Unlike today's travelers to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of Minnesota, and the Quetico Provincial Park of Ontario, Canada, Native Americans knew no limitations. Travel permits, international boundaries and use restrictions did not hinder their travels.

The vast wilderness which encompasses the Boundary Waters and Quetico Park has seen many different tribes of Native Americans. As early as 11,000 years ago pre-historic Indians first roamed the shores of Lake Agassiz which at one time covered much of northern Minnesota and extended well into Canada. As the Native American cultures grew and developed, Huron, Chippewa and Cree traveled the paths and waterways. Soon those tribes were displaced by the Dakota and finally, by the Ojibway (or Ojibwe) people. Each people left behind remanents of their heritage for all to discover and enjoy.

Symbolic reminders of past accomplishments, pictographs, a reddish brown rock painting, depict hunting parties, Native American mythology, and wildlife. Examples of pictographs can be seen on the Basswood River, Agnes Lake, Kahshahpiwi Lake, Kewatin, Payne, Hulburt, LacLaCroix, Fishdance, Hegman and in many other areas. Most require a minimum of 1 to 2 travel days to reach the pictograph areas.

As the European influences reached the northwoods, fur trappers and traders harvested a bounty of furs. Trading with the Native Americans and fellow European adventurers, the Voyageurs traveled the waterways collecting beaver, mink and other fur bearing animals hides to send to Europe. The unlimited and renewable resource helped to fire the fashion industry which provided beaver top hats, capes, muffs and other desirable goods for the fashion conscious of Europe.

Voyageurs traveled the smaller inland waters in birch bark Northern canoes approximately 25 feet in length. The selection of Voyageurs was intense. It was indeed an honor to be chosen. Since the canoes had a limited carrying capacity height was important. Frustrated was the young man who grew to a height of more than 5'6". A singing voice for passing the time was also important. Strong shoulders and legs for carrying two packs weighing over 90 pounds each was also a must.

Typical season found the Voyageurs leaving their winter posts in the Canadian Northwest in mid-May. Traveling the smaller inland waters the their Northern canoes, the Voyageurs typically reached their"rendezvous" point at Grand Portage by mid to late summer. The Voyageurs carried with them their collected stores of furs. Their counter parts also began their travels in mid-May from Montreal. Montreal canoes where 36 feet in length and carried the food stuffs and trade goods that would be exchanged for the furs. After the exchange was made at Grand Portage, both parties returned to the winter posts before the winter storms set in.

Continued growth and colonization of the New America soon brought the lumber industry to our area. Although much of the area was logged off during the late 1800's and early 1900's, pristine timber stands still exist. The discovery of rich deposits of iron soon brought the mining industry to Northeastern Minnesota. Underground mines still exist and are located outside of the wilderness areas. To tour an underground mine, plan to visit the Tower-Soudan Mine located 20 miles south of Ely.

Present day Ely offers a variety of adventures for all walks of life. Museums, hiking trails, resorts and of course, wilderness canoe trips allow visitors to experience our unique area according to their abilities and vacation desires.

Thanks to Canadian Border Outfitters for sharing this information on Boundary Waters.