awbrown: "Most planned winter treks are scheduled for later in the winter.
I agree with this, but at the same time you try to go camping when you can get the time off.
Rich,
I would say that if you are for sure coming up during the Christmas Break next year, I would keep your plans fairly loose for what you want to do. For me, what I usually do for early winter camping is to find a state park and bring my winter tent along. If you want to see the beauty of the northland at that time of year but stay off the lake, I suggest looking at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. They have some excellent hike-in sites that aren't too far. You could rent a winter tent from a local outfitter, stay at Split Rock, and make that your base to explore the northwoods. From there you have walking access to the Superior Hiking Trail, the views from Split Rock of the lighthouse are Minnesota iconic, and plus you can always explore the other state parks along highway 61.
There is a place really close to Split Rock to rent a winter tent, Sawtooth Outfitters:
Sawtooth Outfitters link Split Rock State Park:
Split Rock State Park link