Hi all: During a longish winter weekend, my wife and I like to go to a rustic cabin, then ski and snowshoe and explore the area. However, we've only done this on the Ely side. I'm wondering what options might exist on the Gunflint side.

"Rustic" means no electricity or running water is required. An LP fridge and stove would be nice. So would a sauna, but again not mandatory.

For a reference, over the years, we've stayed at the Log Cabin Hideaway and BWCA Getaway cabins. We don't really want to stay at a cabin at a lodge. We are looking for solitude and quiet, and don't mind hiking in. It also need not be lake side. We're perfectly happy deep in the woods.

Ideas?

Mike

Cascade vacation rentals and similar would have the information you need.

Poplar Creek bed and breakfast used to have some yurts available that I heard were pretty cool...

We've stayed at several different lodges along the Gunflint Trail in the winter. All at their cabins.

If you don't need/want 100% remote but just want to avoid a typical lodge feel then you could explore either Voyaguer Canoe Outfitters at the end of the Trail or Tuscarora Lodge & Outfitters on Round Lake. Both are much more remote than most lodges are in the winter time.

VCO only has one cabin and one lodge room for rent in the winter. They are at the end of the Trail on the Gull River without a lot of others around. We've been there several times and been the only customers for the full weekend, incl over New Year's holiday and on MLK weekend. The couple that manage VCO are great but aren't overly present when you are there. Lots of places to head to on skis or snowshoes where you are likely to be alone as well.

Tuscarora has more winter cabins - 3 of them - so seeing other people is more likely but not always guaranteed. But they are the only property on Round lake. We've stayed in a cabin there over MLK weekend and have not seen another sole, incl the owners. We knew they were around that weekend but we didn't need anything from them so didn't seek them out. There are people that use Tusc as a jumping off point for winter camping so there can be groups going out via Round Lake and we've certainly experienced traffic through there at times.

Good luck in your search... love to hear what you find out. Cabin time on the Gunflint Trail in the winter is one of our favorites things to do.

Loon lake lodge has a rustic winterized cabin.

"The Shack" at Loon Lake Lodge is very, very nice.

Thanks, everyone!! The suggestions have been very helpful

Mike