Top Minnesota Outfitting Resorts

Clearwater Historic Lodge and Canoe Outfitters, founded in 1915, is listed on the National Historic Register. How’s that for a headline?

As they proudly state, Paddling is the Clearwater Historic Lodge’s passion. They are happy to offer their guests the ability to select exactly what they’d like to rent, or, for the less-experienced, offer packages full of everything a novice canoer might need. Helpful advice is complimentary- just ask and the friendly staff will do everything they can to give you the correct answer. Clearwater knows the Boundary Waters are glorious- let them show you why!

Now in their 86th year of operation, Gunflint Outfitters is famous for providing incredible service and products.

Amenities include a modern fleet of canoes, lightweight tents, comfortable packs, an exclusive line of foods, and an expert staff with over 100 years of combined outfitting experience for BWCA canoe trips. Don’t fret about which route you’ll take; they will personally plan your BWCA route with you, pack your custom selected foods, reserve all the necessary BWCA wilderness permits, and then provide transport to your entry point. It’s never been so easy to rough it!

If fishing is your thing, head over to Lake of the Woods, where Cyrus Resort will be ecstatic to help foster the budding angler inside.

Trophy walleye, sauger, and northern pike all patrol Lake of the Wood’s depths, and only a savvy fisherman (or woman) will be able to coax them into your boat. The staff of Cyrus Resort are veterans of a thousand fishing expeditions, and can certainly assist you in landing the big one. If you prefer a solitary experience, boats, reels, and the like are available for rent. Arm yourself for the fight ahead!

Another outfitter based in Ely, Moose Tracks Adventures can plan everything from permits to pick up.

They promise quality from their rentals; your canoe isn’t going to spring a leak midway through the adventure. “You won’t find patches, holes and other unwanted surprises, we only outfit our travelers with equipment that is new or in gently used condition and ensure the load is manageable both physically and financially,” they promise on their website. Reliability goes a long way in the wilderness, and Moose Tracks Adventures’ history of quality service and great products is a huge plus.

Few places are referred to as "a fisherman's paradise" as much as Ballard's Resort is. Why not come out and see why?

Whether you plan on angling from the resort or out in the middle of Lake of the Isles itself, Ballard's has everything you could ever need, and more. Ballard’s motto is “Large Enough to Serve You, Small Enough to Know You,” and they enforce that on the daily. Stay a turn in one of their modern cabins, the beautiful and spacious lodge, or set out on the trail for some backpacking- Ballard's will provide you with everything you'll need to have a fantastic time.

Providing fantastic outfitting services for all skill sets, Nor'Wester Lodge is the perfect place to set out on a Boundary Waters adventure.

The lodge's easy access to the Gunflint Trail means that guests will have no trouble setting out on a canoe excursion, any time of day. All types of canoe are available, from Grumman to Souris River Kevlar. Top-of-the-line gear and the best ultra-lite food are standard, and the knowledgeable staff will provide you with a personalized route to provide peace of mind and an enjoyable canoeing experience. There's simply no better way to get out and experience all that mother natures has to offer!

Ely is well-known as the gateway to the legendary Boundary Waters of Northern Minnesota.

Timber Trail Lodge knows how amazing an experience the Boundary Waters can be, and wants to make sure you’re well-prepared for the expedition. They offer packages for families, fishermen, non-profit groups, and adventurers of any skill level. If you’re nervous about screwing something up on your expedition, the knowledgeable staff will help you plan a route, give you information on the best fishing spots, and offer canoe and tent rentals at bargain prices.