Heart of the Continent Travel Planning Mapguide

Discover an inland sea

Explore endless shorelines and countless lakes

Plan your next adventure in the Heart of the Continent

Take the time to reconnect

Hollow Rock outcropping along the shore of Lake Superior near Grand Portage, Minnesota – John-Stocker | Dreamstime.com

Canoe on Kekekabic Lake in the Boundary Waters. – Steven-Prorak / Dreamstime.com

Family paddling in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness – Ian Kimmer

Eric Johnson

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!