Take A Journey Down The 57-Mile Gunflint Trail In Northern Minnesota For Wonderful Glimpses of Nature And Wildlife
By Betsy Rathburn|Published June 30, 2020
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
All across Minnesota, there are countless scenic drives that bring people face-to-face with local history, beautiful landscapes, and interesting wildlife. No matter which one you choose, you’ll have a beautiful journey. But next time you’re in northern Minnesota, you might want to consider taking a trip down the Gunflint Trail. This road through the woods is a classic destination for Grand Marais visitors, and it’s an excellent opportunity to take in all that northern Minnesota has to offer. Read on below to learn what this 57-mile journey through the woods has to offer:
The Gunflint Trail is a 57-mile stretch of road that starts in Grand Marais, Minnesota. It's a national scenic byway that takes travelers on a journey through Superior National Forest.
As you drive, you'll be surrounded on both sides by thick, deep forest. Superior National Forest is vast, measuring more than 3 million acres in area. The section along the Gunflint Trail is just a small piece!
There are multiple places along the Gunflint Trail where you can get out to hike on established hiking trails through the woods. These are excellent opportunities to see a bit more than you would from the road.
If you'd like to stay longer, there are many lodges and campsites along the trail. You can launch your boat to fish deeper in the lakes, or cast a line from a dock.
One of the best parts about the Gunflint Trail is the proximity to wildlife. People often spot small animals such as birds and rodents. If you're lucky, you may spot something larger, like a fox or a bear.
Many Minnesotans also consider the Gunflint Trail one of the best places to spot a moose in Minnesota! At just 57 miles in length, it's just a short trip to see one of these elusive animals in person!
