OK, this park is a lot further drive than the previous mentioned, but we loved it so much I felt I needed to bring it to attention. Bear Head Lake State Park is a great park to spend a few days exploring. It is a great way to get a taste of BWCA without taking the plunge so to speak. Not much of a camper though? This park is in Ely so there are hotel accommodations nearby as well. Park highlights are canoeing, fishing, hiking, swimming and wildlife. Close to the park are the Ely International Wolf Center, Echo Trail Scenic Drive, Kawishiwi Falls, North American Bear Center and the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary. Some of the wildlife we experienced withun the park were a black bear and her cubs, snapping turtles, a pair of loons with their chick, deer and a moose with her calves. There is so much to see and do you will never get bored. We will definitely be visiting again in the near future!