A wild storm packed with lightning, rain, and high winds tore through the Gunflint Trail on Father’s Day. The wind brought down some trees while our power flickered on and off as the storm passed through the night. These intense storms are more common in the early weeks of summer, but this one erupted on the last day of spring. It should be interesting to see what the weather will be like in July.
There have been some historical changes on the Gunflint Trail this season, including a new restaurant at Black Bear Lodge, as well as a few resorts changing ownership.
The biggest sale would be the Gunflint Lodge, which I am told changed hands this week after being owned by the Kerfoot family since 1927. Tuscarora Lodge and Outfitters, Loon Lake Lodge, and Rockwood Lodge and Outfitters have all changed hands in the past year, and are currently being operated by the new owners.
Historically, lodges on the Gunflint Trail do not sell very often. It is common for these places to be passed on to the next generation and are kept in the family. My wife and I have long considered being resort owners in this area, and it is exciting for us to see new faces, not that there was anything wrong with the old faces, taking on such ventures.
I wish them all luck and hope that lodge ownership is everything they hoped it would be as they continue the tradition of hosting Gunflint Trail visitors, while upholding the values of this unique area.
Big Bear Lodge on Poplar Lake was purchased a few years ago, and is now offering an additional dining choice on the Trail. We have eaten at the “Dancing Bear” restaurant and both the service and food were excellent. They offer a variety of dishes that are sure to please anyone, in a beautiful lodge setting. The Dancing Bear will be serving lunch and dinner, Thursday through Sunday for the rest of the summer, give them a try and help support the Trail’s newest place to dine.
Cory Christianson has worked as a fishing guide on the Gunflint Trail since 2000. If you have any fishing or wildlife reports or stories to share, send an email to: christiansoncory@hotmail.com or call 218- 388-0315. You can also visit Cory’s website at Gunflintfishingguide.com.
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