Eastern Region Viewing Area

Kawishiwi Native Garden

Forest: Superior National Forest

District: Kawishiwi Ranger District

Description: Established in 2008, the Kawishiwi Native Garden is a great place to stop and admire northern Minnesota’s native wildflowers. Whether you are picking up a Boundary Waters permit or just enjoying a stay in Ely, Minnesota, you can stop by the Kawishiwi Ranger District office and check out the native garden. Here you can see plants native to a variety of habitats, such as rock outcrops, dry, gravelly soils, and moist woods. With over thirty species, visitors can find flowers blooming from late May through early September. Early season wildflowers include pussytoes, northern lungwort, and blue-eyed grass, while later in the summer Lindley’s aster and several different goldenrods predominate. The garden is about 1/10 acre and is handicapped accessible via a short, level gravel trail connected to the public parking area. Please visit!

Directions: Ely, Minnesota is located roughly 2 hours north of Duluth, Minnesota. From Duluth, take U.S. 53 north to Virginia, Minnesota. When you arrive in Virginia, drive northeast on Minnesota 169 until you reach Ely, Minnesota. Travel all the way through Ely to the east end of town and turn left at the sign for the Kawishiwi Ranger District office.

Ownership and Management: U.S. Forest Service, Superior National Forest, Kawishiwi Ranger District.

Closest Town: Ely, Minnesota.