Heart of the Continent

Heart of the Continent NE Minnesota and NW Ontario offer epic outdoor adventures and authentic cultural experiences

The name Heart of the Continent points to the geographical and geological significance of this unique region. The core of this natural area, on the Ontario/Minnesota border, includes Quetico, Sleeping Giant, Kakabeka Falls Provincial Parks, Superior National Forest, Voyageurs National Park, and NE Minnesota State Parks. These places are:

• geographically located near the center of the North Ameri

can continent.
• geologically a part of the Canadian Shield, a stable core of North America around which the rest of the continent has grown through geological processes.

  Lightning over Duluth last night
06/29/2025


Lightning over Duluth last night

  😎 Let summer begin! ❤️ Did you know you can still enjoy views just like this with us? 😃 Beach site, non beach sites or...
06/28/2025


😎 Let summer begin!

❤️ Did you know you can still enjoy views just like this with us?

😃 Beach site, non beach sites or cabins, we have it all!!

😍 Remember, even if you have a non beach site or have rented a cabin, we have a portion of beach set aside for you and your family to enjoy!

  Northern Lights over Boulder Lake Reservoir near Duluth. One of my first successful trips to catch the Northern Lights...
06/27/2025


Northern Lights over Boulder Lake Reservoir near Duluth. One of my first successful trips to catch the Northern Lights, because frankly, I had the worst luck prior to this night a little over 4 years ago. Speaking of , I’m super excited to be participating in the this weekend, located on the beautiful Park Point Recreation Area. Come see me in Booth 114! Sat and Sunday 10-5pm, June 28-29.

Happy National Canoe Day  "Canoe" believe that canoeing is not only good for our physical health, but for our mental hea...
06/26/2025

Happy National Canoe Day


"Canoe" believe that canoeing is not only good for our physical health, but for our mental health as well!? 🛶
Being out on the water has a calming effect on the brain and can help lower stress levels.
Regular paddling can help lower levels of depression and anxiety.
And every stroke builds strength, skill, and self-belief. Overcoming challenges builds confidence, whether you are a beginner tuning up your j-stroke, or a paddling pro on a backcountry dream trip.
Ontario Parks features endless paddling opportunities. Explore a marsh, meander down a river, or plan a whitewater adventure! 💙💚

  Had a very colourful week with a crew of fun park staff last week, but i liked the look of a B&W pics for this post.We...
06/24/2025


Had a very colourful week with a crew of fun park staff last week, but i liked the look of a B&W pics for this post.

We had a fun, productive week clearing portages in the Cutty Creek area and my nemesis, Yeh Portage in Quetico Provincial Park.

Listen to Big Thief's latest tune!








  Today is National Indigenous Peoples’ Day!The characteristic landform feature commonly known as the Sleeping Giant app...
06/22/2025


Today is National Indigenous Peoples’ Day!

The characteristic landform feature commonly known as the Sleeping Giant appears like a person laying on their back when viewed across the park’s Marie Louise Lake or Gichigami (Lake Superior) from Thunder Bay, and is associated with Nanabosho, an important cultural figure for many Indigenous communities.

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is in Robinson Superior Treaty area, and the traditional homeland of the Anishinaabe people, including our nearest neighbour, Fort William First Nation. The park is also in the area of the Northern Lake Superior Historic Métis Community.

We invite you to take the time to join us in acknowledging and showing your respect for the long and vibrant history of Indigenous peoples who have been living here, since long before Sleeping Giant Provincial Park was established, as the original and continuing stewards of this land.

[Image: The Sleeping Giant viewed across Marie Louise Lake.]

06/20/2025


It is summer! I wish you all the very best on this summer solstice.

  The night sky in Quetico rarely disappoints!
06/19/2025


The night sky in Quetico rarely disappoints!







06/11/2025
06/11/2025
06/10/2025

After more than three decades of service, Superintendent Bob DeGross retired from Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota.

Address

214 Main Street West
Atikokan, ON
P0T1C0

Telephone

+18075981074

Website

http://www.traveltheheart.org/

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The name Heart of the Continent points to the geographical and geological significance of this unique region. The core of this natural area, on the Ontario/Minnesota border, includes Quetico Provincial Park, Superior National Forest and Voyageurs National Park along with many other State and Provincial Parks. These places are: • geographically located near the center of the North American continent. • geologically a part of the Canadian Shield, a stable core of North America around which the rest of the continent has grown through geological processes. Home of a labyrinth of interconnected freshwater lakes, one of the world’s largest managed green-spaces and shorelines the world’s largest of lakes.

National Geographic in Partnership with local organizations have developed over 20 geotourism mapguides around the world to highlight the places and attractions most recommended by locals. Included in this list is Greater Yellowstone, Crown of the Continent, Sierra Nevada Geotourism, Islands of Bahamas, Four Corners Geotourism and Heart of the Continent https://www.traveltheheart.org/