Boundary Waters Canoe Area
National Geographic Traveler magazine listed the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness as one of the 50 places in the world everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.
For down-state travelers, the closest route to the BWCAW (and one of the least traveled) is through Lake Vermilion, which is anywhere from one and a half to three hours sooner than any other point of entry. The entry point is at Trout Lake, which allows boats with motors up to 25 hp. There is a motorized (by ATV) portage available for a fee to help transport your boat to Trout Lake, if you choose. From Trout Lake, it is one additional portage to the non-motorized lakes of Little Trout, Pine, Oriniak and Merritt Lakes. It is easy to fish, paddle or explore the BWCAW for the day, then return to enjoy all the comforts of home for the night at your Lake Vermilion Resort.
Permits can be reserved here, BWCAW Permit Reservations, and picked up at the La Croix Ranger Station on US Highway 53 in Cook, or at Fortune Bay Resort just off County Road 77 outside of Tower.
A good resource for information is the US Forest Service website, BWCA information .
