51 WINTER 2025 VOL . 06 / ISSUE 01
SNOWGOER . COM 52
Warm weather had these sled dogs ’ tongues hanging low . They were competing in a charity race on the Gunflint Trail .
THREE OVERLOOKS
Minnesota isn ’ t necessarily known for high elevation , and rightfully so . But when snowmobiling in the Arrowhead there are several places where riders can find a good vantage point for looking far off into the distance . We stopped and peered over the edge at three different places .
The southernmost overlook we visited was on a hilly stretch of the C . J . Ramstad North Shore State Trail , about 10 miles south of Lutsen . It ’ s perched above a valley of hard and softwood trees , and higher peaks are visible to the north . This scenic viewpoint is right on the trail at a 90-degree corner , but it ’ s widened so there ’ s room to safely park a few sleds , enjoy the view and maybe see moose or other wildlife below .
Spread across the Arrowhead between the twisty and hilly Swamper Trail and the city of Grand Portage is the Grand Portage Snowmobile Route . It leads riders to a casino and resort at the extreme northeast tip of Minnesota . At one point the route comes within less than two miles of our Canadian friends .
A few miles west of the route ’ s end point is a scenic overlook where snowmobilers can see over the top of the trees . We pulled over and shut off our sleds so we could look off to the north toward Canada and enjoy the scenery .
To the north on the Gunflint Trail we found another high-up vantage point .
Our goal one day was to ride to the
This state trail was re-named after C . J . Ramstad ’ s death .
“ Hello , Canada .” This view is from the Grand Portage Snowmobile Route .