Several years ago, residents and business owners on the Gunflint Trail decided to celebrate winter with a weekend festival. The tradition has continued and grown and now in its sixth year, the Winter Tracks Festival is renowned for its diverse winter offerings. Everyone wants to answer the Gunflint Trail’s invitations to “Come play like we do!”
The event includes broomball, iceskating, cross-country skiing on lighted trails, sledding, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.
Returning this year is the very popular cross-country Pursuit Race at Bearskin Lodge on Saturday and Sunday. Skiers can choose to take part in the entire race or just one day. The 10K Freestyle Race starts at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday with a mass start on East Bearskin Lake in front of Bearskin Lodge. The 10K Classic Race begins at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday as a time start in front of Bearskin Lodge. First, second, and third place finishers in each race will be recognized, as well as the overall pursuit champion.
Proceeds from the race will benefit the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department.
For more information about the race or to register, call Bearskin Lodge at (800) 338-4170 or visit bearskin.com/ race/index.html.
Another popular event is the Cook County Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club Trout Derby to be held on Sunday, February 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Come on out and drill your hole early— there are prizes for the largest fish!
Also returning is the unique winter experience of a Mongolian Firepot Dinner on Thursday, February 25 at Poplar Creek Guesthouse from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. Boundary Country Trekking hosts this delicious fondue dinner. Enjoy a 1k walk (or ski or snowshoe) trek from the parking area. Call (218) 388-4487 for information or reservations.
New to Winter Tracks this year is a Plein Air event in conjunction with the Grand Marais Art Colony. Artists are invited to check in at the Grand Marais Art Colony on Wednesday—then head up the Gunflint Trail and paint winter throughout the weekend. Visitors are welcome to stop and watch the plein air artists at work. On Thursday, February 25 at 6:00 p.m. the group will get together at Trail Center Restaurant. An exhibit of paintings and an artist’s reception will be held on Saturday, February 20 at the Gunflint Lodge Conference Center.
There’s lots more all up and down the Gunflint Trail. For a complete schedule of Winter Tracks events, visit www.wintertracks. com.
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