Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Quetico Wildlife

Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Quetico Park moose

Moose are often seen along the water's edge in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Quetico Park.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Quetico Park are home to more than 52 species of mammals and 150 species of birds. While on your canoe camping or hiking trip you’ll want to keep your camera handy because you never know when you might encounter a moose, bear, or beaver. Moving quietly through the wilderness will increase your chances of a sighting — if you hear rustling in the bushes stop and wait and a moose or deer might walk right past you.

If you come across a patch of blackberries or blueberries not only will you have stumbled across a delicious natural snack but may see a bear also enjoying the bounty. And if you quietly paddle along the shoreline of one of the many lakes and ponds in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area or Quetico Park you may see moose grazing at the water’s edge or a pair of loons frolicking. As you pass by empty campsites watch for fox that may be investigating the campfire ring for food scraps in the ashes.

While it may be tempting to feed the animals to get a closer look, remember that these are wild animals. Always suspend your food out of reach of bears, or use bear-proof boxes where available — many a novice camper has been awoken in the night to find their supplies being pilfered.

Use common sense, keep your camera at the ready, and bring plenty of film to record the highlights of your Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Quetico Park camping trip.

An Informal History of Gunflint Lodge...

Part 6

In 2000 Gunflint Lodge started the process of changing generations again. The next generation, Robert and his wife Miranda returned to take over operations. Only a tiny number of family businesses survive into the fourth generation. This next generation started their careers by replacing the last of the old summer cabins with 6 fully winterized cabins. Bruce and Sue started traveling extensively during the winter. Bruce still helps some with marketing and Sue grows organic produce but Robert and Miranda are fully in charge. Recently when son Lee and daughter Shawn came home, they were advised by their parents to introduce themselves to the new staff as Robert’s brother and sister rather than Bruce and Sue’s children. Justine is probably looking down and laughing.

With the new generation, changes are taking place. Robert and Miranda have many ideas and plans for the future. Some of them include additional cabins and a major upgrade of the present lodge. One of the most pleasant changes (according to Sue) is that once again there is the laughter of a new generation of Kerfoots in the lodge. Not only did Robert and Miranda come home, but they brought Zachery Taylor Kerfoot with them. Everyone knows that 3-year old Zach is the true boss of Gunflint Lodge.

In 2005 Lee Kerfoot and his new bride, Eva, came home to join the business. After five years, Robert and Miranda decided to move to Missouri where he pursued a career in computers and electrical contracting. Miranda joined the Emergency Room of a local hospital. Watching Zach move to Missouri was difficult.

Meanwhile Lee and Eva and already brought many new things to Gunflint Lodge. They started out by remodeling two cabins in the fall. Spring lead to even bigger changes. The gift shop in the lodge was moved and a new bistro was added to the main room. The bistro offers guests a choice of lighter entrees and also attracts nearby residents for a meal out.

Like Robert and Miranda, Lee and Eva have a long list of improvements in mind. The Gunflint Lodge of this generation will be different from Bruce’s and Sue’s Gunflint Lodge. Certain things will always remain the same. Gunflint Lodge will always be a place that offers their guests a friendly atmosphere, good service, comfortable accommodations, and good food.

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