ABOUT US: River Point Outfitting Co. in Ely, MN

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

2009:  The Koschak's 33rd 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 Koschak family for 65 years, and before that the Laurel Indians (dated 500 B.C.) called it their home.

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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 began the resort operation in the early 1940's. At that time, 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 he 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 experiences on 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 with her family, and continues today.

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/canoe outfitting business in the Ely area when it was purchased from Steve's parents in 1976.

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, and an excellent staff, the operation of River Point continues to grow and expand to meet the needs of today's canoeists.

With a combined background of 70 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