The Boundary Waters Are Now Open For Day Trips In The Canoe Area Only

The Boundary Waters is now open for day trips, with overnight camping still banned until at least May 18.  This new rule follows " Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s COVID-19 executive order for Minnesotans to stay home and to only participate in recreation close to home." Which as of right now is set to expire May 18 but this date could be extended.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area has been closed since last month, but his has not had much impact on tourism since most of the ice just recently has come off the lakes. But this closure did effect some canoe trips and the Minnesota Fishing opener. All other Forest Service campgrounds outside the BWCAW also will remain closed until at least May 18.

Dan Shirley, co-owner of Sawbill Outfitters on the Sawbill Trail said to The Duluth News Tribune “The ice went out yesterday, and people usually start showing up when the ice goes out, so it’s not ideal to have this happening But the way the Forest Service is doing this, it makes sense to coordinate with the state. If overnight camping isn’t allowed anywhere else in the state it probably shouldn’t be here.”