Tuscarora Lodge and Canoe Outfitters

Tuscarora Lodge and Canoe Outfitters

Traveler (36)
Cabin 3 living area
Room & Suite (9)
Breakfast at Tuscarora - like a restaurant!
Dining (1)

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About

#3 of 16 campgrounds in Grand Marais
Location
4.9
Rooms
4.7
Value
5.0
Cleanliness
5.0
Service
4.9
Sleep Quality
4.8
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HOTEL STYLE
Hidden Gem
Quaint
Property amenities
Free parking
Beach
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Non-smoking hotel
Room features
Kitchenette
Room types
Suites

Location

193 Round Lake Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604-2092
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Detailed Reviews
MamaSalty wrote a review Jul 2021
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Firstly, I'd like to say for noobs like myself: the Gunflint "Trail" is in fact, a paved road. I had a heck of a time finding this information and was fully expecting it to be dirt or gravel part of the way (like Echo Trail is). Anyhoo, onto my review...

I stayed in Cabin 4 with 2 teens. It was a nice, spacious cabin with all the basic amenities, overlooking the lake. You can't really get directly to the lake behind the cabin because it's a very steep hill and there's no trail, but the dock is a very short walk away. The lake is very pretty and we saw a beaver from the cabin window and heard loons calling at night. Just down the road we saw a moose with two calves and a LOT of fireflies. There is a very small store on the premises and they offer a French toast breakfast. We skipped the breakfast because we like to sleep in and you need to be there by 7:30. There is also a nice restaurant at a lodge just a few miles down the Gunflint Trail. There is a complimentary use of a canoe with your rental but we never checked that out because the weather was not cooperative (very windy and we have zero canoe experience). I would definitely stay here again although there is another cabin (I think it was #2) where the lake is right out your front door, and I'd probably go for that one. Also, one wish - a screened-in porch. The mosquitoes were brutal.
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Date of stay: June 2021
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mydogisfat wrote a review Jun 2011
Warrenton, Virginia
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I have never used any of the other outfitters on the Gunflint Trail, so I have nothing to compare to, but our experience with Andy and Sue was top-notch! We brought our two sons, 16 and 12, with us to spend 6 days on the most amazing paddling, backpacking and fishing experience of our lives. We called them several times before the trip and they were so helpful with hints and advice and counsel. They were always willing to take the time to make sure all our questions were answered.

Sue got us checked in and we spent the first night in one of their bunkhouses. Andy recommended we use one canoe which ended up being the best decision we made for the whole week. Thanks, Andy! Even after the first day we couldn't imagine using 2 canoes. Being in one was an easier paddle, portage and better for communication. It was better for bonding! What's remarkable is that Andy recommended one canoe, knowing it would mean less money for him. That's character!

Tuscarora has an amazing young staff, but they are "over-qualified" according to Sue. She was proud to have them all!

The outfitters property was spotless and efficient and warm. I recommend getting the breakfast - they treat you like kings.

Upon our return 6 days later, we got showers with fresh towels (this was a luxury after 6 days in the bush!) and then Andy spent some intentional time with us to discover how our trip went. He was genuinely interested.
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Date of stay: June 2011
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnneRMinne wrote a review Jun 2018
Minneapolis, Minnesota
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I love the IDEA of a camping trip in the BWCA, and I loved the canoeing/camping trips I took with my dad years ago. But alas, I did not absorb all of my dad's outdoor smarts and gusto. Turns out that Tuscarora let me have my outdoor escape and creature comforts, too. We spent a few perfect days in cabin 3 this week (it's much larger than the online photos make it seem). A deck with a perfect view of quiet Round Lake, access to all the canoeing we could want, helpful hints on hiking adventures from Andy and Ada, lots of solitude, really well equipped kitchen. Appreciate that they are dog friendly because having our pup with us made the trip even more fun.
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Date of stay: June 2018
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
C_A_Blabs wrote a review Jun 2012
Edina, Minnesota
5.0 of 5 bubbles
You will not find a better outfitter for an adventure in the BWCAW. We set up this trip with two families, both with two kids 8 and 12. We wanted to introduce the kids to canoeing and the wilderness, without overwhelming them. Sue set us up with a route, packs and maps that were perfect. The kids got to actually contribute to the portages without struggling too much, camp in a spectacular spot where they could run and swim to their hearts content, and see toads, spiders, birds, and a loon about 4 feet away! All that while the staff set seventy people from a middle school trip out on fully outfitted trips from four different embarkation points. We saw about twenty of them leave from the lake in front of our cabin, but otherwise would not have known they were even there.
Then on the last day, Daniel, Sue and Andy's son, guided the boys on a fishing expedition out of the lodge that got them each two of the biggest walleye they have ever seen! Daniel was the best thing about the trip for the boys. He was patient, clear in his instructions, very knowledgeable about the lake and fishing, and made it fun. More than fun, he made them want to go back. Then he taught them how to clean the fish while he was cleaning them, and gave them to us ready to cook or freeze.
The entire staff is wonderful. They all love the BWCA and the lodge, and it shows. Everything, down to the canoes, is absolutely spotless. The rental gear is clean and perfect. The cabins and bedding are better than home. I travel for work 2-3 times a month and I can't think of a hotel that was as clean and well run as this lodge in the middle of the wilderness. It rates excellent in every category, with cleanliness off the chart above excellent.
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Date of stay: June 2012
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ScooterNY wrote a review Jul 2011
Southold, New York
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sue and Andy who run the lodge are incredibly knowledgeable about the area, and very warm and friendly.

We spent a night in one of the bunkhouses (very clean and we had it to ourselves so it was private) and rented a canoe from them for a week-long canoe trip. We had already had a route in mind, but they suggested other places that we "simply shouldn't miss", and their advice was absolutely spot on. So glad we were able to get their suggestions before we headed into the BWCA!

The lodge is increadibly clean, everyone we encountered was very friendly, and overall very reasonably priced for what was one of the best vacations of our lives.

It's a fair drive to get there, but the added effort to drive out of Grant Marais simply adds to the solitude you're able to get in the canoe area.
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Date of stay: July 2011
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Bunkhouses are absolutely fine for 1-2 nights, you'd want to rent one of the cottages if...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven P wrote a review Sep 2017
Elk Grove Village, Illinois
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I have taken many trips in the Boundary Waters and Quetico. I have used Tuscarora as my outfitter. I have taken large student and/or family groups and just a group of 2. They have always been very helpful. They provide useful trip information, good quality equipment, and support in getting us to and from our trip locations. They are in a good location to start trips in Canada or Minnesota. I highly recommend them.
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Date of stay: August 2017
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
krisdesmith wrote a review Jan 2017
River Falls, Wisconsin
5.0 of 5 bubbles
It is my hope that the owners and proprietors of Tuscarora Lodge, Andy and Ida, will accept my apology for this long-overdue review that was promised to them after our 2016 summer BWCA adventure. I was reminded of the outfitters while listening to Morning Edition yesterday on Minnesota Public Radio who acknowledged the Tuscarora Lodge for programming support. Please allow me to thank them for their contribution to public radio.

My wonderful girlfriend and I are avid outdoor enthusiasts and are no strangers to back country camping. I began searching for regions in the BWCA that I wanted to visit and I have always been enthralled by the Ham and Cavity Lake fires and their effect on the ecosystem. That said, I also wanted to be immersed in the lavish wilderness that only the BWCA can provide.

I submitted "contact us" inquires to most of the outfitters along the Gunflint Trail ranging from Gunflint to Seagull Lake requesting basic information. I stated that we had, or would provide, most of the required gear and that we were interested in a portage pack rentals and a Kevlar canoe. Andy from the Tuscarora Lodge responded within 24 hours with a pleasant email confirmation that they could satisfy our requests and non-sales driven invitation to give them a call if we had any further questions. 2 days later, I had a very informative brochure in my mailbox. No other email correspondences came from any other outfitter in the time that it took Andy to have a brochure at my door... Though I would eventually be contacted by other outfitters, most were rather pushy in their equipment, lodging and meal packages that we were were not interested in.

I was enjoying the 2015 December Holiday season with my family who was very interested in hearing about the BWCA trip that we were planning for the following summer. I am not sure what drove me to do it but I picked up the phone before I realized that I was calling Tuscarora Lodge on a Saturday, which happened to be the day after Christmas. Andy picked up the call in 2 rings. I felt bad and apologized, asking if this was a good time to entertain some basic questions. Andy's enthusiasm to help, understanding of my preliminary research, and suggestions related to our trip planning prompted me to submit the deposit for our reservation that day. Between December and June, Andy would check in to from time to time to confirm that our BWCA permit dates were secured and also to provide some local fishing reports. May and June were very dry months leading up to our trip and a quick phone call to Andy set me at ease concerning any fire bans.

Upon arrival, the grand beauty of the Gunflint Trail was not hindered by the lodge and it's surrounding buildings, despite the swarm of mosquito (which Andy had warned us about), the grounds were clean and organized. Andy greeted us kindly and asked if he could be of assistance. I jokingly replied that we had come to "buy a car". Though I use this joke often at the barbershop, Andy went in to a slight panic as he had recently sold a Suburban on Craigslist, questioned himself as to if he removed the add, and began to apologize. At that point, formally introduced myself and steered away from the icebreaker. Andy had our gear prepared for us, as little as it was, and began to go through the formalities of the BWCA permit. Andy asked a couple of qualifying questions to reassert our outdoor capabilities and once he felt comfortable, he sped through the process, provided us with our permit, marked some points of interest on our map, provided up to the minute trail and portage conditions, and offered us the option of a sleeper house if we arrived late upon our return. Andy joined us at the shore to demonstrate a few tips and tricks for loading gear and entering and exiting the canoe and sent us on our way.

While I could go in to great deal on the trip itself, I will briefly state our route as this is a review of the outfitter and not a play-by-play of our epic adventure. We put in at Round Lake at the dock of Tuscarora Lodge and proceeded to Entry Point 52, Brant Lake. Our destination was Gillis Lake to establish a base camp and then explore the surrounding areas. We put in around 11 am and I would recommend leaving a little bit earlier even though there was plenty of light left to establish camp on the far side of Gillis in the middle of June. On the journey, we could see the effects of the fires which mostly effected the north side of our route: Round, West Round, Edith, Brant, Gotter, Green, Bat, and finally Gillis Lake. Bat Lake and its surrounding area seemed to be the most effected. While at base camp, we explored the surrounding areas but due to bad weather, we had to do so with caution. Gillis Lake can get quite chippy when windy. I do not recommend making a solo trip across Gillis Lake in windy weather in a light canoe. We did have one glorious and sunny day to travel to Tuscarora Lake and on our way, we encountered a pair of rangers to which Andy later stated, is less common than seeing a moose... We didn't see any Moose. The rangers were quite friendly and asked to see our permits and as I had fishing gear, verified my MN licence as well. They offered a couple of friendly tips and sent us on our way.

During the week we spent in the BWCA, I can only recall seeing around 10 people (back and fourth) on the portages and maybe another 5 or 6 groups traveling across Gillis while at base camp. Needless to say, this is a very nice and remote area to get away from it all. On still nights, you will hear other groups camped on Gillis as sound travels very well across the lake. All the same, this did not hamper our trip in the slightest and the majority of campsites are place some distance from each other and mostly out of sight. .

Our return to the outfitters was quick and easy as we had become accustomed to paddling and portaging. It takes about two days for the body to break in to the posturing and muscle movement required for such a trip if one is not previously prepared. Bring Ibuprofen. We must have gotten a late start that morning as we did not arrive back to the lodge until shortly before closing. Andy offered us use of the shower house and even kept the lodge open for me so I could purchase a couple of souvenirs and most importantly, two cold craft beers. Hands down, these were the best beers of 2016!.

Though our time an interaction with Andy and Ida was brief, they were very accommodating and friendly. If their hospitality expands to the rest of their services, I am confident that one would not find any unexpected surprises and have a wonderful experience. What topped the trip off for me was something so small, but so very kind, that Ida did for me after we had left and were making our way back home. My mother had called the lodge as we had not checked in (do not expect cell phone service on the Gunflint Trail and embrace it). Ida greeted my mother and confirmed that we were fine, had gotten off the water a little bit ago, and that we probably hadn't check in yet as we were en route to Grand Marais. When my mother told me about this, I was a little embarrassed as it reminded me of being in High School which was more than 20 years ago. My mother said that Ida was very kind, friendly, and understanding of her concerns. Though a trip in to the BWCA may be out of my mothers ability, she stated that if she were ever to travel to the Gunflint Trail, Tuscarora Lodge would be on her destination list. Thank you, Ida, though that may seem like a small gesture, but it meant the world to my mother and that means the world to me.

For our experience, I will list the following ratings:

Booking: 10 out of 10 - All correspondences were prompt, friendly, and done so without a sales pitch.

Pricing: 9 out of 10 - I only provide a less than perfect score as there are cheaper options available along the Gunflint Trail. That said, the price differences were minimal and only equated to a $30.00 - $50.00 difference for our entire week. Though I cannot compare Tuscarora Lodge to cheaper options at this time, our investment was well worth it and I feel as though we were provided a premium service at a competitive price.

BWCA Location: 10 out of 10 - The destination is a must see for anyone wishing to experience the BWCA. There is plenty of wildlife and an abundance of isolation. Truly a slice of peace and tranquility. While some may shy away from the fire damaged areas, it should be recognized that the effects of man (Ham Lake Fire) and nature (Cavity Lake Fire) are a part of life. Though Ham Lake was accidental, fire can and will happen. This area offers a diversity of old and new forests that can be enjoyed by any outdoor adventurer.

Customer Service: 11 out of 10 - Andy and Ida went out of their way to provide excellent information and make us feel welcome. They catered to our requests with sincerity and taking the extra effort to assist my mother was icing on the cake.

Overall Experience: 10 out of 10

Thank you Tuscarora Lodge and I have and will continue to recommend your services.
Read more
Date of stay: June 2016
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carrie W wrote a review Sep 2016
Three Lakes, Wisconsin
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This past summer we rented a canoe and sat phone from Tuscarora Lodge. While pretty minimal, it was easy to tell this was a great place! The grounds were immaculate, the staff were super helpful and friendly and the pricing was extremely reasonable! We are looking forward to coming back for a possible fishing trip/cabin stay!
Read more
Date of stay: August 2016
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Love2GoEverywhere wrote a review Sep 2016
Indianapolis, Indiana
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We used Tuscarora for a tow-in to Quetico. They made it so easy to plan, giving us advice on getting the necessary permits from Canada, etc. The boat driver was courteous and helpful. Best of all, when bad weather changed our plans, they made a special trip out to tow us in. While we didn't use any of their equipment, it looked to be in great shape.
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Date of stay: September 2016
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
oo7Stu wrote a review Sep 2016
Minneapolis, Minnesota
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed in cabin #6 for three nights in August 2016. The cabin was clean and well appointed. The staff was wonderful and the setting is second to none. If we needed outfitting for a BWCA trip we would not hesitate to use them.
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Date of stay: August 2016
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip: Cabin 6 is very quiet and has great access to the dock. Good swiming too.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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oo7Stu wrote a tip Sep 2016
Minneapolis, Minnesota9 contributions3 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Cabin 6 is very quiet and has great access to the dock. Good swiming too."
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Susannavich wrote a tip Sep 2016
Dublin2 contributions2 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Right near the Gunflint Lodge restaurant for dinner!"
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mike b wrote a tip Oct 2014
Trevor, Wisconsin8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"We stayed in a cabin during our time there - all their cabins are right along the lakeshore and are beautifully situated and spotlessly clean."
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ScooterNY wrote a tip Jul 2011
Southold, New York57 contributions29 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Bunkhouses are absolutely fine for 1-2 nights, you'd want to rent one of the cottages if you're staying for longer (week)."
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LOCATION
United StatesMinnesotaGrand Marais
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
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TUSCARORA LODGE AND CANOE OUTFITTERS

Frequently Asked Questions about Tuscarora Lodge and Canoe Outfitters
Which popular attractions are close to Tuscarora Lodge and Canoe Outfitters?
Nearby attractions include Gunflint Trail (1.1 miles), Poplar Lake (3.9 miles), and Magnetic Rock Trail (1.3 miles).
Is parking available at Tuscarora Lodge and Canoe Outfitters?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Are pets allowed at Tuscarora Lodge and Canoe Outfitters?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
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