Sun 9/14

Minneapolis to Lutsen

Driving: Directions from MSP Airport 265 miles approx 5hrs

Activities: Stop at Gooseberry Falls State Park. - Waterfall walk (2 hours) and Split Rock Lighthouse 6 mile self guided trail along historical spots.

Lodging: Stay at Lutsen Resort -- 1800-2LUTSEN -- Reservation CONFIRMED

MSP to Two Harbors is 3 hours and the 1-2 hrs to Lutsen is 71 miles

Maybe stop at Betty's Pies for Lunch

Lodge to Lodge Day 1/Night 2

Activities: Oberg Mountain (Forest 336) to Lutsen Ski Hill 6.8 miles
A challenging section with many ups and downs. Scenic overlooks at Oberg and Moose Mountain. Maple forests to boreal forest of spruce, birch, balsam fir and alder. Trail emerges at Poplar River gorge.

Lodging: Stay at Lutsen Resort -- Reservation CONFIRMED

Room includes breakfast, lunch for day hike and shuttle

Lodge to Lodge Day 2/Night 3

Activities: Lutsen Ski Hill to Caribou Trail 6.4 miles
Hike along the Poplar River and Lake Agnes. Maple forests to boreal forest of birch, aspen, pine and spruce. Spur to White Sky Rock overlook and view of Caribou Lake.

Lodging: Stay another night at Lutsen Resort -- Reservation CONFIRMED

Room includes breakfast, lunch for day hike and shuttle

Lodge to Lodge Day 3/Night 4

Activities: Caribou Trail (Cook County Road 4) to Cascade River State Park 9.4 miles
Follows the ridgeline offering views of Lake Superior through hardwood forests, crossing many streams. A variety of habitats including maple forests to cedar groves, massive beaver dam to wide-open hillsides.

Lodging: Stay at Cascade Lodge - Room 202 (lakeside view) - Reservation CONFIRMED

Room doesn't include meals

Lodge to Lodge Day 4/Night 5 Final Day Hiking

Activities: Cascade River Loop Trail - 7.8 miles - no shuttle required
Follow the river from Cascade River State Park, 3.8 miles up to the Pike Lake Road and down 4 miles along the river back to Cascade River
State park. Gorgeous waterfalls, the secret waterfall, the 96 steps are highlights.

Lodging: Stay at Cascade Lodge - Room 202 (lakeside view) -- Reservation CONFIRMED

Room doesn't include meals

Lutsen to Bayfield on Lake Superior.

Driving: Lutsen to Bayfield 177 miles approx 4 1/2 hrs driving

Activities:

Leisurely drive to Bayfield stopping at any state parks/interesting places we missed along the way

Maybe stop at Fitigers Brewhouse in Duluth, MN for lunch

Lodging: Stay in Room #5 the Greunkens Inn RESERVATION CONFIRMED

Kayak in the Apostle Island National Lakeshore with Adventures in Perspective http://www.livingadventure.com/summer/dayhalfday.html - TRIP RESERVATION CONFIRMED

Activities: Full day 8:30-3:30 Sea Caves tour (715-779-9503)

This is one of the most spectacular places you could ever hope to paddle. Centuries old wave action, freezing and thawing have sculpted red sandstone into artful caves where only kayakers can go. You pass in and out of delicate arches, vaulted chambers and through honeycombed passageways. Deep echoing sounds caused by wave swells washing in and under the ancient walls create sounds that reverberate through heart and soul. 
At the put-in on a sandy beach that faces the Minnesota and Canadian north shores, you learn basic paddle strokes and run through an introduction to pertinent safety issues on Lake Superior. Then it’s launch time for an out-and-back course of about 6 total miles. Lunch is enjoyed at the half-way point with a view of Sand and Eagle Islands.

Driving: After kayak drive to Bayfield to Minneapolis
Take scenic route HWY 35 N from MSP airport to HWY 13 E near Duluth, MN
239.6 miles Approximate Travel Time: 4 hours 35 mins Yahoo Map and stay in hotel

Lodging:

Dad Catches Plane back to Orlando from Minneapolis (MSP)