📅 Date: April 25–26, 2026
📍 Location: Elm Creek Park Reserve (Admission: Free entry; on-site free parking)

Join us for hiking, camping, and great conversation about the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)! We’ll talk about trips, gear, volunteering, and everything BWCA-related while enjoying time outdoors. All are welcome—you don’t need to be signed up for a trip to join us.

What to Expect

• Group hike(s)

• Overnight camping (optional)

• Discussions about BWAC and BWCAW experiences

• Casual, welcoming environment for all skill levels

What to Bring

• Prepare as if you're going on a BWCAW overnight trip:

• Backpacking gear (tent, sleeping system, etc.)

• All meals and snacks (food will not be provided)

• All your own water for the weekend

• Full pack you’d normally carry on the trail

Gear list: www.boundarywaterstrails.org/gear-list-for-trail-clearing-backpacking-canoeing-april

Facilities

• Vault toilets available

• Running water may NOT be available

• Short walk from the parking lot to the campsite

Important Guidelines

• No pets allowed

• No children under 14

• Quiet hours after 10:00 PM

• Tents only (no other shelter types)

Attendance

• Limited to 35 participants

• Day hikers welcome (you don’t have to camp overnight)

Eastman Nature Center

13351 Elm Creek Rd · Maple Grove, MN

Meet us at the Eastman Nature Center, where check-in and our group hike will begin. If you’re staying overnight, we’ll share additional camping location details with you ahead of the event.