In the area:
Ely and the Gunflint Trail are at the western and eastern edges of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), a vast preserve of lakes and woods that stretches for about 100 miles along Minnesota's northern border. More than a thousand pristine lakes and streams shimmer in this pine-forested, stony-cliffed wilderness. The beauty of the Boundary Waters can be enjoyed from the comfort of a lakeside cabin at the edge of the BWCAW or the solitude of a remote, paddle-in campsite. Many resorts and canoe and wilderness outfitters serve the region.
The Gunflint Trail is a 63-mile paved highway through the north woods and lakes of the Superior National Forest inland from Grand Marais. This state scenic byway provides easy access to one of the largest wilderness areas in the country. Island-studded lakes are rimmed by rugged hills, blanketed by pine and birch. There's abundant wildlife, including moose, deer, bear and bald eagles; it's not uncommon to hear the howls of a wolf pack. This is a good area for birding year-round, with woodland species and water birds.
Ely, at the edge of the wilderness, has interesting shops, restaurants and museums. Dorothy Molter was the last resident of the Boundary Waters, and her log cabins were moved to Ely after her death in 1986; a walk through her rustic home gives a glimpse into her incredible life in the wilderness. At the International Wolf Center, you can observe a resident wolf pack and learn more about this fascinating animal. The North American Bear Center features videos of black bear behavior and live bears in a natural environment. (List science and nature centers.)
Lakeside lodges, resorts and campgrounds provide a comfortable stay at the edge of this quiet, peaceful wilderness.
In the winter, many lodges cater to cross-country skiers. The area boasts hundreds of kilometers of truly world-class cross-country trails winding through the forests. Snowshoeing trails and dogsled outings add to the winter fun. Snowmobilers have miles of trails to explore. Winter enthusiasts appreciate the abundant snowfall the Gunflint Trail enjoys, and the special beauty this season endows on the wilderness.
With more than 1,200 miles of shoreline—most of it undeveloped, Lake Vermilion is one of the region's largest and most beautiful bodies of water. There are hundreds of islands and numerous bays. More than two dozen resorts are nestled along forested shoreline, and there are houseboat rentals as well. Vermilion is a favorite with anglers trying for walleye, bass, northern pike and panfish. Lake Vermilion is also a great area to watch for birds and other wildlife. The vast woods and shoreline provide habitat for a large number of species, including bald eagles, osprey, and white pelicans. There's a good chance of spotting deer, beavers, otters, bears or a moose, and even hearing the distant howls of wolves.
Voyageurs National Park is named for the French-Canadian traders who paddled Minnesota's northern waterways over 200 years ago carrying loads of beaver and other fur pelts. Voyageurs is dominated by its 30 lakes; the largest are Rainy, Kabetogama and Namakan. The park is best explored by boat: runabouts, fishing boats, canoe, kayak, or houseboat. All of these can be rented from businesses at the edge of the park. (List houseboat rentals and motorboat rentals.)
Voyageurs is just 11 miles east of International Falls, an entry point from Canada. Points of interest in town are the museum dedicated to football legend Bronko Nagurski, who played for the Chicago Bears in the 1930s, and tours of the Boise Paper Solutions mill. The Voyageurs area is at the eastern end of the 217-mile Waters of the Dancing Sky Scenic Byway.
Orr is located on beautiful Pelican Lake at the gateway to voyageur country and is home to the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary (http://americanbear.org) where black bear may be observed in their natural habitat. Named for the graceful white pelicans that return each spring, the lake is known for it's undeveloped, pristine beauty, and its great fishing and resorts.