Cross-Country Skiing and

Snowshoeing at Golden Eagle Lodge

468 Clearwater Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604

Golden Eagle Lodge (800/346-2203, www.golden-eagle.com) in Grand Marais, MN is a family owned year-round resort located on Flour Lake. It has 70 km groomed trails for classic skiing and 60 percent of the trails are groomed for skating. The Baumann family of the Golden Eagle Lodge, who are the only residents on the lake, welcome skiers to enjoy the tranquility and solitude of the surrounding ancient forests. Golden Eagle is nestled in the Superior National Forest and has an average of 120 inches of snow annually. This is the region's only silent-sports-oriented resort situated on lakefront property.

XC ski equipment, both classic and high performance for children to adults, and snowshoe rentals are available. Ice skates are free to use for cabin guests on the skating rink. There is also a heated waxing room with the necessary accessories.

The Ridge Rim Trail, which is on the south shore of Flour Lake is set above scenic cliffs and bluffs. The Big Foot Trail is dedicated to snowshoers. The new Ridge Run Trail in the Central Gunflint Trail System is operated by Golden Eagle and Bearskin Lodges and it follows southern ridges and features many vistas overlooking Flour Lake while it goes through birch, aspen, cedar and at higher altitudes virgin white and red pines.

There are 1.5 km of lighted trails, which are lit iwith kerosine lanterns two nights per week. The 10 modern housekeeping lakefront cabins (2 or 3 bedrooms) have fireplaces and some are deluxe with private whirlpools. Additionally there is a suite lodge for guests with a fireplace, private sauna and offers a comfortable homey spot for coffee, hot coco, reading or playing board games. To accommodate people with certain allergies, the cabin woodstoves have been replaced with smoke-free LP gas fireplaces and designated as pet-free.

Ski right from the cabins' doorsteps in a natural area that was once traveled only by fur trappers.The Aurora Borealis occassionally is seen for dazzling late night light show. CCSAA memberThere's a large scale map att www.minnesotaxcskiing.com and more info about the Gunflint region and for a live Web Cam connection to Golden Eagle Lodge click www.golden-eagle.com/WebCam/A Minnesota Ski Pass is required to ski on state property and in many other locations. It cost $3 for a daily pass, $10 for a season pass or $25 for a 3-season pass. There are 1,750 locations to acquire the pass in person or it can be done electronically, by phone or by mail. More info on the Web at www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/skipass/index or call 888-646-6367.