There are millions of reasons why we say that northeastern Minnesota's Gunflint Trail offers vacations of a different nature. Countless natural, wild, and scenic reasons. Moose, deer, loons, wolves, pine marten, black bears, eagles, owls, fox, lynx, beaver, otters, and dozens of other birds, and other animals make up the wildlife in these north woods. Hundreds of species of songbirds, birds of prey, and waterfowl live in or migrate through this unique boreal habitat. Walleye, smallmouth bass, lake and rainbow trout, and northern pike are the most prolific fish species. Come explore, experience, and enjoy.
Click here to see a Gunflint Trail Wildlife Calendar and to learn about the Moons of the Gunflint Trail .
Spring on the Gunflint Trail is a season filled with sensations, and wonderful for spotting wildlife. The animals, in general, are less timid during the early mating (post-hibernation, for some) time. They seem to have forgotten to hide from the humans, and make frequent appearances. Moose calves and fawns follow their mothers along the shorelines and through the woods. Ducklings get in line as they paddle about the newly cleared lakes, or parade about in their downy infant plumage.
For the Indian women who once made their livelihood here, the sugar season, when maple syrup was gathered, was the happiest portion of their year. Today, it continues to be an ideal time to congregate with friends, bent less on work and more on relaxation and enjoyment of one another. Marsh marigolds proliferate, as do tiny azure violets and several varieties of wild orchids. Other early-appearing flowers include trailing arbutus, spring beauty, violets, linnea (twin flower), Virginia bluebells, and star flower. For those who hunt with a camera or a paintbrush, there is a wealth of vibrant flora waiting to be captured on film or canvas. The boreal forest of the Laurentian Highlands continues to be home to a native population of timber wolves. An exceptionally privileged visitor might be treated to a spellbinding evening serenade. Moose, deer, pine martens, beavers and otters are the animals most frequently seen. Other creatures like black bears, porcupines, red and silver foxes, fishers, weasels, and minks are more reclusive; some, like timber wolves, lynx, and bobcats, are seen on occasion, but tend to avoid contact with humans.
Summer is the season of abundance for every sense. Wild flowers and berries flourish in the woods and along the shorelines, a feast for the eyes, and some, for the palette. In June, the wild strawberries peak; pink (or stemless) moccasin flower, fairy slipper orchids, bunchberry, clintonia (blue bead lily), lacy ferns and nodding trillium all come into bloom. August brings the purple wild iris, Indian pipe, purple vetch, asters, Joe Pye weed, daisies, buttercups, hawkweed, and Queen Anne's Lace, as well as highbush cranberries, red raspberries, wild currants, rose hips and blueberries. Most all the resorts have field guides in their libraries (or in the rooms at some) to help you identify what you see in the woods.
Long-time Gunflint Trail resident and author, Justine Kerfoot, watched many Camping Moons (September) come and go. In her book Gunflint, she artfully describes the color this moon brings to the woodland. "Aspen and birch trees are flecked with green and yellow leaves, and the occasional moose maple bush or maple tree stands out in a flash of red...A weaver is creating a colorful carpet for the forest floor with an intricate pattern of gold and red intermingled among deep greens, pastel browns and purples."
With a gift to present to every sense, the magic of this time is only justly experienced. The gentle sounds, scents and sensations defy description -- transition in the boreal forest compares to nothing else.
Male moose and deer come into rut, compelled by their genetic codes to engage in this annual mating ritual. A moose in rut will stalk the woods, bellowing and thrashing his newly hardened antlers again trees in an attempt to remove the shedding velvet. Using hooves and antlers, bull moose fight over females, and territory.
The big game aren't the only ones who get a little rut-crazy at this time of year - moose calling has evolved to the point where it is both an art and an adventure. Calling, scratching, stomping, thrashing and antler rattling create quite the spectacle, especially when performed by two-legged creatures with cameras in tow. While there is an element of danger in this activity, experienced guides can escort you into the back country in your search for this shaggy, towering animal.
Great flocks of waterfowl, raptors and songbirds are winging their way south to warmer nesting grounds. A strong pair of binoculars aimed at the face of a full moon in the hours before midnight may reveal silhouettes of geese flying in formation. Day and night, you can hear honking and trumpeting as the summer residents migrate. A berry-feeding frenzy adds a final layer of insulation for black bears, who will soon begin their long slumber. Frogs, turtles, snakes, bats and some mice burrow in for the long nap as well.
Animals that will remain active throughout the season are busily adding to food caches that will support their increased need for insulation and energy during the colder months. The beavers take time for some remodeling, adding to their lodges for improved cold-weather comfort; they also bolster partly submerged larders, cutting and storing woody branches. The beaver will access his food cache from an underwater entrance once the lakes freeze over.
Long ago, Indians who lived in the area followed a similar pattern during these moons. Gathering food reached a crescendo as the last berries were picked and stored, and the hunt for game and migrating birds commenced. Today, wild foods are typically a treat - they are not used as they once were for human sustenance. Wood is the main thing gathered now, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves provide heat and comfort to most residences; almost every cabin includes one or the other, with plenty of firewood neatly piled just outside the door.
Moose are common sights along the trail in the snowy months. Coming up for a lick of fresh salt off the pavement, they will sometimes even kneel to imbibe. Among the locals, the current moose-sighting record is 19 moose in a twenty-mile stretch. (A note of caution: Take your time as you drive up the Trail; you won't want to miss anything, or hit anything.)
Snowshoeing is another great way to see wildlife - the pace takes care of that. You'll find snowshoe rentals at several resorts, marked trails, and snowshoe treks guided by a naturalist.
