Boreal Stargazing Week
Join us for a week of free activities tailored for students, families, and friends that will immerse you in learning…
Since 1976
Victory is Temporary
Defeat is Forever
Trump has vowed to roll back hard-won victories that protect the Boundary Waters from toxic sulfide mining, and congress is preparing to push through legislation that would be a gift to foreign mining interests.
We’ve stopped them before. With your support, we will stop them again.
Stop Toxic Mining near the Boundary Waters
Two proposed copper-sulfide mines — PolyMet and Twin Metals — risk contaminating some of the cleanest water on earth and permanently polluting the BWCA. If these mines open, they would produce acid mine drainage and cause irreparable harm to our beloved wilderness. Learn more about how we are beating back these toxic mines and how you can join a movement.
Plan Your Boundary
Waters Adventure
From a searchable route library with BWCA maps to information on permits, we have the resources you need to explore the Boundary Waters. With more than 1,100 lakes, 1,200 miles of canoe routes, a dozen rugged hiking trails and over 1.1 million acres, the BWCA offers endless opportunities for adventure.
Thriving Communities
The future of the BWCA is deeply tied to the economic prosperity and wellbeing of the communities that surround the Boundary Waters. We work with local businesses, organizations, and individuals on projects that build thriving communities to ensure people have a stable and viable livelihood.
Wilderness education that promotes equity in the wild
Young people who grow up in our hyper-connected, digital world need the wilderness more than ever. Through our No Boundaries to the Boundary Waters program, we introduce students from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities to the splendors of the wilderness, both in the classroom and through week-long trips into the BWCA.
Upcoming Events
Ely Boreal Stargazing – Dark Sky Events
Experience the magic of dark winter skies in Ely with free documentary showings and a Valentine’s Day snowshoe hike under…
BWCA Trivia at Pryes Brewing Minneapolis
Join us at Pryes Brewing for a night of Boundary Waters trivia and fantastic craft beer!…
Threats of Copper Sulfide Mining – Presentation
Learn about copper-sulfide mining’s threat to Minnesota’s water, February 27 at Minneapolis Bouldering Project.
Explore Our Blog
Breaking news, in-depth stories, tips for wilderness travel, and insights into America’s most popular Wilderness Area.
From Pedals to Paddles
When Mike Quirk set off on an epic, 1,300-mile bike ride last summer to raise money for Friends of the…
Start Planning your 2025 BWCA Trip Now!
It’s time to start planning for your summer Boundary Waters adventure. Explore the most complete online collection of BWCA resources.
Jimmy Carter’s Boundary Waters Legacy
The Boundary Waters Wilderness shines as one of President Jimmy Carter’s enduring environmental legacies to America.
How To Help
The wilderness needs people. It needs you.
Learn more about how you can give back to the Boundary Waters.
Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness acknowledges that the land and water we are dedicated to protecting is on the traditional homelands of the Anishinaabe people, who continue to live in the area and exercise treaty rights on this land and water. We humbly work to honor this living history and learn how the Anishinaabe relationship with this land and water continues to grow and evolve. Together, we strive to build mutual respect, trust and understanding around what it means to protect the Boundary Waters.