Spring is when Minnesota’s North Shore comes alive, and this long weekend is built around following the flow — literally.
This trip is a spring adventure focused on waterfall chasing, scenic hiking, and restorative moments that celebrate the powerful beauty of the North Shore. We’ll base ourselves just outside Grand Marais at Hungry Hippie Hostel, ideally situated near some of the most dramatic waterfalls and trail systems in the state. Over the course of the weekend, we’ll hike an expertly curated selection of trails that highlight the region at its spring peak—rushing rivers, woody gorges and spectacular waterfalls. Expect two longer, rewarding hikes at a supportive pace, plus additional shorter explorations, all designed to maximize scenery without feeling rushed. We’re here to chase as many of the region’s famous waterfalls as we can!
To balance the energy of the trail, we’ve woven in one of the most memorable restorative experiences the North Shore has to offer: a group sauna session at a floating sauna just outside of Grand Marais. After plenty of waterfall chasing, the sauna and cold plunge experience creates a powerful contrast that feels both grounding and invigorating.
We’ll also spend time in Grand Marais, a lakeside town known for its Scandinavian roots and deep connection to the nature around it. You’ll have time to wander shoreline trails, browse local shops and galleries, or settle in with good food and conversation. We’ll close the weekend with a group dinner at one of Grand Marais’s beloved restaurants, celebrating a trip well spent on Lake Superior.
Adventure Rating: Beginner
This trip is rated beginner because while there is a decent amount of hiking, the pace and distance of hikes can be tailored to participant desire and ability. There will be some elevation gain, but should be suitable for the average hiker.
ACTIVITIES
Hike the best trails the area has to offer as we find as many waterfalls as we can. Hiking will be moderate, with our goal being beautiful trails and invigorating movement. There are hundreds of miles of trails near Grand Marais, and we’ve picked the best of the bunch.
Enjoy a group sauna and cold plunge session at the first floating sauna open to the public in the United States
Chow down one night on a Minnesota-themed camp dinner, featuring the favorite tastes of the north! Think wild rice soup, tater tot casserole, smoked fish and more!
Explore the quaint Scandinavian town of Grand Marais, where art is celebrated and the connection with the natural world is baked into the fiber of the town. Visit local shops, eateries and galleries, or take a hike just outside of town. We’ve built in time for you to make your own adventure on the north shore!
Enjoy a final group dinner in Grand Marais at one of the many amazing local restaurants that call the town home
ACCOMMODATIONS & LOCATION
We’ll be staying at our favorite place on the North Shore, the Hungry Hippie Hostel! Participants will have the choice of camping in a tent (showerhouse and modern bathrooms are just a short walk away!) or staying indoors in the hostel’s upstairs bunk room, which we’ll have all to ourselves. See registration info below for more details
GETTING THERE
If you are flying in from outside of Minnesota, the closest airport is the Duluth International Airport (DLH) (about a 2.5 hour drive away). You’ll need to rent a car to get to the hostel, or arrange carpool with a local Wanderer. Carpooling details are sent pre-trip in the private trip Discord channel. Carpooling arrangements can’t be guaranteed, but we try our best to connect Wanderers for coordination!
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Your registration provides you:
Expert planning and two Wander Women guides to help make the weekend as seamless and fun as possible!
Three nights of comfortable lodging in hostel & campground, plus parking
All food for the weekend, minus one dinner, prepared by your guides, including breakfasts, lunches, dinners and plenty snacks and beverages
Guided hikes all along the North Shore
Group sauna session at local floating sauna
Camping accessories: Camp kitchen, camping chairs, fire kits, first aid kits, dining ware, firewood, games, coolers
Wanderer swag bag full of goodies
A private trip Discord channel to connect with guides and fellow participants before & after the trip
Comprehensive pre-trip online guide with detailed logistics, packing recommendations, and trip tips
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Participants will be responsible for providing/paying for:
Transportation to/from the trip (we always encourage carpooling and can connect you with other participants to ride with!) and to trip activity locations
Gear: Participants are able to rent camping gear from Wander Women
State park entrance fees
Saturday dinner in Grand Marais
INVESTMENT
There are multiple sleeping choices for this trip — pick which is best for you!
Camping: $680
Twin bunked bed in bunkhouse: $735
Private queen room in bunkhouse: $785
PAYMENT PLAN
We offer payment plans for all our trips, so you can pay a deposit now and the rest over time! WeTravel (our booking platform) easily lets you make a downpayment (this is also your non-refundable trip deposit!) and set up automatic payments for the remainder. For the payment plan schedule, just check the WeTravel page for details. There is NO fee for choosing the payment plan option!
Deposit for this trip: $330 (camping & twin) / $360 (queen)