Family paddling in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness – Ian Kimmer
Autumn birch trees – Susan Dykstra
Hollow Rock outcropping along the shore of Lake Superior near Grand Portage, Minnesota – John-Stocker | Dreamstime.com
Kayakers paddling in Little Trout Bay Conservation Area, Neebing, Ontario. – Kevin Green
Find your winter wonderland
Milky Way in The Heart of the Continent – Travis Novitsky
Featured places
Welcome to the Heart of the Continent!
Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Ontario offer epic outdoor adventures and authentic cultural experiences in a region steeped in natural beauty and rich history. Through the Heart of the Continent Geotourism Program, National Geographic has partnered with local organizations, businesses, and individuals to map and showcase the most authentic places to go and things to see and do here. This website provides you a comprehensive local guide to the best of the region, documented by the people who call this place home.
So, if you are planning a trip here, or just want to know more about this fascinating region, take some time to explore the Interactive Guide, save places as Trip Ideas, and combine them into Trip Plans. If you live here and think we're missing a unique and authentic place, be sure to Sign Up and nominate it!
Nominate a Place to the MapGuide
Help tell the story of what is special about this place. Nominations open now!
Start nominating here!
Spotlight
What makes this region special?
