Ely MN

The trail spans from the Mississippi River in Grand Rapids to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Ely.

Events this week include the return of the classic movie series in Bigfork, Pride in the Park in Brainerd and art receptions in Aitkin and Bemidji.

The Northern Research Station was among several sites slated for closure in March 2026 when the Trump administration announced a major reorganization of the service.

KAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features Foxby, Rusty Crayfish Brass Band, Keith Secola & Gary Farmer, Rich Mattson & The Northstars, Little Fevers, LAAMAR, Penny Peaches, Annie Humphrey, Jada Brown and many more.

Drew Brockett of Piragis Northwoods Co. in Ely said it was a huge relief to have Fernberg corridor entry points open. But outfitters are still feeling the impact of continued closures.

Conservation districts and counties across the state will instruct volunteers on how to identify invasive species like starry stonewort in area lakes on Aug. 8, 2026.

Aircraft play an essential role in fighting wildfires. Seaplanes from the Ely seaplane base drop water, fire retardant and deliver firefighters — and canoes — to the blazes.

Rain has helped limit fire activity, but heat remains trapped in leaf litter on the forest floor, and firefighters are still hard at work.

Firefighters are using sprinkler systems and fuel removal to protect structures like homes from wildfire. The systems work to dampen the areas around structures to prevent fire.

As wildfires burn, they release a mixture of toxic compounds like heavy metals, mercury and carcinogenic chemicals that form from burning organic matter.