Scenic Byway County 39 runs between Blackduck and Cass Lake. Star Island (accessible by boat only) sits smack-dab in the middle of Cass Lake. The nearly 1,200-acre island is a mecca for Bald Eagles and boasts its own 195-acre lake, Lake Windigo—forming “a lake within an island within a lake.” Say what?
4 Rock Climb & Sea Kayak
The University of Minnesota Duluth; 218-726-7128; www.umdrsop.org. Duluth is approximately 150 miles north of the Twin Cities on I-35. The actual site of the trips varies, so call ahead for locations.
Have you always wanted to learn how to kayak or rock climb? The University of Minnesota Duluth offers several options for learning these skills, including safety and rescue clinics. Take an introductory course at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, kayaking the open waters of Lake Superior, or paddle next to anchored ocean freighters on Duluth Waterfront Tours. Rock climb on the North Shore and enjoy nature’s beauty. Half- or full-day courses. Once you’ve mastered the courses, sign up for the University’s adventure trips. There are several to choose from throughout the summer and they change from year to year. Skill level of trips varies from beginner to intermediate. Call or visit the University’s website for schedule and pricing. A couple examples:
Mountain bike and rock climb in the Moab desert. Cycle through sandstone landscapes and stand on ancient rock spires.
Alpine climb in Rocky Mountain National Park. Attempt to take the summit at 14,225 feet.
5 Room to Roam Farm Vacations
Room to Roam, W656 Veraguth Drive, Fountain City, WI; 608-687-8575. Approximately 120 miles southeast of the Twin Cities.
As a guest at the Room to Roam, a registered Holstein dairy farm, you gather fresh eggs and feed the cows—all before breakfast! Afterward, watch farmer Jess work up the fields, bale some hay or harvest the crops. Learn what it’s like to be a farmer in this challenging global economy or just pet the animals and enjoy the peace and quiet.
The furnished 3-bedroom, century-old, two-story farmhouse sits high on the bluffs overlooking the mighty Mississippi River. You’ll have your own big maple tree in the front yard and a garden ripe for the picking in the back. There’s a volleyball setup, Schwan’s vanilla ice cream in the freezer, a firepit with a supply of wood, hayrides and plenty of time for eagle watching (so bring your binoculars). Rent by the night, weekend, week or longer. The house sleeps eight comfortably.
NOTE: This is not a bed and breakfast. You are responsible for your own meals. The farmhouse is separate from the owners’ house.
6 Voyageurs National Park Houseboats
Voyageurs National Park: www.nps.gov/voya. Approximately 300 miles north of the Twin Cities, about a 5-hour drive.
Do you want to get away from it all? Then head to Voyageurs National Park. Located in the heart of the North Woods, Voyageurs is definitely in the “north country”; it shares a common boundary with Canada. More than 500 islands and over 30 lakes establishes it as the park with the most water. At 2.7 billion years old, Voyageurs’ plentiful, gray-colored Canadian Shield is among the oldest rock in the world. Hunt, fish, canoe or pick blueberries to your heart’s content. Visit old gold mines, a primitive sculpture garden or the historic Kettle Falls Hotel—reported as haunted! Hike trails to waterfalls, island hop or skinny-dip (if you’re so inclined), because it’s only you and miles of scenic, untamed nature.
There are four points of entry into Voyageurs besides International Falls: Crane Lake, Ash River, Lake Kabetogama and Rainy Lake. The following is a list of local houseboat rental firms:
Dougherty’s Rainy Lake Houseboats, 2031 County Road 102, International Falls; 800-554-9188; www.rainylakehouseboats.com
Ebel’s Voyageur Houseboats, 10326 Ash River Trail, Orr; 888-883-2357; www.ebels.com
Northernaire Houseboats, 2690 County 94, International Falls; 800-854-7958; www.northernairehouseboats.com
Voyagaire Lodge and Houseboats, 7576 Goldcoast Road, Crane Lake; 800-882-6287; www.voyagaire.com
Boats are furnished with kitchen equipment, dishes and bedding. Linens, towels and hot tubs available for rent. Some firms include fishing boats. Extensive instructions given to inexperienced boaters. Season: Mid-May to mid-Oct. Rates vary.
Before heading into the wilderness, make a stop at the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary to learn a thing or two about Black Bears. From an observation deck, watch trained naturalists interpret bear behavior as it happens. But a word of caution—you enter the grounds at your own risk. Bears are wild animals and are not fenced in. Read the signs and follow all directions. The Sanctuary is also excellent for birding, so don’t forget your binoculars! The Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary is 1 mile south of Orr on Pelican Lake. From Highway 53, turn west on County 23; drive 13 miles, sanctuary is on the right. Open Memorial Day–Labor Day, 5 p.m. until dusk. Closed Mondays and during heavy rainfall. Fee charged. For tour information, call 218-757-0172; www.americanbear.org. • The Orr Bog Walk is a half-mile jaunt with wildlife and pelicans galore! Boardwalk begins at the Information Center parking lot located just south of Orr on Highway 53. Call 218-757-3932 (Orr Tourist Information Center) for more information. Wheelchair accessible.
7 Wintergreen Dogsled Vacations
1101 Ring Rock Road, Ely; 877-SLEDFUN (877-753-3386) or 218-365-6022; www.dogsledding.com. Approximately 260 miles from the Twin Cities, about a 4-hour drive.
NOTE: Flying in? A few 45-minute trips are offered daily from the Twin Cities to Hibbing’s full-service airport. Take the Ely Shuttle, which travels to Hibbing and Duluth airports, to the resort. Reserve ahead when you reserve your flight.
In 1986, Paul Schurke and Will Steger successfully completed an amazing 57-day journey to the North Pole. This launched new careers for them as best-selling authors and speakers with an award-winning television special. Outside Magazine named Paul the “Outdoorsman of the Year.” This vacation gives you a chance to go exploring with real-life Arctic adventurer Paul Schurke. For the past couple of decades, Paul has conducted complete hands-on mushing tours from his Wintergreen Lodge on White Iron Lake.
Wintergreen provides gear, food and lodging. It also has the world’s largest working kennel of Canadian Eskimo freight dogs. The dogs range from 60–80 pounds and can pull twice their weight. If you don’t know what to wear, Paul’s wife, Sue, can hook you up with fleece anoraks or pants or whatever you need to keep toasty warm. Sue Schurke is the owner of Wintergreen Design and sewed all the clothing for Paul’s 1986 North Pole expedition, launching her extremely successful business from the kitchen table. Rent or buy the clothing at a special guest discount.
Wintergreen also has a French chef on staff. The Schurke family lives nearby on the grounds and often eats with the guests. Paul takes time to personally visit with the guests and share his Arctic adventures. Physical requirements
