there's always something to do
at Old Northwoods Lodge

Equipment rentals                     Seasonal activities calendar

Poplar Lake is at your doorstep, the BWCA Wilderness and Superior National Forest surround you, and a bounty of activity beckons: fishing, hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, and dining. (Yes, we consider dining to be an activity, if not an art, just like sitting beside the massive native boulder fireplace sipping a glass of fine wine.) For a special treat, relax in our cedar sauna, located just a few feet from the lake.

During the cross-country ski season we have Ski Trail Passes for the Central Gunflint (some trails are lighted at night) and Upper Gunflint Trail systems available. Also, on Wednesday nights, guests can enjoy Sleigh Rides. (Advanced reservations required for winter Sleigh Rides.)

The scenery of the lakes and woods is better than any postcard you've ever seen, and the wildlife is abundant, including dozens of varieties of wild flowers and berries, loons, owls, warblers, eagles, deer, moose, wolf, bear, fox, lynx, otter, beaver, marten, plus all the great fish - walleye, northern, bass, and trout.

Nearby hiking trails include South Lake and Border Route trails. Twenty-one islands and five portages into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area make for excellent fishing, hiking, day canoe trips, plus cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The world-class Gunflint Trail Nordic System ski trails (200 km) are practically at our doorstep, and are groomed to perfection throughout the long and snowy winter.

Canoes, boats, motors, and guide service available, as are snowshoe and cross-country ski rental.

Full or partial outfitting is available for canoe trips; as this is done on a custom basis for each party and BWCA permits need to be reserved ahead of time, please call for more information. We can outfit you for day canoe trips while you are here and these need not be planned in advance.

seasonal activities calendar

In every cabin and guest room, there is a book of photos and text entries. It's a month-by-month account of what to do, see, and appreciate in the neighborhood of Old Northwoods Lodge.

APRIL
Do you want to be alone in wilderness? Do you like hiking or snowshoeing without a choice to see a lot of tourists? We do have great discount, great nature, and quiet, quiet, quiet…

SUMMER
Most popular time: sunny days, swimming, hiking, biking and canoeing, campfire with marshmallow, wild berries & flowers, fishing…loons & bears…mosquitoes…

SEPTEMBER
Canoeing, hiking, fishing and excellent sunsets are plentiful. It's a colorful time without mosquitoes…

OCTOBER
First part of October: hiking, hunting & fishing, second part of October: most quiet time. Enjoy a sauna, crispy mornings, sunrise, and relax near fireplace.

NOVEMBER
Is most peaceful and quiet month for your spirit to be in wilderness, but not for nature. The beginning of November is like late fall, but weather can change so dramatically and at end of November is winter with deep snow. Sometimes wind, sometimes snows, sometimes rains, sometimes it is cold, sometimes unusual warm and sunny, sometimes it's foggy, but every day is so beautiful outside. Spend time near one of our fireplaces with glass of wine or hike the trails to see moose. It's a good time take small break before winter season…

DECEMBER
Snow, snow, snow, and…snow again. Excellent month for skiing, snowshoeing…or relax near fireplace…Best time to see moose.