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Winter Fun for Everyone! |
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Come
to the Gunflint Trail to experience a true Minnesota Northwood's Winter! A wide variety of
winter activities are available, from old fashioned sledding to cross
country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing and touring the woods by
snowmobile or by dogsled. The question is not what is there to do, it's
what to do first!
Remember
snowball fights, cold cheeks and steaming hot chocolate with
marshmallows? When's the last time you spent some quality winter time
with your children, built a snow fort, or even made a snow angel? I'd
bet your bottom hasn't seen the top of an old fashioned toboggan in
years. If you don't enjoy winter, it's no one's fault but your own. To
often you're too busy dashing from your house to your car, to your
office or mall - without proper winter attire. So don your winter
clothing and give it a whirl. Winter in the Northwood's has many
offerings that simply can't be found in the sunny climates. Give it a
try, enjoy winter once again! |
| Cross Country Skiing - Ski
rentals and trail passes |
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The
Gunflint Nordic Ski area offers some of the best cross country skiing in
the entire Midwest. You'll have access to over 70km of groomed and trackset trails from our front door. Trails meander through the various
landscapes of the highlands covered with stands of old growth white
pine, spruce, aspen, and balsam fir. Winter weather comes off the
Canadian Shield giving the area the longest, most dependable ski season
in the Midwest.
We offer a lit ski trail here
on the property. Lit each evening from 5pm - 10pm it gives you a
chance to stretch your legs after dinner or just get out in the evening
to check out the stars or Northern Lights. This trail is also a
great for those that wish to learn to cross country ski offering a short
trail with mild rolling hills.
Skiing
usually starts by mid December and goes to April. Average snowfall
exceeds 100 inches per season. If you manage to ski all of the upper
trail system, we'll send you down to the Lower Gunflint trail system,
where you can try you legs out on another 100km. Don’t forget to
purchase your Upper Gunflint Nordic trail passes!
Rental
equipment and trail passes are available on site. |
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Snowmobiling
& Snowmobile rental |
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The trails in
Northern Minnesota are some of the most unique in the entire Midwest.
Curving and dipping through the northern wilderness, passing through
open expanses and tall timbered forests, across lakes and to scenic
vistas. Take the upper trail north to Saganaga Lake, or travel south to
Poplar Lake to visit the Trail Center Lodge for lunch. The lower trail
system offers miles of groomed trails.
• Ask about guided snowmobile adventures.
• (Pssst. . . . . . Some of the best riding is mid-week just after
they groom the trails).
Snowmobile tours:
We have begun
offering 2 hour guided snowmobile tours from 10am - Noon. We'll
take you from the resort to the snowmobile trail and to a scenic vista
at the west end of Gunflint Lake. Then continue up trail to the
through the old growth White Pine forest to the Cross River bridge.
If you've never snowmobiled before this is a great introduction.
$125.00 per sled (our sleds are all 2 seat sleds).
Snowmobile rental: We offer 2up
Polaris Trail touring sleds with electric
start and hand warmers for half or day touring. Lessees and drivers must
be at least 18 years of age with a valid drivers license.
Minnesota
residents born after December 31st 1976 must also show proof of a
snowmobile safety certificate.
Rental fees: $125.00 /half day
8am - noon, or noon - 4pm
$225.00 /day rental 8am - 4pm.
$55.00 hour rentals (must be booked within 48 hours.)
* Helmets
included
* Gas is additional
* 15% disount for cabin guests
* We are sorry but we do not
offer 24hour rentals.
Guided snowmobile adventure:
If you've
got your own sleds, but would feel more comfortable having someone show
you around we can arrange for a guide for you. $55 per hour, $175
per 4 hours.
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Ice Fishing
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A mere 100yds from
your doorstep, Gunflint lake offers some of the best Lake Trout ice
fishing in the area. Neighboring lakes also offer Walleye, Splake &
Rainbow Trout. Bob can give you some helpful advice about special spots
to try. Minnesota licenses are available here, and Canadian licenses are
available in the area. (Ask about possible guided ice fishing
adventures or possible ice house rental.) |
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Dogsled Rides |
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Once
a means of travel in the Northwood's – now dogsledding is a growing
recreational sport. Cook County is home to many mushers. We
can help arrange a day of doglsedding at your request.
Gunflint lodge
next door is offering rides. Weight and sled restrictions limit
the rides to 1 adult or 1 adult and one small child totaling 250 - 300
lbs. They can be booked directly by calling Gunflint Lodge at
218-328-3325
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Belgian Horse drawn Sleigh Rides
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Whether it's a special occasion for two or a group of up to 12, this
lantern lit evening is a one of a kind adventure. Step back in time as
you visit Okontoe
to climb aboard the sleigh and cover up with the handmade quilts. The
horses will pull you along the lantern
lit trail through the snow covered pines. If the sky is clear you can
search for your favorite constellation or perhaps even catch a glimpse
of the Northern Lights. Bring your singing voices if you like and join
in on a course or two of "Dashing Through the Snow". Return to the
homestead for an old fashioned cup of cocoa, with marshmallows. Rides at
6:30, 8:00 and 9:30 nightly on Thursday, Friday & Saturdays. Please reserve ahead.
218-388-9923
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Snowshoeing
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Walk along the shoreline to spot the deer or hike up to one of our
nearby scenic vistas. Whether you are breaking trail across the
windswept lake or following the path of another before you, snowshoeing
is a great way for the entire family to experience the outdoors
together. Snowshoe rentals are included with any cabin rental. |
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Sliding
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We've got some great sliding
for the kids or the whole family right outside our door. Try it for a
few minutes or make an afternoon activity out of it. No matter how long
you stay out we'll always have hot chocolate and a toasty fire to greet
you in the lodge. We provide the slides and the hot chocolate!
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Massage! |
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Believe it or not, occasionally we need a little help relaxing in
the Northwood's too! Here's the perfect way to relax your tightened
muscles after a day of winter activities. Our local Massage
therapist's profession began as
an RN. She continued her education to become a Certified Massage
Therapist. She's available by reservation for half hour-upper body
massages or hour long – full body massages.
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