Looking for unforgettable adventures to add to your bucket list? Nestled deep in Minnesota’s Northwoods on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters is the perfect destination for wilderness seekers, romantic getaways, family vacations, and soul-refreshing solitude. Here are the top bucket list experiences you can only have at Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters.
1. Canoe the Border Route
Experience the magic of paddling the same historic waters once traveled by voyageurs and fur traders. Whether you’re gliding across glassy morning waters or watching a sunset from your canoe, canoeing on Gunflint Lake is a rite of passage. As
k about our outfitted trips into the BWCAW; we provide gear, maps, and expert advice.
2. See the Northern Lights Dance Over Gunflint Lake
Far from city lights, the Boundary Waters is a designated dark sky sanctuary, ideal for witnessing the Northern Lights in Minnesota. Our lakeside cabins offer front-row seats to one of nature’s most spectacular light shows.
3. Soar Through the Pines on a Zip line Adventure
For an exhilarating Northwoods experience, zip lining at Gunflint Lodge takes you above the treetops for unmatchedviews of the Boreal Forest, across Gunflint Lake and into Canada.
Our guided Towering Pines Canopy Tour is perfect for thrill-seekers of all ages and a favorite summer highlight.
4. Dine on Gunflint Lake With a Centennial History Pontoon Dinner Cruise
Step aboard our pontoon dinner cruise and enjoy a chef-prepared meal while learning about the 100-year history of Gunflint Lodge, the Kerfoot family legacy, and the role this wilderness played in early Minnesota life. It’s equal parts gourmet and historical.
5. Catch a Trophy Lake Trout, Walleye or Smallmouth Bass
Whether you’re fishing Gunflint Lake in one of our fishing boats, heading out further afield with one of our experienced fishing guides, or sinking a line during ice fishing season, the Gunflint Trail offers world-class fishing. Reeling in a trophy-size lake trout or walleye, or chasing smallmouth bass on the line is a dream for any angler.
6. Stay in a Cozy Cabin on the Edge of Wilderness
Our woodsy-yet-refined cabins are nestled among towering pines, with views of the water and cozy fireplaces. Many include private hot tubs, full kitchens, and screened porches. It’s the perfect mix of luxury and wilderness escape.
7. Hike to High Cliffs and Remote Overlooks
Explore scenic hiking trails on the Gunflint Trail, including Lookout Point, Magnetic Rock, and Honeymoon Bluff. These hikes offer panoramic views and chances to see moose, loons, and even timber wolves.
8. Paddle to Remote Waterfalls Hidden in the Wilderness
Some of the most stunning scenery near Gunflint Lodge can only be reached by water. Bridal Falls, nestled deep in the woods, is a favorite among paddlers, accessible by canoe across Gunflint Lakeand a short hike through the forest. For a true off-the-beaten-path experience, Granite River Falls awaits near the Canadian border, reachable by boat or canoe with a scenic portage along the Granite River. These remote cascades offer peaceful seclusion, refreshing mist, and a true sense of Northwoods adventure.
9. Ski or Skate in a Frozen Wonderland
In winter, Gunflint Lake transforms into a snowy wonderland—and your playground. Ice skating across the frozen lake offers breathtaking views and the surreal experience of gliding along the U.S.–Canada border. Or don your cross-country skis and glide along groomed trails against a backdrop of towering pines and crisp winter air. Whether you’re skiing cross-country trails or wild-ice skating across the lake, it’s a bucket list moment you won’t forget.
10. Unplug and Reconnect with What Matters Most
Gunflint Lodge isn’t just a place, it’s a feeling. No traffic. No noise. Just wind through the trees, loons calling across the lake, and time to truly reconnect with nature, with family, with yourself.
Start Planning Your Bucket List Trip Today
Whether you’re seeking adventure, romance, or a peaceful retreat, Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters offers experiences you’ll remember for a lifetime. Check availability and call us today to start building your Northwoods bucket list.