Boundary Waters, MN

Rustic Retreat

Canoer's Paradise, copyright
Superior National Forest

International Wolf Center,
copyright Superior National
Forest

Tucked away in Minnesota's Superior National Forest, this whopping wetland is a paddler's paradise, featuring more than 1,000 miles of canoe routes along the Canadian border. What's more, no experience is necessary. The calm waters and easy terrain are ideal for tenderfoot travelers.

But be forewarned: It's mighty rustic. You'll have to haul your supplies by boat -- just like Chippewa and French voyagers did hundreds of years ago -- and catch dinner with a fishing pole. Oh, and don't forget to pack a selection of good ghost stories for the campfire. The only alarm clock you'll hear the next morning will be the slap of a beaver's tail on the lake.