Gunflint Trail – MN | Travel With Cajunville

Lake Superior’s North Shore in the fall. One of the best places to see the color of fall foliage; except for this year. We thought we had planned it well for the reds, oranges, and yellows of the various trees. Not to be in 2015; we were informed that the fall foliage was about two weeks behind estimates. Coming from the south, these colors were high on our list of things to see.

It was recommended we travel the Gunflint Trail out of Grand Marais, MN to see color. Also there was the possibility of seeing moose. Off we go, up the trail. We viewed patchy color but not what we wanted. What we did find was a beautiful area of lakes, outfitters, campgrounds, and lodges. There was also no moose to be found in the hills on our visit.

Heading up toward the Boundary Waters, we saw a sign that stated “PIE”. Anyone knowing John, knows pie is something he cannot pass up. So it seemed BART turned on its own volition and off we went down a winding, hard packed dirt road. A ways down the road we turn off heading toward Golden Eagle Lodge and pie. In we go looking for pie. No pie, but very friendly people with a great sense of humor. This is a small lodge with cabins and campground. They gave us their history of Gunflint Trail. Supposedly the voyageurs would replenish their gun flint from the mountains in the area. The mountains are composed of flint suitable for guns. After a lively discussion, we were told to go back to the road, turn right, and go to the end of the road. Off we go again.

Sure enough, down the road we come upon Clearwater Historic Lodge and Canoe Outfitters. The location was beautiful but pie was on the mind. The only pie we saw was blueberry. But then we were told fresh apple pie was just out of the oven and cooling. It would be about 30 minutes before it was ready to cut. Anyone that concerned about time for cutting, we knew the pie would be great – we would wait.

While waiting, we toured the lodge and grounds. This was the first lodge built on the Gunflint Trail. In fact, 2015 is the 100^th year of continuous operation. The lodge has had many innkeepers and owners yet has never lost the original vision – to show off and preserve the land.

Oh yes, the pie was ready for cutting and was it ever worth the wait. The crust was flaky and the inside had large chunks of apple with an almost custard like filling. It was not overly sweet and went excellent with a cup of never ending coffee.