Nor’wester Lodge & Canoe Outfitters has been owned and operated by the Brandt family since 1931. We can provide your family with the most unforgettable vacation in northern Minnesota.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
We 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!
Marge and John Maynard, Rockford IL
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
Our super fast WiFi service is available. It's only within range from the Lodge.
Free Parking
All of our cottages and townhouses come with parking and guest parking is available.
Bedroom Comforts
We offer quality mattresses and extra linen is available with every rental.
Equipped Kitchen
Each townhouse or cabin comes with a fully equipped kitchen including coffee maker, microwave, toaster, electric grill and slow cooker.
Long Main Dock
You can dock your boat or you can rent one of ours. We also have a new pontoon boat available for rent.
Swimming
We have the only sandy beach on Poplar Lake. There is also swim raft short distance from main dock.
Checkin & Checkout
Check-in: 3:00 p.m. (call if later than 8:00 p.m.) Check-out: 10:00 a.m.
Cancellation Policy
Prior to 60 days we refund all but a $100 processing fee. Less than 60 days, no refund unless we rent the entire reservation period and then $100 cancellation fee for processing. Alternatively, we hold the deposit full use of the deposit if rebook within 12 months.
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.
The area is known for excellent fishing for walleye, lake trout, northern pike and smallmouth bass.
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 like hiking, the Nor’Wester Lodge area on the Gunflint Trial offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails.
Just bring your hiking boots and your camera and explore!
“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.”
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!
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.
The International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA) is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to the conservation of all species of bears.
