Fall/Winter Programs
As the leaves fall and snow blankets the ground our programs begin to shift. Please note that winter specific programs will be indicated with a ❄️. Winter hikes become more challenging with snow covered and possibly icy trails, boot crampons and trekking poles may be recommended.
Spring/Summer Programs
Spring rains bring flowers to bloom and we embrace the open water to add summer specific programs. This will be indicated with a ☀️.
The Gunflint Lodge Naturalists are pleased to host a self-guided Interpretive Hiking Trail. Download the guide to all trail indicators.
Presentations
Craft Projects
Northern Lights
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the northern night sky, the Aurora Borealis can often be seen above the horizon over Gunflint Lake here at the Lodge on a clear night. Come and learn all about the science of this visual wonder with one of our naturalists.
All About Black Bears
The black bear is one the most common large mammal spotted in and around forested areas across the US. Most people, however, know very little about these fuzzy omnivores. Join our naturalist at the Nature Center to learn all about the American black bear, from its diet and habitat, life cycle, hibernation schedule, and much more.
All about Minnesota’s Moose
One of the premier attractions of Minnesota’s North Woods, the moose is an iconic and cherished creature of the boreal forest. Everyone dreams of seeing a moose wading through the ponds as they drive up the Gunflint Trail. Come and learn all about Moose in Minnesota, from anatomy and behavior to ecology and history.
Celestial Legends
Come learn the legends of the stars and planets. We will cover stories from several cultures, and at the end, go out and see the constellations visible from the Gunflint Nature Center.
Fisheries of the Gunflint Trail
The lakes surrounding the Gunflint Trail are well-known for the variety and number of fish that inhabit them, including walleye, lake trout, and small mouth bass. Through this presentation, learn about how these fish got here, how their populations are managed, what kinds of water different species prefer, and much more!
Boreal Forests of North America
Here at the Gunflint Trail, we sit on the southern edge of a vast ecosystem known as the boreal forest. Also called the “Taiga” elsewhere in the world, this forest biome stretches around the globe, from Alaska to Sweden, to Northern Mongolia and to Siberia. In this presentation, you will learn about what makes a forest “boreal” by taking a closer look at some of Northeast Minnesota’s most beloved tree species and the places in which they thrive. We will also discuss the ecological value of the boreal forest, and some of the threats facing this northern habitat.
Life of a Voyageur
The Voyageurs of the fur trade and their birch bark canoes were like the truck drivers and semis of today. They were the fastest way to get trade goods into the interior, and valuable furs back to Europe and the eastern towns and cities of the US and Canada. Come to this presentation to learn more about what the lives of these early adventurers were like, and some of the history behind the North American fur trade.
Wild Wolves
Wolves and humans have had a fascinating and complex relationship since before recorded history. They have been variously admired, feared and reviled by people in different places and at different times. In the United States, due to a widespread campaign of persecution, wolves were effectively eradicated outside of northern Minnesota and Alaska by the mid-twentieth century. Come along to learn more about the biology of wolves, and their status as an endangered animal past and present.
The Engineer Named Beaver
Beavers are some of nature’s craftiest creatures, constantly manipulating their environment to suit their needs. You probably know that they build dams and live in big structures known as lodges, but did you know that beavers were once the driving force behind exploration and expansion in North America? Did you know that they can be over 4 feet long from head to tail? Stop on by to learn all this and much more about our next door neighbor’s national animal, the North American beaver.
Canada Lynx
Come and learn about one of Minnesota’s rarest and most elusive animals! The Canada Lynx is a nocturnal big cat that ranges from the arctic circle down to the far northern parts of the lower 48 states, including here on the Gunflint Trail. In this talk you will hear about the diet, life cycle and much more regarding this beautiful resident of the Northwoods!
Hike and Sketch
Go on a hike to a beautiful place, take a moment to appreciate your surroundings, and capture what you see.
Nature Poetry
Come and listen along as our naturalist reads a selection of nature poems in a peaceful outdoor setting. We will enjoy some beautiful writing from past and present, before taking some time to relax, meditate and write a little poem of our own—to take home as a memory of the North Woods.
Wreath Making ❄️(Nov & Dec Special)
Come make your own wreath to hang on your door this holiday season. Participants in this activity work together to clip the branches, clump them together, wire them onto the frames (with our machine), and decorate with ribbons. Due to the pandemic, only one cabin will be allowed in at a time with a maximum of 6 participants.
Maps & Compass
This intro to maps and compass teaches you how to read maps and compasses. Once you learn how to read them on their own you’ll be about to understand how they work together to figure out where you are headed!
3D Archery Course ☀️
Explore the Boreal Forest as you keep your eyes open for 6 different targets throughout our 3D Archery course. This activity lasts between a 1hr – 1.5 hours depending on the size of the group and skill level.
Fishing Fun ☀️
Fishing Fun is a fun and educational guided activity included for our special guests 17 and under. Designed especially for young anglers, this hands-on fishing experience gives kids the chance to learn basic fishing techniques, identify local fish species, and cast a line into the pristine waters of Gunflint Lake—all with the help of our experienced naturalist guides. Whether it’s their first time holding a fishing rod or they’re already hooked on the sport, our kid-friendly fishing adventures are the perfect way to connect with nature and create unforgettable family memories in Minnesota’s Northwoods. If you’re searching for kid’s fishing activities, guided children’s fishing trips, or family-friendly fishing experiences near the Boundary Waters, Gunflint Lodge offers the perfect catch!
Daylight Hikes
Night Hikes
Birding Hike
Birding is all about awareness and perception. Follow our naturalist on a peaceful hike and keep your ears and eyes open and alert. You never know what you might encounter! You won’t have to go far to witness the sights and sounds of several of our avian residents.
While we have local birds, we also see our bird population change over the course of the seasons. Join our naturalist to witness some migrants in the midst of their long journeys; and spot year round tenants.
White Pine Ecology
The largest and one of the most beautiful trees to be found in Minnesota, the Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) was nearly logged out of existence in the state in the early 20th century. Many ancient white pines remain in the area surrounding Gunflint Lodge, including some that are over 200 years old. Join our naturalist on a hike to learn about these giants of the northern forest, as we journey to the locations of several prominent trees alongside our trails.
Wild Edibles ☀️
Have you ever wanted to find your own food in the forest but don’t know where to begin? Come along on a hike with one of our naturalists and learn about what kind of edible plants can be found among us here on the Gunflint Trail.
Geology Hikes
The High Cliffs were formed underground during a major rifting event several eons ago. Massive continental glaciers came through during the Great Ice Age, and dug away the softer surrounding rock, leaving gigantic cliffs towering above the landscape. Learn about this and much more on this informative hike in which we see one of the best geological views in Minnesota.
Celestial Legends Night Hike
Have you ever heard the song ‘Follow the Drinking Gourd’? Did you know that the song acted as a map for escaping slaves who were trying to gain their freedom, or that the drinking gourd is also known as the Big Dipper? Learn about this, along with other fascinating celestial facts and legends as we take a trek under the stars. Due to the lower light conditions, this activity is challenging. Be sure to bundle up to stay warm.
Wolf Howling Night Hike
Join a Naturalist on a night-time trek through the wilderness as we listen for one of the most spectacular of all northern animals, the gray wolf. Along the way, we will learn about the wolf, and why it likes to howl. This activity can be challenging due to the lower light conditions.
Things to Know about Night Hikes
- Dress in warm layers. If there is any wind, make sure everything is covered. Remember, it is colder when the sun goes down.
- Wear warm boots with good traction.
- If you want or need snowshoes, they must be picked up at the Outfitter’s rental shop prior to 4:00 PM.
- Leave your white lights in your cabin; red lights are fine to bring along. White lights wreck night vision, red lights do not.
- Hiking in the forest at night is an amazing experience that you will never forget!
Paddling Excursions ☀️
*For safety, each kid under age 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
*All paddling activities are moderate to challenging.
Birding Canoe Paddle
In this fun and informative paddle, we will learn about birds that call the shores of Gunflint Lake home. Enjoy time on the water while searching for such species as the State Bird, the Common Loon, and our National Bird, the Bald Eagle, and many more. This activity will be moderately challenging.
Wildfire Ecology Canoe Paddle
Come learn what happens during a fire, how our fire dependent ecosystem reacts to the fire, and a local fire history in this fascinating new paddling activity.
Voyageur Canoe Paddle
Paddle the 25-foot Canoe du Nord (North Canoe) along the Voyageur’s Highway, which included Gunflint Lake. Learn about the lives of these explorers and fur traders who passed this way hundreds of years ago.
Geology Paddle
There are several fascinating Precambrian geological formations within easy paddling distance of the lodge. Join one of our naturalists to gain a new appreciation of extremely ancient history.
Nordic Skiing Excursions ❄️
Introduction to Nordic Skiing Lesson
Learn the basics of Nordic Skiing which will get you off to a great start on a lifetime of winter fitness and joy.
Night Ski
Our night ski will be around the moderately difficult Little Pine Lit Ski Trail. If you need to rent skis, please come to the Outfitters well before 3:00 PM.