The International Wolf Center in Ely offers the opportunity for seeing captive wolves and learning about the ecology and lore associated with timber wolves. Prominent wildlife species of this region are eagerly sought by wildlife enthusiasts because many are associated with boreal forests and can only be seen in a few places in the United States. Gray jays, boreal chickadees, common mergansers, common goldeneyes, bald eagles, common loons, ruffed grouse, moose, fisher, pine martens, river otters, black bears and timber wolves all inhabit this region. Minnesota has the largest population of common loons, moose and timber wolves in the lower 48 states. Good all weather roads serve the entire region.
Many roads are gravel but are well maintained.
Forest trails and logging roads are poorly maintained and should be checked out on foot first. Logging trucks are common on rural roads. Visitors should be careful when encountering these vehicles. Limit your speed t a moderate level and keep to the right as you encounter logging trucks. Watch out for oncoming traffic on blind curves in the woods.