Guided Tours & Rides

Looking to experience the wild beauty of Cook County, but aren’t sure how or where to begin? We’ve got you covered! Expert guides, wilderness outfitters, and north woods resorts offer guided activities and experiences throughout the year, from Boundary Waters canoe and kayak trips, to river canyon tours and winter dogsledding adventures. Learn from the experts in a safe and welcoming environment! The options are many, so we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite things to do and where you can best enjoy them.

Guided Activities For Everyone!

In addition to our experienced Outfitters who offer an array of guided Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness experiences, there are a number of other guided activities from sea kayaking on Lake Superior to dogsledding adventures to e-bike tours on the Gitchi-Gami bike trail.

E-Bike Tours & Rentals

Cruise around on the Gitchi-Gami bike trail or on the backroads. Cook County has loads of trails to explore.

Dog Sled Tours

Travel back in time by dogsled. Experience the quiet beauty of winter in the Northwoods on a guided dogsled tour.

Points Unknown Dogsledding and Mindful Paddling & Hiking Adventures

Flightseeing Tours

Take a “flightseeing tour” from the state-of-the-art Grand Marais/Cook County Airport & Seaplane Base. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife! Or go by seaplane to Isle Royale National Park for a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Sawtooth Aviation

Fishing Guides

Whether you’re looking for an exciting day of fishing on the big lake (Lake Superior of course!), hoping to catch walleyes on a quiet inland lake, or determined to fly fish a north shore stream, independent local guides, outfitters, and resorts stand ready to help make your fishing dreams come true.

Guided Hiking Tours

The famed Superior Hiking Trail is known far and wide, with miles of trail passing through Cook County. Thousands of hikers travel here each year to hike and camp the SHT’s ancient, varied, and challenging terrain. You too can experience the amazing vistas and quiet paths of the SHT on a day hike with a local guide. But there’s more! The SHT isn’t the only hiking you can experience in Cook County, not by a long shot. Guided hikes on the trails of the Gunflint Trail National Scenic Byway will take you through the Superior National Forest, along wild rivers and lakes, and up ridges and rocky bluffs to breathtaking and unforgettable overlooks.

Winter Adventure Tours

Winter is a special time in Cook County, cherished by many. You’ll find all manner of winter sports, including snowmobiling, downhill and cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and a newer way to experience the backcountry, Wilderness Hok Skiing.

Several groups of active and enthusiastic local skiers, along with the U.S. Forest Service, maintain over 400 km of groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails in Cook County. We do love our winter, and local outfitters and resorts are eager to help you enjoy it too. You’ll marvel at the magic of snow-covered pines, with only the whoosh of your skis or crunch of snowshoes to break the sweet, profound silence of the winter woods.

Zipline Tours

Towering Pines Canopy Tours are offered by Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters on the Gunflint Trail National Scenic Byway. The tour features eight zip lines spanning the boreal forest canopy, lasting a little over two hours and gliding high amidst old-growth white pines and spectacular wilderness vistas.

Towering Pines Canopy Tour - Gunflint Lodge

Find Local Guides

RESORTS AND LODGES THAT OFFER GUIDED ACTIVITIES FOR GUESTS

Many resorts offer their own guided programs for guests, or provide the detailed information and equipment you need to feel confident to explore on your own. Some also offer educational programs on the Nature of our Region and what you may spot on your own during your stay. Check out the programming at these fine resorts:

Guided Guest Activities & Programs:

BLUEFIN BAY FAMILY OF RESORTS
CARIBOU HIGHLANDS LODGE
EAGLE RIDGE RESORT
EAST BAY SUITES
GUNFLINT LODGE
LUTSEN RESORT
NANIBOUJOU LODGE
SKYPORT LODGE
Many Gunflint Trail lodges and other cabin rentals include watercraft and fishing guides or information: GUNFLINT TRAIL LODGING

Special Offers

Don’t just visit Cook County. Experience it like a pro with the hottest deals in the state. We’ve worked with our local vendors, artisans and owners to curate the best prices and most unique packages for our out-of-town visitors. Check out our hot deals today.

Special Offers