As outdoor tourism increases in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, there are fewer and fewer places that aren’t awash in people looking for that perfect Instagram post. But I came across a spot a few years ago that was an incredibly pleasant surprise, and I think it’s a place that not too many folks know about. The Mickey Elverum Bog Walk in Orr is a hidden gem destination in Minnesota that you should really consider putting on your must-visit list.

Orr is a small town of about 200 on Pelican Lake in northern Minnesota.
City of Orr
It’s 25 miles or so from the Canadian border (more like 50 miles by car).
It’s a gateway town for both Voyageurs National Park and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Brian Young/Google Reviews
The bulk of the town’s businesses are geared toward tourism and outdoor pursuits. The town also has several of its own really nice parks and natural areas.
My personal favorite is the Mickey Elverum Bog Walk.
Roamin’ Rich/Google Reviews
The trail is an easy, half-mile boardwalk loop that traverses a bog along the south end of Pelican Lake.
Merripen57/TripAdvisor

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The boardwalk, itself, was completely replaced in 2022, so it’s in excellent condition and a pleasure to walk along.
Joceline Lopez/Google Reviews
Interpretive signs along the trail describe the habitat that you’re traversing and the types of species you may encounter along the way.
Shaya Panda/Google Reviews
Like these marsh marigolds.
Or this blue flag iris.
Jesse James White/Google Reviews
You can also find other bog specialist plants, like Labrador tea and pitcher plants, along the bog walk.
A section of the boardwalk snakes through the cattails along the lakeshore.
Kris Pillar/Google Reviews
There you may see all sorts of bird species, otters, and if you’re lucky, an occasional moose. I saw a ruby-throated hummingbird working the flowers along this part of the boardwalk on my last visit.
Trent Jonas

Although Orr is a gateway to Voyageurs National Park, I think it’s a worthy destination in its own right: There aren’t too many places where you can walk through a bog and then watch wild black bears gather for a meal. If you’re visiting the area in the summer, though, be sure to bring plenty of insect repellant – they do get thick up here.

Were you aware of the Mickey Elverum Bog Walk in Orr? Have you walked it? Let us know in the comments!

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Mickey Elverum Bog Walk, 4429 US-53, Orr, MN 55771, USA