Gunflint Frequently Asked Questions
Planning Your Trip
Complimentary canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, hiking trails, guided Naturalist programs, Wi‑Fi, and seasonal recreation. Winter guests also enjoy complimentary skis, snowshoes, and Nordic ice skating.
- Grand Marais: 45 miles (~1 hour)
- Duluth: 155 miles (~3 hours)
- Minneapolis–St. Paul: 275 miles (~5½ hours)
- Thunder Bay: about 2½ hours via the Pigeon River border crossing
Gunflint Lodge is located on Gunflint Lake at the end of the historic Gunflint Trail, about 45 miles northeast of Grand Marais, Minnesota. We sit directly on the U.S.- Canadian border and adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA), making us one of Minnesota’s premier wilderness resorts.
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM, and check-out is before 10:00 AM. If you’re arriving late, just let us know so we can make sure your key is ready for you! If you arrive before check-in time, you’re always welcome to begin participating in Lodge activities and enjoying our amenities. We’ll get you into your cabin as soon as possible.
Absolutely! We love dogs and they are very welcome in all our cabins at Gunflint Lodge. There is a pet fee of $35 per dog, per night, and we just ask that you keep them leashed, clean up after them, and crate them if they are left unattended in your cabin. Northern Lights Lodge rooms are always pet-free.
We offer complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi across the property for our guests. Cell phone service along the Gunflint Trail can be spotty and limited, though AT&T typically gets the best coverage in the area. Think of it as the perfect excuse to unplug!
We do have an ATM in Justine’s to make sure you always have access to cash. For groceries, we recommend planning ahead! The nearest town is Grand Marais, which is about 43 miles away. There are a couple of nearby camp stores with limited canned and frozen foods. Make sure to grab any specific road-trip essentials or cash before you make the drive up the Trail.
Accommodations & Amenities
Our modern Northern Lights Lodge rooms are air-conditioned. Cabins 15 and 28 do offer air conditioning. However, most of our historic and lakeside cabins do not have AC. Because we are nestled far north where summer day temps usually peak in the comfortable 70s and 80s, and drop into the crisp, cool 50s at night, Mother Nature handles the cooling for us! Open the windows and enjoy that fresh Northwoods breeze.
Our cabins offer a classic, spacious wilderness retreat, many include full kitchens, stone fireplaces, and multiple bedrooms perfect for families or longer stays. Many cabins also include saunas, whirlpool spa tubs, outdoor hot tubs or other spa amenities. Our Northern Lights Lodge rooms are perfect for cooking-free stays, weekend getaways, or solo travelers, featuring lake views, luxury bedding, and quick access to Justine’s restaurant for all of your dining needs.
Not at all. Whether you are staying in a cozy cabin or a lodge room, all bedding, linens, and bath towels are provided. Many of our cabins also feature in-unit washers and dryers to make packing even easier!
Activities & Weather
The golden rule of the Northwoods is layers! Even in the peak of summer, evenings can get quite chilly. Bring comfortable activewear, sturdy hiking shoes, a swimsuit, a reliable rain jacket, and plenty of bug spray for the trail. Dress at the Lodge is always casual- swimsuits and snowmobile suits are the only suits you’ll need here.
The aurora borealis can technically make an appearance at any time of year, provided the night sky is clear and dark. Because we are located under a pristine Bortle scale 2 dark sky, your chances here are fantastic, especially during the peak darkness of late fall, winter, and early spring.
At Gunflint Lodge, your days can be as adventurous or as relaxing as you’d like! Because we are a fully outfitted resort nestled right on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), our activities change beautifully with the seasons:
Spring, Summer & Fall Adventures
- On the Water: Paddle the historic US-Canadian border! All guests have access to our waterfront amenities, which include canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. These free rentals are first come, first serve. We also offer complete BWCA canoe outfitting, motorized fishing boat and pontoon rentals, and guided fishing trips chasing trophy walleye, lake trout, and smallmouth bass. For a relaxing evening, book a spot on one of our Pontoon Dinner Cruises.
- On Land & In the Air: Soar above the treetops of the Boreal Forest on our Towering Pines Canopy Tour, a thrilling guided zipline adventure. If you prefer to stay grounded, you can explore beautiful hiking trails to scenic overlooks like Magnetic Rock and Honeymoon Bluff, or take a Guided Day Hike to remote destinations like Bridal Falls.
Winter Wonderland Activities
- When the snow flies, the Gunflint Trail transforms into a frozen playground. Glide right along the US-Canada border on our Nordic Ice Skating trails, or explore the deep woods on our 70 km of groomed cross-country skiing trails. We also offer snowmobile rentals, ATV Ice Tours, winter day treks to frozen waterfalls, and fantastic ice fishing (book a guided trip or rent one of our pop-up shelters).
Year-Round Highlights
- Interpretive Naturalist Programs: Join our on-site naturalists for free, year-round activities. These range from guided wilderness hikes and wolf-howling excursions to craft projects and Northwoods history presentations.
- Northern Lights & Stargazing: Because we are located in a pristine, designated dark sky sanctuary (Bortle 2 skies), our lakeside cabins and docks offer a front-row seat to some of the best stargazing and Aurora Borealis viewing in the lower 48.
- Dine & Unwind: After a long day on the trails or the water, enjoy a scratch-made meal and a cocktail at Justine’s at Gunflint Lodge, or simply unplug and relax by the stone fireplace in your cozy cabin.