After two decades of planning accommodations and food for our guests, we think we’ve found the perfect balance: lodging loaded with character yet conscious of comfort... and meals that satisfy your body’s hard-earned appetite while stimulating your imagination.

Lodging

The lodges we use (including our own Wintergreen plus Timber Trail and Blue Heron) are all small, intimate facilities in lovely lakeshore settings that feature fireplaces, featherbeds, full bathrooms and private bedrooms. All 3 are on the same lake chain (White Iron – Farm), are within 5 miles of each by road and about 10 miles from Ely and are connected by dozens of miles of beautiful dogsled trails. Our “Good,” “Better” and 3-night trips generally involve both Wintergreen and Timber Trail while our “Best” trips sometimes include Blue Heron as well. Our camping trips generally begin at Wintergreen and end at Timber Trail. We arrange to shuttle luggage and vehicles as needed between the lodges. Lodge dress is very casual (loafers & a sweat suit are just fine!)  The rooms we use have lots of character & lots of quiet -- no phones, tv or internet (although these services are available if needed and cell phone reception is available in most areas.) 

Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge 
Tucked on a remote, pine-studded point of White Iron Lake, our little lodge includes a central dining/lounge/fireplace area, 2 upstairs bedrooms with a reading room and full bathroom, and 3 downstairs bedrooms with 2 full bathrooms plus half bath. Nearby is our sled dog kennel and wood-fired Finnish sauna.  Bedrooms feature down comforters, Hudson Bay blankets and the original watercolor paintings from the classic dogsledding book "Born to Pull." The Wintergreen peninsula adjoins a wilderness area with dozens of miles of varied trails used almost exclusively by our groups. Wintergreen is the north country's only exclusive dogsled lodge. In fact we're only open December through March. We do one thing here and we do it very well: hosting people like you on great winter vacations. 

Timber Trail Lodge
A variety of cabins are available for us here, depending upon group size. But most often our groups enjoy the two lakeshore log cabins (Aspen & Basswood) or the beautiful new Diamond Willow and Evergreen retreats (with new sauna!). Our camping groups generally stay in the older Blue Spruce or White Pine group cabins. For evening talks and films we often use the main lodge with its lounge and stone fireplace. Visit their website at http://www.timbertrail.com/.

Blue Heron Bed & Breakfast
The award-winning Blue Heron Inn features gourmet meals, featherbed blankets, a superb wine list, a great sauna and a winter bird feeding sanctuary (right outside the window!). Stay in one of the 5 spacious bedrooms (all with private baths and some with decks overlooking the lake). Blue Heron directly adjoins the protected Boundary Waters wilderness and some of our most scenic dogsled trail options begin right outside the door. Visit their website at http://www.blueheronbnb.com/.

Meals

You’re in for a treat! Wintergreen’s food service is passionately overseen by our professional French chef and assistants.  Our kitchen crew knows food. And they knows exactly what our guests want after an invigorating day of dogsledding -- an interesting, tasteful meal lovingly prepared with fresh top-quality ingredients...and plenty of it! We call it “comfort food with class.”

Meals are served family-style and guests & guides dine together.  We are more than happy to accommodate any dietary requests including low fat, diabetic, allergies, vegetarian, vegan, gluten &/or lactose free (and be sure to let us know if your trip falls on a birthday or other event that calls for a special dessert!)

A couple sample menus: almond-breaded chicken with light curry sauce and rice, brazilian Tres' Leche cake; sliced roast pork with apricot sweet & sour sauce, cous cous, oven roast potato or corn fritters, baked caramel custard with almond lace cookies. Vegetarian options are served regularly (some of our guides are vegetarian).

Wintergreen does not have a liquor license but guests are welcome to bring their own wine or other adult beverages. Wine is served with our “Star” meals and beer (and sodas) are available for purchase at Timber Trail’s snack bar.

Dinners served at Timber Trail meals are catered at Wintergreen and delivered. Blue Heron serves its own meals. These vary with the chef but sample entrees from last year’s menu included Canadian walleye, sesame pan-seared pork loin with an apricot apple & honey reduction, eggplant zydeco, Mediterranean chicken with couscous (and fabulous desserts!).

An indoor lunch is served the first dogsledding day of each trip (except 3-night trips)  The other days include a trailside campfire lunch with soup, grilled sandwich and various snacks served by your guides – who happen to be great cooks!  Breakfast is their chance to shine and they prepare a bountiful meal every morning with fresh fruits, hot entrees & baked items, juices, yogurts, cereals, breads, local jams and great coffee.  

“Your chef got my daughter to eat stuff she wouldn’t normally touch.,..had to be great to do that. Plenty to eat…diversity of cuisine … always served timely. I have never had such a good return on my vacation dollar. The memories we have are worth every penny.” David G., O.H    

“The food was fabulous.. Beautifully prepared and presented! I was really surprised. I especially liked the fresh fruit bowl every morning and the interesting vegetarian dishes.” Shelley C., NY

 “I was impressed with the comfort of both lodges, but especially Wintergreen, where extra touches abound. I loved looking at all the photographs, books and other materials that provided those of us just passing through a sense of the very rich natural, human (and canine) history of Wintergreen Dogsledding and the Schurkes and all their endeavors.' Deb J., IN