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Minnesota

Off the Map: Voyageurs National Park & Canoe Country

Program No. 21938RJ

Paddle and hike in one of the few places in the Lower 48 where nature’s vastness and grandeur can leave us in awe — Minnesota's famed Boundary Waters.

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Program

At a Glance

Duration

8 days

Program Begins

Hinckley, MN

Program Concludes

Hinckley, MN

Group Type

Small Group

Meals

20 ( 7B, 6L, 7D )

Activity Level

Beloved by generations of canoeists and wilderness enthusiasts, Minnesota's Boundary Waters is one of North America’s truly untouched places. Go off the map to discover the beauty of Minnesota's North Shore, Burntside Lake and Voyageurs National Park – the only water-based wilderness park in the U.S. Gain a deeper connection with nature as you leave modern technology at home and learn about the region's geology & history, and remarkable flora and fauna on hikes and canoe adventures through remote landscapes and to hidden waterfalls, ancient pine forests and legendary gold mines. Study the conservationists who are the heroes behind this unspoiled nook of North America as you immerse yourself in the beautiful land they’ve tried so hard to protect.

Best of all, you'll...

Uncover the best of the Great North Woods as you’re led by celebrated author, musician and wilderness expert Douglas Wood, and join him in exploring the famed home and deep woods hideaway--Listening Point--of conservation giant Siguird F. Olson.
Enjoy paddling outings on Burntside Lake and gorgeous Lake Kabetogama, and a day-long boat-adventure to Historic Kettle Falls, on the U.S-Canada border, accessible only by boat or plane.
Explore the glories of Voyageurs National Park, among charming and intimate islands and from sweeping overlooks.

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General Notes

This program is part of our “Off the Map” series, exploring truly remote areas of the United States as a way to connect with local culture and landscapes, and disconnect with the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives. Our goal is to bring you to places that have limited access to Wi-Fi, cell service and other technology so you can enjoy authentic learning experiences without modern distractions.

Douglas Wood

Douglas Wood has been called "Minnesota's Renaissance Man." An author, artist, naturalist, musician and wilderness leader, he is the creator of 38 books for adults and children, and the recipient of many honors and awards. As a group leader, he has led scores of trips from southern Minnesota's Bluff Country to the Northwest Territories, focusing not just on the natural world of geography and geology, flora and fauna, but on the timeless relationship between nature and the human spirit.

Please Note:

This expert may not be available for every date of the program

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Prudence Johnson

Prudence Johnson is the summer program director of the Ernest Oberholtzer Foundation, a nonprofit organization located on Ernest Oberholtzer's Mallard Island in Rainy Lake, Minnesota, just west of Voyageurs National Park. The foundation's mission is to foster Ober’s legacy and North Woods island home as a source of inspiration, renewal, and connection to Indigenous peoples, kindred spirits, and the natural world. In addition to her lifelong love of the canoe country, Prudence is also an American folk and jazz singer. She earned a bachelor's degree in international studies from Hamline University.

Activity Level

Outdoor: Spirited

Trail hikes on challenging but not-too-taxing terrain--rocks and roots and uneven ground with some occasional inclines, leading to grand overlooks and hidden waterfalls. Canoeing opportunities--wind and weather permitting--will include 2 sessions, 2-4 hours each, on scenic flatwater. Instruction included for novices and inexperienced paddlers.

Small Group (13 to 24)

Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Suggested Reading List

View Full List (10 Books)

You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?

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Call 800-454-5768

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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.