Gordon has a unique feature: on the south side of the flowage there is a de-commissioned fire tower that is now owned by the Friends of the Bird Sanctuary. It is open to the public to climb 1pm to 4 pm on these 2024 dates: July 2, 16,30 August 13, 27 September 10, 24 October 8 and 22 *** closed all other dates but may be people present as the cabin on site is also available for rent.

Minong: Ok, this is not really a “thing to do” but more a little insider/local info/tasty though. Jack Links, the famous beef jerky, has its hometown in Minong WI. If you visit Henson’s IGA in downtown Minong you can check out all the brands Jack Links carries, buy in bulk and often you find deals on jerky/beef stick items. They also carry a good line of groceries.

Cold rainy day with kids driving you crazy? Visit is the Link Aquatic and Rec Center https://jlaac.org/

 

Almost out our back door:

North Country National Scenic Trail, crosses 8 states and over 4600 miles. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/northcountrytrail

 

Douglas County wildlife area (Bird Sanctuary to locals), a section of the trail above runs thru here. https://www.douglascountywi.org/245/Douglas-County-Wildlife-Area

 

Brought your ATV? There are trails to jump on just up at the corner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ready for a day trip?

Hayward is a good day trip of things to see/do: lumber jack shows, Wilderness walk, musky museum.

Trego, we love going Tubing at Jack's Canoe Rental, just off 53. They also offer canoeing and kayaking trips. It’s a quiet river. https://www.jackscanoerental.com/

For more experienced water trips the Brule River is another option. There is an outfitter in Brule. https://brulerivercanoerental.com/

Superior: Kids and adults will find fun activities at the Lake Superior Research Reserve on Barkers Island (there is also mini golf on the island). The Richard I Bong Center is a great place to learn about this region’s war veterans and the Ace of Aces. The Old Firehouse and Police Museum and Fairlawn are trips back in time with loads of history about our area as well. https://lakesuperiornerr.org/visit/ https://www.bongcenter.org/ https://superiorpublicmuseums.org/old-firehouse/ https://superiorpublicmuseums.org/fairlawn-mansion/ https://gondiklawspeedway.com/

 

Duluth has a zoo, the aquarium, Enger Tower/Skyline Parkway (for cool views of the Twin Ports), Bay Front Park and Lake Walk, and the Maritime Museum where you can also watch large ships come into port. https://glaquarium.org/ https://www.lsmma.com/

 

Wisconsin Point will get you to very sandy beach's right on Lake Superior. Take 53 north to the very edge of Superior. Turn right onto Moccasin Mike Road and then take a left onto Wisconsin Point Road (no boat launch but several parking areas to get to the lake)

Amnicon Falls or Pattison Park are both great places to hike/visit. Amnicon is known locally for its covered bridge and weddings/graduation pictures and the best place to observe the Douglas Fault. (a fault line that runs from Ashland to the Twin Cities. Pattison is home to highest waterfalls in WI and 4th largest east of the Rockies. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/amnicon/info https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/pattison

Ready for a bit longer trip:

Bayfield/Ashland County: Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center is a great place to stop for info and learn about the region. https://nglvc.org/

A ferry ride to Madeline Island is a fun trip. Personally, I would pay to take your car over so you can drive around the island. Bike rentals are also available. There are also boat tours of the Apostle Islands. If the weather is cooperating, you also get to see the sea caves.

 

Find your wild side?

How about white-water rafting or kayaking? A trip down the St Louis River just south of Duluth is another option: https://swiftwatermn.com/ or https://minnesotawhitewater.com/

 

 

 

Note: it can be MUCH colder close to Lake Superior so keep at least a sweatshirt handy if you take a drive “north”.