Ely-area businesses navigating impact of Minnesota wildfires, BWCA closure

July 28, 2026 - 02:36

From outfitters to lakeside resorts and downtown shops in Ely, business owners say the financial hit from the wildfires burning across northern Minnesota is becoming severe. The closure of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a major summer draw for tourists, has left many local operators scrambling to adjust.

"We rely on June, July, and August to carry us through the year," said one outfitter who asked not to be named. "When the BWCA shuts down, it's not just a slow week. It's a gut punch."

The wildfires, fueled by dry conditions and wind, have forced evacuations and prompted the U.S. Forest Service to close large swaths of the popular wilderness area. While safety is the priority, the economic ripple effect is immediate. Lodges report cancellations piling up. Canoe rental companies are seeing gear sit idle. Even restaurants and gas stations in Ely are feeling the pinch as visitor numbers drop sharply.

Some businesses are trying to pivot, offering guided trips on nearby lakes outside the closure zone or promoting local hiking trails. But many say it is not enough to replace the lost revenue from BWCA-bound customers. "We are doing what we can, but you cannot just invent a new season overnight," another shop owner said.

Local tourism officials are urging visitors to still come to the region, noting that many attractions and businesses remain open. But with smoke drifting across the landscape and uncertainty about when the fires will be contained, the outlook remains grim for those whose livelihoods depend on the summer rush. For now, Ely-area business owners are watching the fire lines and the weather, hoping for rain and a chance to salvage what is left of the season.