South Kawishiwi River - 3 Nights
by Pete2Paddle
Trip Type:
Paddling Canoe
Entry Date:
08/24/2026
Entry & Exit Point:
South Kawishiwi River (EP 32)
Number of Days:
5
Group Size:
3
Trip Introduction:
This was the 2nd trip to the BW for both of my Boys. Their first trip was to South Hegman Lake for two nights in 2024. I originally booked a permit for Mudro Lake on permit day in February. Due to the wildfires, I had to keep my eyes open for cancelled permits in the Ely area and I lucked out when South Kawishiwi River became available.
As my boys grow older, I want them to enjoy these trips and not burn them out. So, when I made our reservation, I asked my boys if they wanted to stick with just a 2-night trip, or if they wanted to stay a little longer and go for a 3 night trip. I was happy to hear both of them opt for a little longer trip. My next question was if they needed me to sleep in the tent with them, or if I could sleep nearby in my Hammock. I thought they would be scared and want me with them, but they both said I should sleep in my hammock. They're growing up so fast!
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Day 1 of 5
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Day 1 - Sunday - Drive to Ely + International Wolf Center
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It's about a 5 hour drive from our home in central Minnesota up to Ely. It is tradition to stop at Gordy's High Hat in Cloquet for burgers on the way up to Ely. They never disappoint! From there it's about 1hr 45min to Piragis to pickup the Canoe and our permit. I also opted to rent a couple camp chairs for my boys. Next we headed to the International Wolf Center. Two years before, we hit the Black Bear Center, and the boys really enjoyed it, so I figured the Wolf Center experience would complete the set. I wasn't sure how two 13yr olds would appreciate it, but they spent a good amount of time walking through the exhibit and checking out the wolf pack in the window. We had dinner at Boathouse Brewpub and then checked in at the Canoe on Inn for the night.
Day 1 - Sunday - Drive to Ely + International Wolf Center
***************************************************
It's about a 5 hour drive from our home in central Minnesota up to Ely. It is tradition to stop at Gordy's High Hat in Cloquet for burgers on the way up to Ely. They never disappoint! From there it's about 1hr 45min to Piragis to pickup the Canoe and our permit. I also opted to rent a couple camp chairs for my boys. Next we headed to the International Wolf Center. Two years before, we hit the Black Bear Center, and the boys really enjoyed it, so I figured the Wolf Center experience would complete the set. I wasn't sure how two 13yr olds would appreciate it, but they spent a good amount of time walking through the exhibit and checking out the wolf pack in the window. We had dinner at Boathouse Brewpub and then checked in at the Canoe on Inn for the night.
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