Gunflint Trail- A great place to visit

     

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      There are very few places in the world like the Gunflint Trail.  This Scenic Byway travels 56 miles from Grand Marais to the end of the Trail through the Superior National Forest.  There are towering pines, crystal clear lakes, moose in the swamps, and eagles in the air as you drive along this unique roadway.  To get a feel for the Gunflint Trail you can view this clip prepared by Explore Minnesota Tourism.

     All along the Trail there are side roads with different resorts, outfitters,campgrounds, restaurants, lakes, hiking trails and Boundary Waters entry points to choose from.  Guests of area resorts can enjoy many recreation opportunities including, birding, photography, berry picking, fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, shopping, dining, and many people’s favorite, canoeing.  The opportunity for day trips into the famed Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are endless.  

       Voyageur Canoe Outfitters is located at the end of the Gunflint Trail on the Seagull River with day trip opportunities into the Quetico Park, Seagull and Saganaga Lake right from their dock.  They can also provide transportation to any of the other entry points along the Gunflint Trail.  For those who want to explore the stages of the forest in relationship to wildfire you can choose the Fire Tour.  This tour begins at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters where you will be transported via tow boat across Saganaga Lake.  Along the way you will see the Sag Corridor Fire of 1995 and the Roy Lake Fire of 1976.  You will then take a short 10-rod portage with your kayak or canoe and paddle Red Rock Lake.  Here you will see some evidence of the Seagull Lake Fire before portaging into Alpine Lake.  Along the way you can enjoy a trail lunch prepared by Voyageur for your trip.  Once on Alpine Lake you can see where the Alpine Lake Fire emerged in 2005 as well as the effects of the Cavity Lake Fire of this year.  A 105-rod portage into Seagull will show you more results of the Cavity Lake Fire.  Paddle and explore Seagull and enjoy a hike to the top of the Palisades for an even better view of the wilderness area.  When you are ready to end your day trip you can paddle right back to Voyageur’s dock where a cold beverage will await you. 

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     No previous paddling experience is necessary to enjoy this day trip.  The staff at Voyageur can provide on the water instruction if needed and will supply you with canoes, paddles, and comfortable life vests for your trip.  Most people like to spend a minimum of 5 hours on this day trip but you are welcome to spend all day, the cost is just $76.00 per person.

     We invite you to visit Voyageur and the Gunflint Trail, where the wilderness awaits you.