Piragis Northwoods Company

Piragis Northwoods Company. It is a prominent outdoor recreation retailer and outfitter based in Ely, Minnesota, a gateway community to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Founded in 1979 by Steve Piragis, the company has grown from a small shop into a comprehensive source for wilderness canoeing and camping gear, known for its expertise in lightweight equipment and commitment to preserving the Northwoods region. It operates a flagship retail store, a publishing arm, and an extensive outfitting service for adventures into the Quetico-Superior ecosystem.

History

The company was established in 1979 by Steve Piragis, a former wilderness ranger for the United States Forest Service in the Superior National Forest. Initially focused on repairing and selling used canoes, the business quickly expanded due to growing interest in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the adjacent Quetico Provincial Park. In the 1980s, under the guidance of Steve and his wife Nancy Piragis, the company pioneered mail-order sales of specialized, lightweight gear from manufacturers like Eureka! Tent and MSR (company), catering to the needs of serious wilderness travelers. A significant milestone was the acquisition of the publishing rights to Robert Beymer's classic guidebooks on the Boundary Waters and Quetico, solidifying its role as an information hub. The business weathered economic shifts and a major fire in 2007, consistently advocating for the protection of the Boundary Waters from threats like proposed sulfide-ore copper mining near the Kawishiwi River.

Products and services

Piragis Northwoods Company is a full-service outfitter and retailer, specializing in gear for wilderness canoeing and backpacking. Its core offerings include the sale and outfitting of canoes from premier manufacturers like Wenonah Canoe and Souris River Canoes, alongside a complete range of tents, packs, and cooking systems from brands such as Granite Gear, Big Agnes, and Jetboil. The company provides complete outfitting packages for trips into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Quetico Provincial Park, including food packs, equipment, and shuttle services. Its publishing division, Piragis Northwoods Publishing, produces and distributes authoritative maps and guidebooks, including updates to Robert Beymer's works and titles by authors like Cliff Jacobson. The extensive online and mail-order catalog has been a hallmark of its service since the 1980s.

Community involvement

The company is deeply engaged in the environmental and economic life of Ely, Minnesota and the surrounding region. Steve and Nancy Piragis have been long-time supporters of conservation organizations, including the Boundary Waters Action Fund, the Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, and the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters. The business actively promotes sustainable tourism and educates customers on Leave No Trace principles to minimize impact on the Quetico-Superior ecosystem. It participates in and sponsors local events such as the Ely Winter Festival and the Blueberry/Art Festival, contributing to the cultural vitality of the Iron Range. The store also serves as a community gathering place and information center for visitors and residents alike.

Awards and recognition

Piragis Northwoods Company has received numerous accolades for its business excellence and environmental stewardship. It has been consistently recognized as a "Top 100 Best Places to Work" by Outside Magazine. The company earned the "Minnesota Governor's International Trade Award" for its successful export and mail-order operations. Steve Piragis has been honored with the "Sigurd F. Olson Nature Writing Award" for his contributions to environmental literature. The business's advocacy work has been acknowledged by groups like the Boundary Waters Action Fund and the Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness.

Store and locations

The primary retail location is a 16,000-square-foot flagship store in downtown Ely, Minnesota, which houses a vast showroom of canoes, camping gear, and outdoor apparel. This building also contains the company's offices, warehouse, and order fulfillment center for its national mail-order business. While its physical operations are centered in Ely, the company's reach is international through its catalog and online sales, shipping gear worldwide. The store's location places it at the heart of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness outfitting industry, alongside other notable outfitters like Canadian Border Outfitters and Williams & Hall Wilderness Guides.

Category:Retail companies of the United States Category:Outdoor recreation companies of the United States Category:Companies based in Minnesota Category:Ely, Minnesota