I realize this question may be heresy to some, but for those not reaching for the tar and feathers, does anyone know if there is reliable cell phone coverage on Wind Lake? Not satellite coverage. I have an older phone that can't utilize that. I'm asking about standard cell coverage. (I would like to be available if my kids need to contact me during the week)

Thanks!

No, there is not reliable cell coverage on Wind.

I camped on Wind in 2023 and had no cell service. In my experience, you can only get cell service in that general area of the BWCA when you have line of sight to the cell tower in Ely. Even then the coverage is poor. For example, I have gotten cell service on the south-facing shores of Washington Island and Lincoln Island in Basswood northwest of Wind.

I'd suggest renting a sat phone or satellite communication device (texting) from an outfitter if you are concerned about staying in communication.

Hmmm. Well, it may depend on the carrier. I usually find the Verizon coverage map to be pretty accurate, and that would indicate mostly good coverage on Wind.

Thank you for the responses. We do have a satellite phone reserved from the outfitter, but I'm not sure if it supports texting. We are thinking to just turn it on a couple times a day and check in at home by voice. But it would be much more convenient to have texting available for routine communication. When I spoke with the outfitter he seemed to think the satellite phone could be used for texting, but he wasn't sure.
Incidentally my carrier is T-Mobile, and their coverage map shows a few locations on Wind where they claim coverage. But according to people's comments their coverage map is not something that should be completely trusted.

ron1: "Thank you for the responses. We do have a satellite phone reserved from the outfitter, but I'm not sure if it supports texting. We are thinking to just turn it on a couple times a day and check in at home by voice. But it would be much more convenient to have texting available for routine communication. When I spoke with the outfitter he seemed to think the satellite phone could be used for texting, but he wasn't sure.
Incidentally my carrier is T-Mobile, and their coverage map shows a few locations on Wind where they claim coverage. But according to people's comments their coverage map is not something that should be completely trusted. "

T-Mobile is my carrier as well. There is good coverage in Ely proper for whatever that's worth.

I've had similar experiences. As an example, I can only make it about five miles up the Sawbill trail before I lose service with Verizon. One of my buddies with T-mobile would still get service at Sawbill campground and across part of Sawbill Lake. Again, just an observation not something to count on.

ron1: "...We do have a satellite phone reserved from the outfitter, but I'm not sure if it supports texting.... it would be much more convenient to have texting available for routine communication... "

Are you renting a Garmin In-Reach? If so, you can download Garmin's Earthmate app on your phone, for free, and pair the in-reach device to your phone via-Bluetooth. Then you can text with anyone in your contact list through the app. The app will also provide a detailed weather forecast. Its super easy and works just like normal texting.

portagerunner: "I've had similar experiences. As an example, I can only make it about five miles up the Sawbill trail before I lose service with Verizon. One of my buddies with T-mobile would still get service at Sawbill campground and across part of Sawbill Lake. Again, just an observation not something to count on."

Last summer my paddle partner was able to get spotty AT&T coverage on Zenith, which surprised me given the height of the ridge between us and Sawbill. I don't remember if he got signal on Frederick but by the time we got to Wine it had dropped completely. We didn't expect signal and carry a satellite texting device but it did save us a few dollars as his wife gets anxious and likes to keep in touch a couple times a day.

Still, just an anecdote and demonstrates some of the peculiarity that's to be expected in the area.