Golden eagle Lodge
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING on the Gunflint Trail
(218) 388-2203
468 Clearwater Road, Grand Marais, MN 55604
White Birch lined trails in the Northwoods
Golden Eagle Lodge(218/388-2203, http://www.golden-eagle.com/index.php) in Grand Marais, MN is a family owned year-round resort located on Flour Lake. It has 70 km groomed trails all groomed for classic and skate skiing. The Baumann family of the Golden Eagle Lodge, who are the only residents on the lake, welcome skiers to enjoy the tranquility and solitude of the surrounding ancient forests.
Golden Eagle is nestled in the Superior National Forest and has an average of 100 inches of snow annually, so worrying about a snowy season is never a problem for this area which is one of the highest points in Minnesota amidst the Gunflint Trail 100-mile system which is a mecca for Midwestern XC skiers. This is the region's only silent-sports-oriented resort situated on lakefront property. The trails begin curving away into Minnesota's beautiful Northwoods right from your cabin's doorstep!
XC ski equipment, both classic and skate options for children to adults, and snowshoe rentals are available. Ice skates are free to use for cabin guests on the skating rink. There is also a heated waxing room with the necessary accessories.
The Ridge Run Trail, which is on the south shore of Flour Lake is set above scenic cliffs and bluffs. The Big Foot Trail is dedicated to snowshoers. The new Ridge Run Trail in the Central Gunflint Trail System is operated by Golden Eagle and Bearskin Lodge and it follows southern ridges and features many vistas overlooking Flour Lake while it goes through birch, aspen, cedar and at higher altitudes virgin white and red pines.
There are 1.5 km of lighted trails, which are lit with electric lanterns seven nights per week starting right after sunset.
The 10 modern housekeeping lakefront cabins (2 or 3 bedrooms) have fireplaces and some are deluxe with private whirlpools. Additionally there is a suite lodge for guests with a fireplace, private sauna and offers a comfortable homey spot for coffee, hot coco, reading or playing board games. To accommodate people with certain allergies, some cabin woodstoves have been replaced with smoke-free LP gas fireplaces and designated as pet-free. Reserve a timeslot in the private-use sauna.
Ski right from the cabins' doorstep in a natural area that was once traveled only by fur trappers. The Aurora Borealis occasionally is seen for a dazzling late night light show. There's a large scale map at www.minnesotaxcskiing.com and more info about the Gunflint region and for a live Web Cam connection to Golden Eagle Lodge click www.golden-eagle.com/WebCam/
Golden Eagle is located on a private trail network, the Central Gunflint Ski Trail System. Ski passes can be purchased at the lodge front desk for day or visiting skiers. Ski passes are FREE fro all cabin guests. More info on the Web at www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/skipass/index or call 888-646-6367. CCSAA member.
