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Cross-Country Skiing and
Snowshoeing in the
Gunflint Trail, Minnesota Region
The
Gunflint Trail (800-338-6932, www.gunflint-trail.com)
is a region in northeastern Minnesota near Grand Marais, MN that offers
more than 200 km of groomed trails in northern Minnesota's Laurentian
Highlands adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Besides
xc skiing and snowshoeing, there's ice fishing, sleigh rides, dog sledding
and much more. Enjoy moose yards, overlook ridges, old trapper trails
and railroad beds. The xc ski centers in the Gunflint area include Bearskin
Lodge, Golden Eagle Lodge, Gunflint Pines
Resort, Gunflint Lodge, Pincushion B & B, and the Boundary Country Adventures. Click here for the Gunflint
Trail Snow Report. It all adds up to one of the best regions that
xc skiers must have on their list of destinations they need to visit.
Golden
Eagle Lodge (800/346-2203, www.golden-eagle.com)
has 70 km groomed trails for classic and 60 percent are groomed for
skating. Snowshoeing and ice skating. 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. Golden Eagle
is nestled in the Superior National Forest and has an average of 120
inches of snow annually. There are 2 km of lighted cross country ski
trails, ice skating rink and a heated wax room. Lakefront cabins with
fireplaces and some deluxe with private whirlpools. For a full page
of info about Golden Eagle Lodge click
here. CCSAA member
Pincushion Bed & Breakfast (218/387-2969, www.pincushionbb.com) is only 3 miles from Grand Marais, MN on the Gunflint Trail offering a quiet, secluded retreat. It is surrounded by forest of birch, aspen, pine, and maple trees on 18 private acres. There are spectacular views of Lake Superior's North Shore from 1,000 foot elevation. The inn has 25 km of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing. For a full page of info click Pincushion B & B.
Gunflint Lodge (800/328-3325, www.gunflint.com) has 80 km groomed cross country ski trails. XC ski and snowshoe equipment rentals, group lessons, and dogsledding are available. Gourmet meals and lodging on the premises. The cabins (classic cabins, Gunflint Lake homes, romantic cottages) have a combination of private hot tub and/or private sauna and all have fireplaces with wood delivered to the door. Gunflint also offers a Winter Wilderness Activity program.CCSAA member
The
Boundary Country Trekking (800/322-8327, www.boundarycountry.com)
offers lodge-to-lodge ski trips on the Gunflint Nordic Trail system
and the North Shore Mountain Trail system. There are 400 km of groomed
trails within the two systems. Lodging available in Nordic resorts,
small inns and B & B's. For the more adventuresome, ski yurt-to-yurt
along the Boundary Water's longest tracked trail called the Banadad.
BWCA mush your own team Dog Sled Adventures, too. Poplar Creek Guesthouse
(www.littleollielodging.com)
available along the Banadad Trail. B & B rooms with queen beds,
whirlpool, fireplace, guest kitchen and full breakfast. There is also
a 2 bedroom cabin with sauna
Gunflint Pines Resort & Campground (800/533-5814, www.gunflintpines.com) has 100 km groomed trails. XC skiing, dogsledding, snowshoeing, sleigh rides and ice fishing. Rentals available. Listen for wildlife (those are Timber Wolf and Loon) in the Superior National Forest, view the Milkway Way, spectacular sunsets and displays of the Northern Lights. A-frame cabins, cottages are among accommodation choices.
Heston's Lodge and Country Store (800-338-7230, 218-388-2243, www.hestons.com) offers secluded cabins on the shore of Gunflint Lake along the route of the Voyageurs. There are 75 km of groomed trails. A favorite thing to do is to follow the wood-fired sauna with a plunge in the lake. Visit Bridal Falls or take the Border Route Trail east all the way to xc ski or snowshoe to Grand Portage.
Bearskin Lodge (218/388-2292, 800/338-4170, www.bearskin.com) is located in Grand Marais, MN and has 77 km groomed trails including classic and skating and 1.5 km of lighted trails. It is 26 miles up the Gunflint Trail from Grand Marais, MN. Ice skating under the lights, snowshoeing, and broom ball. XC ski and snowshoe equipment rentals are available. CCSAA member
Moosehorn Lodge (218/388-2233, 888/238-5975, www.moosehorn.com) is on the north shore of the Gunflint Lake. The lakeside cabins and bed & breakfast rooms have panoramic views of the lake. Accommodations are for two or four people per cabin. There is abundant wildlife here with moose, deer, bear, fox, a variety of birds and timber wolves. Pets are welcome for an extra fee. XC ski and snowshoe equipment is for rent and there are 80 km of trails. Also, dog sled rides, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.
Along the Gunflint Trail, only two xc ski trails require the MN Ski Pass including Pincushion and the Banadad Trail. All other Gunflint trails have daily trail fees payable at the associated lodges.
A Minnesota Ski Pass is required to ski on state property and in many other locations. It costs $5 for a daily pass, $15 for a season pass or $40 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.