Updated: 7/16/2026

There are currently active wildfires in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Canada. The closest fire impacting the area is near the end of the Gunflint Trail and the businesses and homes around Sea Gull and Saganga Lakes are currently at SET status. However, the majority of the region remains open. The current impact to the area is air quality, which changes rapidly. The air quality forecasts are expected to improve after Friday. 

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May in Cook County: Shift Into Spring

After a long, snowy season in Cook County, winter is officially in the rearview. As the North Shore trails clear and the Sawtooth maple forests begin to pop with new green, Cook County is waking up in a big way. From single-track mountain bike sessions to the first wildflower hikes of the season…

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How to Plan a Trip Around the Night Sky

If you've ever looked up on a clear, moonless night far from city lights, you know the awe-inspiring power of a star-filled sky. For those who find wonder in the twinkle of distant stars and the shimmer of the Milky Way, planning a trip specifically around stargazing can be an extraordinary…

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Wilderness Adventures for Young Explorers

Imagine a world where your kids are free to roam, explore and discover without the distractions of screens or the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Nature in Cook County offers just that—wild spaces where curious kids can investigate their surroundings and thrive. From the rustling leaves of a…

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