Boulder Lake

Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center (BLELC), part of the University of Minnesota Duluth, is an outdoor education and recreation destination in Minnesota’s North Woods. Its 18,000-acre outdoor classroom and Boulder Lake Management Area provide a setting to explore natural resources, forest management, and hydroelectric power generation. The center’s mission is to build understanding and appreciation of natural resource management and the social, biological, and economic benefits of a working forest.

BLELC offers educational programs for school groups, adult learners, and professional development, along with summer camps for K–12 students and the Minnesota Master Naturalist program. Visitors can arrange customized activities with center staff, including guided natural history hikes, canoe paddles, and programs about renewable energy and hydropower. The area is open year-round and features trails, camping, paddling, and opportunities for hunting and fishing. The center also supports research and citizen science, hosts public events, and offers facility and gear rentals. Donations help reduce participation barriers, cover program and transportation costs, and provide support and equipment for students and young professionals.