Packsack Canoe Trips & Log Cabins is an outfitting service for Minnesota Boundary Waters campers, as well as a resort with log cabins offering fishing and convenient accommodations just outside of beautiful Ely, Minnesota. We are the Ott family, originally from Northeast Iowa.

Gene and Jane Ott bought the property in 2000 and have a unique story about signing the papers during the very same time period that the July 4th “Blowdown” storm hit the western Minnesota Boundary Waters in 1999. In Iowa, Gene and Jane owned a meat locker; however, both Gene and Jane were very avid scout leaders. They raised two sons and two daughters, imparting the same level of enthusiasm for camping and wilderness to each of their kids. Both Gene and Jane love camping, fishing, hunting, sharing stories and being near to one of the most pristine wildernesses left in the contiguous United States.

Since buying the business (in the Minnesota Boundary Waters), Gene and Jane have been the instigators of lifetime memories for thousands of cabin guests and BWCA campers. Their experiences and stories are truly worthy of a few books.

In 2017, their son Nick and his wife Danielle, have moved to Ely and have begun the transition of ownership from his parents. Both Gene and Jane intend to stay on helping the transition for the next several years, especially Gene – who has no interest in slowing down. But, Jane is quite looking forward to spending more free time with her grandchildren as the transition becomes more comfortable for Nick and Danielle.

Nick and Danielle are elated to have the privilege to serve both new and several years of loyal guests. We both welcome new ideas, input/suggestions and ways we can better serve the community of those that choose to access this remarkable region in the Minnesota Boundary Waters.