My 2020 Minnesota Winter Bucket List
Winter lasts about 7 months in northern Minnesota and, since I love that so much (no, really I do), here I am writing a winter bucket list to follow my summer bucket list.
Whether you’re planning a trip to northern Minnesota this winter or not, my list has outdoor activities on it to inspire your own winter bucket list, so long as you have snow nearby! Of course, I’ve also included a few location-specific items…Gunflint Mail Run anyone?
Enjoy and let me know what’s on your winter list in the comments section!
Disclaimer: I will not include “See the Northern Lights” in this list for fear of spooking the Aurora Gods!
Dog Sledding (And I don’t mean with Arlo)
If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you’ll know Arlo got a dog sled. We’ve been training so that eventually she’ll pull her own weight around here (and mine too). That being said, she’s not even ten months old yet so she’s a ways out from pulling any loads.
So when I wrote dog sledding on my list I meant sledding at one of the resorts along the Gunflint Trail. If you’re looking to do some sledding this winter, check your local woodsy resorts.
I’ve wanted to go dog sledding all my life and this is the year, dangit! It’s about time.
Ice Skating
Last winter, I shoveled a nice little rink on the river in front of my cabin and put up string lights around it. It’s the dreamiest activity of my year and this year is no exception.
Indoor skating is enjoyable but outdoor skating is where it’s at! If you’ve got access to a frozen lake, grab your shovels and make a day of it. Tip: bring some folding chairs with you so you can lace up your skates.
Skiing My Brains Out at Lutsen Mountains
If you’ve never skied at Lutsen and you live in the midwest, you need to add this to your winter bucket list this year! I’ve got a whole blog post about how to make a long weekend out of it.
I’m still pinching myself about getting the local’s discount on a season pass. I bet you can guess my home ski hill! Yep, Lutsen!
You will find me on Moose Mountain any time the weather is nice!
Ice Fishing
Now don’t be mad at me but I’ve only been ice fishing once in my entire life. I was in grade school and my dad cut a tiny hole in the ice as I sat on a bucket waiting to see the fishies. We caught one tiny little fish.
It’s time to kick it up a notch in the ice fishing department now that I live in serious fishing territory. Advice is welcome in the comments!
Not Winter Camping in -40 Degrees Fahrenheit
Which is a funny way to say, “I’m interested in going winter camping again but it has to be a smidge warmer!”
You can read the story from last winter’s excursion here.
Explore the hidden gems of the North Shore
I’ve been scouring Instagram for some picturesque spots on the north shore, spots that aren’t advertised (like a sea cave near Grand Portage).
Spots like these are peppered all along the north shore if you take the time to explore! I’ll let you know if I find anything special if you do the same…deal?
I’ll clue you into one hidden gem that’s hidden in plain sight – Artist’s Point in Grand Marais. The Point turns into a magical ice castle around January/February. (If you already know this, carry on!)
Escape to Thunder Bay for a Day
If you’re interested in something a little more civilized, Thunder Bay makes for a great day trip or weekend getaway! I haven’t been since this summer and I can’t wait to visit this winter.
Here is a list of my favorite shops/restaurants:
- The Growing Season (smoothie’s galore)
- Maltese (the best deli ever)
- The Cheese Encounter (we stock up on nice cheeses here)
- Hygge Loft (the name says it all)
*Bonus: all four of these are within two blocks of one another!
Volunteer at the Gunflint Mail Run
This winter’s Mail Run will take place the weekend of January 11-12, 2020 at Trail Center!
Volunteering at the 2019 Mail Run was one of the highlights of my winter (read about it here) and I’ve already signed up for 2020. Whether you’re volunteering or not, it’s worth the drive halfway up the Gunflint Trail to watch a few of the starts and participate in the celebrations.
If you’ve done any of the things on my list, leave me a comment below and tell me what you thought of it! Or, better yet, tell me what I should add to my list!
Happy Trails,
Winter lasts about 7 months in northern Minnesota and, since I love that so much (no, really I do), here I am writing a winter bucket list to follow my summer bucket list.
Whether you’re planning a trip to northern Minnesota this winter or not, my list has outdoor activities on it to inspire your own winter bucket list, so long as you have snow nearby! Of course, I’ve also included a few location-specific items…Gunflint Mail Run anyone?
Enjoy and let me know what’s on your winter list in the comments section!
Disclaimer: I will not include “See the Northern Lights” in this list for fear of spooking the Aurora Gods!
Dog Sledding (And I don’t mean with Arlo)
If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you’ll know Arlo got a dog sled. We’ve been training so that eventually she’ll pull her own weight around here (and mine too). That being said, she’s not even ten months old yet so she’s a ways out from pulling any loads.
So when I wrote dog sledding on my list I meant sledding at one of the resorts along the Gunflint Trail. If you’re looking to do some sledding this winter, check your local woodsy resorts.
I’ve wanted to go dog sledding all my life and this is the year, dangit! It’s about time.
Ice Skating
Last winter, I shoveled a nice little rink on the river in front of my cabin and put up string lights around it. It’s the dreamiest activity of my year and this year is no exception.
Indoor skating is enjoyable but outdoor skating is where it’s at! If you’ve got access to a frozen lake, grab your shovels and make a day of it. Tip: bring some folding chairs with you so you can lace up your skates.
Skiing My Brains Out at Lutsen Mountains
If you’ve never skied at Lutsen and you live in the midwest, you need to add this to your winter bucket list this year! I’ve got a whole blog post about how to make a long weekend out of it.
I’m still pinching myself about getting the local’s discount on a season pass. I bet you can guess my home ski hill! Yep, Lutsen!
You will find me on Moose Mountain any time the weather is nice!
Ice Fishing
Now don’t be mad at me but I’ve only been ice fishing once in my entire life. I was in grade school and my dad cut a tiny hole in the ice as I sat on a bucket waiting to see the fishies. We caught one tiny little fish.
It’s time to kick it up a notch in the ice fishing department now that I live in serious fishing territory. Advice is welcome in the comments!
Not Winter Camping in -40 Degrees Fahrenheit
Which is a funny way to say, “I’m interested in going winter camping again but it has to be a smidge warmer!”
You can read the story from last winter’s excursion here.
Explore the hidden gems of the North Shore
I’ve been scouring Instagram for some picturesque spots on the north shore, spots that aren’t advertised (like a sea cave near Grand Portage).
Spots like these are peppered all along the north shore if you take the time to explore! I’ll let you know if I find anything special if you do the same…deal?
I’ll clue you into one hidden gem that’s hidden in plain sight – Artist’s Point in Grand Marais. The Point turns into a magical ice castle around January/February. (If you already know this, carry on!)
Escape to Thunder Bay for a Day
If you’re interested in something a little more civilized, Thunder Bay makes for a great day trip or weekend getaway! I haven’t been since this summer and I can’t wait to visit this winter.
Here is a list of my favorite shops/restaurants:
- The Growing Season (smoothie’s galore)
- Maltese (the best deli ever)
- The Cheese Encounter (we stock up on nice cheeses here)
- Hygge Loft (the name says it all)
*Bonus: all four of these are within two blocks of one another!
Volunteer at the Gunflint Mail Run
This winter’s Mail Run will take place the weekend of January 11-12, 2020 at Trail Center!
Volunteering at the 2019 Mail Run was one of the highlights of my winter (read about it here) and I’ve already signed up for 2020. Whether you’re volunteering or not, it’s worth the drive halfway up the Gunflint Trail to watch a few of the starts and participate in the celebrations.
If you’ve done any of the things on my list, leave me a comment below and tell me what you thought of it! Or, better yet, tell me what I should add to my list!
Happy Trails,
Want more? I've got you covered ↓
I love Thunder Bay in the winter! Highly recommend Hoito for breakfast/lunch! Finnish pancakes are amazing, as is the restaurant’s history. It’s right near Hygge Loft too!
My gosh is everything that’s amazing right near Hygge Loft haha! Thank you for that recommendation!
We got engaged in February on Artist’s Point ❤️❄️
Aww what magical place to get engaged!!! Congratulations!
I just read your Bucket List and realized I forgot to sign up for my volunteer shifts (yes two shifts!) for the Gunflint Mail Run! Kekekabic crossing and 92 East!! I’m just pairing up with whoever’s already signed up. I entered with someone last year and she stood me up, so I’m just sliding in where they need someone. Thanks for the reminder. Can’t wait! Oh, and I want to ride IN the dog sled as well.