Travel permits are required within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness year-round; a user fee is required for overnight stays from May through September. Permits can be reserved for $16; $8 (ages 0-17); an additional $6 fee applies for reservations made via phone. They can be picked up the day preceding or the day of entry; phone (877) 444-6777 for camping reservations.
The forest is home to a rich variety of wildlife: moose, deer, bears, grouse, gray wolves and the common loon, Minnesota's state bird. Camping is available, and most campgrounds are open from spring through late fall. Boating, fishing, canoeing, hiking, berry picking and bird-watching are popular summer activities; in winter cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, ice-skating and dog sledding take over.
For additional information contact the Superior National Forest Supervisor's Office, 8901 Grand Avenue Pl., Duluth, MN 55808; phone (218) 626-4300.