Boundary Waters Family Canoe and Hike

Explore, paddle, fish and swim from a base camp on Crescent Lake in the Superior National Forest. Take day canoe trips into the famed Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and experience portaging with only a day pack to carry. Take a break from paddling to hike up Eagle Mountain, the highest point in Minnesota. Return to the group campsite each afternoon with time for fishing and swimming before dinner. Enjoy s’mores around the fire under the star-filled sky as you plan the adventure for the next day. This is a great trip for the whole family and no experience is necessary.

Boundary Waters Expo

Join us at the edge on the Boundary Waters for a celebration of canoeing, camping and wilderness travel, June 10 & 11, 2023.

The Boundary Waters Expo is a family friendly two-day event featuring speakers, vendors, and activities. Located at Bearskin Lodge & Wilderness Outfitters on East Bearskin Lake, 26 miles from Grand Marais on the scenic Gunflint Trail.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Paddle Adventure - Women's Trip

Located along the Canadian border, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is known for its expansive wilderness. Join our five-day Boundary Waters trip to paddle the pristine lakes of this northern gem. Experience stillness, silence and solitude as you travel among the pines, birch and cedar. Listen to loons call as the sun rises to burn mist off of a mirror-still lake. Relax around an evening campfire and watch for shooting stars and the northern lights. In a park of one million acres with over 60 starting points each route offers its own unique sights and adventures!

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Paddle Adventure

Located along the Canadian border, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is known for its expansive wilderness. Join our five-day Boundary Waters trip to paddle the pristine lakes of this northern gem. Experience stillness, silence and solitude as you travel among the pines, birch and cedar. Listen to loons call as the sun rises to burn mist off of a mirror-still lake. Relax around an evening campfire and watch for shooting stars and the northern lights. In a park of one million acres with over 60 starting points each route offers its own unique sights and adventures!

Boundary Waters Blues Festival & Dog Jam Sunday

3 Great Days of the Blues at the Long Branch in Winton MN, just 3 short miles from Ely. On the shores of beautiful Fall Lake. Back by popular request - Dog Jam Sunday! Sunday is a eclectic day of fantastic music - don't miss it!

Born to Run - A celebration of the Music of Bruce Springsteen

Mick Sterling Presents Born to Run, a full-throated and passionate night of E Street Band rock and soul. Mick Sterling leads a huge band featuring horns and strings through the epic songs of Springsteen’s extraordinary career. Featuring songs like “Thunder Road,” “Backstreets,” “Kitty’s Back,” “American Land,” “Jungleland” and “Rosalita.” Come see Fireside veteran Mick Sterling lead his remarkable band honoring “The Boss!”

Boreal Birds Weekend Adventure

Join us for a multi-day, intensive birding experience and workshop, featuring presentations by Executive Director, Sparky Stensaas, and Head Naturalist, Clinton Nienhaus. Each day will feature birding through northern Minnesota in search of those special species that make the boreal forest home. Days will be long, and probably cold, but we will be in and out of the van. We will not be snowshoeing or doing any major bushwhacking. Most birding will be from roadsides, trails, boardwalk. Click link below for more information.

Boreal Birds Adventure Weekend

$345 per person [Refundable fully until one-month prior to weekend. After that, 50% refundable.]

Limited to 10

Books From Our Shelves: This Water Goes North

Join the Dakota County Historical Society for our monthly book club, "Books From Our Shelves." Each book selected relates to an aspect of Minnesota history.

March's book is "This Water Goes North," by Dennis Weidemann.

Books From Our Shelves: Stassen Again

Join the Dakota County Historical Society for our monthly book club, "Books From Our Shelves." Each book selected relates to an aspect of Minnesota history.

April's book is "Stassen Again," by Steve Werle.

Please note, author Steve Werle will be in attendance for this book discussion.