Northshore Resorts In Minnesota Facing Flood Of Cancellations Due To Wildfires Despite No Threat
Resorts up the North Shore of Minnesota are usually booked solid this time of year for tourists to spend a final summer weekend with friends and family and also to check out the bright colored leaves up and down the shore. The reason for cancellations is the news of all the wild fires even though this particular area is not threatened at this time.
This is devastating for so many resorts who have been trying to recoup business that they have lost due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The wildfires in Northeastern Minnesota have destroyed thousands of acres and caused the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Ely to be temporarily shut down as well as a precaution. The forest service is reopening a portion of the BWCA this weekend.
Cook County which is the biggest area affected by the cancelations says that resorts are ready to welcome visitors who may have tried to make reservations in the past few months. John Fredrikson, owner of Gunflint Lodge and Outfitters on the Gunflint Trail, said in a news release reported by Bring Me The News:
Suddenly we have availability – something that’s been tough for people to find this summer. We’re open and ready to host visitors during what most consider the best part of the season. Now is the best time to visit with cooler temps, fresh air and fall colors.
Visit Cook County noted that even though the Greenwood and Welp Fires remain active they are 5-40 miles away from homes and various businesses in the Arrowhead Region. Even with the drought that has affected much of the state fall colors will still be vibrant but just turning earlier than normal.
So if you have tried in the past few months to try and get lodging in the Shroeder, Tofte, Lutsen, Grand Marais and Grand Portage, or Gunflint Trail now is the time to get those reservations in and help support these resort and lodge owners.