Plan Your Adventure. Defend the Wilderness.

Protecting the Boundary Waters
Since 1976

For 50 years, we’ve brought people together to safeguard the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. With over 10,000 members from across America, we are ready to stand up against Trump’s attacks on the wilderness.

Latest from Canoe Country

Featured Merch

BWCA Map Water Bottle

The perfect companion for your next Boundary Waters trip or just a trip around town. These classic 32oz wide mouth Nalgene bottles wrapped with the Friends logo and topographical map of the BWCA are the best way to stay hydrated. $25

Events

Friends’ Northwoods Gala
SAVE THE DATE!
September 26, 5pm
 Join wilderness supporters, staff, board members and advocates as we celebrate the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Get your tickets soon!

Take Action

DNR can Cancel Twin Metals’ lease – A First Step

Minnesota has a clear legal pathway to stop the Twin Metals mine by canceling its lease – but we need your help!

Stop Toxic Mining near the Boundary Waters

Two proposed copper-sulfide mines — NewRange-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.

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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.

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Celebrating 50 Years

In 1976, a group of ordinary people came together to create a grassroots movement that would pass the landmark legislation that made the Boundary Waters the protected wilderness it is today. Since then we’ve brought people together to stop toxic mining projects and defended these waters in courtrooms across the nation.

Now, the Trump administration and foreign mining conglomerates threaten this national treasure. But 50 years of victories have prepared us for this fight. With your support, we will protect the wilderness for another 50 years.

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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.

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Upcoming Events

| Virtual (Zoom)

BWCA Wildfire Update & Ways to Help

Be part of the BWCA Wildfire Update webinar to understand the impacts of wildfires and how you can help local…

Graphic for Northwoods social and Open house with a canoe on a river.
| 2550 University W., Suite 180S, St. Paul, MN 55114

Northwoods Social & Open House

Mark 50 years with the Friends! Tour our new St. Paul office, swap wilderness stories, and enjoy light refreshments on…

Children jumping in the water, graphic for No Boundaries to the Boundary Waters Open House
| Lake Hiawatha Beach, 2701 E 44th St Minneapolis, MN 55406

No Boundaries Open House and Alumni Event

Celebrate the No Boundaries to the Boundary Waters Education Program with paddling, s’mores, crafts, and hands-on fun. All ages welcome!…

A forest service sign in front of a picture of lakes, that reads
| Nicollet Island Pavilion, Minneapolis

Friends of the Boundary Waters’ Northwoods Gala

Join wilderness supporters, staff, board members and advocates as we celebrate the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Get your tickets…

ABOUT US

Since 1976, Friends of the Boundary Waters has been the leading voice for the Boundary Waters. Having worked to safeguard 1.1 million acres  of lakes and forests, our mission is to connect people of all backgrounds to the wilderness, so that this and future generations benefit from the magic of this special place. 

Our Team | Our Story | Blog

Explore Our Blog

Breaking news, in-depth stories, tips for wilderness travel, and insights into America’s most popular Wilderness Area.

| People

The Latest on the BWCA Wildfires

Explore the impact of the BWCA wildfires on the Boundary Waters and learn from experts in this panel presentation.

Kelly Carver sitting high up on a rock, wind blowing through his hair, beneath a tree in the Boundary Waters
| People

A Wilderness Beyond Sight

Kelly Carver has canoed the BWCA’s entire border route — legally blind. His story of adaptation and resilience is a…

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.