Ely and Voyageurs Highway Area
Welcome to the Kawishiwi Ranger District! Located in Ely, Minnesota, right on Highway 1 (Voyageurs Highway).
Enjoy the Circle Route, a 10-lake, 2-river back country canoe route for a remote weekend away. Or pick from any of the many lakes spread across the area for a quiet, relaxing weekend of fishing, camping or just doing nothing.
Passes & Permits
Snowmobile Trails
- A snowmobile state trail pass and registration is required to ride on trails within the state of Minnesota.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
- A permit is always required to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Fishing
- All fishing requires a State of Minnesota Fishing License.
Hunting
- Make sure you have the appropriate State of Minnesota Hunting License when hunting on National Forest System lands.
Watercraft/Boating
- Nonmotoried watercraft over 10 feet long and motorized watercraft need to be registered in Minnesota. Visit the state website for more information. Out of state watercraft do not need to register.
Recreation Sites
Agassa Lake
Site Open
Agassa Lake is a small, 72-acre lake that is ideal for day trips or an overnight at the back country campsite. The lake contains walleye and perch. The 240 rod portage access to the lake limits the…
August Lake
Site Open
August Lake is a secluded 228-acre lake with 2 backcountry campsites on its 6 miles of shoreline. With a maximum depth of 19 feet, this lake has good walleye and northern pike fishing.
Bear Island Lake
Site Open
Bear Island Land has a sand beach and 4 back country campsites. There are resorts on portions of the shoreline on the lake. There is a carry down access on the east side of the lake and a boat ramp…
Big Lake
Site Open
Big Lake offers an area for fishing, boating and camping. There is a boat ramp and 3 back country campsites on this lake. A 4th campsite located on the west side of the lake is within the Boundary…
Birch Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites
Site Open
Birch Lake Campground is located in Superior National Forest near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, about 13 miles from Ely, Minnesota. It is an ideal place to relax while enjoying fishing,…
Dragon Lake
Site Open
Dragon Lake has a carry-down access and 2 backcountry campsites with picnic tables. Pan fish and northern pike can be found on this quaint 79-acre lake.Â
Fall Lake Campground
Site Open
Fall Lake Campground is located on the shores of Fall Lake and provides direct access into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The campground opens in early May in time for walleye fishing…
Fenske Lake Campground
Site Open
Fenske Lake Campground offers visitors an escape to a small, remote campground with large, majestic pine trees and easy access to water. It is a popular base camp for exploring, fishing, hiking,…
Glacier Pond 1
Site Open
Glacier Pond 1 covers 17 acres and reaches a depth of 27 feet. Fishing can be done from the shore or by carrying a canoe down a steep bank to the lake. Glacier Pond 1 is a designated trout lake and…
Glacier Pond 2
Site Open
Glacier Pond 2 is 6 acres in size and reaches a depth of 32 feet. Glacier Pond 2 is a designated trout lake and is managed for brook trout.There is a carry down boat/canoe access just beyond the…