Читать книгу Boundary Waters Canoe Area: Western Region онлайн

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Ely is one of the special small northern Minnesota towns that serve visiting canoeists in the BWCAW’s Western Region. Originally the commercial center for iron mining and logging operations, Ely gradually evolved into the Canoe Capital of America. It is a modern, bustling community with supermarkets, motels, and automotive service stations, a variety of restaurants, a plethora of bars, a laundromat, a hospital, and surely the most canoe trip outfitters per capita in the world.

Located near the east edge of town, at the intersection of highways 1 and 169, is the Ely Chamber of Commerce. It occupies an attractive log building and is staffed by knowledgeable and friendly folks who can supply you with up-to-date information about Ely and the surrounding attractions, including nearby resorts and campgrounds.

The place to pick up your permit for most of the entry points is the USFS Kawishiwi Ranger District. On your way, stop at the International Wolf Center, which is located on Highway 169 5.5 miles west of town. Opened in 1993, the extraordinary “Wolves and Humans” exhibit found its home in Ely after attracting more than 2.5 million people during a multi-year tour across North America. In addition to the exhibit, a captive pack of timber wolves lives here in a relatively natural environment where you can observe their interactions. You should definitely allow time (at least a couple of hours) either before or after your canoe trip to visit this fascinating and informative center. It is located right next to the USFS Kawishiwi Ranger District office where the BWCAW permits are issued.