A landmark at the end of the Gunflint Trail for more than 80 years, this lakeside resort takes guests on 2½-hour zip line tours through the forest, teaches wilderness skills and offers a taste of the Boundary Waters. Grab a cold beer and steamy wild rice and walleye chowder while watching for deer and listening for wolves at twilight. 143 S. Gunflint Lake, Grand Marais; 1-877-257-2475; gunflint.com
about the writer
Special report: Go behind Minnesota's pro-athlete curtain to see how the best athletes in our state get ready for their biggest moment: gameday.