How to See a Moose Every Week
The night after the January blood moon, Cassidy was in the middle of telling me a story when we crested over a hill to discover them, a mama moose and her yearling baby trotting down the middle of the Gunflint Trail.
I put the brakes on, skidding down the hill straight for the pair. Under the full moon and my headlights, we watched the calf bee-line for the woods, which mama probably instructed.
As my tires gripped the road and we regained control, I followed her a little further, then stopped the car at the bottom of the hill. Mama moose (also referred to as a cow), seemed to be leading us away from her calf. She trotted along the trail, up the hill, until she realized we had stopped.
She gave us a stare then disappeared into the trees.
Cassidy and I looked at each other with relief and ah! Our hearts had received a jolt of adrenaline and wonder all at once. We’ve both seen many moose in the Northwoods but that was a semi-close call.
You see, my tires and moose hooves have one thing in common, they both have limited traction on icy roads!
For example, three nights ago I came across a moose licking salt off the road. I could tell my headlights startled the yearling as he almost tripped and fell on the pavement trying to make an exit for the woods. I know I shouldn’t, but I giggled at him a little.
All jokes aside, any sort of encounter with these 1,000 lb giants is bound to be memorable. Living on the Gunflint Trail, I’ve been lucky to see them regularly this winter on my drives to town and every time it’s exciting!
Which is why I can understand why so many people want to have one of these experiences to tuck into their mental and/or physical photo albums.
If I had a “Frequently Asked Questions” page on this blog, the top question would be, “How can I see a moose?”
This seems to be a bucket list items for lots of folks. Hopefully, if seeing a moose is on your list, I can help you get it checked off.
And if nothing else, my friend and local animal whisperer, Nace Hagemann has provided some inspiring photographs of moose in the area for you to gawk at! You can find his photos on his Facebook, Instagram, and website.
But hold on! Before you go in search of moose…
I want you to remember these two points:
- You’re entering their domain. Please respect their space! No selfies with the moose…I shouldn’t even have to say that but, hey, it’s 2019.
- Do not try to feed the moose…this ain’t a petting zoo, people!
You’re a smart cookie though. I’m sure you already knew those points. So, what’s the first step in spotting a real life Bullwinkle.
Location, Location, Location!
I can only speak for Northern Minnesota but every state with a moose population will have it’s own sweet spots. A simple Google search will point you in the right direction.
If you’re a Minnesotan, I’d suggest you pack the car and make a day of the Gunflint Trail! I am lucky enough to see a moose every week along the Trail and typically in the same area, which is between Gunflint Lodge and the end of the Trail (for reference, that’s about a 20-mile stretch). I would suggest that you plan to spend some time searching this area!
Closer to town, The Gunflint Trail has a “moose viewing platform”, as I’m sure other wilderness areas in the North have. I’ve never stopped at the platform…so I can’t tell you if your chances are better there or not. But, I can tell you that I’m fairly certain the moose aren’t under contract to report to the moose viewing zone everyday.
That being said, if you’re out for a drive, why not pop in and just check?
If you’re searching in the spring or summer, it seems like the natural place to see a moose would be in the swampy areas situated right on the side of the Trail.
Whether created by a beaver dam or naturally occurring, these swamps, where water meets land, create the perfect spot for moose to graze vegetation in the warmer months.
I’m always looking there but I have NEVER, to my disappointment, seen one standing there. However, I DO typically see moose in the lowland near these swamps, even in the winter.
My point is, moose won’t always be exactly where you expect them to be BUT locals might be able to give you some idea as to where the “sweet spot” usually is. If you’re asking about the Gunflint Trail, I’d tell you to head for the end and slow down once you pass Gunflint Lodge.
Ok, so location is important but when is the right time?
If you’re hoping to see a moose conveniently after lunch, I’m sorry to say you’ll probably be let down. I don’t want you to be disappointed, so I suggest planning your search for either dawn, dusk, or after sundown.
90% of the moose I spot are in the dark or dim light of dawn and dusk. That’s not just true for moose either! I’ve seen fox, wolves, bears, rabbits, pine martens, and owls during these fringe hours.
In terms of season, you will find more moose at the road during the winter months. As you can see in Nace’s photo below, moose love to lick the salt off the roads.
How long will it take for one of these giants to appear?
That’s the thing, you’ve got to have patience! Nace, the photographer of all these beautiful captures, says it’s not uncommon to spend 12 hours in search of a moose.
Or, you might luck out and bump into one right off the bat. Either way, if you want to have an enjoyable experience, I would recommend going into it with the mindset that you’re there for a beautiful drive and maybe a nice meal or a hike.
It seems like some people are moose magnets but I’m pretty firm in my belief that everyone has the
So what do you do if you see a moose ahead?
This is my favorite question because it’s the one my brain flips to every single time I see a moose!
- Stop your car. You’ll have to read the situation. Sometimes you can get away with stopping in the middle of the road. Other people will often be happy to park behind you and watch from their cars. If that’s not appropriate, (maybe you’re on a curve) then pull over to the shoulder.
- If you have time to stop your car, turn off the ignition!
- If you’re in the woods on foot, keep your distance and stay put.
The less obvious factor is, “should I take a photo or not?”
If this is your first time seeing a moose, I’d say, “go for your camera.” But there is something to be said for intentionally leaving the camera be and enjoying the moment.
I try to get an idea for how long the moose will be around.
Several weeks ago, Dad and I came upon a cow and her two calves meandering in the middle of the road. It was obvious these three were the “traffic causing” variety of moose. They weren’t going anywhere, so long as we stayed still.
In that situation, I took a video right away and then put my phone away so I could enjoy the moment. A real “have your cake and eat it too” situation.
But sometimes you get a moose that really does care that you’re lurking – he’s heading for the hills. Moose can vanish, running at speeds of 30mph through
Now I know my tips have been geared towards folks searching by car. If you’re in a canoe, on a trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, paddle close to shore, you’ll see much more wildlife this way. If you spot a moose, stop paddling…easy peasy.
Last year, my dad and cousin saw 7 moose in one day on their canoe trip!
A Note on Safety
Your hunk of metal car hurtling down the trail at 60mph poses a larger threat to both you AND the moose than the moose
However, there are some things you should know to keep yourself safe.
According to Outdoors.org, it’s important to keep your distance to begin with, “you should be far enough away to get behind the nearest tree before a galloping horse could get there”
There are usually two types of moose that could get aggressive, a bull (mature male) and a cow (mature female) with her calves. I personally have never heard of someone getting attacked by a moose but it has absolutely happened.
An aggressive moose is trying to do one thing – drive you away!
That’s exactly what the cow was trying to do with Cassidy and me the night we stumbled upon her and her calf. Instead of charging us, she was leading us away from her baby.
However, if a bull or a cow deicide to be more…confrontational, you must back away. If he/she charges, run. This is a situation where you don’t want to stand your ground.
Moose aren’t known for fatal attacks. They simply want you to leave. Retreating as far as possible, putting as many trees and other obstacles between you and the moose, is your goal if you find yourself in such a situation.
As long as a moose doesn’t feel threatened, you shouldn’t have any issues! Remember, these big cuties are herbivores just trying to mind their own business.
If you’ve seen a moose or ten, I would LOVE to see photos and hear stories in the comment section.
If you’re about to go out in search of one, good luck, have fun, and report back!
Happy Trails,
The night after the January blood moon, Cassidy was in the middle of telling me a story when we crested over a hill to discover them, a mama moose and her yearling baby trotting down the middle of the Gunflint Trail.
I put the brakes on, skidding down the hill straight for the pair. Under the full moon and my headlights, we watched the calf bee-line for the woods, which mama probably instructed.
As my tires gripped the road and we regained control, I followed her a little further, then stopped the car at the bottom of the hill. Mama moose (also referred to as a cow), seemed to be leading us away from her calf. She trotted along the trail, up the hill, until she realized we had stopped.
She gave us a stare then disappeared into the trees.
Cassidy and I looked at each other with relief and ah! Our hearts had received a jolt of adrenaline and wonder all at once. We’ve both seen many moose in the Northwoods but that was a semi-close call.
You see, my tires and moose hooves have one thing in common, they both have limited traction on icy roads!
For example, three nights ago I came across a moose licking salt off the road. I could tell my headlights startled the yearling as he almost tripped and fell on the pavement trying to make an exit for the woods. I know I shouldn’t, but I giggled at him a little.
All jokes aside, any sort of encounter with these 1,000 lb giants is bound to be memorable. Living on the Gunflint Trail, I’ve been lucky to see them regularly this winter on my drives to town and every time it’s exciting!
Which is why I can understand why so many people want to have one of these experiences to tuck into their mental and/or physical photo albums.
If I had a “Frequently Asked Questions” page on this blog, the top question would be, “How can I see a moose?”
This seems to be a bucket list items for lots of folks. Hopefully, if seeing a moose is on your list, I can help you get it checked off.
And if nothing else, my friend and local animal whisperer, Nace Hagemann has provided some inspiring photographs of moose in the area for you to gawk at! You can find his photos on his Facebook, Instagram, and website.
But hold on! Before you go in search of moose…
I want you to remember these two points:
- You’re entering their domain. Please respect their space! No selfies with the moose…I shouldn’t even have to say that but, hey, it’s 2019.
- Do not try to feed the moose…this ain’t a petting zoo, people!
You’re a smart cookie though. I’m sure you already knew those points. So, what’s the first step in spotting a real life Bullwinkle.
Location, Location, Location!
I can only speak for Northern Minnesota but every state with a moose population will have it’s own sweet spots. A simple Google search will point you in the right direction.
If you’re a Minnesotan, I’d suggest you pack the car and make a day of the Gunflint Trail! I am lucky enough to see a moose every week along the Trail and typically in the same area, which is between Gunflint Lodge and the end of the Trail (for reference, that’s about a 20-mile stretch). I would suggest that you plan to spend some time searching this area!
Closer to town, The Gunflint Trail has a “moose viewing platform”, as I’m sure other wilderness areas in the North have. I’ve never stopped at the platform…so I can’t tell you if your chances are better there or not. But, I can tell you that I’m fairly certain the moose aren’t under contract to report to the moose viewing zone everyday.
That being said, if you’re out for a drive, why not pop in and just check?
If you’re searching in the spring or summer, it seems like the natural place to see a moose would be in the swampy areas situated right on the side of the Trail.
Whether created by a beaver dam or naturally occurring, these swamps, where water meets land, create the perfect spot for moose to graze vegetation in the warmer months.
I’m always looking there but I have NEVER, to my disappointment, seen one standing there. However, I DO typically see moose in the lowland near these swamps, even in the winter.
My point is, moose won’t always be exactly where you expect them to be BUT locals might be able to give you some idea as to where the “sweet spot” usually is. If you’re asking about the Gunflint Trail, I’d tell you to head for the end and slow down once you pass Gunflint Lodge.
Ok, so location is important but when is the right time?
If you’re hoping to see a moose conveniently after lunch, I’m sorry to say you’ll probably be let down. I don’t want you to be disappointed, so I suggest planning your search for either dawn, dusk, or after sundown.
90% of the moose I spot are in the dark or dim light of dawn and dusk. That’s not just true for moose either! I’ve seen fox, wolves, bears, rabbits, pine martens, and owls during these fringe hours.
In terms of season, you will find more moose at the road during the winter months. As you can see in Nace’s photo below, moose love to lick the salt off the roads.
How long will it take for one of these giants to appear?
That’s the thing, you’ve got to have patience! Nace, the photographer of all these beautiful captures, says it’s not uncommon to spend 12 hours in search of a moose.
Or, you might luck out and bump into one right off the bat. Either way, if you want to have an enjoyable experience, I would recommend going into it with the mindset that you’re there for a beautiful drive and maybe a nice meal or a hike.
It seems like some people are moose magnets but I’m pretty firm in my belief that everyone has the
So what do you do if you see a moose ahead?
This is my favorite question because it’s the one my brain flips to every single time I see a moose!
- Stop your car. You’ll have to read the situation. Sometimes you can get away with stopping in the middle of the road. Other people will often be happy to park behind you and watch from their cars. If that’s not appropriate, (maybe you’re on a curve) then pull over to the shoulder.
- If you have time to stop your car, turn off the ignition!
- If you’re in the woods on foot, keep your distance and stay put.
The less obvious factor is, “should I take a photo or not?”
If this is your first time seeing a moose, I’d say, “go for your camera.” But there is something to be said for intentionally leaving the camera be and enjoying the moment.
I try to get an idea for how long the moose will be around.
Several weeks ago, Dad and I came upon a cow and her two calves meandering in the middle of the road. It was obvious these three were the “traffic causing” variety of moose. They weren’t going anywhere, so long as we stayed still.
In that situation, I took a video right away and then put my phone away so I could enjoy the moment. A real “have your cake and eat it too” situation.
But sometimes you get a moose that really does care that you’re lurking – he’s heading for the hills. Moose can vanish, running at speeds of 30mph through
Now I know my tips have been geared towards folks searching by car. If you’re in a canoe, on a trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, paddle close to shore, you’ll see much more wildlife this way. If you spot a moose, stop paddling…easy peasy.
Last year, my dad and cousin saw 7 moose in one day on their canoe trip!
A Note on Safety
Your hunk of metal car hurtling down the trail at 60mph poses a larger threat to both you AND the moose than the moose
However, there are some things you should know to keep yourself safe.
According to Outdoors.org, it’s important to keep your distance to begin with, “you should be far enough away to get behind the nearest tree before a galloping horse could get there”
There are usually two types of moose that could get aggressive, a bull (mature male) and a cow (mature female) with her calves. I personally have never heard of someone getting attacked by a moose but it has absolutely happened.
An aggressive moose is trying to do one thing – drive you away!
That’s exactly what the cow was trying to do with Cassidy and me the night we stumbled upon her and her calf. Instead of charging us, she was leading us away from her baby.
However, if a bull or a cow deicide to be more…confrontational, you must back away. If he/she charges, run. This is a situation where you don’t want to stand your ground.
Moose aren’t known for fatal attacks. They simply want you to leave. Retreating as far as possible, putting as many trees and other obstacles between you and the moose, is your goal if you find yourself in such a situation.
As long as a moose doesn’t feel threatened, you shouldn’t have any issues! Remember, these big cuties are herbivores just trying to mind their own business.
If you’ve seen a moose or ten, I would LOVE to see photos and hear stories in the comment section.
If you’re about to go out in search of one, good luck, have fun, and report back!
Happy Trails,
Want more? I've got you covered ↓
Hi my name is Paul I have been reading your stories, what a wonderful time it’s been, you make me feel like I’m right there, I’m from Minnesota myself born and raised here, been up on gunflint trail many times,
Hey Paul! It’s so good to hear from you on my blog and not just Instagram! So glad to have a fellow Minnesotan. 🙂
im new to your blog, but love it already! being a “northerner” myself but now living in Alaska, I can appreciate this story in particular. I live 9 miles out of town and often see moose daily. We usually have a visit from our resident neighbor moose and her “kids” every week in our yard! BTW, we’ve sent to some warm weather your way! Love, Alaska!
Welcome, Vicki! Thank you so much for reading!
First things first, THANK YOU for sending warm weather! I see it’s supposed to arrive tomorrow and I can’t wait! 🙂
Alaska! Wow, I have always wanted to visit. I can only imagine how beautiful it must be living 9 miles out of town and having a resident moose in your yard! Have you named the family?
Hi Ash, unfortunately I didn’t get to see a live moose but I sure met some nice people on my trip to VCO last weekend. Thanks for the hospitality and I will be back to try again!