About Us - History & Tradition

River Point Outfitting Co. in Ely, MN

Continuing the River Point Tradition...
"Making Wilderness Paddling Memories Since 1944"

2012:  Steve and Jane's 36th Year

River Point Outfitting Co. in Ely, Minnesota is family-owned and operated, and the site of River Point is steeped in family history and tradition. It has been in the same Minnesota family...the Koschak family...for 68 years, and before that the Laurel Indians (dated 500 B.C.) called this tranquil northern wilderness near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area BWCA their home.

We welcome you to come and share in the River Point tradition as we enter our 35th year of helping people enjoy the great outdoors surrounding River Point and the incredible Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

Brief History of River Point Outfitting Co. & Resort

Jane and Steve Koschak were born and raised in Ely and grew up in the tourism business.

Fishing, hunting, backpacking, and canoeing are second nature to Steve, since he was raised at the site of River Point Resort and Outfitting. His parents, Fran and Frank Koschak,  began the resort operation in 1944. Their vision was to create a special place for families and friends to return year after year to enjoy the natural surroundings and beauty of Minnesota's North Woods.

During the early years, the focus of a resort was totally on fishing, so it was natural for Steve to help his father guide guests to the favorite fishing holes.

Soon Steve knew the northern half of Birch Lake and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area -- including the North and South Kawishiwi River (entry point #32), Bald Eagle, and Gabbro Lakes, Snake River, Island River, and Isabella Lake -- like the back of his hand.

After many more years of guiding and adventures on dozens and dozens of canoe trips, Steve has a wealth of information to share on the Boundary Waters routes and border lakes of Minnesota and Canada's Quetico Park, including the entry points of Mudro, Moose River Portage North, Little Indian Sioux, Fall Lake and others.

 

Jane's parents owned a motel in Ely where she grew up learning all facets of the business and how to provide guests with comfort and service during their vacation. Her love of nature began at an early age when she took frequent wilderness canoeing trips, enjoyed hiking, swimming in the area lakes, and the quiet and stillness of the beauty around her.

Both are master teachers - Jane as an Elementary/Middle School Educator and Reading Specialist/Consultant, and Steve as a High School Industrial Tech Educator. They also became one of only a few second generation owners of a resort and canoe outfitting business in the Ely area when they purchased the property from Steve's parents in 1976.

In the late spring, summer, and early fall they lived at the resort and canoe outfitting property on Birch Lake while managing and maintaining it. A very busy life...especially so because they did all the new construction, remodeling, and updating of all the buildings and took care of the maintenance of the mile of wilderness property themselves, with the help of their two young sons, Kevin and James--lovingly calling their many, many years of family effort and hard work: "sweat-equity". In 2002, they sold their "winter" home in Plymouth, MN and moved back "home" to River Point to live year-round.

As second generation owners of River Point, they increased the offerings at both the resort and canoe outfitting base and continued to provide their guests with the opportunity to enjoy Boundary Waters canoe trips by being completely outfitted with all equipment, canoes, and fine food for either guided or unguided overnight canoeing adventures. Happy and satisfied guests that often become friends is the number one goal of Jane, Steve, and son, James.

No longer in the traditional school classroom, Jane and Steve continue to share their knowledge in the natural wilderness classroom at River Point. Through the efficient help of their son, James, who grew up in the business and earned a Construction Management degree, the operation of River Point continues to grow and expand to meet the needs of today's canoeists.

With a combined background of over 90 years of educational knowledge and experience in resorting, outfitting, and "Making Wilderness Paddling Memories," Steve, Jane, and James and their competent, friendly staff offer a service that continues the River Point tradition begun so many years ago.

Check out Why River Point Outfitters? to find our why your best choice of Boundary Waters Canoe Outfitters is River Point Outfitting Co.

Your Northwoods Paddling Specialists!
-Jane, Steve, & James Koschak

...Paddle the Quiet Side^®...
with River Point Outfitting Co.
in Ely, Minnesota

If you would like more information, or you are ready to make a reservation, please use our on-line form, send us an e-mail or call 1.800.456.5580

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