Minnesota, Grand Portage & Minong Questions
Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2017 6:15 pm
I am blessed with a teenage daughter who loves to backpack. I am even more blessed that she loves going on adventures with her Dad. The rough plan for a late August trip:
Day 0 – Fly from Montana to Minnesota. Drive to Grand Portage
Day 1 – Ferry from GP to Windigo/McCargoe Cove (day hike to Minong Mine)
Day 2 – McCargoe Cove to Todd Harbor
Day 3 – Todd Harbor to Little Todd Harbor
Day 4 – Little Todd Harbor to Lake Desor North
Day 5 – Lake Desor to Washington Creek
Day 6 – Layover Day at Washington Creek (rent Kayaks)
Day 7 – Washington Creek to Huginnin Cove
Day 8 – Huginnin Cove to Windigo, Ferry to GP
The plan is to keep the itinerary loose – if the weather turns we can move the layover day or deep six Huginnin Cove. Now for my questions:
1) We are driving from either the airport in Minneapolis or Duluth, any suggestions on don’t miss sights along the drive? The goal is to get to Grand Portage early evening, so the stop would be more to break up the five hour drive than to explore in depth. I’m thinking a beach, waterfall, lighthouse, or historic sight.
2) We will need to stock up on last minute provisions that we don’t want to bring from Montana. Is there a decent grocery store in Grand Marias where we can pick up bagels/fruit? Or should shop in Duluth?
3) Same type of question as #2, Delta doesn’t allow fuel canisters and I would rather purchase fuel before embarking on the Voyageur. Any suggestions on where to buy fuel? I don’t want to get to Windigo without fuel in case the store’s inventory is being cycled down. Plus the Voyageur has a schedule to keep and we don’t want to hold up the ship.
4) Is the hotel/casino in Grand Portage appropriate for a 16-year old? I’m not over protective, but don’t want to regret our hotel choice on the first night. When I think casino I imagine all sorts of crazy things…
Any suggestions or thoughts on the itinerary would be appreciated. These forums have provided a wealth of information and we appreciate your feedback!
Day 0 – Fly from Montana to Minnesota. Drive to Grand Portage
Day 1 – Ferry from GP to Windigo/McCargoe Cove (day hike to Minong Mine)
Day 2 – McCargoe Cove to Todd Harbor
Day 3 – Todd Harbor to Little Todd Harbor
Day 4 – Little Todd Harbor to Lake Desor North
Day 5 – Lake Desor to Washington Creek
Day 6 – Layover Day at Washington Creek (rent Kayaks)
Day 7 – Washington Creek to Huginnin Cove
Day 8 – Huginnin Cove to Windigo, Ferry to GP
The plan is to keep the itinerary loose – if the weather turns we can move the layover day or deep six Huginnin Cove. Now for my questions:
1) We are driving from either the airport in Minneapolis or Duluth, any suggestions on don’t miss sights along the drive? The goal is to get to Grand Portage early evening, so the stop would be more to break up the five hour drive than to explore in depth. I’m thinking a beach, waterfall, lighthouse, or historic sight.
2) We will need to stock up on last minute provisions that we don’t want to bring from Montana. Is there a decent grocery store in Grand Marias where we can pick up bagels/fruit? Or should shop in Duluth?
3) Same type of question as #2, Delta doesn’t allow fuel canisters and I would rather purchase fuel before embarking on the Voyageur. Any suggestions on where to buy fuel? I don’t want to get to Windigo without fuel in case the store’s inventory is being cycled down. Plus the Voyageur has a schedule to keep and we don’t want to hold up the ship.
4) Is the hotel/casino in Grand Portage appropriate for a 16-year old? I’m not over protective, but don’t want to regret our hotel choice on the first night. When I think casino I imagine all sorts of crazy things…
Any suggestions or thoughts on the itinerary would be appreciated. These forums have provided a wealth of information and we appreciate your feedback!