This Minnesota Restaurant Is So Remote You’ve Probably Never Heard Of It
By Betsy Rathburn|Published September 12, 2017
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
It’s not hard to find a peaceful place in Minnesota. In every region, there are plenty of opportunities to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life for a moment of solitude. But sometimes you want to get even further away than your favorite walking trail or that quiet coffee shop you spend weekend mornings in. For many Minnesotans, the best way to truly get away is to go north. That’s where one of Minnesota’s most remote restaurants lies in wait for travelers seeking a bit of quiet.
If they haven't traveled on it themselves, most Minnesotans are aware of the Gunflint Trail, the 57-mile road that winds north from Grand Marais through some of Minnesota's most pristine natural areas.
The historic lodge has been a landmark on the Gunflint Trail since 1938. Back then, there was a logging camp in the area that drew workers from local areas. The Trail Center Lodge is on the site of what was once a camp store.
You can even use the restaurant to stock up on essentials for your travels. Basic groceries and other essentials are stocked in the Trail Center store.
The menu is full of classics like ribeye dinners or burgers. If you stop in for breakfast, don't leave without ordering a stack of the enormous pancakes. Make sure you bring your appetite.
The Trail Center Lodge is found at 7611 on the Gunflint Trail 30 miles north of Grand Marais. Their hours vary, but they are open throughout the year. For September and October, they are open 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily.
