OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Congratulations! If you’re a local to the Northland you should be aware that you just survived a winter that was one for the record books. Yes, when it wasn’t bitterly cold, it was snowing. It was miserable and it dragged out for months. The days that it didn’t feel like an icy hell were few and far between. If you are just visiting the Northland, you showed up at a good time. That was one harsh winter that you should be glad you missed. Whatever you do this summer DO NOT spend it all inside watching television or playing video games. Save that for next winter. Even if you shattered your femur at the end of May, there’s no reason to not at least enjoy a BBQ. This is a list of suggestions of things to do this summer that would be either impossible or less fun to do in the winter. If Duluth won Outside Magazine’s “Best Town” then there has to be something that almost anyone can do in this area no matter what their level of fitness, age or income is.

Start a fire!
No, we’re not encouraging arson. Gathering with friends (or any friendly people) around a fire is perhaps one of the best social experiences that can be enjoyed during summer months.
There are several things to consider when having a fire. First, use common sense. Burning yourself, your friends or a forest is not a good way to have fun. Next, you should check on how legal it is to have a fire. For example, while people certainly do have fires out on Park Point in Duluth, it is not legal to do so. Having an appropriate fire pit is advised and will often be mandatory whether it be in a back yard or the middle of the woods. Getting hassled by the man and receiving fines is also not very fun. If you’re making a really big fire (brush, downed trees, etc.), check with the DNR because permits will often be necessary and the sight of a lot smoke might have emergency crews showing up.
It’s generally accepted that fires on Wisconsin Point are fine. Be sure to clean up after yourself when you go out and make sure the fire is extinguished when you leave it. Don’t be the group of people who trash up the beach and when a lawmaker walks down the beach the next day with their dog they decide to tighten up the rules. Many laws and regulations are because people either lack common sense or are oblivious to the fact that their mess, actions and behavior ruins things for everyone else.      

Water Sports!
By August there should only be a few chunks of ice left in Lake Superior. We predict that the big lake will be somewhere between mildly uncomfortable to down right painful most of the summer. Take heart, there’s plenty of water in the area and there’s more than just swimming that can be done on it.

Tubing Adventure
Tubing takes almost no skill and if you were looking for a tan, if you do it on a Sunday, those who are fair skinned will most likely be burnt to a crisp.
Tubing down the Namekagon River in Trego, Wisc. is a great way to spend a summer day.  Jack’s canoe rental will take you several miles away in a van and then all you have to do lie back and enjoy the ride that is roughly 3 hours long.  Get some friends, get some beverages and if you have enough people on board, they’ll throw in a tube for your cooler which may or may not hold a bunch of booze or cans of sparkling water.
There’s no need to be risky after tossing back brews with your friends during this activity, Jack’s has a campground at the end of the journey.  Simply walk ashore, gather by a campfire and enjoy a night in the Northwoods. Check jackscanoerental.com for more information.
Another option for tubing within a relatively short driving distance of the Twin Ports is at Country Camping Tent and RV Park in Isanti, Minn. They also provide shuttles for tubing trips and canoe and kayak rentals. For more information go to country-camping.com

Canoeing
A great way to spend a day is to canoe or kayak down the Brule River near Iron River, Wisc. Much like the tubing, you’ll travel a few miles in a van and get dropped off. Brule River Canoe Rental facilitates 100s of people each day during these warm and sunny days of summer. Unlike tubing, there is a little bit of skill and obstacle negotiation involved or you’ll spend some time getting yourself free off a rock or out of the trees which line most every inch of the journey down. They also rent kayaks if you like to fly solo. Visit brulerivercanoerental.com for more information.
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous. We recommend the Boundary Waters. There are few places in the world that have the majestic feel of that area in Minnesota’s far Northern edge. If you don’t have your own canoe rental and outfitting business like Boundary Waters Outfitters in Ely, Minn. will be able to send you off on an unforgettable adventure. Visit boundarywatersoutfitters.com for more information.

Sea Kayaking
This year revealed the wonders of the sea caves along the South Shore of Lake Superior. There is really nothing more awe inspiring in the area than visiting the “sea caves” of Meyers Beach just a few miles away from the small but wonderful little town of Cornucopia, Wisc. This winter the town got an unexpected bump of tourism. Take our word for it, the area has a lot to offer in the Summer months as well.  Thousands of years of wind and water have carved out wondrous caves and valleys in the rock.  The caves can be visited on foot during the winter, but making it out on a summer day is truly something that will be unforgettable.  The company Lost Creek Adventures out of Cornucopia facilitates trips out to the sea caves, or if you have your own kayak or canoe, even better.  This is one of the most beautiful things on the South Shore of Lake Superior.

Sailing/Boating
If you have a boat and a skip at a dock, this is a no brainer. There are a few ways to get on to a boat for a little cruise. The easiest is to go out on a Vista Fleet tour. Another idea that might cost a little bit is to go to superiorcharter.com. They provide boats and instruction to all levels of boaters, experienced to novice. Sailboats Inc. out of Bayfield, WI also provides similar services. If you’re a little social and have interesting things to say, it is possible to hit up a bar near a marina and talk someone who has a boat in to taking you and a friend out if you play your cards right.

Fishing
We’re not going to spill any secret spots, but there is some awesome fishing up here in the summer. While you can take your chances just throwing a line anywhere and catch something, it’s not a bad idea to ask around. If you want to have someone experienced take you out, there a number of charter fishing companies out there to help assure a catch. If you’re an adult you’ll need to get a fishing license and should check up on local laws. The website takemefishing.org.

Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding is perhaps one the most serene and low impact of the boarding sports. Some people do surf on Lake Superior, but it will involve either going out in a storm or during the winter. It’s not particularly difficult to paddle board if you have decent balance but if you think you might need lessons visit the University of Minnesota Duluth Recreational Outdoor Program at umdrsop.org. They offer classes in a wide array of summer activities.

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Things in the Air!
The air has warmed up. Here’s somethings you can do with it.

Sky Diving
Skydive Superior did have an incident last year, but the fact that everyone came out all right actually speaks for the experience of their crew. They’re back up and running and this is probably one of the most exhilarating things that can be done around the area. Jumping out of a plane right next to Lake Superior. Visit skydivesuperior.com for more information.  

Skydive Twin Cities, 2 Locations! 20500 Forest Road N, Forest Lake, MN 55025 (612)516-5867 and 2026 County Road J, Baldwin, WI 54002 (715)684-3416 www.skydivetwincities.com

West Side Skydivers, 3234 230th St, Winsted, MN 55395 (320)485-2124 www.westsideskydivers.com

Skydive Minnesota, 10726 155th St, Milaca, MN 56353 (763)913-4497 www.skydiveminnesota.org

Go Fly a Kite
This activity is relatively inexpensive and can be done anywhere where you have some room. You can pick up a kite at a dollar store or pick up a stunt kite for around $200. Either way, it’s fun to do on a breezy afternoon.

Disc Golf
A fun and not so expensive activity to do in the summer is disc golfing. For those not in the know, there are special frisbees that are shaped to meet certain needs. In this aspect the discs are what clubs are to actual golf and also like real golf, there is plenty of finesse and skill involved.
Unlike actual golf, disc golf is fairly cheap. Most discs from $10 to $25 and it’s certain that you’ll lose a few after awhile. There are starter packs that will enough for you to get going. The nice thing is that there are a number of courses in the area and most of them are free. While there may not be a fancy lounge or golf carts at the courses, all one needs to do is get some friends and show up. Disc golf can also be played in the winter, but it’s a little nicer to do it in the summer months. Because of the nature of flying discs, we added this to our air-born section.
Here is a list of nearby disc golf destinations:

Mont du Lac
3125 Mont du Lac Dr.
Superior, WI
Mont du Lac lies south of superior and can be accessed easily from Superior or from the Duluth side through Gary New Duluth.
It’s roughly a 20 minute drive either way. It’s a jumbo sized course with three different possible routes. First is the Eagles Peak Mountain course. It is 18 holes and has a length of 5,000 feet. There are plenty of obstacles and terrain to negotiate throughout the course.
The White Cedar Forest course has 22 holes and has options for it to be 5,000 feet up to nearly 7,000 feet. If you’re looking to make a day of it, both courses can be combined to make up 38 holes and a length that can range from 10,000 to over 13,000 feet.

Central Park
717 6th Avenue East
Superior, WI
Is a little short with six holes
and a length of 1,300 feet.

College of St. Scholastica
1200 Kenwood Ave.
Duluth, MN
Has six holes and runs 1,600 feet.

Miller Creek
Miller Creek by Lake Superior
College
Duluth, MN
Has 18 holes, plenty of elevation
 and runs 5,000 feet.

Carlton Disc Golf Sanctuary
530 Stine Dr.
Carlton, MN
Offers nine holes and a course
length of nearly 2,500 feet.

Morgan Park
1242 88th Avenue West
Duluth, MN
This course lies way out in West Duluth and has seven holes.

Lincoln Park
25th Ave. West & 3rd St.
Duluth, MN
This nine hole course lies on moderately hilly and wooded terrain.

University of Minnesota Duluth
University Dr.
Duluth, MN
Perhaps the least secluded course on the list, the UMD course offers nine holes.

Other Aerial Adventures

Hot Air Balloon Rides, Stillwater Balloon, 135 Saint Croix Trail N, Lakeland, MN 55043 (651)439-1800 www.stillwaterballoons.com

Helicopter Tours, Twin Cities Helicopters, 8891 Airport Road NE E13, Blaine, MN 55449 (763)780-2898 www.minnesotashelicopters.com

It’s Good to be Well Grounded
There’s plenty of stuff to do with your feet on the ground. Whether it be the simplicity of taking a walk along the lake or in the forest to taking a Harley Davidson for a multi-day Northland cruise, the unique beauty of the area will provide you a backdrop for your adventure.

Walking/Hiking
The possibilities of walking and hiking up here are endless. Please refer to our hiking enthusiasts write up on “top ten day hikes” in our summer guide at duluthreader.com/articles/2014/05/29/3470_top_10_hikes.  Don’t get lost and tell someone where you’re going if you have any big adventures in mind.  

It’s Worth a Shot
It’s fairly common for some in the Northland to either be active hunters or at least know their way around a firearm. There is some hunting during summer months but be sure to check with the Department of Natural Resources for full information on what is in season and how to obtain proper licensing.
There’s a lot of places in the middle of the woods where you’re unlikely to be hassled if you go plink at a few targets, but perhaps check with a gun store like Superior Shooter’s Supply before doing that.
Trap shooters can go out to the Superior Trap & Gun Club. Checkout their site at superiortrapclub.com for full information. While one can become a member, the range is open to the public.
The most accessible range around the Twin Ports is the George Constance Sr. Memorial Rifle Range located at 4751 E. Cty. Hwy. Z, just outside of Superior. It provides distances of 5 to 300 yards which allows for those to get used to using a pistol for person protection to dropping a buck from long range. They provide spotting scopes, sandbags and hearing protection as well as paper targets. The range can be used for free, but donations are appreciated in the upkeep of the range.

Fore! Golfing Destinations
The ground is finally drying out and hundreds of golfers are looking forward to teeing off this summer. If you google golf courses for the area, you’ll find that there are dozens of them surrounding the Twin Ports. Prices and quality of courses vary but there is no shortage of them even if you’re up the North Shore or on Madeline Island in Wisconsin. Be sure to call ahead and see if the course is public or not.

Lakeview National Golf Course, Two Harbors, MN (218)834-2664. www.lakeviewnational.com  This reasonably challenging course offers a full 18 hole experience, driving range, electric carts, well stocked Pro Shop, and a club house grill with a fantastic outdoor deck with view of the course.

Enger Park Golf Course, Duluth, MN (218)723-3451. engerpark.golfinduluth.com  This 18 hole course was recently updated with an additional 9 holes, bringing it to a 27 hole course, so go ahead and choose which 9 (or 18) you would like to play! The value is fantastic, the course is a good challenge, and it also offers a driving range, chipping green, putting green, golf instructions, and a club house that dates back to the 1930s with a snack bar, locker rooms, and Pro Shop.

Lester Park Golf Course, Duluth, MN (218)525-0830. A 27 hole championship course overlooking Lake Superior, Lester Park definitely offers a challenge. The scenic views are enough to draw many people, both locally and from afar. The course offers a club house built in the 1930s, a snack bar, locker room, Pro Shop, driving range, chipping green, putting green, and golf instructions.

Black Bear Golf Course & Resort, Carlton, MN (218)878-2485. This is a very scenic 18 hole course with several different challenges and incredible rates that include an electric cart. The impressive club house includes a very well stocked Pro Shop, PGA level golf instructions, restaurant-snack bar, “adult beverage” bar, and spacious outdoor deck.

Silver Bay Golf Course, Silver Bay, MN (218)226-3111. This course only has 9 holes, but it offers a beautiful, fun challenge and delightful scenery. The club house has a spacious sun porch overlooking the course, a large lounge area, kitchen/grill, and modest Pro Shop.

Superior National Golf Course, Lutsen, MN 55782 (218)753-2245. Visit Minnesota’s oldest iron ore mine and learn some of the greatest history of the Iron Range. You can explore the dry house, drill shop, crusher house and engine house, or go on an adventure a half mile beneath the earth in the underground mine!

Madeline Island Golf Course, La Pointe, WI 54850 (715)747-3212. The unique course layout at the Madeline Island Golf Club provides golfers of all abilities a real challenge. Whether you are planning a day of golf for yourself, your family, or your foursome, Madeline Island is the ideal location.
Playing over 6,000 yards from the middle tees, this Robert Trent Jones, Sr. layout offers 18 memorable holes with a slope rating of 127 and a course rating of 69.7. While ladies get a reasonable break from the red tees (5,458 yards), the white tees reward longer hitters with three of the par 4s measuring well over 400 yards and the par 5s demanding tightly targeted tee shots.

Mini Golf
The nice thing about mini golf is that is cheaper, less time consuming and requires less skill. It’s as good of a  summer date idea as it is a good way to get the kids out of the house for a little while. It’s also more interactive and cheaper than a movie. There are a few mini golf courses in the area. There is Adventure zone in Canal Park, but you can go to that year round.

Spirit Mountain Adventure Park
9500 Spirit Mountain Place
Duluth, MN
Nine holes for $4.

Captain J’s
Barker’s Island
Superior, WI
Nine holes. We are uncertain if Captain J’s will be open this year.

Tomkat Mini Golf
Hwy 2
Iron River, WI
It is uncertain if this mini golf course will be open this year, but if you’re driving through Iron River, it lies on the East side of town and can be easily spotted from the road.

Rock Climbing

Before hitting up the outdoors climbs, we’d suggest getting some experience indoors. Here are a couple of recommended places.
RSOP, University of Minnesota-Duluth (218)726-6257. Come on down and climb the North Shore Wall located in the Sports and Health Center of the UMD campus, or the Inland wall tucked on the far side of the ice rink and tennis courts. Classes and sessions are offered for all age and experience levels and equipment is provided. You can also enjoy open climbing hours, group sessions, birthday party climbing, and free bouldering.
Vertical Endeavors. Families looking for an afternoon of fun or serious climbers seeking a challenge can find either at Vertical Endeavors Duluth. Located in Adventure Zone in historic Canal Park, VE is the North Shore’s largest climbing facility, offering 14,000 square feet of climbing surface to make it one of the best-rounded facilities in the Midwest. Climbers can test their skills on walls up to 42 feet high on three different types of Nicros climbing walls, including A.R.T.Wall, cracks mimicking those along the coast, and a “hand-carved” cliff with a lighthouse.
Scattered throughout the facility are 30 top ropes, lead climbing, 12 Auto Belays, and a large bouldering cave. A complete pro shop for gear helps keep things affordable and convenient. All of these features are designed to help new climbers find their footing, families to enjoy a rainy or snowy afternoon while visiting, and veteran climbers to improve their strength, balance, endurance, and coordination without having to go far from home. 329 South Lake Ave., Duluth, MN. (218)279-9980. verticalendeavors.com/duluth/

Once you’ve mastered your skills in a controlled environment or you’re experienced enough already, here are some spots to check out. Some of these spots may need a permit. Check with rockclimbing.com or the local DNR for more information.

Carlton Peak
Located near Tofte, MN, this peak has over 25 climbing spots that range from 60 to 80 feet.

Ely’s Peak
This climbing area is owned by the City of Duluth and is located by Spirit Mountain. There are 18 routes that overlook the St. Louis River Valley.

Palisade Head
This climbing destination requires a permit that can be obtained at the ranger’s station at Tettegouche State Park. It is located up Hwy 61 by Silver Bay.

Shovel Point
Shovel Point is also located in the Tettegouche State Park and offers 25 routes.

Silver Cliff
Silver Cliff is just North of Two Harbors on HWY 61. It climbs to about 755 feet and is about 100 feet from Lake Superior. It’s easy to access and the view is great. Good for beginner and expert climbers.

Biking
This area is full of trails and roads. We’d encourage you to wear a helmet and try to be safe while navigating around the area. Here are a few places to check out.

C.J. Ramstad Memorial/North Shore State Trail, Duluth to Grand Marais, MN www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/north_shore

Spirit Mountain Adventure Park, 9500 Spirit Mountain Pl, Duluth, MN (218)624-8531 www.spiritmt.com

Battle Creek Regional Park, St. Paul, MN (651)777-1707

Bloomington Ferry Trail, Bloomington, MN (612)335-2323 Cayuna Trail, Crosby/Ironton, MN www.cuyunalakestrail.org

Elm Creek Park Reserve, Maple Grove, MN (612)559-9000

Carver Lake Park Off-Road Cycling Trail, Woodbury, MN (651)714-3583 www.ci.woodbury.mn.us/parks-and-trails/parks/off-road-cycling-trail

Lebanon Hills, PO Box 19520, Minneapolis, MN 55419 www.lebanonhills.com

Jay Cooke State Park, Carlton, MN (218)384-4610

Minnesota Valley State Trail, Shakopee, MN (651)492-6400

LRT Trail South, Eden Prairie, MN (612)559-9000

CAMBA Mountain Bike Trail System, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and Bayfield & Sawyer County Forests, WI www.cambatrails.org

Gardening & Foraging
If you’re just up visiting it’s unlikely you’ll have the time to start a garden. If you’re local, farmers markets and non-chain gardening supply stores will be able to get you started.
Berry picking and finding other forest edibles is a great way to spend a day out and there are few restrictions on doing it. National forests have plenty of berries, mushrooms, leaks and ramps that are ripe for the taking. Finding them might be a little bit of a challenge and be sure to know what you’re picking because there are poisonous things in the woods. For example, knowing what poison ivy looks like is a good idea. There are bears and other woodland critters but serious run-ins with them are pretty rare.
If you’d like to forego the guess work and the wild, we’d suggest checking out bayfield.org. There is a list of orchards and farms that tend to berries and other produce, and for a fee, you can pick away.

Other Outdoor Fun

“Timber Twister” Alpine Coaster and “Timber Flyer” Zip Line, Spirit Mountain Adventure Park, 9500 Spirit Mountain Pl, Duluth, MN (218)624-8531 www.spiritmt.com

Kerfoot Canopy Tours, 30200 Scenic Byway, Henderson, MN. (952)873-3901. www.kerfootcanopytour.com. Ziplines/Tours.

Lake Superior Zoological Gardens, S 72nd Ave W, Duluth, MN (218)730-4900 www.lszoo.org
Kayaking – great
fun for all ages!

TOURS & TRIPS

Adventure Tour, University of Minnesota-Duluth (218)726-6533. During this full day tour, you will get to explore the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park shoreline, visit the lighthouse, and check out a Lake Superior Water Trail kayak campsite. Designed to refine skills along a challenging kayak route, you will learn about trip planning, equipment, paddling efficiency, and group management. Plus, you get to take in some incredible scenery!

Hill Annex Mine State Park, 56956 Scenic Hwy 7, Bigfork, MN 56628 (218)247-7215. Take a 1 1/2 hour open pit mine tour and discover marine fossils while learning about the rich history of this National Historic Site.

Pothole Exploration Tours, Interstate State Park, 307 Milltown Rd, Taylors Falls, MN 55084 (651)465-5711. Explore the glacial waters land lakes of lava in this 45 minute guided tour through the Glacial Pothole Area near the St. Croix River, see amazing geological formations, and travel back in time with the history of the Bottomless Pit and Devil’s Parlor!

Soudan Underground Mine State Park, 1302 McKinley Park Rd, Soudan, MN 55782 (218)753-2245. Visit Minnesota’s oldest iron ore mine and learn some of the greatest history of the Iron Range. You can explore the dry house, drill shop, crusher house and engine house, or go on an adventure a half mile beneath the earth in the underground mine!

CAMPING

Schoolcraft State Park, 9042 Schoolcraft Lane NE, Deer River, MN 56636 (218)743-3362. This park offers 28 drive-in sites, 1 canoe site, and one group camp for up to 50 campers. For true nature lovers, as there are no modern facilities throughout the park and all sites are rustic. You can also enjoy 2 miles of wooded hiking trails along the river, boating, canoeing, and grilling in the picnic areas. Reservations can be made up to a full year in advance.

Kilen Woods State Park, 50200 860th St, Lakefield, MN 56150 (507)831-2900 ext. 221. With 33 drive-in sites, 3 pull-through sites, 11 electric sites, 4 walk-in sites, and fully accessible shower facilities, this park is ready for campers of all types. Hike the 5 miles of moderate trails along a hilly terrain through prairie, oak savanna, and floodplain forest, grill in the picnic area, a closed picnic shelter with electricity and fireplace, volleyball, horseshoes, or one of the many golf courses within 8-25 miles of the park.

Old Mill State Park, 33489 240th Ave NW, Argyle, MN 56713 (218)437-8174. This beautiful park offers 26 drive-in sites, 10 electric sites, and 1 group site to accommodate up to 150 campers, plus fully accessible shower facilities. Feel free to brave the 7 miles of hiking trails, including 1 mile that is self-gided, a picnic area with an enclosed shelter, playground, volleyball, and horseshoes.

Monson Lake State Park, 1690 15th St NE, Sunburg, MN 56289 (320)354-2055. A smaller campground, this park has 20 drive-in sites with shower facilities within the grounds. You can journey the 1.2 miles of trails that provide views of both Monson and West Sunburg Lake and are ideal for bird and wildlife observers. There is also a shaded picnic area with an open shelter with electricity and a large fireplace, horseshoes, and a fishing pier.

Carley State Park, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN 55910 (507)932-3007. For those who enjoy secluded rustic camping, this park offers 20 drive-in sites and 3 group camping sites. There are 5 miles of hiking trails that cross over the Whitewater River several times with beautiful spring wildflowers lining the trails. You can also enjoy the small picnic area with swings for the kids, an open shelter, and a golf course within 10 miles of the park.

Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area, 19825 Park Blvd, Jordan, MN 55352 (651)259-5774. A short drive from the Twin Cities, this park offers 6 equestrian camp sites including 30 miles of horseback riding trails. The spectacular area has 4.5 miles of self-guided trails, 47 miles of hiking trails, 6 miles of paved bike trails, and 35 incredible miles of mountain bike trails. This truly is the place for nature lovers to get away from the chaos of the city! There is also a picnic area with both an open and closed shelter, and there is a golf course within 10 miles of the park.

Crow Wing State Park, 3124 State Park Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401 (218)825-3075. This gorgeous park offers 59 drive-in sites, 12 electric sites, 2 fully accessible sites, and a group camp that accommodates up to 75 campers, plus a camper cabin! There are shower facilities and a dump station available as well. Explore the 18 miles of hiking trails and the Paul Bunyan State Bike Trail within 10 miles of the park. There is also a boardwalk at the Old Crow Wing townsite. Enjoy one of 2 picnic areas, which include an enclosed shelter with electricity and toilet facilities, and a gold course within 10 miles of the park.

Frontenac State Park, 29223 County 28 Blvd, Frontenac, MN 55026 (651)345-3401. This massive park offers 58 drive-in sites, 19 with electric hook-ups, 6 cart-in sites, and 1 group camp for up to 35 campers. Showers are available in the main campground area, and there is also a convenient dump station. For those who like to explore the trails, there is a 1 mile handicapped accessible trail, 2.5 miles of self-guided trails, 13 miles of hiking trails, a 1 mile paved bike trail, and an 800 ft boardwalk. You can also enjoy the picnic area which includes both an open and closed shelter. There is also a playground in the nearby town of Frontenac, and a gold course within 2 miles of the park.

Madeline Island, WI. Camping on Lake Superior. Reservations advised. www.madelineisland.com

Pattison State Park. South of Superior, WI. dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/pattison.

Herbster, WI. Lakefront camping. www.herbsterwisconsin.com

Big Lake Campground, Cloquet, MN. 218-879-1819 www.biglakeshores.com

Fon Du Lac Campground, Hwy 210 & 23. Fon Du Lac, MN

Carlton KOA, Carlton, MN. 218-879-5726 www.koa.com

Jay Cooke State Park Campground, Carlton, MN. Call for reservations at 1-866-2757

Indian Point Campground, 7000 Pulaski St, Duluth, MN. 218-628-4977

Knife Island Campground, Scanlon, MN 218-879-6063 www.knifeislandcampground.com

Burlington Bay Campground, Hwy 61 & Park Rd, Two Harbors, MN 218-834-2021

Split Rock LIghthouse State Park & History Center. 16 miles North East of Two Harbors, MN 218-226-6377

Gooseberry Falls State Park, 12 Miles North East of Two Harbors, MN 218-834-3855

Spirit Mountain, 9500 Spirit Mountain Pl, Duluth, MN 218-624-8531 www.spiritmt.com

RENTALS

Living Adventure, P.O. Box 874, Bayfield, WI. (715)779-9503 www.livingadventure.com. Kayak Tours/Rentals.

Brule River Canoe Rental, Hwy 2, Brule, WI. (715)372-4983 www.brulerivercanoerental.com. Canoe/Kayak Rental.

Lost Creek Adventures, 22475 Hwy 13, Cornucopia, WI. (715)209-6956. lostcreekadventures.org. Kayak & Paddle Board Tours/Rentals.

Jack’s Canoe & Tube Rental, Trego, WI. (715)635-3300. Canoe, Kayak and Tube Rental. Camping. http://www.jackscanoerental.com/tubers.htm

Crow Wing State Park, 3124 State Park Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401 (218)825-3075. Boat and Canoe.

Equipment Rental Center, 154 Sports and Health Center, University of Minnesota-Duluth (218)726-7128. Tents & Shelters, Sleeping Bags, Packs, Stove/Cooking Gear, Clothing, Fishing, Disc Golf, Climbing(Indoor/Outdoor), Cold Water Wear, Canoe, Sea Kayak, Stand-Up Paddle board, other miscellaneous camping and outdoor recreational items.

Bemidji State University Outdoor Program Center, 220 19th St NE, Bemidji, MN 56601 (218)755-2999. Canoes, Kayaks, PFD, Wetsuit & Sprayjacket, Canoe Trailer, Car Topping Kits, Stand-Up Paddle Board, Sailboard Windsurfer, Pontoon Boat with Driver, Bicycles/Helmets, Climbing Harness/Helmets, Tents, Tarps, Backpacks, Sleeping Bags, Sleeping Pads, Camping Cookwear.

God’s Country Outfitters, 29755 State Hwy 38, Grand Rapids, MN (218)326-9866. Canoes, Camping Gear, Food.

Bigfork Outfitters, Main Street Store, Big Fork, MN (218)743-6878. Canoe and Kayak.

Rivers North Outfitters of Minnesota, 312 2nd St NW, Big Falls, MN 56627 (218)276-2481. Canoe, Kayak, Tents, Camping Gear.

The Canoeist, 701 7th Ave, Two Harbors, MN (218)834-3523. Canoe and Kayak.

Easy Riders Bicycle and Sportshop, 415 Washington St, Brainerd, MN 56401 (218)829-5516. Canoe and Kayak.

Hard Water Sports, 979 Charles Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104 (651)302-1774. Canoes, Camping Gear, Whitewater Canoes.

Bear Track Outfitting Co., 2011 West Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604 (218)387-1162. Canoe, Sea-Kayak, Backpacking.

Sawtooth Outfitters, 7213 West Hwy 61, Tofte, MN 55615 (218)663-7643. Canoes, Kayaks, Bicycles.

La Croix Outfitters, 5713 Crane Lake Rd, Buyck, MN 55771 (218)993-2642. Canoes, Trip Outfitting.

Above the Falls Sports, 120 N 3rd Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401 (612)825-8983. Canoes, Kayaks, Rowboats.

Cycle Path & Paddle, 115 3rd Ave SW, Crosby, MN 56441 (218)545-4545. Canoes and Kayaks.

Keller Outdoors, 7581 Memorial Lane NW, Bemidji, MN 56601 (218)766-4438. Canoes, Camping and Hunting Equipment.

River Treat, 15381 Gallus Rd, Merrifield, MN 56465 (218)765-3172. Canoes.

University of Minnesota Center for Outdoor Adventure, 1906 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612)625-8790. Canoes, Kayaks, Camping Gear.

Andrew’s Riverwood Canoe & Kayak, 25499 Sawmill Ave, Shafer, MN 55074 (715)222-2288. Canoes and Kayaks.

Namekagon Outfitters, W5956 Pair O’ Lakes Rd, Trego, WI 54888 (715)635-2015. Canoes.

Taylors Falls Canoe & Kayak Rentals, (651)465-6315. Canoes and Kayaks.

Spirit Lake Marina & RV Park, 121 Spring St, Duluth, MN 55808 (218)628-3578. Canoes, Kayaks, Boats, Pontoons.

Snake River Outfitters, Pine City, MN (612)718-0125. Canoes and Kayaks.

Vermillion River Cottages & Outfitters, 7494 County Rd 422, Buyck, MN 55771 (218)666-2444. Canoes.

Northwest Outlet, 1814 Belknap St, Superior, WI (715)392-1122. Canoes and Kayaks.