USA TODAY -- February, 1993

FIVE HOT PLACES TO BE IN '93
Call of the wild in northern Minnesota
Nancy Dunnan, managing editor of Travel Smart newsletter in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., says budget travelers -- particularly those with families -- should head to northern Minnesota.

Much of what the area has to offer is free for the taking, Natural beauty.

The area boasts the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, called by many the finest canoeing sopt in the USA.

Ely (pop. 4,000) is the jumping-off place to gear up for canoe trips. At Canoe Country Outfitters, you can rent a canoe, or get the complete package (canoe, food, sleeping bags). Unguided and guided trips are available. Free travel permits are required for each party going into the wilderness area from May to September. For permits call 218-720-5440.

Where to stay? On nearby Birch Lake, the Timber Bay Lodge and Houseboats offers 12 houseboats that are perfect for big families. Each can sleep up to 10.

Another choice: Ludlow's Island Lodge outside of Cook, says travel writer Dunnan. "We've heard from a lot of our readers that this place worked very well for them."