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 disadvantages to visiting these popular destination for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and hiking.
When planning a trip to our neck of the woods and the BWCAW, two towns top the list: Ely and Grand Marais, where the Gunflint Trail begins. These towns are not just gateways to the wilderness, but also treasure troves of rich history and fascinating attractions that will leave you eager to explore.
Both communities offer stunning natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and charming small-town vibes. But which one is right for you next year? Let’s dive into a friendly comparison.
Travel time is always a factor in planning where to start your wilderness adventure. Ely, on the west end of the BWCAW, is roughly a 245-mile drive from Minneapolis. It is a 264-mile drive from Minneapolis to Grand Marais, the start of The Gunflint Trail. The mid-trail area of the Gunflint is a casual, scenic drive of about 30 miles from there. It is where you’ll find Rockwood Lodge and Outfitters perched in a quiet and peaceful spot on the shore of Poplar Lake.
Both towns have cozy shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
Ely’s rich mining history is evident in its architecture and museums. The Ely Arts and Heritage Center is at the Pioneer Mine Museum. It also features the North American Bear Center, the International Wolf Center, and the Ely Folk School.
Don’t miss the Dorothy Molter Museum. Dorothy was the last resident of the BWCAW and was known as the Root Beer Lady because she welcomed wilderness travelers passing her home with her homemade root beer.
Grand Marais is a Lake Superior harbor town with a rich commercial fishing history, carried on today by the young men of North Superior Fishery. The drive from Duluth along MN61 presents varied scenery, including rushing waterfalls, the boreal forest, and awe-inspiring views of Lake Superior.
The Cook County Historical Society in Grand Marais offers several attractions that feature the character of Grand Marais and the Gunflint Trail. They include a museum, the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery, the Bally Blacksmith Shop, St. Francis Xavier Chippewa City Church, and the 1930s Fish House & Nee-Gee Fishing Tug.
No visit to Grand Marais is complete without visiting the 25-year-old North House Folk School.
Ultimately, both towns offer unique experiences and are worth exploring.
The Ely area boasts, according to the website Ely.org, 22 professional canoe trip outfitters. Here on the Gunflint, there are 12, which you can find at GunflintTrail.com.
The outfitter you choose is crucial for a successful exploration of the BWCAW. A wilderness outfitter offers various services to make your trip more accessible and enjoyable. They can rent you everything you need, including canoes, paddles, life jackets, tents, sleeping bags, stoves, cooking gear, and camp cuisine, and help you choose a route suitable for your experience level and interests. This reassurance and confidence in your trip planning starts with selecting the right outfitter.
Some outfitters offer shuttle services to and from entry points.
BWCAW permitting opens at the end of January next year. Outfitters can help you obtain the necessary permits for your trip if you ask.
Outfitters will also provide valuable information and advice on various topics, such as weather conditions, wildlife safety, and Leave No Trace principles.
When choosing an outfitter, read online reviews and join social media groups focusing on the BWCAW. Fellow paddlers on those sites are happy to give recommendations.
The good news is that all BWCAW outfitters are experienced wilderness veterans.
When considering Ely vs. Gunflint, think about your interests, the time of year you’re visiting, and the type of adventure you seek to make the best decision. Ultimately, your best choice depends on your preferences and priorities.
We at Rockwood would love to outfit your BWCAW trip next year. Plan two trips, one here on the Gunflint and one in Ely. You will never go wrong in experiencing the BWCAW, which is the best the world offers.
