Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness: A Chronology from the MPR Archive

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW or BWCA) is a 1,090,000-acre (4,400 km2) wilderness area within the Superior National Forest in a northeastern part of Minnesota. A mixture of forests, glacial lakes, and streams, the BWCAW's preservation as a primitive wilderness began in the 1900s and culminated in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Act of 1978. While a destination for canoeing, hiking, and fishing, it has also been a focus and debate for its resources in both the forest and mining industries.

Notable Minnesota figures tied to the BWCAW area include conservationist Sigurd Olson, resident Dorothy Molter ("Rootbeer Lady"), and outdoorswoman Justine Kerfoot.

Explore and share the MPR Archive stories about the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Teens move to forefront of MN's COVID-19 vaccination effort

Children ages 12 to 15 start to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine Thursday across Minnesota, after federal health advisers endorsed the Pfizer vaccine for younger children Wednesday afternoon. The question now is — how many will?

• Everything you need to know Teenagers and the COVID-19 vaccine in MN

• Ahead of anticipated expansion Teens jump at appointments

• MPR News with Kerri Miller What caregivers should know