Boundary Waters – Minnesota’s Best Kept Secret!

27 Feb Boundary Waters – Minnesota’s Best Kept Secret!

Whether you’re looking for an escape or an adventure, you’re sure to find yourself at the Boundary Waters. Known to Minnesotans as the BWCA (Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness), this incredible mixture of pristine glacial lakes, streams, and lush forests is the most visited wilderness area in the country and the closest one can get to nature. As a popular destination for hiking, canoeing, camping, and fishing, the Boundary Waters holds a secret for anyone who travels into its wilderness.

History

The area was home to the Sioux, but later became the homeland for the Ojibwe, who traveled the waters in canoes made of birch bark. A large population of Ojibwe live in the Grand Portage Indian Reservation to this day, located just east of the BWCA.

In the late 1680s, French explorers, fur traders, and French Canadian voyageurs traveled through the area and began opening trade lines, specializing mainly in beaver pelts. By the 1870s, gold, silver, and iron were found in the areas surrounding the Boundary Waters, which resulted in logging to supply lumber for the mining industries. Production peaked in the late 1910s, but trailed off by the 1930s.

Largely untouched since 1964, when the National Wilderness Act was passed, the Boundary Waters was designated as a wilderness. Thriving populations of wildlife can be found throughout: Gray wolves, moose, black bears, lynx, beavers, bald eagles, loons, and white-tailed deer are just a few animals that call the BWCA home. In the cool waters, you can find lake trout, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, panfish, and walleye. Because no motorized boats are allowed in the Boundary Waters, the water is pure and unclouded by man-made chemicals.

Modern-day

Over 1,175 lakes and an impressive 1,200 miles of canoe routes offer Boundary Waters visitors the ability to travel long distances over water. Nearly 2,200 designated campsites are available for visitors as well. Pictographs on cliffs and rock ledges from early inhabitants of the area can still be found throughout, recalling the rich history of human interaction in the BWCA.

Because of its designation as a wilderness, no cans or glass are allowed in the area and visitors are required to bring any trash back with them upon departure of the Boundary Waters. Permits are also required for all overnight visits, and must be reserved in advance. Most lakes are connected by short trails, known as portages, making it convenient to travel from one campsite to another, and there is just nothing better than watching a gorgeous sunset over the reflections of a lake. Because you’re far from the light pollution of the cities, the night sky is so clear and pristine that you are able to see the Milky Way, and if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights as well. As a top destination in the country, it’s no wonder nearly 250,000 visitors come to the Boundary Waters annually. Come discover the natural beauty of the BWCA for yourself!

Thinking of making the move to Minnesota? Call Jeff Anderson and The Anderson Team at 612-386-8600 and he can help you navigate your purchase!