FAQ on Boundary Waters Wildfires and What Gunflint Is Doing to Keep You Safe
Gunflint Lodge is open and operating as normal. The Gunflint Trail and Gunflint Lake are fully accessible. There is NO evacuation order in effect anywhere in Cook County or on the Gunflint Trail.
Due to wildfires in the southern BWCA, the Forest Service has closed some portions of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Superior National Forest. The Gunflint Trail, Gunflint Lake Road, and Gunflint Lake are open and accessible at this time.
The largest wildfire in Minnesota is the Greenwood fire. This fire is more than 50 miles from Gunflint Lodge. It is being actively managed by the Forest Service and has been shrinking in size as it is being aggressively fought by firefighters and does not pose a threat to the Lodge. Click here for more information on the Greenwood Fire.
There are a few smaller wildfires in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. These fires are, again, miles from Gunflint Lodge and are contained within the Wilderness where they do not pose a threat to any structures, residents, or visitors and are being actively worked by firefighters. Click here for more information on the Boundary Waters fires.
How Gunflint Lodge Is Keeping You Safe
A fire ban is in effect throughout Cook County and the Superior National Forest. Gunflint Lodge guests may use the fireplaces in the cabins as well as gas grills. Charcoal grills and outdoor campfires are not allowed at this time.
The Forest Service is reopening portions of the Boundary Waters and the Superior National Forest in a phased reopening based on their resources available to manage federal lands. During this time, some hiking trails, campgrounds, and Boundary Waters accesses may be closed. We are providing alternative activities during this time on private land and portions of the Forest that are open. Meanwhile, we continue to work with the Forest Service to ensure that we are able to open activities on federal land as soon as the Forest Service allows us to do so.
We always follow FireWise best practices to keep trees, brush, and dead plants away from the perimeters of our cabins. All our cabins and main Lodge have wildland sprinkler systems in place. These sprinklers are being run daily to ensure their operability and to keep out cabins and the foliage in their perimeter wet and green to limit fire risk on our property.
What Changes Can I Expect for My Stay?
Gunflint Lodge remains open and continues to offer all but a few of our activities. Dining is available in the restaurant (takeout only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Due to closure of federal land, we are not offering horseback riding for the time being. Guided fishing is available, but lakes where this will be offered may vary depending on the availability of permits and access points. All our hiking trails are accessible, although some of the federal trails are temporarily closed. Popular trails on the middle and lower Gunflint Trail, such as the Moose Viewing Trail, Caribou Rock, Honeymoon Bluff, and trails around Pincushion and Devils Track Lake, remain open. Chik-Wauk Museum remains open, although their hiking trails are closed at this time.
What Activities Can I Do?
Waterfront Activities – Canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are available for use on Gunflint Lake
Fishing Boats and Pontoon Rentals
Pontoon Cruises – Brunch, Appetizer, and Dinner Cruises
Guided Fishing – Open on Gunflint Lake. Availability on other lakes may vary depending on federal access guidelines.
Towering Pines Canopy Tour Two-hour guided zip line through the woods
3D Archery Available
Hiking Trails on Gunflint Lodge property and trails south of Gunflint Lake are open. Federal trails between Gunflint Lake and the end of the Gunflint Trail remain closed at this time.
Is The Restaurant Open?
Yes. Reservations are recommended. Tuesdays and Wednesdays we are open for takeout only due to limited staffing.
Is Gunflint Northwoods Outfitters Open?
Yes. At this time some of the Boundary Waters access points serviced by Gunflint Northwoods Outfitters are closed. We are continuing to work with the Forest Service and hope to see those access points reopened soon. In the meantime, we can help you plan your trip from an open Boundary Waters access point. For more information, on closures in the Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters, watch the Superior National Forest website for more information.