America’s Best Kept Secret Is Hiding Right Here In Minnesota And It’s Calling Your Name

With 49 other states to compete with, it's sometimes difficult for Minnesota to stand out. Given its Midwest location, mild-mannered people, and modest claims to fame, Minnesota is mostly known for its harsh winters and love of tater tot hotdish. But if you look a little deeper, you'll find out that Minnesota is actually home to at least one of America's best kept secrets. Once you learn about it, you won't be able to resist its call. Take a look:

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness - or just Boundary Waters, as it's known around here - is a vast expanse of northern Minnesota.

It was designated as a wilderness area back in 1964, and it has given generations of Minnesotans and out-of-towners alike lifelong memories.

The Boundary Waters take up just under 1.1 million acres in the northern reaches of Superior National Forest.

While the area does get around 200,000 annual visitors according to the Friends of the BWCAW, we feel this is far fewer than it deserves.

For one thing, the Boundary Waters is home to more than 1,000 lakes. That is a huge number of lakes concentrated into one relatively small area.

Each of these lakes is beautifully pristine thanks to one important rule: no motorized vehicles are allowed in the waters.

So how do you get around? Via the 1,500 miles of canoe routes that crisscross the lakes in the area.

There are also plenty of beautiful camping sites nestled along lakesides and surrounded by thick northern forests.

One of the most famous sites within the Boundary Waters are Eagle Mountain, Minnesota's tallest point.

Visitors also love the Gunflint Trail, where many go to spot moose and other wildlife.

If you're looking for more civilization, try visiting the small town of Ely. There are plenty of outfitters there who will help you find what you need to complete your trek safely.

If you have a chance to visit the Boundary Waters, jump on it! This vast expanse of northern Minnesota is one of the beautiful places in the country - and one of America's best kept secrets.

Have you ever been to the Boundary Waters? What was your trip like? Let us know in the comments below!