Effective at midnight this morning, the federal government began a partial shutdown. What does this mean for your travel plans to Cook County or the BWCA? The short answer is: not much. The Forest Service offices are closed but effective October 1, all permits for the BWCAW are self-issued anyway. Most entry points have a kiosk with permits that you fill out. To be on the safe side, do not hesitate to stop into Stone Harbor or one of the outfitters and pick one up.

This is a federal, not a state shutdown, so all of the state campgrounds and state parks are still open. The concessionaires are private and collect fees as usual, and most of the Superior National Forest campgrounds are still staffed.

So come visit us in Cook County. This coming weekend should be one of the best of the year!