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What makes the Boundary Waters so special?

Feb 27, 2025
Save the Boundary Waters
What makes the Boundary Waters so special?

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is more than a bucket list destination–it’s a place to disconnect and remember what’s most important in life: whether that’s spending precious time with family and friends, connecting with yourself, or taking in the quietude and awe of life in the Wilderness without the busy and distracting aspects of modern life, it’s a place to reconnect.

This blog is the first in a multi-part series exploring general themes of what makes the Boundary Waters so special, the threats it faces, and why it must be protected. Next week, we’ll dive into the dangers of copper mining in the watershed of the Boundary Waters. But first, let’s take a step back: 

For generations, millions of people have developed a lifelong love of the outdoors here–camping, fishing, paddling, dog sledding, hunting, and hiking in the Boundary Waters and surrounding landscape. 

What is the Boundary Waters? 
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is an undeveloped 1.1 million-acre federal and state designated Wilderness Area along the Minnesota-Canada border. It is surrounded by three other important protected public lands–The Superior National Forest, Voyageurs National Park, and Canada’s Quetico Provincial Park–together creating a vast 4.3 million-acre canoe country landscape.

red canoe

A land shaped by time

Over 170,000 years ago, glaciers carved rugged cliffs, deep canyons, rocky shores, towering rock formations, and the vast network of lakes, rivers, and boreal forests that define the Boundary Waters today. These waters remain among the cleanest on Earth–so pure paddlers often dip their cups straight into the lake and drink.

A place of deep history. The Boundary Waters is within the 1854 Treaty Area, where Anishinaabe people (also known in this region as Chippewa or Ojibwe) continue to harvest wild rice in the region. They maintain treaty rights to hunt, fish, and gather. As sovereign nations, tribes play an important role in protecting the Boundary Waters. 

paddling

A true Wilderness Area

The Wilderness Act of 1964 gave the Boundary Waters the highest form of federal public land protection, preserving its pristine character for future generations. With 1,100 lakes, 2,000 campsites, and 237 miles of hiking trails, it’s a place to unplug, explore, and reconnect with nature.

Why it matters

Beyond its beauty and adventure, the Boundary Waters is a climate stronghold—one of the most critical places in the lower 48 for climate resiliency. It’s home to moose, loons, wolves, lynx, and other iconic wildlife that depend on its unspoiled ecosystems. It’s also the most visited Wilderness Area in America, drawing in hundreds of thousands of people each year.

Save the Boundary Waters leads the charge to defend and protect this national treasure. With your support, we can ensure it remains Wild for everyone, forever. Make a gift today to protect this special place.