Outfitters towards end of Gunflint Trail continue to navigate BWCAW closures and business impacts

As closures in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness continue, outfitters near the end of the Gunflint Trail are adapting to the ongoing impacts.

The BWCAW has remained closed for 10 days after the U.S. Forest Service closed the wilderness on July 14. The closure followed a lightning storm incident that sparked over a dozen wildfires across the Superior National Forest.

On Thursday, outfitters serving the eastern Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness received some welcome news. The U.S. Forest Service announced it will reopen select points of entry for day use beginning Monday, July 27. However, overnight access will remain closed through Tuesday, with reopening scheduled for Wednesday, July 29.

The select entry points for day-use purposes will help alleviate some of the impacts for various outfitters along the mid-trail area of the Gunflint Trail and throughout Cook County, but many uncertainties and long-term impacts remain for outfitters such as Seagull Canoe Outfitters, Tuscarora Lodge & Canoe Outfitters, and Voyageur Canoe Outfitters towards the end of the Gunflint Trail.

The Forest Service said officials continue to evaluate BWCAW quota permit points daily and plan to notify BWCAW permittees seven days in advance.

Seagull Canoe Outfitters owners Grant and Christina Hopke continue to navigate BWCAW closures

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins stopped into Seagull Canoe Outfitters this week to learn how owners Grant and Christina Hopke are navigating the BWCAW closures and the impact it has on their business towards the end of the Gunflint Trail. Audio below.

Tuscarora Lodge & Canoe Outfitters reflects on impact of BWCAW closures

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins stopped by Tuscarora Lodge & Canoe Outfitters this week to speak with Andy McDonnell, one of the owners about how they are navigating the BWCAW closures and the impact it is having on the business. Audio below.

Kalli Hawkins July 24, 2026