The Gunflint Mail Run is scheduled for February 8 2025.
Below is a message from the Trail Boss to mushers on current trail conditions:
The current (as of 1/23/25) race trail conditions for the Gunflint Mail Run are as follows: We have a reasonable (think good training trail) race course. Remember, too, that it is a wilderness trail. It’s been better, but considering the winter so far, it isn’t too bad. That part that is the snowmobile trail has been groomed twice and will be groomed twice more before the race. The ice on Poplar Lake has been measured at 20″ plus in the middle of the lake. As of right now, look for a fast trail as what snow we have had is fairly well packed.
The biggest concern would be in regards to setting a hook. On the lake, the average snow depth that I measured was approximately 3″. On the trail itself, the depth varied from around 3″ of pack to 7″ or so, so plan accordingly. There are no real bare spots and most of the “holes” that you would find on an early season trail are relatively well filled in. The final assessment will be given at the Mushers Meeting on 2/7 and, in the meantime, continue your snow dances!
We are grateful for your support of the race!
Support the Gunflint Mail Run with the purchase of a commemorative
NECK GAITER available here
A couple of slots have opened up due to our reschedule! If you’d like to register for the Mail Run, contact Beth at GunflintMailRunREG@gmail.com
Following the Trails of Our Past
The very northeastern tip of Minnesota is Cook County, a land blessed with stunning beauty. We have Gichigami. And glacially sculpted boreal forests. And an immense network of lakes and streams. And cold weather. And snow. We are blessed with cold weather and snow here. It is in this land of remote beauty that dog sledding became a way of life. And it is this way of life that we celebrate with the Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog Race. The Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog Race is a continuous race consisting of two legs of equal distance, separated by a mandatory layover. Come visit us in Cook County, Minnesota to experience this spectacular race.
JOIN US
The North Shore, Cook County and an historic sled dog race… what better way to spend an authentic Northern Minnesota weekend. Look at a map of Cook County and you see the communities of Lutsen, Tofte and Schroeder. You see Grand Marais, the Gunflint Trail and Grand Portage. You see the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area and the majestic north shore of Lake Superior. You see magnificent state parks and the Sawtooth Mountain range. You see the Superior Hiking Trail as it winds along its 300+ mile path from Duluth to the Canadian border. You can even see Minnesota’s tallest mountain peaks and highest waterfall. Now, very slowly, put down that map. Heck, you can even tear it up if you want. Because a map can never let you experience the beauty and adventures waiting here for you in Cook County.
PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING
It takes a lot of work and money to keep the tradition of sled dog racing alive here on the North Shore. Please consider a donation to the Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog race.
