Boundary Waters Itinerary

• July 14: Arrive at Camp. Welcome! This day will be full of nerves and excitement: you will arrive on opening day along with the rest of camp, take part in similar communal activities as a Hante group, and wrap up your formation getting to know one another and your trip in the comfort of the Sun Lodge, the original accommodations of Hante Adventures.
• July 15: Travel to and explore Land Between the Lakes. The group will hop in vans and drive westward over the mountains, through Knoxville and Nashville TN, and arrive at the Kentucky border where the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers sandwich the Land Between the Lakes. You will set up your first camp here and get to practice paddling as a group for the first time on the beautiful lakes that the confluence of these two rivers form.
• July 16: Travel to and explore St Louis, the Gateway Arch, and Hermann MO. Your first encounter with the Mighty Mississippi! You will spend some time in St Louis and go up the Gateway Arch (known as the “The Gateway to the West”) to a spectacular view of the surrounding area. You will then continue further west into Missouri, cross the Missouri River, and stay the night at Assistant Camp Director Ed Haubenreiser’s family farm in Hermann.
• July 17: Follow the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers north to the Upper River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Back in the van you go as you meet up with the Missouri and Mississippi rivers once again! You’ll drive through Iowa and parts of Illinois and Wisconsin to arrive at your camp along the borders of these three states, with potential opportunities to continue practicing your paddling.
• July 18-20: Travel to and explore the Lake Superior coast, surrounding towns, and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. You will finally arrive in northern Minnesota and have two full days to explore the cliffs, forests, coast, surrounding towns, and learn about the area’s rich history. Parts of these days will also be spent preparing for your 10 day paddling experience.
• July 21-30: Paddle through the Boundary Waters. The journey begins! You will set off into a vast region of lakes and waterways, infrequently separated by land and thus requiring the group to both paddle and portage boats and gear in order to continue moving. It will be a challenging but truly rewarding experience as you venture through unique, pristine landscapes that inhabit a diversity of plant and animal species.
• July 31: Climb the cliffs overlooking Lake Superior. Following your multi-day jaunt across majestic bodies of water, you’ll change pace and have the opportunity to try a new outdoor discipline, with local guides, in this special region you have gradually become accustomed to.
• August 1: Travel to and explore the Lake Michigan coast, before preparing for tomorrow’s departure. This last day will be spent traveling to your final night of the trip: camping on the coast of Lake Michigan. You will have time to pack, organize, and debrief the experience, sharing memories of time together and reflecting on lessons learned over the course of the trip.
• August 2: Departure out of Chicago O’Hare International Airport! Participants return home and spread their newfound knowledge to the greater world.