Summer is a busy time for everyone and many of us can’t take weeks off of life and work to adventure in the north-country, hence the need for the weekend warrior. The weekend warrior is a master of making the most of a 48-hour explore-cation. How can you learn the warrior way? Keep reading for some suggestions on how to begin right here on the north shore of Lake Superior.

Friday:

Start the weekend right by stopping at Tettegouche State Park on your way up the shore. A quick 15 minute hike out to shovel point will land you the perfect vantage for taking in the sunset over the Big Lake with the Sawtooth Mountains in the background. If you need to kill a few hours before sunset, stay in the park and head to the 70ft high falls on the Baptism River and rock on the suspension bridge. Follow all that up with Dinner at Northern Lights Road House and Pub for an Elk burger, glass of wine, or a pint of craft beer. Want to sleep under the stars? Then crash for the night in Superior National Forest at one of the many inland campgrounds. Many of them are free!

Saturday:

Take a pre-dawn hike to Oberg Mountain where the Sunrise will greet you. Stop into Lockport Marketplace and Deli for a breakfast burrito and consider a nap in an ENO hammock by the Big Lake. Try something totally new while saving time and energy by letting us guide you either sea kayaking or rock climbing on Lake Superior. We have all the gear and training to help you experience this majestic lake up close and personal. After such a full day, take time to rest, relax and refuel. Finish the day at any of the breweries, restaurants or taverns taking in the live music for which Cook County is famous. End the day back at camp or soaking in a hot tub at a local hotel.

Sunday:

Don’t rush home too quickly. There is still plenty of time to explore on two wheels. Cook County has a bike trail for every level of ability. Take a comfort bike on the paved Gitchi-Gami State Trail or a full suspension bike on the Britton Peak Mountain Bike Trails. Pack a picnic lunch for a final stop on the trip south to take a short hike up to Caribou Falls for one last nature fix.