Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters

At the top of the gun Flint trail is this quaint little resort where we stopped and rented a small fishing boat and enjoyed the beautiful lake and scenery. Then we had dinner on the deck overlooking the lake and could not have been treated any better. From the front desk staff, wait staff and KC helping with the boats all professional and very friendly. Wanting something a little different from hiking, head up and enjoy the beautiful waters and some good food.

Ryan and Graham were excellent , we felt safe and confident. They both calm voices which left us feeling at ease. This was our first time and because of the experience we will be back. The view was stunning , the view were amazing. We would recommend to all that they should experience this.

Had a great dinner and breakfast. Bella our waitress was so kind and attentive with our family. Thanks for a great time. The walleye shore lunch, duck wontons and the walleye cakes were great. My old fashion was good and the beer selection was local and great.

We planned our family reunion and chose Gunflint Lodge. We booked cabins 1 and 9. 9 was perfect. Exactly met our expectations and was clean and very nice. Our dinner was lovely, the pontoon rentals, programs and most staff were lovely. Now we would like to talk about cabin 1. Walking in we were met by an awful odor- something like cat urine. 2 people sat on the sofa and it sunk in the middle. I put a piece of firewood underneath to prop it up. Upon check in we were told by a very crabby front desk person, not to use the hot tub or sauna at the same time as we would blow a breaker. Then to the bath next to the kitchen. Mold and smell of mold in the tile near wall and floor near the left corner. Fire alarm in same bedroom was disconnected. We pointed that out but never fixed. Trash never picked up. No hot water first day. Over all appearance of the place is tired dark, smelly and made one feel they did not want to be there. I did bring all of these issues to the front desk the first day and the only thing ever addressed was the hot water which was fixed. The other items we approached the other lovely front desk person 3 times and she said she would pass along to housekeeping but no-one ever came even for the trash. We paid alot of money and were happy to, however, you did not keep your end of the deal by providing us a place which we expected to stay represented by beautiful pictures on the internet and a promise of all that cabin would offer.

We took a one-hour, horse drawn sleigh ride with Betsy and Rebecca and they were outstanding. It was so much fun because of them. They were both informative and super friendly. The horses were awesome also. I highly recommend this outing. Mel

Disney may say the Magic Kingdom is the "most magical place is earth," but three Southern seniors -- my sister, my cousin and I -- would have to disagree. In our opinion, the most magical place would be the Gunflint Lodge. We all had "viewing the Northern Lights" on our bucket lists, and March 2023 was supposed to be a good time. But where? Given the uncertainties of Covid and geopolitics, we wanted to stay within the US, and we decided to try Grand Marais, Minnesota. The Gunflint Lodge is located there, directly across from a darkness-protected area in Canada. That means no ambient light would prevent us from seeing the Lights, even if they appeared only faintly on the northern horizon. The Northern Lights package advertised only by Gunflint seemed perfect. Even if the Lights did not appear (and there is never a guarantee), we would see a multitude of stars. Also, we don't see much snow, and the package included a full range of winter activities, all meals, and a cabin with fireplace, sauna and spa tub. Making reservations was a snap: the cabins with descriptions and photos are all on-line, and everyone who answers the phone is eager--not willing, but eager--to help. You can almost see their smiles through the telephone. Once we arrived at Gunflint (thanks, UpNorthTaxi!), we were immediately struck with its beauty. The peacefulness of snow drifts. The quiet of a frozen lake. A snow-covered tree branch, trembling when a bird takes flight. Soon, too, we would see the sunset reflected in ice-- amazing. When we reached our cabin, we learned that at Gunflint, service started even before we arrived. We had ordered wine ahead, and it was chilling for us in the fridge. We had sent ahead boxes of spa supplies, hand-warmers and home-baked snacks, and the boxes were waiting on the table--alongside the Gunflint welcome basket with cocoa, coffee, and a list of activities. The unit was clean, beds were comfortable, heat was a bit more than suited. The brochure said if you are hot, just open a window. Our unit, however, had snow drifts so high that the front windows could not be opened--but once the kitchen windows were open a couple of minutes, we were fine. (Snow drifts, what a joy that was for three Southerners!! I made a wine snow-slushie to celebrate!!!) The award-winning restaurant was only a few steps from the door of our cabin, but if we did not want to dine overlooking the lake and the ice skating rink, we could order take-out. Breakfast was usually a full buffet including fruit and not-to-be-missed pancakes, and if the "savory breakfast stuffing" is served, have a heaping helping. It's wonderful. Lunch was more casual, excellent salads with the signature maple dressing. The chef's specials at night did not fail to be the best of fine dining. Walleye is the local fish, and it was prepared various ways. Light and flaky, always. The package included winter activities such as ice skating, show shoes, sledding. We did not take advantage of all o

First time ever staying in the boundary waters. This resort checked all our boxes- location- boundary waters- cabin( don’t want to camp any longer- those days are done) Amenities- unbelievable, from a large two person jacuzzi with a view of the lake, cabin itself is on the lake, washer and dryer and full kitchen in cabin- grill and patio outside- and restaurant and bar on site for when you don’t want to cook- ( good food too!) kayaks and canoes (free) and you can rent a pontoon or a fishing boat too! Horseback riding and great hiking trails- but bring your mosquito spray and consider a net for your face if it’s peak mosquito season so you can enjoy your hikes- we did and loved every minute- going back in 2023 again! You can see Canada right across the lake and we actually canoed to it but if the weather changes it’s a heck of a canoe ride back against the wind- just an fyi! You can’t go on shore but can canoe along in the water- Loved it- there’s another restaurant/store that’s a huge stopping point close to The Gunflint Lodge and they have the best malts ever- worth a stop. Hope this was helpful- I love writing reviews so if you found it helpful I’d so appreciate a thumbs up! You will enjoy it here!

Location is great: away from hustle and bustle, on a large lake, wonderful walking trails, very pleasant and helpful staff, good food at their restaurant( except for buffet breakfast which was just ok). If it weren't for the beds, I would have rated this place a 5. The beds were the worst I have ever encountered in 30 years of traveling. I did not get even one night of OK sleep It was as if all four beds in our cabin (#16) were bad waterbeds -- any move, no matter how small, jostled the other person in the bed and almost made the person moving fall out of bed! The springs probably sprung years ago. Not being able to sleep even two hours at a time on the beds almost forced us to the couch. The owners/managers really need to replace the beds.

We came for a long weekend with kids and we had so much fun! There are tons of things to do-skiing, naturalist activities and just hanging out. The staff is amazing and responsive. My son said it was in his “top 3” for vacations of all time and he’s a tough critic! Definitely recommend!