 1999. In the early hours of that day, a…
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Learning Things I Never Knew About in My Backyard.
_Written for Rockwood by_
By Carl Madsen Last summer, my friend Dan Cooke and I shared the joy of being on the water together, through Horseshoe Lake out the Brule River to the Lima Grade. It was a perfect day for me as Dan pointed out details along the way that I never knew about in my own backyard. …
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Thank You For Making 2023 The Best Season at Rockwood Lodge and Outfitters
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We have officially wrapped up a successful 2023 season here at Rockwood. We put the canoes in storage, and the cabins are shuttered for the long winter’s slumber. Whether you are veterans or first-timers to Rockwood, the Gunflint Trail, and the Boundary Waters, we thank all of you for spending your precious vacation time with…
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Friends of Rockwood, the Holman Family
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“I feel like I’m visiting friends, not going to a resort, when we head to Rockwood,” said Derek Holman of Big Lake, MN. “They take good care of stuff, have great advice if you ask, and offer top-quality equipment,” he added. Derek has been married to April Holman for 26 years. Only after meeting each…
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A Small Business Success Story At The Edge Of The Wilderness
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The owners of Rockwood Lodge, a family-owned outfitter and resort, made the strategic decision when they bought the resort to keep it a small business. That decision has proved a good one as Rockwood wraps up its 8th season under the current ownership. The resort industry along US Highway 61 on Lake Superior’s shore is…
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Dog and Cat Rescuer Suzanne Grindle Visits Rockwood
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We’re amazed at how our social media presence connects us with some of the best people. In 2018, Suzanne Grindle heard about a last-minute cabin cancellation at Rockwood from her friend, who saw it posted on Facebook. She jumped at the opportunity and came to Rockwood for the first time with her husband, Brian Goecke,…
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Pack it in, Pack more out
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Pack it in, Pack more out–and Where Does it Go? Trash on the Trail. Trash happens when more than 150,000 people visited the BWCAW last year. Thousands more who recreate along the 57 miles of the Gunflint trail produce even more waste and recycling. So, where does it all go? Wilderness visitors generally have a…
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Justine Kerfoot–Woman of the Boundary Waters
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The US Forest Service reports that just a quarter of visitors in the BWCA Wilderness are women, and that percentage has been relatively consistent for the last few decades. One of the most well-known women of the Boundary Waters, Justine Kerfoot, still inspires women to venture out into the wilderness. Justine, born Justine Spunner in…
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September Boundary Waters paddle
_Written for Rockwood by_
A nice paddle across Poplar Lake and into the Boundary Waters on September 13th. The lake is warmer than the air and the temperature inversion creates a nice fog.
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Dogs Are Welcome
_Written for Rockwood by_
We understand the difference between family dogs and dogs that are family. More and more people are traveling with their dog family and want to share the wilderness adventure with them. Dogs are welcome in the BWCAW if you follow a simple set of rules by the USFS. Specifically, you need to assume the following…
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A Step Closer to a Stable and Growing Moose Population
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— Alces alces is the scientific name for moose, often called the Monarch of our Boreal forest. Seeing one of these majestic animals is on the bucket list of many visitors to the Gunflint Trail and BWCAW. Moose populations have declined significantly in northeast Minnesota, from a peak estimate of more than 8,000 animals in…
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Time For Fall Colors on The Gunflint Trail and the BWCAW
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If you appreciate Fall Colors like we do here at Rockwood Lodge, you know we are entering that most beautiful time of the year. As you drive to Grand Marais in the next few weeks, you’ll see the start of color along the shore as poplars and birch turn golden. When you start up the…
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Annual Old Fashioned Pie and Ice Cream Social
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Annual Old Fashioned Pie and Ice Cream Social at Chik-Wauk Museum September 3rd The annual Old Fashioned Pie and Ice Cream Social will be held on Saturday, September 3, at the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center. This fun community event is an important fundraiser for the Gunflint Trail Historical Society, of which Rockwood is a…
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Rockwood Lodge Offers Pressure Washing to Help Halt Aquatic Invasive Species
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Fortunately, less than five percent of the lakes in Cook County are infested with Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). Unfortunately, some of those lakes are in or near the BWCAW.Rockwood Lodge has joined with the Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) to help stop the spread of AIS, adding a high-temperature pressure washer that…
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EVs in The Arrowhead
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Rockwood’s Carl Madsen Stars in PBS Report on EVs in The Arrowhead Rockwood’s Carl Madsen appeared in a segment of Almanac, a weekly news and public affairs program produced by Twin Cities Public Television and seen statewide. The segment addressed the issue of “range anxiety” that might be experienced by drivers of electric vehicles (EV).…
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Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Black Flies–Oh my!
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Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Black Flies–Oh my! It’s a tired old joke. The State Bird of Minnesota is the mosquito. But on the Gunflint Trail, we like to say that the mosquitoes keep the cowards away. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different kinds of insects to bug you on your adventure in the Boundary…
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Eastern Spruce Budworm
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Visitors along the North Shore and Gunflint Trail will notice that many of our stately evergreen trees appear to be ever brown. All of us are concerned about the loss of this important resource.So what or who is to blame?The main culprit is the Eastern Spruce Budworm assisted by the drought conditions that prevailed up…
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Dark Sky
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— A highlight of a BWCAW adventure is the spectacular night skies that cannot be seen in more settled areas–like home. From the brilliant spread of the Milky Way to the Aurora Borealis cavorting across the horizon you will always remember the night skies you’ve seen on your canoe or hiking trip. In 2020, the…
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Hiking is nothing but walking with purpose
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Making a wilderness hike safer and more fun for you and the family Hiking is a great way to experience the woods and the wilderness of Cook County and the BWCA.Mark Twain once referred to the game of golf as “A good walk ruined.”Hiking the trails is making a good walk even better. And you…
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Fishing One Generation to The Next
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My dad was my first fishing guide. By Steve Fernlund Not that it was his career of course, he was a salesman, but he is the guy who taught me how to fish.Life was simpler in the early 1960s. Fishing tackle was simpler too. Tackle boxes were smaller because there wasn’t much need to carry…
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Why Go Paddling
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In case you’re asking, there are many reasons for you to go canoeing. Of course the best way to experience the BWCAW, when the waters aren’t frozen, is in a canoe. A canoe is a long and narrow boat, light of weight, and easy to propel over the water with a single bladed paddle. The…
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Few days in the Boundary Waters
_Written for Rockwood by_
— A few days in the BWCAW with your brother-in-law can expand an already solid relationship. Erik Jensen and his BIL Ben Thompson started coming to Rockwood Outfitters three years ago. That first trip was fully outfitted, for everything but the food.The second year, the two invited a couple of friends to share the experience,…
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270 Overlook Border Route Trail
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Tuesday, October 12, 2021: Hiked to the 270 overlook at the intersection of the Superior Hiking Trail and the Border Route Trail. Started by driving the Gunflint Trail to Greenwood Lake Road, and traveling nearly 4 miles to Shoe Lake Road. The intersection is wide, just after a bridge, and there are road signs just…
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Honeymoon Bluff Hike
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Getting to Honeymoon Bluff Author: Natalie, June 2020 Honeymoon Bluff is located off Clearwater Lake Rd, roughly 30 miles up the Gunflint Trail, or a 17 minute drive, if you’re staying at Rockwood Lodge and Outfitters. Our family has hiked Honeymoon Bluff just about every year that we’ve vacationed at Rockwood. The allure is definitely…
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Moose
_Written for Rockwood by_
A moose decided to take an early Sunday stroll at Rockwood. The blackbird monitored the event for us.
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Historical lodge on the original Gunflint Trail
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Original log lodge built between 1926-1932, large meeting room, check-in, check-out, hi-speed WiFi (over 100 mbps) picnic shelter with gas grill Rockwood Lodge Rockwood Lodge was founded in the mid-1920’s by Paul and Jennie Stolz and Wally and Helen Anderson. The lodge and cabins were built of local timber by the two men (with help…
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Bridal Veil Falls
_Written for Rockwood by_
The series of rapids and water that lead to the falls are gorgeous as well
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5 Star Google review
_Written for Rockwood by_
This was my second visit to Rockwood Outfitters and it was even better than the last visit! They give you plenty of equipment to ensure a great camping experience, they are super nice and care about you having a great time. We just came back and on Friday experienced a terrible storm and they actually…
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Ladyslipper on South Lake Trail
_Written for Rockwood by_
Did anyone lose their ladyslipper on South Lake Trail? Photo by guest Kurt Mobroten at Partridge Lake campsite.
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Moose on Poplar
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We’ve had several reports of moose on Poplar lake, seen glimpses ourselves, but now a guest has captured a couple of photos…thank you to Denise Kauth! Memorial day weekend, 2018.
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Boundary Waters (BWCAW) Trip Planning Guide
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Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Trip Planning Guide Excellent trip planning guide for the BWCAW: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Trip Planning Guide created and shared by the USDA Forest Service. Excerpt from the guide: GREAT GLACIERS carved the physical features of what is today known as the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) by scraping…
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Rockwood Canoe Outfitters on the Gunflint Trail
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Open 7a – 6p May-Oct. (218) 388-2242 call or text! Rockwood prides itself on having a good stock of new or newer canoes available. You can rent them by the day or by the trip, and you can save money with our Canoe Outfitting Packages. Name brands like Wenonah, Northstar, Souris River, Grumman and Alumacraft…
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Rockwood Lodge on the Gunflint Trail
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Original 1932 log lodge, large meeting room, check-in, check-out, hi-speed WiFi (over 100 mbps) picnic shelter with gas grill Rockwood Lodge:Rockwood Lodge was founded in the mid-1920’s by Paul and Jennie Stolz and Wally and Helen Anderson. The lodge and cabins were built of local timber by the two men (with help from their wives…
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A Childhood Dream Come True
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One of our customers posted a very well written trip report to www.bwca.com – http://bwca.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=trip.report_view&sel_trp_id=4934 A Childhood Dream Come True by mashpotatomezzo Trip Type: Paddling Canoe Entry Date: 07/20/2017 Entry & Exit Point: Lizz and Swamp Lakes (EP 47) Number of Days: 5 Group Size: 2 Trip Introduction: After growing up listening to my father tell stories of his adventures…
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Solo trip article
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Photo Shawn James CANOE TRIPPER SHAWN JAMES ON THE UNIQUE APPEAL OF SOLO CANOE ADVENTURES WRITTEN BY SHAWN JAMES It is four a.m. and I lie awake, mesmerized by a spectacular display of the aurora borealis dancing just above the horizon to the north of my fly-less tent. A billion twinkling stars slowly fade as…
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Fall 2017
_Written for Rockwood by_
The leaves are beginning to change. I drove to McFarland Lake on the Arrowhead Trail on Tuesday (Sept 12), and I noticed many individual trees already with color. The road that I took, Shoe Lake Road, is a narrow forest road that goes north of Greenwood lake but just South of the BWCA. It’s barely…
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Summer is in full swing
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We’ve had a lot of moose sightings and walleyes caught already in 2017, with about 10 weeks of the season left to go. The moose have been seen on the Gunflint Trail, near the bunkhouse at Rockwood Lodge, and in the Boundary Waters around Horseshoe Lake. Walleye have been caught in Poplar Lake, with a…
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Reflection of the Northwoods by Laura Patrick
_Written for Rockwood by_
— The dogs woke up at first light on day one of our trip. After spending hours last night gazing upon the heavens that seemed to reach from straight above all the way down to my feet due to the mirror like surface of the lake, I was not too happy that my dogs wanted…
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Spring 2017
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Spring is here and Rockwood is ready for it…yet we are excited to have a bunch of projects coming to completion and will be welcoming guests as early as next week! We’ve remodeled the gift shop in the lodge and are putting the finishing touches on a ‘new to us’ cabin, Cabin 12… The former…
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Spring!
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It’s really feeling like spring. The lake is still 20″ thick with ice, but there is water forming on the top. It won’t be long now and we’ll be talking about ice-out. The projects on the resort are coming along nicely, we want to have Cabin 12 ready for large groups this summer. It’s a…
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Permit Reservations 2018
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Planning your trip for next year? January 31st (at 9am) is the go-live date for reserving the perfect entry point for the perfect day! – Reservations for all entry points may be made on a first-come, first-served basis beginning January 31, 2018, 9 a.m. Central Time. Reservations are for dates from May 1 to September…
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Late September
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It’s late September and we are beginning to wrap things up for the season. We’ll close for a month on September 30th, and open again in late October with our first winter cabin! We are excited to have a winter cabin, it’s a large house right on the lake that used to be the owner’s…
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Rainbow over Rockwood
_Written for Rockwood by_
One of our guests took this amazing shot of a rainbow over Rockwood Lodge – Thank you Kevin!
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Family of 4 on Ram Lake
_Written for Rockwood by_
https://youtu.be/TIiPAtDxxOs Nice video of a family of 4 paddling across Ram Lake in the BWCAW, on the Eastern side of the wilderness near Grand Marais, MN.
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Outfitter’s roof is DONE
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The roof on the outfitters is DONE! (view large image here) We have a hundred excuses why it took us 34 days to complete it…from completely removing the old porch, removing both layers of shingles, replacing rotting sheathing, custom building new corbels, mortise and tenon joints for the porch lintel, to a new custom sign…
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90 years today!
_Written for Rockwood by_
Today marks 90 years of operation for Rockwood Lodge and Outfitters! Originally Camp Rockwood, the land was purchased on July 16, 1926.
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Big day at Rockwood
_Written for Rockwood by_
Link to big version of photo. Several big events just happened at Rockwood, one week before our 90th anniversary. First, we completed half of the outfitter’s new roof! Yes, it’s still got a monster bow in it from 80 years of use, but it’s on good and tight. Second, we made our first of 79…
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Busy few months
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Nearly Summer! We’ve had a busy few months here at Rockwood. Our first outfitting trips seem like yesterday even though they were over 7 weeks ago! The bunkhouse and cabins have been full several times, and the bookings are looking very strong. In addition we have every one of our Tandem canoes rented out the last…
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Moose and calf on Gunflint Trail
_Written for Rockwood by_
A nice video of a Moose and her calf on the gunflint Trail – https://youtu.be/UROcBpATobg
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Moose Twins
_Written for Rockwood by_
We’ve had several sightings of moose twins at Rockwood, and now we have photographic evidence – thanks to our Guests!
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Fox and her Kits
_Written for Rockwood by_
Shirley Wilson was in Cabin 2 and took some amazing video of a fox and her kits! update: This video clip made it to Almanac, a Minnesota PBS television show, look for it at 21:34 on the June 10th (2016) show- http://www.tpt.org/almanac/
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Trail clearing, building prep
_Written for Rockwood by_
Today was filled with a lot of activities at Rockwood. We had two awesome guests in Cabin 2 all week, celebrating their honeymoon at Rockwood Lodge! They reported seeing a cub bear, moose, and many different animals on their hiking trips. They especially liked getting up and personal with a Loon on Poplar Lake while…
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New graphics!
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We are getting the new graphics printed and painted and on t-shirts. Check out some pictures! [vc_media_grid element_width=”4″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1462781210946-749057091587fd667d46aaea1afd0ba6-5″ include=”1989,1993,1994,1992″]
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Hiking the South Lake Trail on April 30th
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I walked the South Lake Trail from Rockwood Lodge, passing by Birch to South Lake, which borders Canada, on April 30, 2016. Here is my report.
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Ice on Poplar Lake, April 28th
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Lots of movement on the ice today, Poplar Lake. It opened a large area next to the island in our bay and the stream between the shore and the island is completely open. There’s still a large sheet in the middle of the bay. Small stacks of snow where I piled it with the snow…
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Ice on Poplar Lake, Gunflint Trail, Minnesota April 25
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Ice on Poplar Lake, Gunflint Trail, Minnesota April 25 – lots of rain and sleet today. The wind is pushing the ice around. We figure less than 10 more days for this ice!
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Spring rains melt the snow
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Rockwood Lodge and Outfitters on the Gunflint Trail still has some snow, but the rain is melting it fast. The lake has a glassy look and the trail is clear.
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Inside a Snow Globe March 16, 2016
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A nice snowfall at Rockwood Lodge on March 16, 2016.
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Ice and Snow on March 12, 2016
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March 12, 2016 – after some rain and sunny days, there is still ice and snow on Poplar Lake near Rockwood Lodge and Outfitters. Turn up the volume and listen to the melting ice and the birds. Enjoy this video at full screen, turn up the sound, and make sure you have selected “HD” for…
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Excellent Story
_Written for Rockwood by_
Please take time to read this excellent story by our friend James Michael from his upcoming book “From a Rustic Cabin”. Into_The_BWCA_3-6-2016_james_michael Posted with limited permission by the author; use is limited to this website and not passed onto any other publisher without written permission.
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Entry Permits
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Today was an exciting day, we helped a bunch of our customers book their Entry Permits into the BWCAW. It’s great thinking about the summer when it’s 20 degrees outside. I just checked and all three of our Entry Points on Poplar Lake (Lizz/Swamp 47, Meeds 48, Skipper 49) are wide open, with just a…
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Webcam is up and running!
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The Rockwood Webcam is up and running! Bookmark this page: www.rockwoodbwca.com/webcam and visit it often as the image is updated every 15 minutes.
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Gunflint Mailrun Dogsleds
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On January 9, 2016 the Gunflint Mailrun Dogsled competition ran by Rockwood Lodge and Outfitters. http://www.gunflintmail.com/ Afternoon: morning:
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Thank you Mike and Lin
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As Mike and Lin start the next chapter of their lives I want to take this time to say thank you to both of them for taking such good care of us during this transition. It would be hard to find two nicer people and if you had a chance to meet them you know…
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Gunflint Trail Snow December 18, 2015
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Gunflint Trail a day after a nice snowfall. It’s hard to describe how beautiful this drive is. North of Grand Marais, Minnesota on County 12.
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Snowfall Rockwood Lodge December 16 2015
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Lots of snow coming down 10:30am on Wednesday December 16, 2015 at Rockwood Lodge.
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Poplar Lake Breathing
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Poplar lake is mostly ice covered but the edge has a couple of inches of water, and when the ice moves up and down it seems like the lake is breathing.
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Carl and Lin
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— Previous owner Lin Sherfy and new owner Carl Madsen standing next to Poplar lake We were going through some old stuff in storage and stopped to take a photo. The trees are heavy with snow, and everything looks like a Christmas Card.
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Poplar with snow
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Beautiful snowfall last night, less than an inch of fluffy white. Behind Cabin 7 is a small stand of Poplar.
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Sunrise on the last Sunday in November
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14 degrees and sunny on the last Sunday in November. The ice is brand new on Poplar, and there is still some open water.
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Skippin’ Rocks on Poplar
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Listen to the sound the ice makes when the rock hits it.
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Nineteen and SUNNY – Rockwood Lodge and Outfitters
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Gorgeous Day on Poplar Lake
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Snowing on Thanksgiving
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I turned on the webcam for a few seconds to get the snowfall on Poplar lake!
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Happy Thanksgiving!
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We are celebrating Thanksgiving with Mike and Lin, they are still at their house through the end of the month. The weather has been great, it was 30 degrees today and most of the 3/4 inch of snow has melted. The sunrises and sunsets are beautiful, but the days have been overcast. Mike helped me…
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Jack and Fresca
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— We want you to meet two of our dogs – VERY friendly hosts – Fresca and Jack!
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About Rockwood
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About Rockwood:Friendly lodge on the Gunflint Trail Rockwood is a lodge and outfitter on the Gunflint Trail in Grand Marais, Minnesota. We offer a variety of services for canoeing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), including canoe rentals, outfitting packages, and cabin rentals. Nine lakeside cabins are available to rent, and we also…