My 2019 Minnesota Summer Bucket List
In three weeks, I’ll be back in the Pepper Shack, gearing up for summer! Hallelujah!
In all my summer dreaming, I thought it would be fun to write down some of the places I want to visit in my free time and things I’d like to do.
If you’re planning a trip to the Northwoods of Minnesota this summer, perhaps this post will give you some ideas for your own bucket list!
1 | Kayak the Apostle Island Sea Caves
Located on the South Shore of Lake Superior, the Apostle Islands sea caves have always been on my bucket list!
There are many ways to explore the sea caves (cruise service, sailboat, guided kayak, self kayak) but I’d prefer to kayak in with friends.
There are plenty of outfitters in Bayfield, WI who can set you up with a nice day trip to the caves!
2 | Visit the Pictographs in the Quetico Provincial Park
Not a far trip from the Pepper Shack, in the Quetico Provincial Park, lie 500 year old pictographs put there by the Ojibwe people.
Stop in at the Cache Bay ranger station to talk to Janice about the history of the paintings.
Also, here’s a good blog post that’ll show you how to get to some of the pictographs (there’s 28 known sites in the park): Jack’s Outdoor Adventure Blog
3 | Take in a Sunset at Honeymoon Bluff
I’ve been to Honeymoon Bluff but never for a sunset so I think that wrong needs righting!
Although steep, this short hike provides expansive views of Hungry Jack Lake.
For directions to this hike, check out this short informational post: Honeymoon Bluff
4 | Watch the Sunrise over Caribou Rock Trail
Once you get your sunset fix at Honeymoon Bluff, it’s time to get your sunrise fix at Caribou Rock!
This vista has you looking east over West Bearskin Lake. The first overlook, about a fifth of a mile in, will provide the best view!
Check out this informational post to plan your hike:Caribou Rock Trail
5 | Hike to High Falls
I’ve spent time at Tettegouche State Park but I’m usually rock climbing so I’ve never actually been to the High Falls!
However, this hike packs a punch with two waterfalls within a half a mile.
The high falls is the highest waterfall entirely in Minnesota and is supposed to be a great spot for cliff jumping and photography!
Check out this post for hiking details: High Falls
6 | Compete in the Gunflint Trail Canoe Races
Last summer, I missed the canoe races but not this summer folks!
The Gunflint Canoe Races are sort of the event of the summer on the trail and all to support our Volunteer Fire Department.
There’s all sorts of raffles, food, and traditional canoe races like gunnel pumping.
Check out the details here:VisitCookCounty.com
7 | Hike to Bridal Veil Falls
I was talking about this hike with some friends recently! It’s a lesser known waterfall along the Gunflint and a bit of a hidden gem.
There are a few ways to get to the falls but nothing very direct and easy, which is why it remains a quiet spot.
If you’re up for a bit of a hike/paddle, check out the details here: Bridal Veil Fall
8 | Beat the Bears to the Wild Blueberries
Northern Minnesota has to be the best place on earth to pick blueberries!
This year, I’ve got high hopes for some wild blueberry pie and perhaps blueberry pancakes. This all depends on whether or not I can beat those chubby bears to the punch!
Visit Cook County has a Blueberry Picking Guideif you’re planning your strategy.
9 | Go Hunting…Agate Hunting
Once you start agate hunting, you’ll never be able to go to the North Shore again without doing a little searching!
I’m miserable at finding these gems but that’s not going to stop me from finding a big one this summer! (or maybe it will but I’ll have fun in the process)
Visit Cook County has a really cool Agate Hunting Guide!
10 | Catch Something Bigger than Last Summer
I’ve set the bar low for myself this summer! I ought to be able to catch something a bit bigger than the fish pictured.
The state record Walleye was caught right in front of our dock so the odds are in my favor.
What size fish would you have to catch this summer to beat the last?
11 | Climb at Little Palisades
This one is on my bucket list every summer. It’s my favorite climbing spot!
If you enjoy climbing, this is a really peaceful spot with spectacular views.
Here’s a post with directions and logistical information for you: Climbing at Little Palisades
12 | Chase the Northern Lights
I think this is probably on most of our bucket lists!
Fortunately, the Gunflint Trail is one of the best spots in the lower 48 states to witness the Northern Lights.
Visit Cook County has a great Northern Lights Guide!
13 | Paddle to Silver Falls
This could be a nice addition to the pictograph day trip as Silver Falls is just out of Cache Bay in the Quetico Provincial Park.
I must be on a waterfall kick this year or something!
You can find Silver Falls three miles north of the Cache Bay ranger station.
14 | Swim in Johnson Falls
I guess this confirms it, I’m chasing waterfalls this summer.
I’m excited for this one in particular because, unlike Silver Falls, I can swim in Johnson Falls.
Clearwater Lodge has all the logistics covered for you.
Also, Visit Cook County has a Waterfall Guide coming out soon!
As always, if you have additonal suggestions please comment below! I would love to hear your thoughts!
Happy Trails,
In three weeks, I’ll be back in the Pepper Shack, gearing up for summer! Hallelujah!
In all my summer dreaming, I thought it would be fun to write down some of the places I want to visit in my free time and things I’d like to do.
If you’re planning a trip to the Northwoods of Minnesota this summer, perhaps this post will give you some ideas for your own bucket list!
1 | Kayak the Apostle Island Sea Caves
Located on the South Shore of Lake Superior, the Apostle Islands sea caves have always been on my bucket list!
There are many ways to explore the sea caves (cruise service, sailboat, guided kayak, self kayak) but I’d prefer to kayak in with friends.
There are plenty of outfitters in Bayfield, WI who can set you up with a nice day trip to the caves!
2 | Visit the Pictographs in the Quetico Provincial Park
Not a far trip from the Pepper Shack, in the Quetico Provincial Park, lie 500 year old pictographs put there by the Ojibwe people.
Stop in at the Cache Bay ranger station to talk to Janice about the history of the paintings.
Also, here’s a good blog post that’ll show you how to get to some of the pictographs (there’s 28 known sites in the park): Jack’s Outdoor Adventure Blog
3 | Take in a Sunset at Honeymoon Bluff
I’ve been to Honeymoon Bluff but never for a sunset so I think that wrong needs righting!
Although steep, this short hike provides expansive views of Hungry Jack Lake.
For directions to this hike, check out this short informational post: Honeymoon Bluff
4 | Watch the Sunrise over Caribou Rock Trail
Once you get your sunset fix at Honeymoon Bluff, it’s time to get your sunrise fix at Caribou Rock!
This vista has you looking east over West Bearskin Lake. The first overlook, about a fifth of a mile in, will provide the best view!
Check out this informational post to plan your hike:Caribou Rock Trail
5 | Hike to High Falls
I’ve spent time at Tettegouche State Park but I’m usually rock climbing so I’ve never actually been to the High Falls!
However, this hike packs a punch with two waterfalls within a half a mile.
The high falls is the highest waterfall entirely in Minnesota and is supposed to be a great spot for cliff jumping and photography!
Check out this post for hiking details: High Falls
6 | Compete in the Gunflint Trail Canoe Races
Last summer, I missed the canoe races but not this summer folks!
The Gunflint Canoe Races are sort of the event of the summer on the trail and all to support our Volunteer Fire Department.
There’s all sorts of raffles, food, and traditional canoe races like gunnel pumping.
Check out the details here:VisitCookCounty.com
7 | Hike to Bridal Veil Falls
I was talking about this hike with some friends recently! It’s a lesser known waterfall along the Gunflint and a bit of a hidden gem.
There are a few ways to get to the falls but nothing very direct and easy, which is why it remains a quiet spot.
If you’re up for a bit of a hike/paddle, check out the details here: Bridal Veil Fall
8 | Beat the Bears to the Wild Blueberries
Northern Minnesota has to be the best place on earth to pick blueberries!
This year, I’ve got high hopes for some wild blueberry pie and perhaps blueberry pancakes. This all depends on whether or not I can beat those chubby bears to the punch!
Visit Cook County has a Blueberry Picking Guideif you’re planning your strategy.
9 | Go Hunting…Agate Hunting
Once you start agate hunting, you’ll never be able to go to the North Shore again without doing a little searching!
I’m miserable at finding these gems but that’s not going to stop me from finding a big one this summer! (or maybe it will but I’ll have fun in the process)
Visit Cook County has a really cool Agate Hunting Guide!
10 | Catch Something Bigger than Last Summer
I’ve set the bar low for myself this summer! I ought to be able to catch something a bit bigger than the fish pictured.
The state record Walleye was caught right in front of our dock so the odds are in my favor.
What size fish would you have to catch this summer to beat the last?
11 | Climb at Little Palisades
This one is on my bucket list every summer. It’s my favorite climbing spot!
If you enjoy climbing, this is a really peaceful spot with spectacular views.
Here’s a post with directions and logistical information for you: Climbing at Little Palisades
12 | Chase the Northern Lights
I think this is probably on most of our bucket lists!
Fortunately, the Gunflint Trail is one of the best spots in the lower 48 states to witness the Northern Lights.
Visit Cook County has a great Northern Lights Guide!
13 | Paddle to Silver Falls
This could be a nice addition to the pictograph day trip as Silver Falls is just out of Cache Bay in the Quetico Provincial Park.
I must be on a waterfall kick this year or something!
You can find Silver Falls three miles north of the Cache Bay ranger station.
14 | Swim in Johnson Falls
I guess this confirms it, I’m chasing waterfalls this summer.
I’m excited for this one in particular because, unlike Silver Falls, I can swim in Johnson Falls.
Clearwater Lodge has all the logistics covered for you.
Also, Visit Cook County has a Waterfall Guide coming out soon!
As always, if you have additonal suggestions please comment below! I would love to hear your thoughts!
Happy Trails,
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Great list Ashley! I have never heard of Bridal Veil Falls, sounds like a great adventure! We hope to make it up to the Northshore and camp this summer!
Thank you, Tim! We hope to see you two this summer! Perhaps Bridal Veil Falls will be on your itinerary. 🙂