The North Shore of Minnesota is a frequent haven for our family. Cascade River has been passed so many times on our way to somewhere else. We finally made a point to stop and actually camp at this park before our entry into the BWCA for an Eagle Mountain hike. This way, we could not pass it up any longer. What an amazing park it is, with so much to see!
Quick Review: 9/10 Cascade River gets a pretty high rating from our crew. While our trip was a comical calamity, the park itself still delivered on the beauty. This is a park we will visit again on future trip to the far north.
Waterfalls
The name ‘Cascade River’ is spot on with this park. The falls are something out of a fairy tale and accented well with the built in log bridge and overlook. There are multiple falls at this park, all of which have easy hikes to access them.
Cascade Falls: The Cascade River roars down the falls at Cascade Falls making it’s way down to the shores of Lake Superior. This hike is a half mile long from the trail center. These falls drop 25 feet rushing toward Lake Superior through dramatic gorges and rapids. This is a phenomenal location for nature photographers.
The Cascades: Travel a short distance up river for a second falls experience. The log bridge crossing the river reveals spectacular angles for head-on views of the swift waters. We spent quite a bit of time admiring the chaotic, yet hypnotic flow of the river.
Hidden Falls: If you have time to spare, there is a bonus falls just outside of the park, upstream on Cascade River. It’s a small falls that can be accessed by a simple hike from a parking area near a bridge over Cascade River. It’s easier than it sounds. To get to this parking area head north on Hwy 61 leaving the state park, turn left at onto CR 7, and another left onto CR 44 after 2 miles. The parking area will be about 2.5 miles down the road. On foot, head south on the Superior Hiking Trail to the falls, the hike distance is just under a mile.
Camping
Cascade River has the options of camping with an RV, in a tent at the campground, or backpacking to designated campsites. We had an interesting experience while camping at Cascade River. For the full disaster check out Mistakes & Lessons at Cascade River.
Backpack Sites: We chose to hike in to a campsite. Our hike was about 1.5 miles long to the Lookout Mountain campsite (BP5) and included a portion of the Superior Hiking Trail. With ample parking provided by this park, it was quick to secure a spot for the Pathfinder. Then we hiked in the dark… yeah, it was a mess.
Bear Box: The backpack campsites do come equipped with a ‘bear box.’ This is a metal lockable box to keep bears from helping themselves to your dinner while you’re are sleeping or away from camp.
Campground: If hiking to a campsite is not in the cards or not your style, the park also is equipped with a campground containing 40 sites available for RV’s and tents alike. Showers and toilets are available in the campground, seasonally of course.
State Park Hiking Trails
Cascade River State Park boasts 18 miles of hiking trails. Many of the trails are difficult and contain rough terrain or steep inclines. Check the map before hitting the trail and compare the trail with your skill level. Hike smart and know your ability.
The easiest hikes are closer to the shores of Lake Superior. This trail is easily accessed by hiking down from the falls area or at the parking area near the shoreline.
Lookout Mountain: The best overlook in the park, in my opinion, came from the climb to Lookout Mountain, which I continuously called ‘Overlook Mountain’. This hike will take you from the Trail Center, past the Cascades, along a portion of the Superior Hiking Trail, and near a campsite. At the top of this peak you’ll be able gain views all the way to Lake Superior. It’s one of the best vantage points on the Northshore. The distance for this hike, out and back, is about 3 miles.
Superior Hiking Trail
The Superior Hiking Trail cuts through the park for a portion of the trails. It leads past Lookout Mountain and The Cascades before exiting the park. The shared sections are clearly marked in the park. There are is something cool about hiking a little sections of the trail on your adventure in Cascade River State Park, especially with the kids along.
Lake Superior
Cascade River State Park contains over a mile of shoreline to explore on the great Lake Superior. To access Lake Superior, use either the parking along Hwy 61 at the Cascade Wayside or the parking area near the trail center inside the park and hike to the shoreline using the hiking trails. Parking at the Trail Center will allow for a great hike by the falls prior to strolling along the shore.
Nearby Restaurants
Cascade Restaurant & Pub: This rustic joint sits immediately south of Cascade River State Park. They have amazing burgers and the crispy chips are fantastic. We stopped here after a trek in the Boundary Waters, Bower Trout to Swan Lake. After a long weekend of camp grub, this really hit the spot.
My Sister’s Place: North of the park in Grand Marais is a great place that has a unique shake on the menu. Blueberry!! What!? It was delicious, a great change from your typical strawberry or chocolate shakes. The burgers were quite tasty as well. The restaurant has a casual feel with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Neighboring State Parks & Hikes
A great perk about the state parks along the North Shore, is that there is no shortage of hiking and sight seeing in the area. The North Shore is home to eight state parks, numerous recreation area and waysides with stunning views. You don’t have to stay on the shores of Lake Superior to satisfy your wanderlust, a great hike just an hour inland is waiting. Check out Eagle Mountain in the Boundary Waters.
Not every adventure goes according to plan. Here are the lessons we learned camping at Cascade River State Park. An adventure full of mistakes is an adventure full of lessons.
Sometimes plans go awry. Even with meticulous planning and an abundance of camping experience, plans can still go… awry. Good stories never come from everything going according to plan. Lessons aren’t learned that way, either. So take a gander at this mess and learn a bit from our mistakes. Perhaps your next trip will run a bit smoother because of it.
The camping trip was all planned out for Scott, Sandy, Killian, and myself. On our first night we would stay at Cascade River State Park. A hike-in site would ensure solitude in the popular park. We’d pack up camp in the morning and explore a bit before heading to the BWCA for a second night of camping and to tackle Eagle Mountain, the highest point in Minnesota. That’s not entirely what happened.
Departure
Original Plan: I would spend Friday morning packing up the Pathfinder and getting things ready to leave while Scott went to work. At 10:30am I would do my short list of dog walks for the day and be back by noon. Scott would leave work early and be ready to roll by 1:00pm.
What Actually Happened: On Thursday, the air conditioner in my vehicle went out. We brought it to the auto shop and asked if they could fix it in a hurry. They said it would be done by noon on Friday.
Perfect, that still gave me an hour to get things loaded before we hit the road. No worries. I’d have to bike to my dog walks, but that was okay. 1:00pm comes and no phone call to say the Pathfinder is done. I give them a call to see how it’s going. I’m told that the part was supposed to arrive over an hour before I called and still hadn’t shown up. It was after 3pm by the time it was ready to be picked up. We got on the road at 3:45pm. This was going to be close, we were now racing daylight.
Arriving at the Park
Original Plan: We’d stop in at the park office for a look around, grab a map, park approved firewood, and perhaps a souvenir or two. I do like to chat with Park Rangers a bit before heading out to a campsite. They are a great resource for recent happenings in the parks and on trails.
What Actually Happened: We hauled a** and pulled into the park at 8:55pm, precisely sunset. The park office was already closed for the day. No stopping to get a map or even venturing toward the office to see if maps were left by the bulletin boards, as is the case at some parks. Nope, I pulled up the map that I had saved on my phone and called it good.
Hiking in the Dark
Original Plan: We were to arrive at the park with a good 3 hours of sunlight. Ample time to get loaded up with gear and have a leisurely mile and a half hike with a 10 year old and a 2 year old. Stopping to see the sights and enjoy the woods. Plenty of time to set up camp and have taco rice for dinner and s’mores. Taking in the last glimpses of sunset over the vast expanses of forest beneath Lookout Mountain.
What Actually Happened: Scott and I exchanged concerned looks. Not because of the risk of coming across moose, bears or wolves along our way in the dark, unfamiliar, foreboding forest. No, it was the daunting task of hiking with a now crabby and tired 2 year old and his equally crabby, tired, and slightly frightened 10 year old sister. Yikes.
Having been in a flustered hurry while packing earlier in the day, I seemed to have overlooked packing any headlamps or flashlights… a very unfortunate mistake on my park. Thankfully, our daughter keeps a flashlight in her daypack. Scott used his phone to light his way at the front of the line, while simultaneously looking at my phone for the map. I was using Sandy’s flashlight at the rear of the group to make sure we didn’t lose any kids or the dog.
Killian was not afraid. Being 2, he was naïve to the dangers of the forest and very into the “Going on a Bear Hunt” song that his grandma had taught him. Wildly convenient! Once he got moving on the trail, he was in his own little world of adventure. He did not stop talking the entire hike. This was actually comforting to his sister, Sandy. We assured her that no animal would want to come anywhere near that nonstop chatterbox.
Arriving at Camp
Original Plan: We were supposed to arrive at camp with hours of daylight to spare. The kids would have a chance the check out their new surroundings and explore.
What Actually Happened: As darkness fell, we kept checking our map and scooting along a quickly as a toddler can go. Based on the map indications, the campsite should have been at a little turn off of the main trail. But we only saw one, questionable turn off. We checked around for indications of a campsite. There was a small remanence of a past campfire with a circle of rocks and a small clearing where a tent had been placed. Our options were to push the now exhausted children to hike further in hopes of finding the actual campsite or make due with our location right there. We set up camp.
Camp Setup
Original Plan: Getting to the campsite would be a great accomplishment for our two young hikers. The fearless adventurers would assist in setting up the tent and unrolling their sleeping bags. Setting up camp is always a great experience with the kids and gives them a change to use all of the cool gear and learn new skills.
What Actually Happened: Deciding to stay in this little clearing meant having to make due with the conditions set before us. With no daylight left and very little artificial light given, I set to work setting up the tent. I can move fairly quickly in this endeavor when needed. It was needed. Sandy helped with some parts of the tent setup, the parts that were most in the light of the flashlight. Killian huddled closely to his dad, who was holding flashlight and phone up high, trying to provide the most light possible. We accomplished our set up and quickly threw our sleeping gear inside.
Bear Proofing
Original Plan: After camp set up, we would sit down to have a delicious meal of taco rice. Once dishes were cleaned and stowed away, we’d be able to make a quick little fire to roast our s’mores and gaze up at the stars from our great overlook destination. The bear box provided would make quick work of storing our food pack. The box was located on the side of the lean-to shelter at the campsite.
What Actually Happened: With camp set up complete, it was time to hide our food pack. Problem is, no campsite means no bear box. We always pack rope on a camping trip, we’d need it the following night in the BWCA. The trouble was spotting a tree good for hanging a food pack in the dark. We found a tree that would suffice, it was over a small gorge. We were thankful that we weren’t new to the whole concept of hanging packs from trees.
Sleep Tight
Original Plan: I had packed cards and a book for the kids to entertain them before bed. Killian had a “Goodnight Minnesota” book, it would be the perfect read in the Northwoods. Our favorite card games to play are while camping are Go Fish, Crazy 8’s, and the classic Old Maid. I was looking forward to fooling Sandy into being the Old Maid. Following our competitive festivities and story telling, we’d cozy into our sleeping bags and get our dog settled with her blanket.
What Actually Happened: We did not play games. We did not read stories. It was straight to bed. We got the very tired kids into their pajamas and sleeping bags. We had planned this trip for the middle of July, the hottest month of the year. The kids stayed plenty warm. Scott and I stayed plenty warm. Xena, the Great Dane, did not stay warm.
I was hoping that because it was July and we had brought her warm blankets, she would be toasty warm. Not the case this weekend. She found herself wrapped in not only her blanket, but my sleeping bag as well. I also curled up around her to keep her warm with my body heat. I wasn’t cold at all, but she was shivering before I snuggled up to her. After readjusting her sleeping arrangements with snuggles, my good old girl slept like a baby.
Morning Surprise
Original Plan: I’d rise early to catch a peaceful sunrise at the overlook and have a few quiet moments before the kids burst out of the tent with youthful energy. We’d have a simple break of oatmeal and enjoy our hot cocoa and coffee. Xena would eat up her kibble and maybe a jerky snack or two. Packing up camp would be a snap as we usually pack pretty light and have a good system down.
What Actually Happened: Something stinks….. bad. Xena stretched in her cozy spot and the smell became more putrid.
Side note: Xena was 8 years old on this trip last summer. With her age, she has developed mild fecal incontinence. This means that occasionally a little nugget will fall out without her knowledge. We were aware of this problem, but it’s not too frequent and is usually quite easy to clean up.
Miss Xena had indeed made a mess on her blanket and my sleeping bag. This was not a simple clean up. The mess in question was smashed into both items. This two night trip had now been knocked down to a single night trip. I was not going to sleep in a soiled sleeping bag, no thanks.
We fetched to food pack to prepare breakfast for the kids and Xena. While they ate and had their hot cocoa, I tore down camp. This is usually a group effort. With a stinky Xena mess on our hands, I didn’t want it ending up on their hands. This was a job for mom only.
Xena decided that burying her breakfast in the dirt was better than eating. I spent a great deal of time picking kibble out of the dirt; leave no trace. By the time I was able to eat breakfast it was cold. Excellent… Not.
Hiking Out
Original Plan: The hike out was supposed to get us motivated for the day of exploring ahead. Seeing the trail we had concurred the night before in a new light of a bright sunny morning. Checking out the waterfalls once more as we meandered back to the Pathfinder.
What Actually Happened: We started our hike out by hiking farther in. The motivation was to see where this illusive campsite really was. To our dismay, it was a scant quarter mile farther down the trail. But it ran right next to a huge drop, hence the name Lookout Mountain. It was indeed a great overlook. The cliff stood over an astounding view that would have certainly looked breathtaking at sunrise… had we actually been there to see it. We checked out the camp, it was a nice little area.
Now that we had seen what could have been, we were ready to venture back to our starting point. It was a brand new hike, even though we had traversed the same path ten hours earlier. It the morning sun, we were able to see all that we had missed in the dark. Killian was a great little hiker, once we got moving. Sandy was most pleased when we stopped to play at a bridge and creek. She is fascinated by water of any kind.
We spent some time gazing at the falls on our way back. We hadn’t taken any time to appreciate them the night before while rushing to get as far as we could before total darkness. They were wonderful. I highly recommend getting a glimpse of these beauties when visiting the far North Shore.
Eagle Mountain
Original Plan: We would grab a map quickly at the Sawtooth Outfitters in Tofte and head to the trail head. We would hike in to one of the two campsites available on the way to Eagle Mountain. This is inside of the Boundary Waters, a permit is required, we had such permit and hoped for the campsite on Whale Lake. Being that we would be staying at a campsite for the night, we would only be doing half of the 7 mile hike that day. Three and half miles would be no problem for the kids.
We would leave our gear and hang our food pack at the campsite and hike the rest of the way to the peak of Eagle Mountain. The break of dropping off gear would give the kids a break from hiking and a chance to play by the lake on a hot summer afternoon. The hike back to the campsite after reaching the peak of Eagle Mountain would be short as it’s fairly close.
What Actually Happened: We picked up our map from Sawtooth Outfitter and made our way to the trail head. The parking area was surprisingly full. I hadn’t packed the child carrier. The original three and a half miles was not going to be an issue for our littlest hiker. After Xena’s incident, we were not staying the night. Our hike was just doubled. No carrier was now a problem.
Killian was a trooper for fair distance in. His energy began to fade and his lack of sleep caught up to him. It was dad to the rescue. Scott carried Killian on his shoulders on and off for a great deal of the trail. Killian’s legs would get sore after a while from having his legs pressing into his dad’s shoulders. Then he’d walk for a while until he was tired. Sandy was amazing! She carried on with no problem, such a great hiker.
While we had to modify our plan for Eagle Mountain, it was a great hike. I would highly recommend it for every Minnesota hiker! Be sure to bring a child carrier for the little ones, though, even if you think you don’t need it. Hiking Eagle Mountain was a great experience.
Saturday Night Dinner
Original Plan: Return to camp on Whale Lake from the hike to Eagle Mountain and enjoy another camp dinner with a fire and watch the kids play by the rocky shore. Have a s’more or two before hanging the food pack for the night.
What Actually Happened: After our longer than planned hike to Eagle Mountain, we were starving. Of course we had brought snacks, but sometimes snacks are not enough. We headed toward Grand Marais in search of a place to grab dinner. This was a great alternative to camp dinner; My Sister’s Place. This restaurant hit the spot and they even had blueberry milkshakes. It was delicious. After our delicious dinner we headed straight for home.
Lessons Learned
Every camping trip should teach an adventurer something new. If you’ve learned everything there is to know about camping and the great outdoors, good for you. The rest of us will learn as we go and strive to take a little something out of each trip. Or in this case, a lot of somethings. Here are the lessons we learned from this disastrous, yet memorable, camping trip.
Ensure the vehicle intended for the trip is in working conditions well before the journey. We already knew this from our Accidental Trip to Tettigouche State Park several years ago, but I guess we needed a reminder.
Have a printed map prior to arriving at your destination.
Pack the damn flashlights.
Camp at designated campsites.
Always pack rope (we had this one down).
Bring cleaning supplies when traveling with a senior dog.
Bring a jacket if that senior dog might get cold (it was July! How was she cold?!)
Always pack the child carrier, even if you think you won’t need it.
The biggest one:
When the camping trip doesn’t go according to plan, that doesn’t make it a bad trip. Despite all of the weird events and misfortunate circumstances that occurred; we had a great trip. Our Cascade River/Eagle Mountain experience wasn’t what we expected but it certainly made some lasting memories.
Cozy up in these rustic little cabins scattered about the Minnesota State Parks. The perfect getaway spot for couples or families seeking a secluded winter experience in the woods.
A stay in a Camper Cabin was on my Winter Bucket List this year. Jay Cooke really delivered on the winter wonderland/cozy cabin feel for the weekend. Not knowing what to expect for our first Camper Cabin stay, we were truly impressed with this experience and will absolutely be seeking out more adventures like this one from our State Parks in Minnesota.
Location
Our choice of park was Jay Cooke State Park. 29 of the 66 state parks in Minnesota have camper cabins. Not all are available year round, this excellent map from the DNR website shows which parks have camper cabins specific to the time of year. With all of these locations to choose from, you’re bound to find one at a park that suits your family and the adventure you’re looking for. The DNR website is an amazing resource and has a map of all parks offering cabins here.
We landed on Jay Cooke for two reasons. First, I was a little late in the game to reserve a cabin and most were take already. Jay Cooke had just one cabin left. Second, the close proximity to Duluth for the Cold Front Winter Festival and sightseeing along Lake Superior. For more on Jay Cooke in the winter check out our Winter at Jay Cooke post.
Campground Winter Accommodations
Majority of the campground accommodations are shutdown for the winter, including water, showers, and restrooms. There are still a few things available in the area for winter campers and cabin guests.
Frost Proof Spigot: The park provides a frost proof spigot for water that is available for cooking and drinking water year round. This is close to the cabins and campsites that remains open for the winter.
Vault Style Toilets: These ‘restrooms’ remain open year-round. They are surprisingly more pungent in the winter than in the summer. I would image the reason for this is the lack of microorganisms breaking down the waste. Toilet paper is available and not lacking in supply in the restrooms.
**Warning: Vault style toilets in winter are chilly on the buns. If you’re camping with kids, use the restroom first to save their little buns from a frosty shock.
Inside Gabbro Cabin
We stayed in the Gabbro Cabin. This cabin sleeps 6 people comfortably. There are two sets of bunks. A single sleeper on the top bunk with a double on the bottom. The mattresses are surprisingly comfortable. Bring your own bedding, the mattresses do not have sheets on them. We brought our sleeping bags, worked like a charm and made it feel more like camping.
The cabin contains a small breakfast nook. It works great for meals, organizing the daypack and play cards late at night.
Cooking
Cooking is not allowed inside the cabin. That’s no problem as there is a nicely placed picnic table outside that works great for a cooking surface. It’s perfectly level for a camp stove. We made our morning coffee outside and enjoyed our thermal mugs of liquid energy inside the cabin.
Firewood
Firewood can be purchased at the Park Office upon check-in. They also have fire starters available. I recommend purchasing two of these fire starters as the wood takes a bit of effort to catch. We had a heck of a time getting the kiln dried wood to start, as usual. Thankfully, I had a fire starter in my Winter Emergency Kit that I keep in my vehicle. Collecting firewood from around the campground area is not allowed.
Fire rings are not shoveled out by the park service. If you intent to have a campfire during your stay in the winter, plan to bring a shovel to clear the snow.
**S’mores Tip: Eat your s’more fast or you’ll be holding it over the fire to thaw the chocolate before you’re finished.
Thawing s’mores over the fire. Haha!
Heat
The cabins at Jay Cooke have electricity and heat. Our cabin was kept at a comfortable 65 degrees during our stay, though it is requested that campers turn the temperature down to 60 when leaving camp.
Clean Up
A simple clean up is the responsibility of cabin guests. The park doesn’t ask for much from the campers. A broom and shovel are in the porch for guest use. Clean up is a snap as there are boot mats and rugs inside the cabins.
Wipe down surfaces.
Sweep cabin floor (mops available at park office if needed).
Pack out trash, larger trash bins are located inside the campground.
What to Bring
Sleeping Bags/Pillows: The cabin is equipped with bunks and mattresses but campers will need to supply their own bedding.
Camp Stove/Cookware: There is no kitchen inside the cabin. Plan to cook just as you would for outdoor camping or bring along food that doesn’t require cooking.
Eating Utensils/Dishes: No kitchen also means no utensils or dishes. Treat this just like a camping situation and bring your own dishes for making meals, eating, and cleaning up.
Headlamp: The vault toilet is conveniently close but it lacks light. Our stay was during a full moon so the path to the restroom was well lit. Inside the shack, it was quite dim and a headlight was required at night.
Cards/Games: It gets dark early in the winter. Bring some cards or other family favorites for entertainment inside the cabin at night. My daughter whooped my butt several times in Uno. Good times.
Water Jug & Dispenser: There is a spigot available, this one is not essential. But it sure does make things easier. I love having this along on all trips that we’ll be having the vehicle along or nearby. It’s great for filling water bottles and cooking at camp.
Shovel: If you are intending to have a campfire, bring a small shovel to dig out the fire ring. There was a shovel in the cabin porch, but it wasn’t the right shovel for the job.
Add this winter adventure to your Winter Bucket List and experience the snowy wonderland of the Minnesota State Parks.
Frozen falls, swinging bridge, and endless adventure awaits at Jay Cooke State Park. Ski, snowshoe, or hike your way to amazing views at this wintery woodland.
State Parks in the Minnesota summer buzz with activity from visitors seeking natural wonders. The magic of these parks doesn’t stop with the snowfall. The snow gives way to a new adventure and a quiet park to be explored. With crowds dispersed for the season, Jay Cooke can be appreciated more fully for it’s wintery beauty.
Quick Review: 9/10 Jay Cooke is not lacking in whimsical winter views. Well packed trails and clear signage is obvious evidence of the hard work the park rangers put in at Jay Cooke.
Swinging Bridge
The majority of the parks trails kick off at the parks main draw, the swinging bridge. The bridge allows winter travelers to cross the aggressive St. Louis river that roars beneath the ice below. The incomplete ice gives glimpses of the strong current of root beer colored waters that flow to Lake Superior.
Snow Covered Falls
During the spring and summer the flow over the rocks is thunderous and intimidating. Some points of the year, depending on rain fall and time of year, the waterflow slows. In the winter months the ice takes hold on much of the falls, leaving sparse sections of water to be seen through the snow and ice. Snow accumulates over the icy rocks giving a calmer atmosphere around the river. Take time to appreciate the calm that winter brings.
Trails
The trails at Jay Cooke are well maintained and well marked. I was thoroughly impressed with how well the park rangers here keep up with trail maintenance. Not only are the trails marked for direction but also for usage type. No mistaking which method of travel is to be used on a given trail at this park.
Snowshoe/Hike: While Jay Cooke has no lack of trails in it’s territory, there is but four trails designated for hiking and snowshoeing. The trails still cover a vast nine miles of winter hiking. Two trails embark from the visitor’s center leading either around the campground or across the swinging bridge, then west along the St. Louis River. The other two trails require a drive to another parking area, one of which connects to the Superior Hiking trail.
**If hiking with small children, the paths are not suitable for strollers and can be too narrow or steep for many carriers. We needed to carry our 3 year old over some of the rougher areas, not a hinderance though.
Ski: This State Park is a cross country skier’s paradise. There are a total of 32 miles of ski trails in the park with a variety of levels. Closer to the visitors center there are easier trails. As one ventures farther away, the trails become increasingly difficult.
Fat-tire Biking: This is one of the few parks that allow for fat-tire biking. There are about 5 miles of trails designated for bikes, a section of which is shared with skiers.
Camping
Jay Cooke can accommodate a variety of different camping styles, everything from backpack “roughing it” to rustic cabins. During the winter, the camper cabins remain available for reservations as well as 12 campsites in the campground. The 12 sites and the cabin areas are plowed for the season. The showers and bathrooms are closed but there is one frost proof spigot for water and a vault style toilet nearby.
We stayed in one of the five available cabins during our stay at Jay Cooke. I highly recommend an overnight adventure in one of these cozy cabins. During the winter, the campground feels much more secluded and void of crowds. Our weekend getaway at the Jay Cooke Camper Cabins was a wonderful winter experience for us and our kids.
River Inn Visitors Center
The River Inn Visitor’s Center doubles as a nature center and warming house. From outside, the smoke coming from the chimney is quite inviting after a day of snowshoeing or skiing. Get toasty warm by the fireplace in the main area of the building or check out the informative nature displays. There are even some sensory displays for the kids.
Park Office & Store
Park passes and camp check-in can be obtained at the Park Office at the entrance of the park. Available inside is a variety of souvenirs, snacks, maps, camp items, firewood and starters. It’s worth a visit, especially if you’ve forgotten a piece of essential camping gear.
With a snowy blanket on the ground for half the year in this beautiful northern state, Minnesota knows how to make the most of this magical season. Here are some winter bucket list ideas to get you going on your winter adventure season.
With a snowy blanket on the ground for half the year in this beautiful northern state, Minnesota knows how to make the most of this magical season. Here are some winter bucket list ideas to get you going on your winter adventure season.
Winter Hike
Hiking doesn’t have to end when the snow falls. In fact, the onset of wintery weather brings out a whole new beauty to the great outdoors. There is a hush over the woods and a calmness not seen in the hustling of spring or summer. Strap on your snow boots or snowshoes and head out to your favorite trail to gain a new perspective.
Ice Castle
When the Midwest gives you ice, make a castle! This is such a fun way to embrace the cold for both kids and adults. Bundle up and head out to one of Minnesota’s iconic ice castles or take on the challenge of the Ice Maze in Eagan, MN.
When the temperature drops in the winter it seems that even time freezes for the waterfalls of Minnesota. There is nothing more mesmerizing than seeing those cascading falls come to a standstill. Check out Winter Waterfall Bucket List of Minnesota for more waterfall adventures.
Illuminate your nights with an outdoor adventure by candle light. This is one of my favorite ways to experience the dark nights of the Minnesota winter. Bring hot cocoa and cookies to make it a romantic night with your sweetheart or a fun filled family night with the kids.
Duluth is a popular destination from spring and summer vacationers to autumn leaf peepers. But in my winter-loving eyes, the best time to visit the North Shore is in the winter. Seeing that frozen sunrise over Lake Superior is unreal. Combining a North Shore visit with a frozen waterfall excursion makes for an adventure filled weekend and a perfect getaway.
Dog Sledding
MUSH!! Take a ride by dog sled! This sport is so wonderful to experience whether you’re taking a ride or watching a race. Here in Minnesota, we have dog sled tours available through kennels and races to watch from the far north to the metro.
Dog Sled Tour Companies:
White Wilderness Dog Sled Adventures (Isabella, MN)
Chilly Dog Sled Dog Trips (Ely, MN)
Silent Run (Monticello, MN)
Dog Sled Races to Attend:
Klondike Dog Derby (1st weekend in February, Excelsior, MN)
Gunflint Mail Run Dog Sled Race (Early January, Grand Marais, MN)
John Beargrease (End of January, Duluth, MN)
Build a Snowman
Do you want to build a snowman? What midwestern adult doesn’t have fond memories of scraping up enough snow and rummaging through fridge and cabinets to make the most perfect snowman?! Here’s a fun idea; add bird seed on top to watch the feathered friends enjoy your masterpiece.
Snowshoe
Hit the trails on a pair of snowshoes and wander through a winter wonderland of snow. Snowshoeing is one of my favorite winter activities.
Cozy Up in a Camper Cabin
Cozy up with your sweetheart or go on a winter overnight with the kids. Many of the State Parks in Minnesota have Camper Cabins equipped with electricity or woodstoves for heat. A fantastic way to experience the great wintery outdoors of Minnesota while staying nice and cozy in your own slice of cabin life.
Winter Camping
Really embrace the winter wilderness and camp in a canvas tent. Nothing feels more cozy than a woodstove and hot mug of hot cocoa after a day of winter hiking. If a canvas tent seems a bit too daunting, rent a yurt at a state park. There are three state park/rec locations that offer year-round yurt rentals.
Afton State Park
Cuyuna Country State Rec. Area
Glendalough State Park
Ski Resort
For those wishing to hit the slopes, Minnesota has numerous Ski Resorts strewn about the state from the northern reaches of Lutsen to the southern hills of Mankato. Make it a weekend getaway to resort of a daytrip nearby. Many resorts in Minnesota offer rentals for equipment and lessons if you sign up ahead of time.
Not a ski or snowboard enthusiast? No problem! Snow tubing requires no skills whatsoever. Snow tubing is perfect for the thrill seeking kids (big and small, recommended age 4+). It requires no special equipment rentals, most tubing recreation areas have tubes available and are significantly less expensive than ski and snowboard rentals.
A lesser known park tucked in the Northwoods just outside of Ely, MN is waiting for hikers to seek out it’s serene lake views and secluded trails. Check out this State Park the next time you’re in the Ely area.
Bear Head Lake State Park is just a 20 minute drive from the popular Northwoods town of Ely. An amazing place to basecamp or to visit while in the Ely area. Our adventure was with my daughter’s Girl Scout Troop in early May. The girls made wonderful lasting memories of camp and the outdoor experience here at Bear Head Lake State Park. There is so much to experience here, we will absolutely be back for more adventures.
Quick Review: 9/10 Serene lake views, plentiful animal sign, secluded trails, and numerous lodging options. This park is perfect for those seeking an experience with nature without crowds.
Trails- Nordberg Lake Trail
Our troop took the 3 mile Nordberg Lake Trail bright and early in the morning. This is a loop trail that leads around Nordberg Lake.
Trail Conditions: Being early in May in the northwoods, there was still small patches of snow on the ground in low spots. We also had to climb over some downed trees that hadn’t been cleared yet so early in the season. A fun little obstacle for our scouts to concur. You can check current trail conditions on the parks webpage.
Terrain: The Nordberg Lake Trail is considered “moderate” due to the rocky terrain in some sections and the hills near Nordberg Lake and East Bay. There are some stairs that need to be climbed/descended depending on the direction you’re going.
Nordberg Lake: A set of stairs lead downs to Nordberg Lake. This section of the trail is quite a sight, the small lake is so peaceful and a great spot for a break and a snack.
Park Road: A half mile section of the trail is on a park road before it reconnects with the trail. There are signs to direct your path. Even the park road was quiet, we didn’t see a single car while on this section. If one were to continue hiking on the road rather than turning back onto the Nordberg loop, it would lead to the group campsite.
East Bay: Though the south part of the trail leads along the East Bay, the view of the lake isn’t always prevalent. There is, however, a short trail leading to the waters edge. A great spot to take in the scenery.
Absorbing the view of East Bay.
Solitude
Being one of the lesser visited state parks in Minnesota the trails are less congested. This gives that hiker seeking solitude a greater chance of succeeding. There is also the opportunity to travel by canoe. Portaging to Holter Lake on the south side of Bear Head Lake will offer more seclusion.
Wildlife
We had quite the wildlife experience during our stay at Bear Head Lake State Park. This was quite entertaining for the girls and sure to have made lasting memories of the Northwoods with their troop.
Wolf Sign: While on the road section of the Nordberg Trail, the ladies came across some scat. We inspected it with a stick. This scat was quite large, comparable to our Great Dane’s back home, and it contained a large amount of hair. At first the girls thought it was bear scat. After our visit to the Bear Center in Ely, it was determined that we had discovered wolf scat. Very exciting!
Owl Pellets on Trail: Our ladies were finishing up their 4th grade year in school at the time of our visit the park. They had recently learned about Owl Pellets. This made for an amazing discovery when they successfully identified an owl pellet on the trail near the East Bay of Bear Head Lake. The ladies were proud to be able to put their new knowledge to use.
Owl Pellet with hair and mouse skull.
Curious Bear: Certainly our most exciting experience at Bear Head Lake State Park involved a campfire and a curious bear. We had stayed at the Guest House at the Park. After an evening of hot dogs, s’mores, and playing flashlight tag by firelight, it was time to wind down for the night. I stayed out to watch the fire with two of our scouts while my co-leader brought the others in to start getting ready for bed.
With the area quieting and the lingering aroma of dinner and s’mores, we attracted a curious bear. The ladies were quietly chatting when I heard the rustling in the brush close to our clearing. I shushed the girls to hear better and that’s when we heard the classic bear “huff.”
To deter the bear from exploring his curiosity further, I banged on the table and shouted loudly. We stirred the coals and calmly headed for the Guest House. Once inside, I informed the girls that there was in fact a bear just outside camp. The looks on their faces was priceless and hilarious! It was quite entertaining to hear them retell the simple encounter with such embellished details. A trip the the Bear Center in Ely the following day put any fears they had to rest and learned they that bears are simply curious creatures.
Lodging
Guest House: The Guest House was the perfect location for our Ely weekend “basecamp.” There’s plenty of space to accommodate up to 10 people. Full Kitchen, two bathrooms, three bedrooms, great dining area, two living spaces and plenty of outdoor space. The outdoor spaces include a yard with a firepit, a patio with a furniture, picnic tables, a grill, and a trail leading down to the North Bay of Bear Head Lake. It is a house but with it’s cabin theme, it doesn’t hinder the outdoor weekend experience.
I highly recommend the Guest House for those seeking an outdoorsy experience with a more “indoorsy” personality. It is also great for those with larger groups spending time in the Ely area.
North Bay views from the Guest House Trail.The view of the lake from the guest house. The trail is to the left in this photo.
Camper Cabins: 5 rustic cabins sit in the parks campground and hold up to 6 people. They are a single room with bunks. The cabins have heat, making them available in the winter as well.
Campground: Bear Head Lake State Park has 73 sites available for camper vehicles (45 are electric). Some of sites are more wooded than others.
Group Camp: One site is available for large groups up to 50 people. This site located on the north side of East Bay at the end of a spur park road.
Backpack Camping: Four sites are available for backpack camping. Three sites are on Blueberry lake, one is by itself on Becky Lake.
Canoe Camping: The park has two sites accessible by canoe. One on the south side of Bear Head Lake and the other in East Bay. If traveling by canoe, a great idea for a day trip would be to check out the portage leading into Holter Lake.
Morning views
A perk of staying at the park is getting up early to check out the morning views. Rising before the park opens to have a serene and secluded moment with nature is a most cherished experience. Especially when traveling with a group of Girl Scouts! This was a needed morning meditation, ranking just below the need for coffee. Visiting North Bay from the Guest House trail before the girls woke was a wonderful way to start the day.
Enjoying the morning peace before the scouts rise and shine.
Park Activities
Summer:
Hiking (14 miles)
Swimming Beach
Camping
Canoe Access
Boat Access (drive in, 10 mph limit)
Fishing (walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, panfish, and black crappie)
Winter:
Cross Country Ski (9 miles)
Snowshoe (anywhere in park except groomed trails
Snowmobile (4.5 groomed trails)
Camper Cabins & Guest House Year-round
Nearby Activities
Visiting this area means having much to do outside of Bear Head Lake State Park. With Ely and the BWCA so close, there is an abundance of activities at hand.
Visit the shops in Ely (Piragis Outfitter was my favorite)
Grab some ice cream at Northern Expressions
Visit the Bear Center
Visit the Wolf Center
Caffeinate at a coffee shop
Dine at the numerous restaurants
Visit nearby Lake Vermillion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park (check for updates as it’s currently under construction)
Daytrip into the BWCA for hiking or canoeing (day use permits can be obtained at self issuing stations or the Kawishiwi Ranger Station)
Winter turns this quiet park into a winter wonderland complete with a frozen water fall. Find the Hidden Falls in under a blanket of ice on a winter hike or snowshoe adventure.
Winter has an amazing habit of turning beautiful waterfalls into unbelievable natural ice sculptures. Nerstrand has a splendid limestone falls at the heart of the “Big Woods.” Listen closely to hear the trickle of water hidden beneath the frozen falls.
Quick Review: 6/10 A lovely little park with a stunning waterfall view and gorgeous tall trees. I really liked the clear signage at this park.
Location
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is about an hour south of the Twin Cities, just outside of the small city of Nerstrand. Our route took us through Northfield, home of a Malt-O-Meal factory. It smelled like cereal in that town, delicious.
Playground
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a petite rustic playground. Perfect to burn off that initial energy for little ones after a long car ride. There are swings, a train, and a swing bridge. Great obstacles for kiddos to explore.
Hiking Trail
There are a total of 11 miles of hiking trails at Nerstand Big Woods but the hike to the falls is quite short, just half a mile. This is a perk when hiking with kids on a chilly winter day. If you have more time on a beautiful day, take advantage of the numerous loop trails where snowshoeing and skiing are permitted.
For the quickest trail to the falls, take the Hidden Falls Trail from the main parking area. This half mile trail can easily become a mile long loop.
Fence/Rope Barriers
Along the way to the falls, you’ll notice there are several areas that have been roped off with signage deterring hikers from entering certain areas. This is because of a rare plant that only grows in this park and nowhere else in the world. It’s called the Dwarf Trout Lily, a great reason to return in the spring and summer.
Respect the boundaries put in place by the park to protect the rare lily.
Boardwalk
Boardwalks have been put in place along with the other barriers. Please stay on the boardwalks when on this section of trail. They keep the foot traffic off of the rare lily and other important plants in this area. The boardwalk also makes it easier to traverse the path down to the falls along rather steep hills.
Hidden Falls
Hidden Falls isn’t quite as hidden as the name suggests. The falls is a short half mile hike from the parking area. The signs are very clear directing hikers to the main attraction of this park. Next to the falls is a set of stairs leading to the lower section of river where hikers can explore the bank and take in the magical view of this falls. In winter this solidified falls is like freezing time, but the trickle of living water can be heard beneath.
Crossing the Creek
Continuing on trail is no problem across Prairie Creek just before the falls. The trail leads over cement blocks to get to the other side. This was great fun for the kids to hop over and adds an exciting obstacle to the hike.
Park Activities
Hiking to the falls is not the only thing that this southern Minnesota park offers. There are plenty of activities to keep the nature enthusiast busy in this neck of the woods all year round.
It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Be prepared for the winter season by putting together a Winter Emergency Kit for your vehicle.
Welcome Winter. Winter brings about some hazardous conditions that could put travelers in danger. Icy roads, snow drifts, bald tires, lack of all wheel drive. So many things to consider when traveling in the winter. Obviously, as a driver, use your best judgement on whether or not it’s safe to hit the road. No matter the road conditions, if you are in an area with snow and cold, an emergency kit should be in your trunk.
Every Minnesotan has an ice scraper in their vehicle, but there is more gear needed as a winter driver. I’ve compiled a list of items to include in your Emergency Winter Kit. When the need arises, it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Absolute Essentials
Phone Charger & Phone($varies)– Most everyone carries their phone with them. Keep your phone charged at all times, a dead phone is useless.
I once made an emergency call to my husband with only 8% battery left. My hand was crushed in a metal dog door handle and the jam. I was able to send off a picture of the drill bit needed to free my hand and my location before my phone died. I still don’t have full feeling in my middle finger. Had it take much longer, I’d likely be down a digit. He got to me in 10 minutes rather than hours after he would have realized I hadn’t returned at my usual time.
**Communicate** Let people know where you are going, when you get there and when you plan to return. Safety first!
First Aid Kit ($20)– A well stocked first aid kit can assist in simple sliver removals to major bleeds. Be sure to have a first aid manual in your kit. You may have the knowledge to use the equipment, but if you are the one in distress that knowledge doesn’t help you.
I learned my lesson on traveling without a first aid kit the hard way. While biking to a waterfall my dog, Xena, made a mistake causing me to flip over my handlebars on a gravel trail. The following day, I purchased and stocked a first aid kit to toss in my day-pack.
Jumper Cables ($15)– Extreme cold can kill a car battery. A set of jumper cables should be kept in every vehicle.
Spare Tire ($varies) & Tire Changing Kit($50)– Having a spare tire in or under your vehicle is useless if you don’t have a portable jack and tire iron to accompany it. Don’t rely on passersby to have the tools you need. You may just find yourself on a seldomly traveled road with nothing but a tire that can’t be put on.
Small Shovel ($15)– Having a folding shovel in the car have help get you out of drifts and banks that have trapped you or another driver. In extreme emergencies, it can be used to dig a snow shelter.
Non-clumping Kitty Litter ($3)– Sometimes we just get stuck on ice or packed snow. It happens, sprinkling some kitty litter will help get traction for your tires and get you on your way.
Knife/Multitool($10)– You never know when or for what you’ll need a knife. I’ve needed a knife in so many different situations. It’s just a good idea to always have one on hand, but in case you forget one, have one in your emergency kit.
Window Marker ($4)– These markers are great for letting others know that you need help, have already gotten help and leaving the date on your vehicle to let authorities know when this vehicle was left.
Gloves and Hat ($10)– Keep a pair of gloves and a hat in your kit. When a car repair becomes necessary, gloves rapidly become essential.
Gear To Consider
Rechargeable Spot Light ($22)– A spot light comes in handy with breakdowns that occur at night, giving you a light source to fix your vehicle. Batteries lose their juice quickly in cold weather, a rechargeable light can be powered off of the car battery.
Tire Patch Kit ($10)– Having a patch kit at your disposal can aid in repairing a tire rather than changing it. Speaking from experience, it’s much easier to fix the hole from a nail or screw than to change the whole darn thing. Keep in mind, you’ll need a lighter to be stored along with the kit to burn off the extra rubber from the tire plug.
Portable Tire Inflator ($23) and Pressure Gauge ($2)– As you can see, I’m putting a lot of emphasis on tire care. No tires, no travel. My portable tire inflator has been my most frequently used item of all of my roadside kit items.
Warming Packs($5-10)– These will be greatly appreciated when stranded in cold temperatures or even returning to the vehicle after a cold winter ski adventure. Single use warming packs are a regular item I like to toss into my day pack as well, great for little kid fingers and toes.
Duffle Bag/Tote($varies)– Not all vehicles come with a storage compartment. A simple tote or duffle bag will do the trick. I prefer the duffle as it’s easier to grab and carry in an emergency.
Extreme Situation Items
Road Flares($8)– In blizzard and white out conditions, it’s difficult to spot a vehicle in the ditch, especially when you aren’t even sure where the road is. Best thing about these; the cold can’t drain the battery, there is no battery.
Blanket/Sleeping Bag ($10-50)– We have a small blanket for our kids for everyday use, it makes for a cozy ride in the car. For emergencies, we have a spare sleeping bag in the kit. If stranded in dangerous conditions it is imperative to keep the body warm to prevent hypothermia.
Full Change of Clothes($varies)– Have a full change of winter clothes in a zip-lock bag for each person who regularly rides in your vehicle. If someone becomes wet for some reason, it is important to get them out of wet clothing and keep them dry.
Basic Tools($varies)– Having a few tools like screwdrivers, small hammer, and a pliers are helpful in many situations.
Rope ($4)– Rope is such a versatile tool. It can be used for making splints on an sprained ankle, erecting a temporary shelter, making a bow sting for a fire starter, hanging a pot over a fire to melt snow for water. I keep a small coil of paracord in my kit. It’s light weight, strong, and compact.
Fire Starters ($2) & Waterproof Matches ($4)– Fire gives warmth and light. Being stranded in extreme temperatures might come down to how long you can keep yourself warm before help arrives. In remote areas, this can be longer. Having a way to create fire can be life saving. A couple of fire starters and water proof matches should be kept together. Finding wood to burn isn’t as hard as getting a fire started.
Candles ($5)– Candles are a more reliable source of light than flashlights. Batteries don’t last in extreme temperatures. Tea light candles work great for giving off light, be sure they come with a tin so wax doesn’t get on everything.
Hand Sanitizer ($3) & Toilet Paper ($1)– When you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go. Keeping toilet paper and hand sanitizer in your vehicle is great year-round. Both of these can also help start fires. The alcohol in the sanitizer makes a surprisingly effective fire starter.
Snacks($varies)– One way the body can keep itself warm is by digesting food. Keep high calorie snacks that don’t freeze or melt in your emergency kit.
Water Purifying Tablets ($9) & a Small Pot– Keeping water in your vehicle poses one single problem. It freezes. Water sources around you are also likely frozen. That leaves ice and snow unless you happen to be near a river that hasn’t frozen yet. Treating your water before drinking it will help keep you safe from parasites.
Free Printable available for your own personal use, be prepared and be safe!
One for the Minnesota Bucket List for sure. This semi-popular trail leads into the BWCA and to the highest natural elevation in Minnesota. The numerous adventures that I have enjoyed in the BWCA had always been by canoe, this was the first conquest traveled by foot. Viewing from above gives a new perspective on this vast wilderness.
Distance: 7 miles Type: Out & Back (or a spur if hiking thru on the Brule Lake Trail) Difficulty: Moderate Time to go: All year Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash Fees: Free, day use permit
Great Heights
Eagle Mountain sits a whopping 2,301 feet above sea level. Okay… so it’s not the most staggering height but it does hold the title for highest natural point in Minnesota. The lowest point in MN is under 15 miles away at Lake Superior, just 600 feet above sea level. A 1,701 foot difference in that short distance makes for dramatic landscapes in this area and picturesque scenery.
Permit
Hiking in the BWCA does require a permit. Overnight permits between May 1st to September 30 must be acquired ahead of time on recreation.gov, there is a fee for overnight use. Day use permits (free) are required year-round and available for self issue at the trail head or at Forest Service offices.
Length
This trail is 3.5 miles in length one way. It is not a loop! The out and back trail makes the total distance hiked 7 miles.
The hiking trail is considered a “wilderness trail,” meaning it is more rugged and not as frequently maintained as a other trails in the state, such as state park trails. You may come across downed trees and debris on the trail. Be prepared to go up and over or around.
Terrain
Eagle Mountain Trail is narrow with a variety of terrain. The trail passes over planked areas to pass marsh and swamp, over or around downed trees, over pronounced root systems, small bridges and creeks, along lake shores and beaver damns and finally a climb up rough trail and rock. This area has such variety, it’s amazing! Be sure to wear appropriate footwear.
Very Dog-Friendly
I wish we had been counting. The number of dogs on this trail was a surprise to me. We saw everything from young puppies to senior citizens, toy breeds to giants. If you have a well behaved and energetic pup at home, I encourage you to bring them along. They’ll love this adventure. We brought our 8 year-old Great Dane, Xena, along. She had a blast, even in her old age. Be sure to follow Trail Etiquette for Dogs to make sure everyone has a safe adventure.
Trail Head
Getting to the trail head is quite easy. Follow MN-61 to Lutsen, MN. Turn left onto Caribou Trail, after 17 miles you’ll go right onto The Grade for 4 miles. On the left you’ll find a decent gravel parking area with an obvious trial head.
This Trail head is complete with a vaulted toilet. I suggest you use it before the hike, it’s the last restroom unless you are planning to camp at one of the two sites off the trail, but there is no guarantee that they will be available.
Hitting the Trail
The first 3/4 of a mile are hiked in the Superior National Forest before you enter the BWCA. Be sure to snap a photo at the indicating sign as you enter this cherished wilderness. If you’re frequent visitors to the Superior National Forest and the BWCA, you’ll notice the slight change in trail conditions when you cross over.
After about 2.5 miles, along Whale Lake, there will be a four-way split. The trail that you’ve arrived on, a trail hooking to the east leading to a campsite, a trail heading north continuing on to Brule Lake Trail, and a trail to the west leading to Eagle Mountain. Obviously take the west spur trail leading to Eagle Mountain. Your destination will about another mile up. And I mean “up.”
The “Climb”
No, it’s not really mountain climbing. No equipment required but a pair of good hiking shoes. But it is still a steep incline over rock and loose gravel. Watch your footing and take it slow. Be sure to have children hike in front, this way the person behind them can catch them if they slip. Our 2 year-old hiker was able to accomplish this climb with the help of his dad. Our 10 year-old tackled it no problem. The senior Dane was able to complete it as well.
Not There Yet
Do not be deceived! You’ve scrambled up the rocky climb near the end of the trail and reached a stunning view, but you’re not there yet. While taking in the view over the nearby lakes in the BWCA from above is unreal and amazing, the peak is still farther up the trail. There will not be a marker at this point in the hike.
The Peak… Really
The trail continues opposite the gorgeous view. A quarter mile more lies a plaque that indicates the highest point in Minnesota. This location doesn’t have an amazing view or anything, but it is an accomplishment that every Minnesota hiker should check off their list. Let the sense of satisfaction wash over you… then return to the overlook for a well deserved snack and rest before your hike back.
Camping
Why not make it an overnight trip? There are two designated campsites off of the Eagle Mountain Trail. One on the west side of the trail on a spur and the other on Whale Lake. But be warned, in peak season these campsites are likely to be taken. About 3.5 miles north of the where the Eagle Mountain Trail becomes Brule Lake Trail there is a campsite of a spur lies a campsite on the peninsula of Fishhook Lake. You’ll also need an overnight hike permit to camp in the BWCA. This can be obtained at recreation.gov.
If you are concerned about the campsite availability during peak season, a valid concern from June through August, an alternative plan would be to camp near the trail head. There are several camping opportunities in the area.
First Come First Serve Camping in the Area: (No Fee, No Reservations)
Cascade River Rustic Campground (2.5 miles from trailhead)
Devil Track Lake Campground (6 miles from trailhead)
Baker Lake Rustic Campground (14 miles from trailhead)
Clara Lake Rustic Campground (15 miles from trailhead)
Reservable State Park Camping (Reservations and Fees Required)
Cascade River State Park (16 miles from trailhead)
Temperance River State Park (33 miles from trailhead)
George Crosby Manitou State Park (49 miles from trailhead)
Tettegouche State Park (55 miles from trailhead)
These are just a few of the options in northern Minnesota. There are many more private and public camp areas, some requiring reservations and fees. On our visit, we chose to stay at Cascade River State Park. A wonderful place to set up camp on a hike-in adventure.
Grab a Post-Hike Bite
We like to have a nice treat after a good hike. This time we decided on “My Sister’s Place.” This was just what we needed after a 7 mile hike with kids. While the burgers were tasty, the real treat was the blueberry shake. Never have I ever seen a BLUEBERRY shake on a menu, and it was amazing! We highly recommend “My Sister’s Place.”
Eagle Mountain had been on my Minnesota Bucket List for some time. For a few years we had intentions of visiting in the summer, we finally made it happen in lieu of a second BWCA canoe trip. This allowed us to bring our oversized pup along to the BWCA for the first time (she doesn’t do canoes). Now that it is off my bucket list for the summer, it’s back on the list for a snowshoe adventure!
Glittering lights and Cold nights make for a magical experience in the great white north of Minnesota. Pull on your boots and zip up your coats, Minnesota is lit up and ready to celebrate the Christmas season with spectacular lights displays and festive activities!
**Updated for 2024**
Bentleyville USA
Of course we’ve all heard of Bentleyville here in Minnesota. Many families make a yearly tradition of visiting the walk-through lights display in Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth. A great addition to a weekend getaway to Duluth.
When: November 23th to December 28th
Hours: Sun-Thurs. 5pm-9pm, Fri-Sat. 5pm-10pm
Location: 700 Railroad Street, Duluth, MN 55802
Admission: Free admission, $10 for parking
Highlights: (All Free) Marshmallow roasting station, visit/pictures with Santa, hot cocoa & coffee, Cookies and popcorn, complimentary strollers
**To beat the crowds, hit this event midweek.
Glensheen Candlelight Tours
Soak in all of the Christmas magic this historic estate has to offer on this self-guided Glensheen Candlelight Tour. This tour includes the lower level, 1st floor, and 2nd floor of the festive Christmas mansion.
When: Fri & Sat November 29-January 5th
Hours: 5pm-8pm (Tour Dates and Times vary)
Location: Glensheen Mansion, 3300 London Road, Duluth, MN 55804
Admission: Adults $25, Children (6-17) $13, Children under 6 are free
Highlights: Informative signs throughout tour, downloadable app for information on the tour, admission includes Spirit of the Lights outdoor exhibit on the Glensheen grounds
**Do not bring your own flashlights
Lake Superior Zoo Lights
Experience the Lake Superior Zoo‘s twinkling lights and displays. An event the kids are sure to enjoy.
When: Friday-Sunday Evenings until December 21st
Hours: 5pm-8pm
Location: 7120 Freemont Street, Duluth, MN 55807
Admission: $10 per person, free parking (Ages 2 & under are free)
Highlights: Free s’mores, GIANT inflatable display, Santa & Grinch visits, hot cocoa at the Safari Café
Minnesota Arboretum
The Winter Lights at the Minnesota Arboretum is a whimsical outdoor winter experience. The summer loving flower enthusiasts will enjoy seeing the arboretum in this new light.
When: November 21st to January 5th
Hours: Dates and hours vary with numerous events and specials, investigate further here.
Location: 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN 55318
Admission: Regardless of membership, all visitors must have a Winter Lights ticket ($10 members, $25 non-members)
Highlights: S’mores kits available for purchase (includes 4 s’mores for $7), .75 mile stroll through visitor center grounds and gardens, warm up inside visitors center
Glow Holiday Festival
Venturing north isn’t the only way to get a full holiday experience. This massive display of lights will have your holiday spirit beaming! Now being held in the CHS Field in St. Paul, this display is bigger and better than ever.
When: November 21st to January 5th
Hours: Sun-Thurs 5pm-9pm (last entry time at 8pm), Fri-Sat 5pm-10pm
Location: CHS Field 360 N. Broadway Street, St. Paul, MN 55101
Highlights: Giant Slide (extra cost), S’mores package available for purchase, enchanted forest, penguin playground, interactive northern lights display, Trolly ride
Celebrate the Light of the World
‘Tis the season of giving and the Willmar Celebrate the Light of the World event is all about giving back to the community. The drive through Christmas display is free for all but there is an opportunity to give a gift to four non-profit organizations; Salvation Army, Kandiyohi County Food Shelf, Habitat for Humanity, and United Way.
When: November 25th to December 31st
Hours: 5pm-10pm
Location: Robbins Island Regional Park, 945 US Business 71, Willmar, MN 56201
Admission: Free Event, Donations accepted for 4 non-profit organizations
Highlights: Drive-through lights display (great for take out Dinner and a show, one of our family traditions)
Sam’s Christmas Village, WI
Hop over the border for a whimsical Christmas experience at the popular Sam’s Christmas Village in Somerset, Wisconsin.
When: Dec. 9th- Dec. 31st
Drive-Through Only Days: Mon. & Tues. Dec. 9th- December 10th ($15 per adult)
Hours: Sun-Thurs 5pm-9pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-10pm
Location: 710 Spring Street, Somerset, WI 54025
Admission: Adult $25, Child (3-10) $20, 2 & under are free, $10 Parking on-site (cash only for parking)
Highlights: 10 Million lights on display, Christmas Market Thurs-Sun nights, Visit Santa in Christmas Market, sledding hill, S’mores Cabins available for rent ($119+)
