View of Packsack Canoe Trips and Log Cabins from Fall Lake.
packsack
canoe trips
&
log cabins
BWCA
ELY MINNESOTA
ON THE SHORES OF FALL LAKE
We at Packsack absolutely adore the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), as well as Ely and the surrounding area. This area is so rich in adventure, spectacular scenery, incredible fishing, geologic history, wildlife, and pristine wilderness. We make every attempt to impart our enthusiasm and passion for the Boundary Waters Minnesota to every guest, treating this place and each guest as a wonderful gift to be cherished – every day!
ABOUT THE BWCA (BOUNDARY WATERS MINNESOTA)
In 1978, the United States Congress set aside approximately one million acres of the Superior National Forest, calling it the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Specifically intended to be left pristine, undeveloped and a destination for Americans to experience a true, untouched wilderness – the way it has been for thousands of years. In the last ice age, the departing glaciers randomly carved this landscape with thousands of lake and exposed rock formations that are like few places anywhere on the planet. Over the centuries, plants and trees began to grow and the region became abundant with wildlife – which are still commonly seen today by our guests. Boundary Waters Minnesota campers regularly report sightings of whitetail deer, fisher, pine martin, bald eagles, moose, black bear, otters, loons, waterfowl, walleyes, northern pike and lake trout – to name a few. There are few places quite like this in the world, that are so very accessible to the wilderness enthusiast.
About Packsack Canoe Trips & Log Cabins
Let’s start with a proper introduction. We’re the Ott family – Nick, Danielle and Adilee, and our parents Gene and Jane. Our family acquired the property in 2000. Originally from Northeast Iowa, we had been scout leaders and Boundary Waters Minnesota camping enthusiasts for several years when the opportunity arose to make a lifestyle change that simply delighted us. Since that time, we have built an outfitting service that, we believe, is one of the best in the area. In addition to outfitting services, we have authentic log cabins, right on Fall Lake for non-campers to experience great fishing and conveniently explore the Ely area.
Our cabins and lodge (with bunkhouse) have an amazing history. The cabins were originally built and located up on Pipestone Bay on Basswood Lake. When Congress declared “The Wilderness Act of 1964, all buildings needed to be either moved or burnt to the ground, restoring the natural wilderness. Shortly after, each log was labeled, deconstructed, floated up through Newton Lake to Fall Lake and put back together, like a complex jigsaw puzzle. Can you imagine the planning and the work to accomplish this?
We’re honored by every guest that chooses Packsack and promise to make every effort to build a wilderness experience that best matches your wishes.
PACKSACK'S 2024 END OF YEAR PHOTO CONTEST!
At the end of each season, we hold a photo contest on our Facebook page. We were hoping to provide a platform for our guests, and others to post their memories of the Ely area, Packsack, or the Boundary Waters Minnesota from this last summers adventure. This year, we had over 65 amazing photo submissions to choose from, and it was not easy. The 2024 winner is Kevin Koehler with his beautiful photo of a campfire o the shores of the magical Lake Ella Hall. Kevin spent the week fishing for smallies, and pan fish with some good friends. Thanks for the picture Kevin!
PackSack's Ice out Contest
Each spring as the Ice begins to melt off the lakes, we at Packsack have Gene drill down to measure the Ice. We then hold a Facebook competition where contestants try to guess the date and time the Ice will melt from our Bay. Head over to our Facebook page and enter your guess today!
Kaitlyn Lensch's great photo of a Packsack canoe ready to hit the water on Wood Lake.
Patty Frana's picture of a sunset over Fall Lake
Kaitlyn Lensch's great photo of a Packsack canoe ready to hit the water on Wood Lake.
PackSack's Photo Contest 2nd & 3rd place
We would like to give mention to our second and third place winners of our 2024 photo contest. Katelyn Lensch takes second place with a Packsack canoe ready to hit the water, and Patty Frana receives third place with her stunning Fall Lake sunset photo.
PACKSACK'S LIVE WEB CAM
Click on the link below and press play, to check out Packsack's live streaming, Fall Lake webcam and the Boundary Waters Minnesota. Keep an eye on the action year round, and enjoy the beauty of our area!