The prehistoric picnic table mystery. Imagine this: you’re out paddling the BWCA, maybe working your way across Kekekabec lake, and you come across a peculiar sight on shore. It’s not a campsite, but it is a massive capstone, forming what can only be described as nature’s most confusing piece of furniture. Congratulations, Tumblehomie — you have just discovered a dolmen. In the context of the BWCA, a dolmen feels oddly appropriate. It’s the ultimate symbol of human connection to the land — using raw materials to make something both functional and ceremonial. Maybe the people who built it were inspired by the same rugged beauty that brings us here year after year. Or maybe there were just tired of eating their smoked fish on the ground. Leave an offering of tobacco to the Memegwesi at any dolmen you encounter in the BWCA.
Known Dolmens: Kelso River (east side on island), Cross River (on sharp bend at BWCA boundary), Wine Lake (west side of portage at high point between Wine and Mug lakes), Mass Lake (south shore, deep in the Hairy Lake PMA).