Archive for the ‘Outdoor Activities’ Category
A Perfect Day in Duluth
Thursday, May 17th, 2012
Duluth. A wonderful city on the shores of Lake Superior. A place for the people of the North Shore to run errands or drive through on their way to the cities. This past weekend we decided to enjoy all Duluth has to offer. We started our day at the Great Lakes Aquarium. I was pleasantly surprised at how nice it was. The GLA focuses on the great lakes, mostly Lake Superior, and the habitats in and around the lakes, and also includes a small salt water aquarium section. There is a giant fresh water tank with some giant fish in it! We were there to see the divers feeding the fish and taking care of the tank. One of the favorite kid activities was a large water table in the shape of the Great Lakes where kids could move boats through the locks of the lakes. The upper level has a nice Lake Superior history area. Even though the GLA is huge, there is still lot to see and do.
Next we walked over to my favorite sandwich place in Duluth – Northern Waters Smokehaus. This small restaurant is located in the Dewitt-Seitz Marketplace. It was featured a few years back on the Food Network show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. I do believe it has the best sandwiches in Duluth. My favorite is the Pastrami Mommy. They also have some wonderful homemade salami, smoked fish and a small cheese section. There is a small section of bar seating, but since the weather was so beautiful we sat outside on some picnic tables. The staff is always friendly and if you can find a spot, parking in the back lot is free.
After a fulfilling lunch we took a walk to the Duluth pier to see the lift bridge. We missed seeing a big laker drive through, but did see the bridge lift for a smaller sailboat. The walk down to the end of the pier was a good people watching experience and provides a nice view of the city of Duluth and the Lake Superior shoreline.
We walked back to the GLA parking lot – taking the path under the lift bridge – a sort of different perspective seeing cars drive above you! Directly next to the GLA is a large playground. We spent some time there before heading home. I believe you do have to pay a five dollar parking fee if you park next to the playground or in the GLA parking lot.
Next time you are on your way up to the North Shore – take a break in Duluth and enjoy it! You will not regret the time spent in a great city by the shore.-Kris
- Duluth Pier
Duluth Lift Bridge
Tags: Duluth, Great Lakes Aquarium, Lake Superior, Minnesota
Posted in Outdoor Activities, Stories and Pictures, Travel, Uncategorized |
A Quick Trip for a Fantastic View – Britton Peak
Tuesday, May 1st, 2012
About two to three miles up the Sawbill Trail is a quick, but steep hike to Britton Peak. I hiked up last week and really enjoyed the early spring view. There is a large parking area for both Britton and Carlton Peak. The hike is 0.6 round trip. It is a fairly steep hike with some stairs and a rather large drop off on one side of the trail. Once you are on top of the peak it is simply beautiful. There is a great view of Lake Superior, Carlton Peak and the Temperance River Valley. There is plenty of room at the top to spread out a blanket and read a book or have a picnic. The hike itself is not for the faint of heart, but if you can make it up – it is 100% worth the effort! I also hiked a little of the Superior Hiking Trail just off the Britton Peak trail and really enjoyed that as well. – Kris
Tags: Britton Peak, Lake Superior, Sawbill Trail, Superior Hiking Trail, Tofte
Posted in Outdoor Activities |
Winter Hike at Cascade State Park
Thursday, March 8th, 2012
Last Sunday after all the snow from the week before and usual warm temps for the winter of 2012 we threw on our winter gear, had a great breakfast at Cascade Lodge, and headed next door to Cascade State Park. I love seeing the ice waterfalls! We were not the only ones who had the same idea. The trail was nicely packed, but the stairs on the west side were a little slippery and snow packed.
The water was open at the end of the first falls you come to. It was fun to see the rushing water through an opening in the ice where large sharp icicles had begun to form. Our four year old son was convinced that was where a polar bear lived. The open water below the falls had what I called, ice lily pads, floating and bobbing in the water. There were also many critter prints coming to and from the water – some looking like otter marks with footprints and tail prints gliding through the snow.
We hiked past the bridge and could see more open water and some fresh cross country ski tracks. The snow clung to the trees and braches – a nice display of winter. Now with the weather even warmer this week I wonder if the waterfall has opened up more. I saw this week the Cross River Waterfall has started its annual thaw. Soon we will be in spring, the best time on the North Shore for waterfalls! For now, we will play in the snow as long as we have it! -Kris
Tags: Cascade State Park
Posted in Outdoor Activities, Uncategorized |
A Gunflint Trail Ski Day
Thursday, March 1st, 2012
Last Saturday four of us headed up the Gunflint Trail to ski the Central Gunflint Ski Trail system. It was lightly snowing when we arrived to the winter wonderland of Bearskin Lake. We checked in at Bearskin Lodge to obtain our ski pass (different than the MN State DNR Ski pass). A full day pass is $15 per day and if you ski after 1pm, the cost is $10 per day. We were given a map of the ski system, asked for suggestions of trails to take, and then hit the trails.
We skied across the lake to the Ox Cart Trail. I do believe these were the most crisp ski tracks I had ever skied on. I was very impressed. The path was a good mix of easy to moderate skiing. The tracks made their way through a forested area that was so beautiful. I could pinch myself at how lucky I am to live in such a wonderful place.
After conquering the Ox Cart Trail, we then made our way across the lake again to the campground loop. Skiing across the lake was a bit chilly, but a nice change of scenery. After skiing a little onto the Beaver Dam Trail, we decided to turn around and head back to the lodge.
After skiing we took a break next to the fireplace in some comfortable rocking chairs and couch before heading to Grand Marais for calzones at My Sister’s Place. A great ski day with good friends can’t be beat! – Kris
Link to Central Gunflint Ski Trail Map
Tags: Bearskin, Gunflint Trail
Posted in Outdoor Activities, Uncategorized |
A Ski Through George Washington Pines
Thursday, January 26th, 2012
The weather last weekend was perfect – no wind and mild winter temperatures. What better to do on a day like that than go cross country skiing at George Washington Pines. This quiet ski spot is a little less than 7 miles up the Gunflint Trail. You still have cell phone reception in case you are alone (or want to post a great skiing picture to your friends back home on facebook). It is a 3.5k loop that runs through some of the larger pines in our area. When I got to the parking spot, there was only one other car. The trail itself didn’t have a lot of snow, but was well groomed. It is mostly a flat ski with 1 medium size downhill and one large downhill. It is a great spot for people who are new to skiing or just want an easier ski. -Kris
Tags: Cross Country Skiing, George Washington Pines, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail
Posted in Outdoor Activities, Uncategorized |
Family Vacation on the North Shore (Part 1)
Thursday, January 5th, 2012
Over the years my husband’s family has enjoyed a week together during the summer to get together and catch up with everyone. Before we all had kids we enjoyed some warmer weather climates. Now that we all have kids, we have stayed a little closer to home. This year we all got together in my neck of the woods. We had the whole family here in Tofte and stayed at two Aspenwood townhomes. It was fun to play tour guide for the week!
We started out the week’s event with a trip up to Nanaboujou Lodge. We went to their annual Caroled Dinner. It was wonderful event with mulled apple cider, four course dinner, and a group of carolers singing Christmas music. The atmosphere was perfect with Christmas lights and a huge Christmas tree. I found myself staring at the walls and ceiling throughout dinner because there is so much going on with the beautiful painting.
The next day our group split in two – one set went downhill skiing and snowboarding and the others went skating at the Grand Marais ice rink (with warming house). For those who didn’t bring skates they rented some for $1.00 each! That is some cheap entertainment! The colder weather kept us moving on the ice. When we were finished, some of us went home for lunch and a few others ventured to My Sister’s Place to try the infamous Goober Burger (a burger with peanut butter and mayo)! The week definitely started off well! Warm temps and fresh snow added to the fun.
Look for Part 2 of this story which will include some Cross Country Skiing and a Dog Sled Ride! -Kris
Posted in Outdoor Activities, Uncategorized |
Cross Country Skiing Begins
Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012
The Norpine Trail Association reports the latest snow base depth of 1-5″ on their groomed cross country ski trail report dated 12/30/11. I am sure that we all have been anxiously waiting for this report and are looking forward to other reports of snow and grooming. We are all ready to begin our adventures in the beautiful, white, and fluffy snow where opportunities exist. Norpine Trail Association talks about how they have been busy grooming the Cascade/Deeryard Lake area, packing and tracking it with a roller. They have opened the Main Pioneer and Main Deeryard loops as far as 18km in a 1 track classic fashion. -Cindy
Posted in Outdoor Activities, Winter Events |
Seagull Beach up the Gunflint Trail
Thursday, August 25th, 2011
This Monday I had the chance to take my son on a little road trip up the Gunflint Trail. Our destination – Seagull Beach - one of the only public sand beaches in our area. We left our home in Lutsen and the outside temperature on my car thermometer read 55 degrees. I thought I was crazy for even attempting the beach when it was so cold, but I could only imagine it was warmer up the trail! If it wasn’t maybe we would go on a hike to keep warm instead!
The drive up the trail was nice. We unfortunately didn’t see any wildlife, but the scenery was worth it. We had a conversation about why the trees didn’t have any leaves and were black because of the Ham Lake fire in 2007. As we reached the end of the trail, sure enough my thermometer had risen to 70 degrees! Yeah – swimming would happen after all.
The Seagull beach is right at the Seagull Lake boat landing. It has a bathroom, flat ground for some games of catch, and a nice picnic table with fire ring close by. You walk below the picnic area to a wonderful sand beach. It isn’t very big, but plenty of room for a few families. We had the beach to ourselves most of the time we were there! The other great part of the area, is you can walk about 200 feet out into the water and it is still only up to your knees – a great spot for toddlers and kids. The water is so clear you can see the ripples in the sand from the waves, any rocks or tree debris and of course fish!
We enjoyed our picnic lunch and made some grand sand castles, which were promptly smooshed by little feet. We also enjoyed the water and walked almost all the way to the deep part of the water. You can see some burned branches and places where the fire had been, but does not overwhelm the beauty of the area.
It took us about an hour and twenty minutes to get from Lutsen to the beach and it was totally worth it! – Kris
Picnic Area
Seagull Beach
Carson testing out the water
Tags: Gunflint Trail, Lutsen, Minnesota, Seagull Beach
Posted in Outdoor Activities, Uncategorized |
Temperance River – Geocaching
Monday, August 8th, 2011
Becoming a state park in 1957, Temperance River was named, they say, because unlike other North Shore streams, the river had no bar at its mouth. Around 1660, when the first white travelers came to the North Shore, the waters of the Temperance River flowed so deep and strong into Lake Superior, that there could not be a build-up of debris, unable to form a “bar”.
On any given summer or fall day, 22 miles of hiking, beautiful waterfalls, picnicking, rock climbing, wildlife, plants and the Shore of Lake Superior can be enjoyed at Temperance River State Park. Because Temperance River is a designated trout stream, along with Chinook Salmon and Steel Head, lake and stream fishing can also be explored.
This Saturday, the park will host Geocaching, an outdoor game with a nature cart, located in the picnic grounds. This rapidly growing, popular sport includes park history, wildlife and hidden treasures.
Temperance River State Park is located on Highway 61, approximately 77 miles north of Duluth, in Schroeder. It is on the way or not far from the home you have rented or one that is available this week or weekend. -Cindy
Posted in Outdoor Activities, Summer Events |
The Gnome Place
Monday, May 16th, 2011
If you’ve spent any time in Minnesota’s north woods, you’ve likely walked through a cedar grove. These lovely trees have sinuous trunks, twisty roots and flat, evergreen “leaves.” A grove of cedars usually filters out most light, leaving an open forest floor and a quiet, special atmosphere.
We have a cedar grove just a short walk from our house, and our children have dubbed it “the gnome place.” They thought the caverns under the roots looked like perfect gnome houses. Friends and family heard about the gnome place and provided them with some garden gnomes to house there. Visiting the gnome place is one of the first things they do as soon as the snow melts. Here are a few photos of our trip there last week. -Kate
Tags: cedars, gnomes, Hiking
Posted in Fun for Kids, Outdoor Activities, Stories and Pictures |
