Anyone out there have any suggestions for a good trip towards the end of the summer, either in the ely area or the grand marais area that I could keep my children interested and want to come back again. I have been going to the bwca several times over the years but, all of the trips me and the old man took were to the PMA areas. I don't think the kids would enjoy that too much. I have a 15 yr old daughter, a 10 year old son, and a 4 yr old daughter. I would love for this to be an awesome experience for all. This will also be my wife's very first trip.
Also, any suggestions on a good outfitter that doesn't cost a fortune? Me and my entire family are fishing freaks also, good fishing would be a bonus.
thanks all.

Think about entry number 50. Cross Bay Lake on the Gunflint Trail side. We did that trip two weeks after the big wind storm in 1999. My son was only five. Small lakes and only a few portages to Long Island. We used Seagull Outfitters. They do a great job. Day trip to the Frost Lake. Great trip for first timers and only 3 permits a day.

Sawbill Trail- Hog creek entry, Sawbill Lake entry or Baker Lake entry
Gunflint- Larch Creek entry
Ely- Slim lake or Lake 1 entry

I trip with my son and have done all of these trips. The Sawbill entries are well supported by Sawbill Outfitters. All are easy, short and few portages.

not sure what is the end of summer but going when the blueberries are ripe is a great time with kids,but the time period is around the last week of July to the first week of Aug,give or take alittle depending on the season.We've spent days picking berries when the fish weren't bitin.
Sawbill is a good beginners entry point,Alton lake has a couple of campsites with sand beachs,Kelso is full of northerns that are eager to bite ant time of day plus the campground at the entry point has showers.

I always like Big Sag, lots of islands to camp on so you can move camp but not have to portage. On the North East end you can go to the Granite River and look at the water falls and rapids.

Couple of pointers..

July and August will offer warmer water and fewer bugs. (Almost none to speak of).

When my kids were young, we'd base camp and do day trips. I let them explore on their own (within reason) and take time to point out wildlife, let them catch fish - which greatly reduces your fishing time and make them LOOK carefully at the world around them. I like to take a 12" x 12" piece of shoreline and have them count how many different creatures there are to see. The count often goes up to 30-40, which is great training for future flyfishermen and memorable for everyone involved.

Sag is a good suggestion - and Canada (another country!) is just across the water.

Ill be in Isabella this June. It might be a great lake for your family. Good fishing, easy access, and a combo of lake and river scenery to paddle and fish.

I also recommend the Hog Creek entry point to families and newbies. The paddle on the creek is very nice. Only one short portage. Lots of Moose in the area, and very good fishing on Perent Lake.