Women's Winter Boundary Waters Escape-February 4-7-Ice Fishing-Dog Sledding-Star lit snow shoeing

Women’s Winter Boundary Waters Escape

Gunflint Lodge | BWCA, Grand Marais, Minnesota

February 4-7, 2027

$437 nonrefundable deposit to register

payment plan available

Ice Fishing, Dogsledding, Snowshoe, groomed trails, and more

Somewhere out on a frozen lake, beneath a canopy of snow-heavy pines and an endless northern sky, a group of women exhaled for the first time in months. This is that place. This is that weekend. Come as you are — leave as more.

About This Retreat

There is a particular kind of quiet that only winter wilderness knows. It settles into the trees, floats across a frozen lake, and waits patiently for you to arrive. Gunflint Lodge sits at the very end of the Gunflint Trail in Grand Marais, Minnesota — perched at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, wrapped in boreal forest, and anchored on the shores of Gunflint Lake. In winter, this place becomes something altogether otherworldly: the lake glazed over in silver ice, the pines bowed low with fresh snow, the sky so vast and dark at night that the stars feel within reach.

Together, you will wander the lakes with a fishing guide in search of wild-trout, head to Hovland, MN for a winter dog-sledding adventure, glide through 60+ kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails that wind through the snow-draped Northwoods. You will strap on snowshoes and wander into the forest, watching for tracks in the snow and listening to the hush of a world at rest. You will lace up skates and feel the freedom of moving across open ice beneath an open sky on the ice rink under the stars— listening in the darkness for the distant howl of a wolf, amazed at how an entire ecosystem quietly thrives beneath the snow, and on a lucky night, watching the Northern Lights paint the sky in ribbons of green and violet.

At the end of each day, you will come home to a warm, cozy cabin. Individual beds mean everyone has their own space to rest, while shared living areas and a full kitchen make the cabin a gathering place. Step outside and sink into the outdoor hot tub, steam rising into the cold night air, stars overhead, forest all around. It is the kind of moment that becomes a memory the instant it happens.

Every meal, from the moment you check in to the moment you leave, is taken care of. Nourishing, delicious, and lovingly prepared — breakfast before you head out into the snow, warm lunches to refuel, dinners served fireside at the restaurant in the main lodge.

What's Included

Everything below is covered in your retreat package. Show up, breathe deep, and let us take care of the rest.

LODGING-INCLUDED

● Shared cabin-style accommodations for the full weekend — individual beds for every guest

● Shared living areas and a fully equipped kitchen within the cabin

● Access to the outdoor hot tub throughout the entire retreat

MEALS & BEVERAGES-INCLUDED

● All meals from check-in through check-out — breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks every day-Bring extra snacks to your liking

● Meals served at the restaurant at the main lodge, with fireside dining and lake views

● Complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate available at the main lodge all weekend long

ACTIVITY EQUIPMENT RENTALS-INCLUDED

● Cross-country ski rentals (skis, boots, and poles)

● Snowshoe rentals

● Ice fishing gear — rods, auger, portable heater, and all tackle

● Ice skate rentals

TRAIL & ACTIVITY ACCESS-INCLUDED

● Full access to 60+ kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails+Lighted night trails

● Northern Lights orientation and viewing opportunity (weather and conditions permitting)

● Fish filleting and freezing services if fish are caught during ice fishing

● Trip to Hovland for an afternoon of dog sledding-will need to car pool/ride share. sleds have a 275 lb weight limit, limit 2 person per sled.

What's Not Included

A few things to plan for on your own — nothing complicated, just worth knowing before you pack your bags.

● Transportation to and from Gunflint Lodge — guests are responsible for their own travel to the lodge. Gunflint Lodge is located approximately 3-3.5 hours north of Duluth, MN, and 4.5-5 hours north of the Twin Cities. Carpooling with fellow guests is highly encouraged.

● Alcoholic beverages — a full bar is available for purchase at the main lodge, and we have a full size fridge in our cabin. Cheers to that.

● Personal clothing and gear — all activity equipment is provided, but proper cold-weather layering and outerwear are your responsibility. A detailed packing list will be sent with your registration confirmation.

● Gratuities for lodge and retreat staff — entirely optional, but always warmly appreciated by the wonderful people who make this weekend possible. Our ice fishing guide and dog sled guide.

● Personal shopping — the Gunflint Lodge Trading Post gift shop is on-site and irresistible, but purchases are on your own tab.

● Optional upgrades or add-on experiences — any services or experiences outside of the retreat package are not included.

Frequently Asked Questions

What experience level is required for this trip?

None whatsoever. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and ice skating are all beginner-friendly activities. Experienced guides and naturalists are on hand to teach, support, and cheer you on every step of the way. The only requirement is a willingness to show up.

What are the lodging arrangements?

Guests stay in a cozy shared cabin with individual beds — everyone has their own sleeping space to rest and recharge. The cabin includes shared living areas, a full kitchen, and a beautiful rock fireplace. The outdoor hot tub is just steps away. Think summer camp meets luxury winter lodge.

Are meals included?

Yes — from the moment you check in, your food is completely taken care of. All breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks throughout the weekend are included. Meals are served at the restaurant at the main lodge, with warm fireside dining and stunning views across frozen Gunflint Lake. Feel free to bring additional snacks.

What if I have never ice fished, skied, or snowshoed before?

Then this trip was made for you. It is designed to welcome women of all experience levels with open arms. You will be guided, supported, and enthusiastically cheered on the entire way. No prior outdoor skills required — just an open mind and a sense of adventure.

Is this trip physically demanding?

Activities range from gentle — snowshoeing on flat terrain, ice fishing from inside a warm shelter, guided naturalist walks — to more active options like cross-country skiing on varying trails. You are never required to push beyond your comfort level. Resting by the fire, soaking in the hot tub, or simply sitting on the porch and breathing in the winter air are always perfectly valid choices.

What is the weather like in winter at Gunflint Lodge?

Wild, beautiful, and genuinely wintry. Gunflint Lodge sits in the heart of the Minnesota Northwoods, where winters are real and the landscape earns them. Expect daytime temperatures ranging from 0 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, with wind chill making it feel colder. Proper layering and extreme-cold outerwear are essential — a detailed packing list will be provided with your registration confirmation.

What if I do not want to participate in every activity?

This is your weekend. You are not required to do anything you do not genuinely want to do. Curl up by the fireplace with a book, linger over a second cup of coffee, soak in the hot tub under the stars, or simply watch the snow fall across the lake. Every choice is the right one.

Is the outdoor hot tub available all weekend?

Yes — the outdoor hot tub is available to guests throughout the entire retreat. Soaking in steaming water while snow-covered pines stand all around you and stars fill the sky above is, quite simply, one of winter's finest pleasures.

What is the cancellation policy?

Full cancellation and refund details will be outlined in your registration confirmation. Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all winter retreats, as weather-related travel disruptions in northern Minnesota are always a possibility worth preparing for.

How do I get to Gunflint Lodge?

Gunflint Lodge is located at the end of the Gunflint Trail, north of Grand Marais, Minnesota — approximately 2 hours north of Duluth and 4.5 hours north of the Twin Cities. Carpooling with fellow retreat guests is warmly encouraged. Detailed driving directions will be provided upon registration.

What should I bring?

A complete packing list will be provided with your registration confirmation. The emphasis is on extreme-cold layering systems, waterproof outerwear and boots, and warm accessories. All activity equipment — skis, snowshoes, ice fishing gear, and ice skates — is included in your package. There is no need to bring your own.

How many women will be on this trip?

This is a small-group retreat, intentionally kept to a limited number of guests to ensure every woman has a meaningful, connected experience. Limited to 8 participants. Potential to be split into groups of 4 for some activities.

The Northwoods are calling. The lake is frozen and waiting. The cabin fire is ready to be lit. All that is missing is you — and the women in your life who were made for a weekend exactly like this one.

You are valued, and you belong out here!

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