Boy River

The Boy River canoe tour follows the lower part of the Boy River drainage which starts at Ten Mile Lake south of Walker and flows southeast and then north through Woman Lake. Here I Enters the Chippewa National Forest. From this point, the river flows through Boy Lake and on to Boy Bay of Leech Lake, which turns and flows into the Mississippi River through the Leech Lake River.

The portion of the river included in this tour is well suited for canoe travel. The views on the river are broad and expansive, especially through the lakes. The water depth is fairly constant throughout the year and the rate of travel depends upon the individual. The best time of year to travel is mid-May to July, avoiding spring’s cold water temperatures and fall’s thick, tall wild rice that can inhibit visibility. There are no portages and the route can be traveled in one day. There is one stretch of faster flowing water called riffles (less than Class I rapids). As you travel north, the river bed widens into sedge meadow and into large beds of wild rice.

We do not recommend travel beyond the terminus shown downstream from the town of Boy River except for exploratory trips terminating short of Leech Lake. The river spreads into wide swamps with no high land accessible. The condition continues well into Leech Lake where no landing is available until Sugar or Blackduck Point. Leech Lake can become extremely rough in a short time. Use caution when journeying into these large waters

As you travel the river and lakes of the Boy River Canoe Tour, take time to notice the changes in the Forest. You will be paddling by three very different forest types, including lowland conifer, upland hardwood and sedge meadow. Though the route is mainly a slow, meandering river, it does have many lake-like characteristics. The prime time to travel is mid-May to July. Access points are marked on the map, along with the three stopover areas where you may want to take a break or set up camp.

Long before the first European trapper or explorer ventured along the drainage leading to the Mississippi River, prehistoric and historic tribes were living along the shores. He rivers and lakes provided a major food source as well as a convenient route of travel. Dakota and Anishinabeg flourished here. During the first half of the 18th century, the Anishinabeg people of northern Minnesota named these waters “Equademog,” which meant “edge of the slope.” With the passage of time, the name of the area changed to Inguadona.

• State of Minnesota (DNR) public access on Inguadona Lake. This is the first access point on the route.
• Campsite located on the east side of the river, this has a wilderness latrine and fire grate available for campers. The river can be accessed here. However it is easier to put in on Highway 200.
• State of Minnesota public access on Highway 200. Parking spots are available on each side of the river.
• National Forest public canoe access. Parking is limited, park on north side of County Road 53, where it is drier.
• Campsite located on east side of river, this has a wilderness latrine and fire grate available for campers.
• National Forest public access on the south side of the river, this has a wilderness latrine and fire grate available for campers. This is the last place to exit the river before entering Leech Lake