07/24/2026
Unfortunately, some headlines make Ely and the Boundary Waters feel like a decimated wasteland.
As our friend, Dave Hick's of Cast Outdoors shares, for many businesses in town, a huge part of the summer season has already been affected.
And if people start canceling fall plans, winter plans, even trips for next year...
That ripple effect could become unsustainable for many of the outfitters, shops, restaurants, lodges, makers, guides, workers, and families who depend on these seasons to make the year work.
Yes, parts of the forest have been affected.
But the Boundary Waters are not gone.
Ely is open!
The outfitters, shops, restaurants, lodges, makers, guides, and local businesses are still here.
Before canceling future plans, call the local businesses directly.
Ask what’s open.
Ask what’s safe.
Ask what trips still make sense.
And most of all, ask how you can support the community that makes so much of this treasured wilderness accessible!