Backpack the Superior Hiking Trail

Backpack the Superior Hiking Trail with Wanderlust Group Trips:
September 2023

After 3 previous years of incredible backpacking trips along the Superior Hiking trail, I was excited to do this trip for the 4th time!

With such beautiful fall colors, I just never get sick of this route.

For the first year ever, no one on the trip was from Minnesota. So it was a blast having so many travelers come to my gorgeous home state for the first time.

Minnesota doesn’t receive a lot of tourism from other states and countries but I was so excited to show this hidden gem off to all the out-of-state visitors!

Read: SUPERIOR HIKING TRAIL GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS 2022

Day 1

We kicked off the trip with a carpool from Minneapolis, stopping in Duluth to have a delicious lunch at Hungry Hippie Tacos. A favorite of mine along on the North Shore!

As we continued to drive north to Lutsen, we spotted gorgeous views of Lake Superior and various lighthouses along the way.

Before arriving at our hotel, we stopped at the stunning Palisade Head. You’d swear it overlooked an ocean not a lake!

That evening, we checked into the lovely Mountain Inn. The staff here are so friendly and they have a gorgeous outdoor area with a grill, fire pit, picnic tables and hammocks.

I made burgers and veggie burgers on the grill for everyone as we said our introductions and got to know one another.

After dinner, it was time for s’mores around the campfire!

We went over the info for the day to come and I went room to room to make sure everyone’s packs were sorted and a manageable weight.

Day 2

Around 9:00 am we left the hotel and departed for the trailhead. It was time to begin our trek!

First, we hiked the stunning Oberg Loop trail. This 2.6 mile spur trail is a popular day hike because it gives unparalleled views of the fall colors.

We stopped a lot in the first section of the hike to take photos of the beautiful fall colors and while everyone was still looking fresh, ha!

After the beautiful Oberg Loop, we continued north towards Mystery Mountain campsite where we would be setting up camp.

We stopped for lunch at a cute little bridge running over a stream.

There the ladies filtered water through their filtration devices to refill their water bottles and camelbacks.

After lunch, there is a challenging uphill section that the ladies absolutely crushed!

Despite a long first day of hiking, we made it to camp well before dark to set up our tents and start a fire.

Due to a bit of rain, the wood at camp was wet and difficult to start a fire. The ladies were very clever and used hand sanitizer on a tampon to get the fire going! We all had a good laugh and got a roaring fire started in no time.

That evening, we hung out at camp and cooked dinner.

I showed the ladies how to hang a bear hang to keep food safe from critters and potentially larger animals. The first campsite is more difficult to find a good branch so there was a lot of giggling and laughter as we attempted to toss the rope with all the bags over tree branches.

After several failed attempts, we finally got all the food hung safely!

Day 3

The next day, we made breakfast at camp and enjoyed the sun before the rain set to come later that day.

We made coffee and hot coco, fetched our bear hangs and packed up.

As we were leaving camp, it began to rain so we had a good laugh about how silly the ponchos look when over the enormous backpacks.

As we hiked, we passed along the Poplar River for some truly spectacular views!

Despite some rainy conditions, it was still such a fun day with a great group of women!

Day 4

We woke in the morning to dry conditions, yay!

The rain had stopped and we were able to enjoy a lovely leisurely morning together at camp.

We hung out, cooked breakfast and made coffee slowly as we packed up and got ready for the final day of hiking.

The last day of the itinerary is super short and scenic.

We passed gorgeous fall colors, the stunning Lake Agnes, a beautiful beaver dam and so many lovely overlooks.

We ended our hike with the White Sky Rock spur trail which is always a favorite of mine!

It’s a short, easy spur trail that packs a PUNCH!

Great views and a rewarding pay off for a short, final uphill climb.

We hung out at the viewpoint for awhile taking pictures and soaking in the final views of our hike.

Shortly after, the local celebrity and quirky, loveable shuttle driver, Harriet, picked us up to take us back to the hotel in Lutsen.

We all rode the Lutsen Gondola to the overlook peak (and despite some more rain!) had a very fun, celebratory farewell lunch.

We then said our goodbyes and made our way back to Minneapolis.

Thank you to everyone who made this weekend so fun and memorable!

Watch a recap from the 2022 Superior Hiking Trail trip:

Shop all my personal recommendations for backpacking on my Amazon Storefront!

Backpack the Superior Hiking Trail

The post Backpack the Superior Hiking Trail with Wanderlust Group Trips: September 2023 appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Superior Hiking Trail
Group Trip Highlights 2022

After hosting an incredible group trip along the Superior Hiking Trail in 2021, I was so thrilled to be back with another group of amazing hikers for 2022.

We had a fantastic crew of 10 people plus myself, some from the area & some from out of state. And together, we spent 4 days and 3 nights in beautiful northern Minnesota.

Grab one of the last spots for my 2023 Superior Hiking Trail trip!

Read: SUPERIOR HIKING TRAIL BACKPACKING CHECKLIST:
EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR 3 DAYS ON THE TRAIL

Day 1: Arrive in Lutsen

On the first day of the trip, we all made our way up to Lutsen! I had a full car of ladies as we roadtripped along the beautiful North Shore. We stopped for delicious fry bread tacos & jalapeno cheese curds at Hungry Hippie Tacos in Duluth (which I highly recommend!) before checking in at the Mountain Inn.

That night, we had our welcome dinner, got to know one another & went over all the backpacking information for the days to come.

In the evening, we had a campfire and the hotel prepared for us adorable s’mores kits!

We went to bed early to get ready for our big hike!

Day 2: Oberg Mountain to Mystery Mountain Camp

The next day we set off for the Oberg Mountain trailhead at 8:45 am so we could be hiking by 9am! Originally, the fall color finder said we were going to have 0% fall colors due to the unseasonably warm couple of weeks we had been having. But the moment we hit the trail, we saw that wasn’t true.

The Oberg Mountain Loop was colorful as always! We were all so excited to catch our first peep at the stunning fall colors. We took extra photos during this section because everything was just perfect from the weather to the lighting to the views.

After we hiked this scenic spur trail, we continued on to the official Superior Hiking Trail.

Along the way, we filtered or treated stream water for drinking, had lunch along the trail after a lengthy uphill section and took plenty of photos of the fall foliage.

In the past I’ve made it to camp around 4:30pm but we were cruising and made it to Mystery Mountain campsite just a little after 3pm. Once at camp, we changed into our pajamas and camp shoes for the night. It was a blast hanging out and cooking dinner. Once we were done eating, we went to do our bear hangs. I showed the group how to use some rocks in a sock with a rope and a waterproof bag to keep their food safe from any wandering bears or critters.

We knew rain was in the forecast around 7pm so we all got set up and ready to be in our tents before the rain hit.

Holly and I were all cozy playing Wheel of Fortune while we listened to the rain fall on our tent. It was a really nice night at camp.

Day 3: Mystery Mountain to Lake Agnes

The next morning, we waited for the rain to stop and fortunately at 9am, it did. Despite the weather saying it would rain all day..we got very lucky!

So we had breakfast at the campsite before heading out on the trail. The stretch from Mystery Mountain to Lakes Agnes is absolutely beautiful.

Although it was muddy, our spirits weren’t damped and the rain almost entirely held off.

The group was so positive and fun to be with, I felt so fortunate to be hiking with such an awesome group of people.

Highlights of the day included hiking alongside the Poplar River, lunch at Glove Overlook and winding views of the river from above.

After a winding uphill section, we were rewarded with this beautiful view overlooking the foliage. Although the mist was dense, it added to the ethereal feeling in the woods.

Late that afternoon, we arrived at Lake Agnes. We laughed that it was the “Ritz Carlton” of campsites because of the “fancy” latrine (fancy by backcountry standards that is!!) and the recently installed metal bear hang device. This contraption made it a lot easier to do our bear hangs at the end of the night. The rain continued to hold off and the group built a blazing fire.

That night we stayed up around the campfire swapping scary stories, talking about ghosts and deciding on trail names for one another. I went to bed blissfully exhausted from a long day of hiking and good company.

Day 4: Lake Agnes to Caribou Trail

On our final day, Abbie & I went down to see the sunrise over Lake Agnes. And although it was too overcast for much of a sunrise, the lake was beautiful in the early morning light.

We got cozy in our tents again as it rained from about 7am-9am. But suddenly the blue skies appeared and the rain halted completely. From there on out, we had beautiful weather while we hiked.

This day was our shortest length of hiking. But the trail is a lot of fun. It started alongside the lovely Lake Agnes which was peppered with spectacular fall colors.

From there, we crossed over mossy log stairs, huge rocky sections of trail and we ended with the stunning White Sky Rock spur trail. Not to mention, we saw countless funky

mushrooms along the way.

We hung out at the White Sky Rock view point and had a small snack lunch before catching our shuttle back to Oberg Mountain.

Our shuttle driver Harriet is something of a Superior Hiking Trail legend! She’s spunky and fiesty and makes the brief shuttle back super memorable. So we just had to grab a photo with her once we got back to the Oberg parking lot.

Some of our group had to hit the road so we said some goodbyes while the rest of us went to ride the Lutsen gondola up to have lunch at the spectacular Mystery Mountain overlook.

We toasted a beer to an amazing weekend and had some food before hitting the road. I can’t thank everyone on this trip enough for making it such a special weekend.

Stay tuned for more backpacking trips on the Superior Hiking Trail. You can grab one of the last spots for the 2023 trip here.

Superior Hiking Trail Group Trip Highlights 2022

You can shop all my exact backpacking gear on my Amazon storefront here.

Superior Hiking Trail Group Trip Highlights 2022

The post Superior Hiking Trail Group Trip Highlights 2022 appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

A Fall Stay at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge, Minnesota

This fall, I was invited to stay at the beautiful Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge. Located in Deerwood, Minnesota, this resort has been open since 1898. (How amazing is that?!)

Steeped in Minnesota history, this resort has a lot to offer both old and new.

Just a two hour drive from the cities, Ruttger’s makes for the perfect getaway for families, couples or friends. And the drive is beautiful in the fall.

I brought my dad along for the trip to Ruttger’s! He is an avid golfer and they are home to the most scenic golf course in the Brainerd area, Jack’s 18.

We were happy to see, the course did not disappoint. And especially since it was peak fall foliage time!

For me, the highlight of the trip was to be able to explore such a beautiful property at fall time.

Excellent Staff

The staff was also incredibly kind and welcoming. For the entire duration of our stay, we had excellent service from the bartenders to the servers and everyone in between.

It was the staff who recommended some great little spots in the nearby town Crosby like Red Raven where you can get mountain bike rentals for the nearby trails.

Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort

The property has an outdoor pool overlooking the lake for the warm summer months. And for the cooler months, there is a pool and hot tub located inside just below the game room.

Ruttger’s Restaurants

While you could go out to eat in the nearby town of Crosby, we loved the onsite restaurants. I highly recommend the Walleye Po’boy at White Oak Grill!

• Ruby’s Dining Room: breakfast daily + dinner on Friday & Saturday.
• Bear Pine Bar: indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the lake, open daily for full bar and kitchen.
• White Oak Grill: my personal favorite restaurant with views overlooking the golf course.

Oktoberfest at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort

If you’re looking to visit during a special occasion, be sure to check out their Oktoberfest event.

It is hosted each October on their property! It draws a big crowd and is a fun tradition on the resort.

This year, the event is taking place October 22nd-24th, 2021.

A fantastic fall stay

Our highlights included a pontoon ride on the lake, chatting with the friendly staff and experiencing the fall colors on the golf course.

Book your stay here.

Thank you to Ruttger’s for hosting me during my stay.
As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Other fall favorites in Minnesota:

• WINONA, MN FALL COLORS: ADD IT TO YOUR MINNESOTA BUCKET LIST!
• SUPERIOR HIKING TRAIL GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
• 8 AMAZING REASONS TO TRY BACKPACKING IN MINNESOTA
• DANCING THE LAND FARMSTAY: A STUNNING MINNESOTA GLAMPING EXPERIENCE

Shop my fall favorites!

Hiking Boots

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Red Flannel

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Yeti Mug

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Sorel Boots

My favorite water proof boots!

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The post A Fall Stay at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge, Minnesota appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Superior Hiking Trail Group Trip Highlights

This weekend, five amazing ladies who had never backpacked before joined me on a 4 day trip along the Superior Hiking Trail.

We hiked, camped, cooked and laughed together under a canopy of fall colors. And while it wasn’t always easy, (hellooo rain & steep inclines!) it was a blast. I’m so thankful I got to share this experience with them.

To join for 2023, sign up here!

The weekend flew by but I took an insane amount of photos of the girls and all the fall foliage. So here’s a little recap of our weekend through pictures, enjoy!

Day 1: Mountain Inn, Lutsen

We kicked off our trip by meeting at the Mountain Inn, located in beautiful Lutsen, Minnesota. After we got settled in our rooms, we met out back for a burgers on the grill and the chance to discuss the trip. We hung out, ate dinner, and talked backpacking.

That night, we went over what we had in our packs & weighed our bags to see just how heavy they were for the upcoming trek!

Day 2 Oberg Loop & Mystery Mountain Camp

In the morning, we woke up to see the forecast for rain had increased! We had a grab & go breakfast at the hotel before I ran to buy extra ponchos & garbage bags for the group in the event that it rained.

Originally, the forecast had looked sunny all weekend! But now we were armed with trash bags to cover our packs and would be able to keep everything dry.

Oberg Mountain Loop

We started with the Oberg Loop spur trail for gorgeous fall views over Lake Superior. This two mile loop kicks off with a challenging uphill hike, so right off the bat, the ladies were testing out how their backpacks would feel for the next 3 days.

As we hiked around Oberg Mountain, the wind began to pick up but fortunately, the projected rain was only sprinkles in the morning.

Our first day was a total of 9 miles to camp. The trails were rather quiet, most likely due to the projected rain and recent forest fires in Canada. And although it wasn’t exactly sunny, we never got caught in any serious rain. It was a great first day of hiking!

Mystery Mountain Campsite

We were thrilled when we finally reached camp and could set down our bags, change out of hiking boots and get started on dinner! On the Superior Hiking Trail, all campsites are communal so there were two other groups of women camping there as well. It made for a fun night at camp with all the ladies! And the stars were incredibly bright the first night, it was stunning.

Even though it had rained earlier and camp was wet, we managed to get a roaring fire going! And for the ladies without bear canisters, I showed how to do a bear hang in the trees to keep our food safe and to not attract any bears to camp.

Day 3 Poplar River & Lake Agnes

We took our time in the morning packing down and cooking breakfast. We also had a birthday on the trip so by the time we sang to Amy & gave her the card we brought along, we were hitting the trail around 10:30 am. It had been a chilly first night with the rain so it felt good to get moving! And of course, a hot cup of coffee in the morning did wonders.

Glove Overlook

We stopped at Glove Overlook for a snack and photo break before continuing on to the river. While some fall colors were vibrant, it was a strange year due to the draught so some leaves fell more quickly before even turning. But the views were still spectacular!

Poplar River

After lunch, we continued on to the Poplar River which we got to hike alongside for quite some time. It also made for an excellent water source so the ladies were able to refill their bottles and treat the water before drinking.

After a steep incline, we got to see the river from above as well. This winding view of the river is one of my favorites along the Superior Hiking Trail!

West Lake Agnes Campsite

After 6 miles of hiking, we made it to the West Lake Agnes campsite. The colors here were particularly vibrant! And the lake looked beautiful just before sunset.

We set up camp and cooked dinner before building another roaring fire! That evening a couple and their dogs joined us at the campfire. Some of us opted to share tents that evening to minimize set up & for extra body heat. Fortunately it worked and no one was cold the second night!

Day 4: White Sky Rock & Lutsen

It rained during the night and we woke up to some muddy trail conditions. Fortunately, nothing too bad. We cooked breakfast and were on our way!

The views around Lake Agnes were beautiful in the still of morning. You could see the fall colors reflected back in the calm water of the lake.

As we hiked, we passed through vibrant fall colors, some of the best we had seen yet!

Although we only had a short ways to go, the trail was fun and whimsical with ladders, steps and bridges.

White Sky Rock

When we reached the end, we did one final spur trail, the stunning White Sky Rock! This short trail packs a lot of punch with unbeatable views at the top.

Lutsen

After that, we were picked up by the SHT icon, Harriet! She has been running a shuttle service along the hiking trail for decades and certainly lives up to her reputation as a fun, spunky, loveable woman. Once we reached our cars, we went to Lutsen for lunch and to soak in the last of the fall views.

After lunch in Lutsen, we said our goodbyes! Thank you again to the amazing ladies who made this weekend so much fun. Until we meet again!

Shop my Superior HIking Trail essentials:

Wool Base Layer

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LED Beanie Hat with Light

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Tent

Lightweight, sleeps 2

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Hiking Boots

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Past Group Trips:

• SAIL CROATIA GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS- WEEK ONE
• SAIL CROATIA GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS- WEEK TWO
• DOG SLEDDING IN MINNESOTA – GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS WEEK ONE
• DOG SLEDDING IN MINNESOTA: GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS WEEK TWO
• YELLOWSTONE GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

The post Superior Hiking Trail Group Trip Highlights appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

After a successful winter of dog sledding group trips, I kicked off the summer by organizing an all-ladies camping trip in my home state! 

We had 20 ladies from all over the USA who came.  I volunteered or traveled with a few but for the most part, we were meeting for the first time! 

As a host, you are always hopeful the group will get along well and everyone will easily connect. To say this group meshed well would be an understatement! Every one of these ladies brought fun, positive energy to the experience and I am so lucky to have spent the weekend with them. 

Friday

We met at Blue Mound State Park around 2pm on Friday. Everyone did introductions, set up camp and got settled in before heading off on our first hike!

Of course we had to stop and grab a group photo at the Blue Mounds entrance sign along the way. Then we were off to hike Quarry Trail!

After the hike, we freshened up at the campsite and went to Take 16 Brewery for dinner and drinks.

The tiny town of Luverne was in the middle of their annual summer festival, Buffalo Days. So downtown was bursting with street vendors, live music, a classic car show and more. We had a few drinks, ate pizza and explored before heading to the drive-in movie theater.

Under the stars, we watched the new Cruella movie starring Emma Stone all together at the Verne Drive In.

After the movie, we had a campfire and s’mores before finally calling it a night! 

Saturday

Those eager to catch sunrise set their alarms and we set off early! We climbed to the highest point in the park to watch the sun coming up over the prairie.

Later that morning, we headed into town for the Buffalo Days parade happening in Luverne. 

After the parade, our group split into two. Half of the ladies went skydiving with Skydive Adventures. And the other half went hiking in Palisades State Park in South Dakota.

Check out these great photos from the ladies who conquered their fears and went skydiving!

That evening, we all met back up for a sunset picnic and photoshoot with a local, professional photographer. We ate, watched the sunset, listened to music and took turns getting photographed by the wonderful Sydney Leigh.

The ladies were wonderfully supportive of one another and we all whooped and cheered as people got their photos taken, it was a blast!

Sign up to travel with me in the future!

Thank you Sydney Leigh for capturing such beautiful photos of our trip!

After the sunset picnic, we went downtown for a few drinks and to enjoy the last of the Buffalo Day festivities. It was a late night around the campfire for many!

Sunday

On our final morning, another group of early risers woke up in time to go catch sunrise.

We had breakfast around the campsite together before setting out for one last morning hike.

Although it was a hot day and a humid weekend overall, it was a fun way to end the trip as we scaled and climbed through the rocks of the state park.

After the hike, we packed up and said our goodbyes! I am so thankful for all the wonderful ladies who came from all over to be here in small town Minnesota. It meant so much to get to share my homestate with you all! Until our paths cross again!

Our schedule for the weekend

Past Group Trips:

• SAIL CROATIA GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS- WEEK ONE
• SAIL CROATIA GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS- WEEK TWO
• DOG SLEDDING IN MINNESOTA – GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS WEEK ONE
• DOG SLEDDING IN MINNESOTA: GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS WEEK TWO
• YELLOWSTONE GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

The post Women’s Camping Trip in Luverne, Minnesota: Group Trip Highlights appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Hewing Hotel:
The Best Rooftop Pool in Minneapolis, Minnesota

When spring made its first appearance with a warm, sunny weekend in Minneapolis, one of my best friends and I booked a staycation at the Hewing Hotel.

Located in North Loop neighborhood, this area is filled with trendy bars and eateries. You’ll have no shortage of great spots within walking distance from your hotel.

Get tickets to see a Broadway show downtown or go to live music at one of the nearby concert venues.

Just leave plenty of time for lounging at the stunning rooftop pool!

Read: THE BEST MINNESOTA TRIPS YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY TAKE THIS SUMMER

Hewing Hotel is also home to one of the best views of the Minneapolis skyline.

Best enjoyed with a cocktail and some sunshine from the pool!

Book your stay here.

Things To Do Nearby

See a show a concert or a live show

Check out what’s playing at the venues below and see a live show during your getaway!

•  Orpheum Theatre 
• Fine Line Music Cafe
•  First Avenue
•  St. Anthony Theatre
•  Acme Comedy Club
•  Guthrie Theater
•  Pantages Theatre
•  State Theatre

Grab tickets to a sporting event

With the hotel’s prime location, you are in walking distance to see major league baseball, basketball or football. Check out the venues below for information & tickets.

• Target Field
•  Target Center
•  U.S. Bank Stadium

Have dinner in the neighborhood

After our dip in the rooftop pool, we went for a nice dinner at JD Hoyt’s just across the street. However there is no shortage of amazing restaurants in the North Loop! Below is a few for you to pick from.

•  JD Hoyt’s 
• The Monte Carlo
•  Spoon and Stable
•  The Bachelor Farmer
•  112 Eatery
•  Black Sheep
•  Freehouse
•  Borough
•  Bar La Grassa
•  Butcher and the Boar
•  Pizza Luce

Have drinks out on the town

The North Loop is also home to some fantastic bars and breweries. So many of which are within walking distance of the hotel. If you’re looking for a fun, young scene be sure to check out Graze on a nice summer day. This place gets crowded but it’s a ton of fun with multiple restaurants inside and plenty of patio space!

•  Graze
• Marvel Bar
•  Jetset Bar
•  Red Rabbit
•  The Loop
•  Bev’s Wine Bar
•  Fulton Brewery
•  Inbound Brew Co.
•  Modist Brewing

More on Minnesota: THE BEST EASY BUT SCENIC HIKES IN MINNESOTA

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Dog Sledding in Minnesota:
Group Trip Highlights Week Two

After a successful first week of dog sledding in Minnesota, I was excited to have 11 others joining my group trip in Ely for the second week!

Although still hitting the trails with Wintergreen Dog Sledding we were staying at Timber Trail Lodge to accommodate our larger group. Our lodging consisted of a large main cabin just off the lake and several smaller rooms just a short walk away.

Wednesday

Everyone arrived in Ely, Minnesota around 3pm for the first day of the trip! We kicked off with a welcome bonfire & dinner as a group.

Thursday

Despite a record warm snap that was melting a lot of snow in Ely during this trip, we had a full day dog sledding out on the trails!

Friday

Another full day of dog sledding took us across frozen lakes, through forests, past snow-covered beaver dams and to a trail campsite for a cook-out lunch.

We returned back to our lodging in the late afternoon, exhausted but happy from a full day with the dogs!

Northern Lights

That night while sitting around the campfire, we were treated to the most spectacular surprise, the Northern Lights! It was a major bucket list moment for many of us and a night we won’t soon forget.

Saturday

Our final full day of dog sledding was unusually warm for Ely in March but still made for a busy full day on the trails!

After we said goodbye to the dogs, we headed back to our lodge for dinner.

International Wolf Center

In the evening, we attended the feeding program at the International Wolf Center in Ely.

That night half the group camped out under the stars on the lake in our winter camping gear from Wiggy. We stayed nice & toasty warm!

Sunday

After a farewell brunch, we said our goodbyes & parted ways. Stay tuned for many more group trips to come!

Interested in joining a group trip with me?

• YELLOWSTONE, GRAND TETONS, VALLEY OF FIRE & BRYCE CANYON
• SAIL CROATIA GROUP TRIP ANNOUNCEMENT
• MOROCCO GROUP TRIP 2022

Shop my winter favorites:

Merino Base Layer Bottoms

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Wool Base Layer

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Neck Warmer

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Mitten Straps

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The post Dog Sledding in Minnesota: Group Trip Highlights Week Two appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Dog Sledding in Minnesota

After working as a trip leader for several years with a variety of travel companies, I finally launched my own group trip series: Wanderlust Group Trips!

Here’s a little recap of the magic that took place during my first-ever curated group trip in my home state of Minnesota.

Travel with me!

Dog Sledding in Minnesota

Wednesday

After everyone received negative covid tests, people traveled to Minnesota from Ohio, southern Minnesota, Pennsylvania and New York. We made our way up to Ely, a small town in the north woods surrounded by wilderness.

For the coming 5 days, we made called the Wintergreen Lodge home while dog sledding with Wintergreen Dog Sledding.

Our first night, we had a welcome dinner then went down to meet the dogs!

It was love at first sight when I saw Brewster, one of the largest, fluffiest & friendliest dogs at Wintergreen!

Thursday

On Thursday, we learned how to harness the dogs, drive a sled & mush our own team!

We spent the whole morning out on the trails, came back to the lodge for lunch & then returned to sled some more in the afternoon!

As a group, we were caught off guard how athletic dog sledding could be at times! With tight turns & steep downhills, we felt like we were zooming past trees, rocks & branches. After a couple of wipeouts, our new motto became “Brace for impact!!” There was never a dull moment out on the trails!

In the evening, we had dinner at our lodge. Each meal was prepared by a private chef onsite and served family style.

The lake was only a few steps from our lodge and provided a spectacular spot for sunset viewing!

After sunset, we would warm up in the sauna each night or gather around the campfire!

Friday

We left in the morning for an entire day of dog sledding!

We ventured across frozen lakes, over bogs, through the woods and traveled many miles across stunning winter landscapes.

Rather than coming back to the lodge for lunch, we had a hot lunch at a campsite out on the trails!

After spending all day out on the trails, Hannah and I decided to camp out under the stars with the dogs.

Wintergreen provided us with quality winter camping gear from Wiggy’s which were designed for temperatures of -40 degrees fahrenheit. We were nice and toasty warm despite all the snow!

Saturday

Our final day on the trails, we spent another full day out dog sledding! According to our local guides Bo & Eric, we did a whopping 18+ miles!

It was a super fun and active day. And the dogs were as wonderful as always!

Sunday

On our last day, we woke up and had a final brunch together before walking to the dog yards to say our goodbyes!

It’s amazing how close of a bond you form with the dogs over just a few short days.

Fortunately I knew I would be back for weeks 2 & 3 of my group trips.

Read: WHAT TO WEAR DOG SLEDDING – A COMPLETE PACKING LIST FOR STAYING WARM

More on Minnesota:

• THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN MINNESOTA IN WINTER
• STARGAZING IN A HEATED “SNOWGLOBE”: THE BEST OF MINNESOTA ROMANTIC WINTER GETAWAY
• WHAT TO DO IN STILLWATER, MINNESOTA FOR THE PERFECT WEEKEND GETAWAY
• THE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO CAMPING SOLO IN MINNESOTA
• 8 AMAZING REASONS TO TRY BACKPACKING IN MINNESOTA
• THE BEST EASY BUT SCENIC HIKES IN MINNESOTA

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SDog Sledding in Minnesota

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The Covington Inn St Paul Minnesota –
A Winter Stay On A Historic Mississippi Towboat

Covington Inn St Paul

If you follow my travels, you might remember my first stay at the Covington Inn in St. Paul, Minnesota. I went back in May as a little staycation. I fell in love with the little historic towboat on the Mississippi River turned bed & breakfast.

Read: COVINGTON INN: SPEND THE NIGHT ON ST. PAUL’S HISTORIC TOWBOAT TURNED BED & BREAKFAST

Covington Inn St. Paul – Open Year Round

So I was thrilled when I was invited back during the winter to have a little snowy staycation in St. Paul.

Just a few photos of this little boat lit up at night in the winter might have you booking a cozy stay of your own!

Pack a bottle of wine & order take out!

Covington Inn St. Paul is the perfect romantic getaway or girls weekend. Pack yourself a bottle of wine and order some take out for the ultimate staycation. Or if you’re brave enough to face the cold, there are a number of restaurants nearby.

However my favorite is to order Thai takeout from Sawatdee right to the boat so we never have to leave!

The Covington Inn doesn’t have any TV’s so it’s a great place to disconnect. But if you want to watch a movie at night, bring your laptop!

Great views of the sunset

The old historic towboat is perfectly positioned on the water for a great sunset over St. Paul!

Pilot House Suite

The first time I visited, I stayed in the  Riverview Suite which is located below the boat. There are portholes right now to your bed! The second time, I stayed in the Pilot House suite up top.

Not only is the bedroom so charming but it comes with an entire private sitting room & deck up top!

COVINGTON INN QUICK FACTS:

• Free Overnight Parking
• Breakfast Included
• All 4 rooms have private bathrooms
• All 4 rooms have fireplaces for heat in the winter and air conditioners for the summer
• Check in is between 3pm-6pm
• Perfectly positioned for sunset over the river
• Try ordering takeout for dinner and bringing it up on the deck
• The rooms do not have TV’s so if you plan to watch a movie during your stay, bring a laptop
• There are boards games and books in the common room for anyone to use
• The boat is stationary and does not move throughout your stay

Book your stay here.

The History – From Towboat to B&B Afloat

In 1946, this towboat hit the inland waterways with a splash. She was outfitted with a newly designed engine and clutch, and could “move from full ahead to full astern in less than eight seconds.” Once she proved herself, she became the prototype for the modern towboat.

For years the 300-ton Covington pushed barges of liquid cargo, usually petroleum, along a 1,000-mile stretch of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, setting the pace for America’s post-war economic boom.

Fifty years later, the visionary partners of River Valley Preservation Company saw the Covington dry-docked in Louisiana and hauled her upstream to St. Paul. They gutted the tow’s inner workings, then inch by inch transformed the boat’s steely chambers into cozy rooms. In 1995, the boat re-emerged with a new purpose, The Covington Inn. 

The current owner, Liz Miller, worked as a waitress at the No Wake Café here on the boat from 1997-2000 when the No Wake closed. 
The previous owners, Tom and Ann, asked her to take over for them as Innkeeper in 2002. She loved the boat and the lifestyle so much that she bought it from them in 2004.  It’s been a labor of love and she’s enjoyed every minute of it! She and her crew welcome you aboard.

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More on Minnesota:

• THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN MINNESOTA IN WINTER
• GUNFLINT LODGE: YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE ULTIMATE MINNESOTA ADVENTURE
• WHERE TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN MINNESOTA

Covington Inn St Paul the Covington Inn St Paul a Covington Inn St Paul

Covington Inn St. Paul Minnesota

The post The Covington Inn St Paul Minnesota – A Winter Stay On A Historic Mississippi Towboat appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

What To Wear Dog Sledding

What To Wear Dog Sledding
A Complete Packing List For Staying Warm

If you’re about to head out on a dog sledding adventure in any cold weather destination, it’s critical you’re dressed for success! Nothing will spoil a trip quicker than being cold the entire time.

So here’s everything you need to know to stay warm, dry and comfortable on your dog sledding trip!

This blog post is in partnership with Wintergreen Dog Sledding in Ely, Minnesota!

6 Tips For Staying Warm In The Winter

1. Wear the right clothing. Use the list below to ensure you have the right gear. Avoid cotton.
2. Stay well fed and hydrated throughout the day. Your body needs fuel and adequate water to function at it’s best. Expect to drink more water than your normal day to day life. The recommended amount is 3-4 liters in cold dry winter conditions, during high activity.  It is important to eat a diet high in fat and protein to stay warm.
3. Stay dry. Dampness will wick away heat from your body.
4. Stay active. Keep the body moving to generate heat and keep blood flowing. 
5. Keep clothing loose. Tight fitting clothing will restrict blood and heat flow.
6. Use the 3 W’s layering system. Don’t depend on one large layer to stay warm. 

Stay Warm With The 3 W’s!

WICKING

The base layer (also called thermal wear or long underwear) helps keep you dry by wicking moisture away from your body. This next-to-skin layer, often made of wool or polyester, works best when snug fitting.

WARMTH

Like the batting in your house, this layer insulates you from the cold. Depending upon the weather and your activity, you may choose to wear one or more of these layers. Wool and polyester fleece work well for warmth.

WIND

Your outer shell blocks wind, sheds rain or snow and holds body heat in your warmth layer while still allowing perspired moisture to escape. Breathable tight-weave synthetics like Supplex® nylon or long staple Ventile cotton work well.

Clothing Packing List

Now that you’re familiar with the 3 layers you’ll need to stay warm, here’s your suggested packing list!

If you’re doing a trip with Wintergreen Dog Sledding, don’t stress! We’ll go over your gear on the first day of the trip to make sure everything you brought is warm enough.

Warm jacket or parka

What works best: a long, roomy, hooded shell jacket or anorak that can be slipped on or off over an insulating jacket or anorak depending upon conditions.

A warm parka or snowmobile suit (which combines shell & insulating layer) also works but is not as versatile for layering.

What doesn’t work: short-waisted or tight-fitting sports jackets (too cold), fur coats (distracts the dogs!), canvas coats (they get damp), wool coats (they don’t shed snow as well)

Snow/ski pants

This pair of pants is your outer layer to protect against wind. It will go over top your warmth (fleece) and wicking (base) layers.

What works best: shell pants layered over fleece pants as needed, insulated ski pants

What doesn’t work: wool, canvas or cotton pants (they collect snow)

Winter Boots

Warm feet are key to a fun trip – be sure to have adequate boots!

What work’s best: “Sorel-type” snow boots with a rubber lower, leather or nylon upper and removable foam or felt liners. The boots should be rated to at least -20 F.

What doesn’t work: leather hunting boots, low-top boots, boots that don’t repel snow and moisture, any boot without at least a half-inch of insulation, tight boots*

*Remember, your feet swell one whole shoe size during activity so test your fit. Your boot should slide easily over your foot with 2 pairs of socks on.

Long Underwear/ Base Layers

Bring one or 2 pair of tops & bottoms.

Mid- or expedition-weight synthetic or performance wool is best.

What works best: Choose synthetic thermal wear like Power Dry, Calamai. Varitherm, Capiline, Icebreaker wool or Thermax that wick moisture away from your skin to keep you dry.

What doesn’t work: cotton “waffle” long-johns absorb moisture and keep you damp.

Base layers vary greatly in price. You could get 100% merino wool and spend over $100 per piece. I found a partial merino mix that I liked from Fleet Farm for much less. Just avoid cotton and shop within your budget!

Wool Base Layer

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Merino Base Layer Bottoms

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Warm tops

Bring one or more fleece or wool sweaters for your middle layer.

What works: fleece sweater or jacket; wool sweater or shirt; vest; turtleneck, any warm top!

Pro tip: 100% wool or Merino wool will keep you extra warm but can be expensive to buy. Thrift stores & second hand shops are a great place to shop for wool sweaters! They usually have a lot. I have been able to find a number of cute, 100% wool sweaters at second hand shops for under $10.

Headwear (Hats + Neck Warmer)

Bring a thin and thick hat option and a neck gaitor or ear band.

What works best: an insulating shell hat with sun visor plus a thin knit hat and a neck gaitor is ideal.

However a thin and thick hat plus a scarf will suffice.

Neck Warmer

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Handwear/ Mittens

Liner gloves plus warm mittens – don’t scrimp!

What works best: wool blend or fleece mittens large enough so synthetic liners gloves can be worn under them (liner gloves allow me you to take off your mitts for dexterity)

What doesn’t work: leather “driving”-type gloves, cotton gloves, tight mittens

Pro tip: I have added wrist straps to my mittens so I can easily pull them off and take pictures quickly without repeatedly dropping them in the snow or having them fall off the sled. It’s not necessary but I find it helpful and can be easily added with a few stitches and some elastic!

Mitten Straps

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Socks

What works best: two pair insulating socks + two pair liner socks

What doesn’t work: cotton socks

Pro tip: You can get battery-powered heated socks or toe warmers for inside your boots!

Basic underwear

Enough to keep you happy throughout your trip.

Sunglasses

Polarized ones with a neck strap work well.

Ski goggles are okay but not necessary.

Flashlight & Headlamp

A small flashlight will come in handy for after dark.

A headlamp (plus extra batteries) is essential for camping trips.

You can also get rechargeable headlamps, I recommend this one.

Rechargeable Headlamp

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Or you could get a beanie with a rechargeable headlamp built in. But these hats aren’t as warm by themselves. You could wear it over a thicker, more insulated beanie or on warmer nights.

LED Beanie Hat with Light

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Swimsuit for saunas

Depending on where you dog sled, there may be a sauna available! Check with your lodging before the trip.

An optional sauna night is offered on most Wintergreen trips.

Toiletries

• Lotion/Wind cream
• Lip balm
• Toothbrush & paste
• Personal meds
• Hand sanitizer/wipes in pocket-size packet for easy access
• Face mask

Extra Battery Pack For Phone

Just a reminder, your phone battery will die much more quickly in the cold!

When I travel, I like to use my solar-powered battery pack so even if I’m out on the trail all day, I can still get a recharge from the sun!

Water Proof, Solar Powered Portable Charger

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GoPro/Camera

A Gopro works well on the trails since it can be difficult to carry a large camera while also mushing your own team of sled dogs!

Avoid Cotton!

Cotton clothing is not good for cold weather. It absorbs moisture and traps it next to your skin.

It is especially important to avoid cotton socks or cotton base layers when dog sledding.

Dog Sledding in Minnesota

Ely, Minnesota is often referred to as the “dog sledding capital of the world!” According to the Ely Chamber of Commerce, this little Minnesota town has more dog sled trip providers than anywhere else in the world!

As I prepare to lead several, multi-day dog sledding trips with Wintergreen Dog Sledding, I have compiled a list of everything you need for any dog sledding adventure anywhere!

Rent Big Items From Wintergreen Northern Wear

If you’re flying in from a warm weather climate or don’t own a lot of winter gear, you rent the key items in Ely, Minnesota from Wintergreen Northern Wear.

Available for rent:

• Parka $45/trip
• Snow pants $30/trip
• Boots

Smaller items which can’t be rented can be purchased from Wintergreen.

Available for purchase:

• Mittens
• Hats
• Socks
• Camp booties
• Thermal wear/Base layers

Not sure if what you already have will work? Call us for advice. When you arrive in Ely, our staff will check your gear to ensure you’ll be warm & cozy on your dogsled trip.

Contact for rentals: 218-365-6022 info@WintergreenNorthernWear.com

Read: 25 PHOTOS TO INSPIRE YOU TO GO DOG SLEDDING

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What To Wear Dog Sledding

The post What To Wear Dog Sledding – A Complete Packing List For Staying Warm appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.