A Home Away From Home
Lodge & Canoe Outfitters
NorWester Lodge
A Northern Rustic Getaway.
Located on the shores of Poplar Lake, we’re surrounded by Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) within the Superior National Forest. With access via the historic Gunflint Trail, you can reserve a quiet lakeshore cabin away from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life.
At your doorstep, you can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, canoeing, swimming, or just relax with coffee.
In the spring, there are birds call to identify, new baby animals, and maybe ice still left on the lake. Summertime brings canoe trips, sandcastles, s’mores, or watching the stars. Fall with its palette of golds, reds, and greens paints the landscape and while you enjoy long hikes, canoe trips or perhaps finding that elusive grouse. Winter is its own special season, with glittering ice, fluffy snow, ice fishing, snowmobiling, skiing or relaxing by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate.
Call now 1-218-388-2252 to schedule your stay!
Dogs are welcome too!
Loon and Passenger – Nor’Wester Lodge
Come Visit Us For A Quiet, Up North Getaway
Discover
Stay Your Way
We’re open and we’re sure we have the right accomodation for you. You can choose from our bunkhouses, campsites, cabins, or townhouse units according to the size and needs of your family. We look forward to having you visit.
Camp Sites
Cabins
Townhouses
Our Sweet Escape Cabins
Our cabins are a great way for a family to get away, but still maintain their own space. We offer 6 great cabin options, all on the water. The lake is just a few feet away, each cabin has a private dock and deck. You can sit and watch the otters or listen to the loons’ call. It’s a great place to watch the sun go down over Poplar Lake, have breakfast on the deck or have steaks from the grill.
Our cabins are:
- Towering Pines
- Spruce Haven
- Balsam Grove
- Ash
- Aspen Wood
- Birch View
No matter your goals, we have a cabin for you.
Our Larger Luxury Townhouses
Our Cedars are an ideal lodging solution for families and larger groups trying to get away from the hustle and bustle. We made these townhomes close to the beach and playground. Great for a fishing weekend with the kids or even just sitting on the deck with a cup of coffee watching the ducks and eagles come in.
We have 4 great townhouse options each with their own special characteristics and charm.
Opportunity
Pontoon Rental Available
Boating
We bought the nice boat for you to be able to enjoy Poplar Lake in style. You’ll enjoy a day relaxing on the deck of the pontoon. It’s a great way to see the area.
Fishing
Bring your gear, you are going to love having some success with that new lure that you should really try here on Poplar Lake. The remote location is ideal for relaxing and quiet fishing destination.
Hiking
The forests are just as peaceful as the lake is here. Our large variety of trails and so many different skill levels. You can find a trail for a toddler or an adventurist.
Marge and John Maynard, Rockford ILWe have been visiting The Nor’Wester off and on (lately mostly on) since 1988, when our daughter was 4. We have loved every cabin we’ve been in but Towering Pines is our favorite. We love the lake with the many islands to navigate around, lunches at Picnic Island, canoeing with the option of portaging, sunsets on the water, hiking, the friendly and so helpful staff who will go the extra mile, the views, the serenity, the lack of phone service which really helps us unwind, the hope of seeing moose, the loons, campfires, and even the rainy days when we stay in and read and play games. We begin anticipating our next vacation while we are driving home!
The Nor'Wester holds so many great memories for me. My parents started bringing me there for our family vacation every summer when I was just 10 years old and I feel fortunate to say I have only missed a few visits over the past 40 years. It is a place that now holds special memories for my own 3 children. Our stay is much anticipated every summer as it has become an annual gathering place for many of our extended family as well. The Nor’Wester is a family friendly resort with something for everyone to do. Our favorites every year include swimming at the sandy beach, fishing, hiking, canoeing, eagle watching and blueberry picking. If we are ever uncertain of where to fish or blueberry pick, Carl and Luana usually have suggestions! We enjoy our evenings taking in the breathtaking views of Poplar Lake from the lakeside cabins and campsites while reflecting on our day around the campfire. Every visit to this one-of-a-kind destination leaves us looking forward to the next.
Augusta Maruska, Lengby, MN
Information
Amenities
Fiber Optic WiFi
Free Parking
Bedroom Comforts
Coffee Maker
Long Main Dock
Swimming
Checkin & Checkout
Check-in: 3:00 p.m. (call if later than 8:00 p.m.)
Check-out: 10:00 a.m.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel prior to 60 days before your reservations. We provide full refunds.
If your cancellation is within 60 days of the visit. There is a $50 cancellation fee, but only if we are able fill the rental. If we are unable to fill the rental, we do not refund the cost. Alternatively however, you can reschedule the stay within one year. Our policy is pretty stringent, because of our small size and remoteness. Cancellations significantly affect our ability to stay in business.
No other refunds are possible.
To avoid any misunderstanding, here is the simple version: You will be charged for the days you reserve, so please check your dates carefully and come have a great time. We love having you.
Have a Question?
Talk to Luana or Carl
Information
A Legendary Location!
Take the Scenic Highway 61 North Shore Drive of Lake Superior from Duluth to Grand Marais, then head up the Gunflint Trail into the heart of the Superior National Forest.
We are only 30 miles up the Gunflint Trail from Grand Marais, Minnesota, and only 2.5 miles from the Canada border.
Nor’Wester Map
Almost Year-Round Lodging
This Northeastern Minnesota resort offers lakeside cabin and villa accommodations, and a campground.
The location is perfect for family vacations and quiet resort getaways.
In winter, reliable snow depth from December through March creates a premier destination for snowmobiles, with miles of groomed snowmobile trails.
We have recreation for all seasons!
If you
Just bring your hiking boots and your camera and explore!
Local Restaurants
Trail Center Lodge
“Stopped here twice–once for dinner and another time just for an afternoon drink. I liked being at the bar in the late afternoon before the dinner rush, having a cold Moose Drool and chatting with the friendliest bartender.”
Poplar Haus
“A hidden gem along the Gunflint Trail, the newly renovated Poplar Haus is worth the drive just for lunch.”
The Crooked Spoon Cafe
“We had a delicious lunch and I had a BLT that blew me away. I can’t believe how scrumptious the maple bacon tasted and the tomato was ripe sweet and juicy.”
Gun Flint Tavern
Great tavern on the Superior North shore, lots of locals to keep you company. Tries the Asian Bowl and the Ruben Sandwich, both good. Great view of the lake, and good locally brewed beer!
Local Events
Canoe Races
43rd Annual Gunflint Trail Canoe Races July 17th 2019
Biggest Blueberry Contest
Blueberries will be measured by weight, and must be picked fresh and not store bought. Berry pickers will be able to submit their biggest blueberry at Nor’Wester Lodge!
Gunflint Mail Run
The Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog Race is a continuous race consisting of two legs of equal distance, separated by a mandatory layover.
John Beargrease Race
The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is the longest sled dog race in the lower 48 states.
Local Museum
Chik-Wauk Museum
Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center on the Gunflint Trail
Local Attractions
Visit Cook County
here’s so much to see and do in Cook County, you’ll want to make the most of every minute.
Grand Marais Art Colony
Gunflint Trail Association
North House Folk School
Canoeing, Boating, and Snowmobiling
Alumacraft Boats and Canoes
Fishing and sport boats, and canoes.
NorthStar Canoes
Whether paddling alone on a river or packing heavy for an extended group expedition, you’re off to a great start in a Northstar.
Souris River Canoes
Have your cake and eat it too…light and tough in one canoe!
Wenonah Canoes
For people who know and love canoes.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Snowmobiling site
Includes information about regulations, permits, safety, and trails.
Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association
Snowmobile Trails, Races, and Events
Regulations, Licensing, and Permits
Superior National Forest Website
For more information on the BWCAW
Recreation.GOV
For permit information and BWCAW rules and regulations.
Leave No Trace
Join The Movement. See What’s Happening With Leave No Trace In Every Park.
Department of Natural Resources
Regulations, permits, and license information for hunting, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, skiing, and more.
Local Wildlife and Wildflowers
www.mooseworld.com
This site is about moose-seeing moose in the wild, collecting moose products, learning about moose habitat, diet, behavior and ecology and seeing how the “metaphor” of moose can make lives better and happier.
www.bearbiology.com
The International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA) is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to the conservation of all species of bears.
www.bear.org
This site focuses on improving the understanding and appreciation of North American bears www.bear.org
www.americanbear.org
Promoting the welfare of the black bear through better understanding.
www.wolf.org
Teaching the World about Wolves.
www.bearcountryusa.com
Information and photographs of a variety of animals, including lynx, wolves, and bears.