Every season offers a different set of experiences at Gunflint but there are some things that never change. The Kerfoot family has been here for 4 generations. One of the reasons we have stayed is that everyone in the family truly enjoys welcoming guests to the Northwoods. We like to help you explore our forest and find those places that are special. Although they are semi-retired, Bruce and Sue still enjoy talking with guests and planning excursions for them. Lee and Eva are busy working with the staff to make your stay perfect. Our staff is always willing to talk with you about fun places to visit in the forest and lakes around us. So here are some ideas of what we see and do during the summer season.

Late June brings us rushing into summer. Families find this a particularly fun time to be in the woods. The lakes are warm enough for swimming. In addition to building sand castle, there are several small kayaks on the waterfront that are just perfect for children to try. Mom and Dad may want to load the whole family into a boat and take off for one of the other beaches located around the lake. If it is a really BIG group, the pontoon boat works well.

Wildflowers are out in full bloom now. Our lupines line the roads with their purple and pink spires. Along the shoreline are found wild blue flag iris. On the floor of the forest the bunch berries are showing their white flowers. It is a great time for those who enjoy wild flowers to talk a hike.

Fishing is great for smallmouth bass at the end of June. These fish really put up a fight. For young children there is nothing more exciting than tangling with their first bass. They can go out with the family or go out with one of our staff on the Fishing Fun half day trip. Either way, our lakes are the best for introducing young children to fishing.

We don’t want to forget canoeing on warm summer days. Going north by canoe out of Magnetic Lake offers some beautiful waterfalls and rapids. There are several places for fun swimming and picnicking. Ham Lake offers another great spot for a day canoe trip. Day trips are the first start to taking your family on an overnight canoe trip. Everyone gets a chance to experience paddling and portaging.

By the middle of June, the wild strawberries are ready for picking. These tiny, tiny berries make the best jam. Strawberries are quickly followed by blueberries and raspberries. The naturalists include opportunities to pick these beauties. Of course, the Kerfoot family has their “secret” spots they are willing to share with you. Many of them are easy to get to. Get some pails from the kitchen and take off. Children are especially good eaters when picking wild berries. Usually there are enough to bring back to put on cereal or ice cream the next day. Sue always says that when she sits down to her first big bowl of wild raspberries (after seeing 1 cup sold in the grocery store for $3.00), she knows that she is a rich person.

July and August are filled with warm, lazy summer days. Our guests are happy to have no schedule in their lives. It’s time for Mom to sit by the beach and watch the kids play. Everyone will have fun getting to know other guests at the beach. Dad may go fishing alone or with a guide. The joy of just being on the lake is as great as catching fish. On these warm days the water seems to beckon us all. Mallards are around in case you feel the urge to put out some corn. The staff has a night crawler or two to try for some of those fish lurking under the dock. After dinner, the dock is a perfect place to watch the glowing sun sink into the west. Lee and Eva may wander down to the dock with Tucker to share the last of the day with you.

As you can see, no matter what season you visit Gunflint, there is lots to do. Many things are unique to one season while others are available throughout the year. One thing we can promise you is comfortable cabins, great meals, and friendly service. As they have for generations, the Kerfoot family is here to welcome you to your home in the woods.

The Wildlife at Gunflint will be a big part of your visit to our wilderness. Many of our guests are able to see moose as they come down to feed in the shallow bays. Mink poke along the shore, otters are seen now and then, and pine marten inhabit the forest. We provide you with bird seed for the bird feeder which is in front of your cabin's living room window. Mallards come in to feed every day on the waterfront; there is corn to feed them plus bread from the dining room. Loons are heard calling as they cruise around the lake. In the forest we have a variety of native animals including deer, moose red foxes, and timber wolves. Check out the list of frequently seen birds: