The lure of a fresh few inches of snow drew us to northeastern Minnesota to cut the first tracks for some snowshoeing at Jay Cooke State Park. We planned a VERY quick, one night stay at one of the park’s camper cabins. The state park camper cabins have electricity and heat, but no running water or sewer. We love the convenience of staying in the park and are grateful for the warm cabin and mattresses that camper cabins provide.
Our schedule did not allow us to arrive at the park until after sunset. We didn’t let the lack of light deter us from exploring. Before we hit the trail, we had dinner in the nearby town of Carlton, MN. Carlton has a population of fewer than 1,000 people, so dinner options are few. We were delighted to find the Streetcar Kitchen and Pub. The food was excellent and the prices very reasonable. If you go, I recommend the fish bites as an appetizer. With full bellies, we bundled up and strapped on our shoes for a night hike on the park’s Carlton Trail. The Carlton trail is a 3.3 mile out and back trail that crosses over the swinging bridge and follows the St. Louis River. We hiked just over one mile of the trail before stopping for a hot chocolate break.
After a warm and comfy night in our camper cabin, we decided to shoe the Grand Portage Trail the next morning. The Grand Portage Trail is a 3.2 mile loop trail that is also part of the Superior Hiking Trail. The moderately strenuous trail climbs through forests before dropping down for an up close walk along the St. Louis River. There is also a stream that snakes through the loop offering great photo opportunities.
I think snowshoeing is a bit more taxing than hiking and with a seven and nine-year old in tow, it took us close to three hours to complete the loop (this included a couple of breaks for snacks and hot chocolate). When we got back to the truck we were all tired but were already talking about where our next snowshoeing adventure will take us.
We’ve yurt camped at Cuyuna Country Recreation Area and winter hiked at both Frontenac and Wild River State Parks. We’re already researching where to winter hike/snowshoe next.
Happy Adventuring, Rochelle