Motel Ely Budget Host

Trails of Camp Menogyn

by sketchyhand

The trails throughout the camp are raised above the ground to reduce the impact and erosion caused by constant foot traffic. Do not worry, you do not have to travel far to reach remote single track nearby.

Go to the BWCA. You need to...

by sverige

Go to the BWCA. You need to get yourself one of the many outfitters in Ely. They can set you up with a canoe, & all of the equipment you need. Or, of course you can bring your own, but I would consult an outfitter to know any & all the restrictions. An outfitter is also a good place to get a permit. You must have a permit to enter to BWCA, this limits the number of visitors, and you may just have your own lake for your visit.

North Woods camping

by DSwede

You should take the wise advise of bringing enough food for your trip, regardless if you plan to fish or not, because sometimes the fish are not biting.

Keep valuables in wet/dry sacks in case your canoe tips or rain/hail comes down on you. Wear watershoes/sandals that you can keep on your feet at all times, in the water, on the trails, etc.

Also, I've been stuck up there in freak hail storms and thunder, so even in the middle of the summer, bring some cool weather clothes. The mosquitos dont like the heat of the day, nor the cool of the night. The love the sunset and dusk. Bring proper measures for them as well, but if you take a short nap to refresh from a long day, by the time you awake for dinner, they mosquitoes will have dissipated some. Bring everything you would camp with (plus canoe/paddles/life vests). Typically fires are banned, so you'll have to cook with gas. There are several outfitters in Ely and area that can help you out.

Packing List

by shock32638

I recommend a starters pistol, it's not dangerous, but it scares the crap out of any bear attempting to raid your food while you're camping (in addition to any tent-mates you have who didn't wake up when the bear wandered into camp)

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

by NateWill22

"BWCA Canoe Trip 2003"

Wow. What a place. Ely is the gateway to the beautiful and remote Boundary Waters Canoe Area. I only had a small taste of this amazing land of lakes, but it was incredible. I actually went with my youthgroup as a way to build stronger relationships and truly see God's remarkable work in the wilderness. We spent a total of 6 days in the BWCA and traveled a total of 41 miles of remote lakes, streams, and exhausting portages. (For those of you who don't know what a portage is, it is a "path" that you carry your canoe and all supplies when, such as, going from one lake to another, or going around a waterfall or rapids.) And you say, well, that can't be too bad, you just pick up your stuff and move it, right? No. Carrying that 80 pound canoe on your back for a half a mile or so and still having to go back and get your kitchen, food, and personal packs over rocky, steep ground is much more difficult than I ever imagined. The longest portage we did was 340 rods. (1 Rod = 16.5 feet; 340 Rods = 5,610 feet = 1.1 miles). Whew! Definitely glad when we finished that one. Anyways, the BWCA is full of amazing wildlife, untouched forests, and lots of hard teamwork! And by the way, what's better than sitting next to a campfire with a sky full of stars listening the loons singing their enchanting songs..... truly northwoods at it's best.

NOTE: In fear that my digital camera would get wet or ruined, I brought along two little disposable cameras.... and since we recently got a new computer that does not work with the old scanner, I have to take a digital picture of each regular picture to get them on here.... GR! Lots of work and the pictures look like crap. But oh well... lol