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!

    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.

     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.

      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.)

      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

      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
 

     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.

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!

      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.