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While most families flock to Florida or Mexico for a warm beach escape during spring break, our family of six heads north. With four boys who don’t need a break from the cold and love to ski, we find it both fun and budget-friendly to pack up our gear and head to Minnesota’s beautiful North Shore.
We packed out car to the brim with six pairs of skis, ski boots, snow boots, helmets, gloves, winter clothes, and enough food to feed an army. Our first stop was in Two Harbors for a delicious lunch and some coastal exploration. The boys enjoyed exploring, despite the chilly winds whipping off Lake Superior.
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Though we didn’t make time for it on this trip, I highly recommend exploring Gooseberry Falls state park while in (or passing through) Two Harbors, MN!
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Next up, we visited the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse and State Park. Last year, the boys spent over an hour just skipping rocks, but this year, the wind and waves kept us from spending much time there, so we made our way to our cozy cabin in the Lutsen woods. It’s not fancy, but the boys love the ski-in/ski-out setup, and I appreciate the full kitchen and two bathrooms.
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Once settled in, we took a winter walk though the woods, played some silly snowball games, and capped off the night watching basketball.
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The next morning, we were up early and off to Lutsen Ski Hill. The slopes were quiet due to a mild winter in Minnesota. The boys sped down every run – from green to black, leaving me to navigate the icy slopes with all the muscle power I could muster. My youngest, Luke, already skis better than me at age nine.
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We gathered for lunch in the lodge, then I decided to stay there and enjoy the stunning view of Lake Superior, while the boys and Ted continued skiing.
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After a fun-filled day of skiing, the boys skied their way to the cabin. I love that they can navigate this by themselves. Ted and I drive ourselves and our gear back to the cabin. We ordered pizza for the boys, who were, believe it or not, worn out and ready to relax in the condo. Ted and I snuck away to enjoy live music at a local winery.
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We also made a memorable visit to Grand Marais, taking a trek to the lighthouse. Though the famous donut shop was closed, it just gives us another reason to return and explore this charming town further at another time.
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On our way home we stopped in Duluth. This is a great place eat, explore, and watch the ships come in an out of the harbor. (For a full Duluth itinerary, click here)
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In just three days, we packed in a lot of fun and relaxation. Our North Shore ski trips are always filled with adventure, laughter, and cherished memories. Until next time, keep exploring!
Here’s a visual recap of our trip:
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Click here to read about our weekend in Duluth.
Click here to read “24 Family-Friendly things to do in the Twin Cities”
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