Standing With Packsack
If you've found your way to this page, chances are you've been following along with the wildfire situation in northeastern Minnesota.
First and foremost, thank you.
Your messages, phone calls, emails, and words of encouragement have meant more to our family than we can adequately express. Many of you have also asked, "How can we help?" We created this page to answer that question.
A Season We Never Expected
On July 13, 2026, the U.S. Forest Service announced the closure of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness due to the ongoing wildfires across the Superior National Forest. Later that same day, the Camp Lake Fire escaped its containment lines and rapidly advanced toward Fall Lake.
Within hours, the heart of our business changed, within one day, nearly two-thirds of our expected summer revenue was placed on hold.
Every canoe trip in the Boundary Waters was canceled. Guests already in the wilderness returned early, future reservations disappeared, and heavy smoke led to cabin cancellations as well. The quiet that settled over our resort in the middle of July was something we had never experienced.
Throughout it all, our family, employees, neighbors, and the incredible men and women fighting these fires have continued working together to protect this place we all love.
Today, the Boundary Waters remains closed to overnight camping, and while conditions continue to improve, the future remains uncertain.
Looking Forward
Packsack has welcomed guests to the Boundary Waters and Fall Lake for decades. Like many family-owned businesses in the Ely area, we depend on a short northern Minnesota summer to sustain us throughout the year.
Our goal has never changed.
We simply want to continue welcoming families, paddlers, anglers, and friends to this incredible place for many years to come.
If you had a trip canceled, the greatest support you can provide is allowing us to hold your deposit as a future trip credit or by planning another adventure with us when the Boundary Waters safely reopens.
Many others have asked if there is another way to help.
If you choose to make a financial contribution, please know that it will go directly toward helping us maintain operations during this unprecedented closure and ensuring Packsack is ready to welcome guests back as soon as conditions allow.
These contributions are not tax-deductible, but every dollar is sincerely appreciated and will help support our family business during this difficult time.
Whether you've stayed with us once, visited for decades, or simply believe in preserving small family businesses and the Boundary Waters community, thank you for standing with us.
We are incredibly grateful.
Thank you for supporting our family business during the 2026 BWCA wildfire closures. This is not a tax-deductible donation but a voluntary contribution to help us maintain operations during this unprecedented season.
When the Forest Service needed boats to support wildfire suppression efforts, Packsack was proud to provide five boats for use by the firefighters protecting the Boundary Waters.
