- This event has passed.
Hike Fest 2019
May 31, 2019 @ 4:00 pm - June 2, 2019 @ 10:00 am
Registration for Hike Fest 2019 is now closed. Please contact [email protected] with any questions about the event.
Join SHTA to celebrate National Trails Day and our beloved Superior Hiking Trail at Hike Fest! This year’s family-friendly weekend of hiking the SHT will be at Wolf Ridge ELC from May 31 – June 2. It’s like the best summer camp ever — but in spring.
We’re pleased to offer a ton of great hikes (and our first ever trail run), opportunities to learn more about the Trail itself, exciting adventure presentations, and fun activities for the entire family.
Here are a few highlights of the event:
- New Zealand: An Adventurer’s Paradise, presented by Raven Bailey on Friday evening. From tramping tracks to paddling ‘yaks, Raven will take you on a tour of New Zealand, sharing her professional guiding experience and personal adventuring quests. Raven will stick around to lead an awesome, early morning Yoga Course on Saturday to loosen up before you head out for a day of hiking the SHT. (Learn more about Raven’s guided adventures at: thriveadventures.com)
- A Month in the Wilderness, presented by North Country Trail Association board member Derrick Passe on Saturday evening. In May 2017, Derrick led a major, month-long effort in the BWCA to help restore the Kekekabic, Disappointment and Snowbank Trails. With the support of 20 volunteers from ages 18 to 70, Derrick helped reopen 30 miles of Trail and restore 8 hiking campsites after a severe windstorm that knocked down up to 80% of the trees along the trail. Enjoy Derrick’s story of this awesome wilderness experience on a nearby trail while we celebrate National Trails Day. (Learn more about volunteering with NCTA and the Kekekabic Trail Chapter at: northcountrytrail.org/kekekabic-trail-chapter/)
- A Behind-The Scenes Tour with Wolf Ridge ELC executive director Peter Smerud. Learn about the incredible work being done at Wolf Ridge ELC on the new Margaret A. Cargill Lodge, a Living Building Challenge project, a year after it was remodeled. A marvel of design, construction, and operation, this lodge has helped move the needle for the entire Midwest, pushing Wolf Ridge and it’s local partners and suppliers to the leading edge of sustainability.
- Make your trail photos #instagramworthy with tips from local photographer Sam Brueggeman. Sam will lead an afternoon workshop, then take you around the Wolf Ridge campus to put your newly-honed skills to work. Late Saturday evening, Sam will also show what goes into mastering the art of night-time star photos at a telescope gathering.
- Two unique opportunities to learn about the Trail with SHTA’s staff. SHTA executive director Denny Caneff will lead an “insider’s tour” of the Bean and Bear Lakes loop trail, titled “Bean and Bear With Me — A Tale of Trail Renewal.” SHTA trail development director Jo Swanson will present “Skeeters, Snow, and Sleep: 94 Nights on the Superior Hiking Trail,” about her recently completed quest to camp at all 94 SHTA campsites. You don’t want to miss these two chances to deepen your knowledge and connection with the SHT.
- Trail Run with Trailfitters. Join Trailfitters’ Pat Davison, who is training for his second Superior 100 race, for the first-ever SHTA guided trail run from County Road 6, past the epic Sawmill Dome, and back to Wolf Ridge ELC.
- A chance to win cool prizes from local businesses with a new SHT-approved activity — Trowel Toss — using “The Deuce,” the lightest backpacking trowel on the market. Learn a few Leave No Trace tips, take home a prize, and support the Trail all in one toss.
- And SO MUCH MORE! Read the entire activity schedule here.
BEFORE YOU REGISTER, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS.
MEAL AND LODGING INFORMATION
Meal Options:
All meals at Wolf Ridge ELC are made on-site with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, including many ingredients grown and raised at Wolf Ridge’s own farm! We hope you enjoy these tasty options crafted just for us.
- Friday Supper: Wolf Ridge’s Fresh Baked Pizza. All pizzas made from scratch using the most local and seasonal ingredients available. Pizza options: Cheeza, Meatza, Veganza, and Gluten Free. There will also be a full salad bar and dessert.
- Saturday Breakfast: Eggs, sausage, scratch-made Manoomin porridge, assorted quick breads, cold cereal, and fresh fruit and juices.
- Saturday Bag Lunch: Build-Your-Own-Picnic. Options include: Turkey, Salami, Sunbutter & Jelly, Cheddar, Swiss & Provolone Cheeses, Mayo, mustard, tomatoes & lettuce, White Bread, Wheat Bread, Croissants, and Assorted Beverages.
- Saturday Supper: Tacos Al Pastor. Options include: Wolf Ridge Raised Organic Pork Carnitas, Minnesota Whitefish, Locally Harvested Wild Rice, Organic Sweet Runner Beans, Dried Red Corn Posole, Pickled Cabbage, Quesa Blanca, Wolf Ridge Farm Salsa, Burn Your Face off Sauce, and all the fixin’s. Cheesecake for dessert.
- Sunday Breakfast: Fresh French toast bake, bacon, Manoomin porridge, assorted quick breads, cold cereal, fresh fruit and juices.
- For children 12 and under: There is a reduced price for children who dine with us. They’ll have access to the same options listed above.
Please note: Saturday’s Build-Your-Own-Picnic Bag Lunches on will take place in the dining hall during Breakfast. Please contact Jaron at [email protected] if you have specific dietary requirements.
Lodging Options: Please read carefully as these options have changed since 2018.
This year, we’re offering private rooms in both the Summit and MAC Lodges and individual bunks in the MAC Lodge. If you’re purchasing a private room for yourself or your group, we require the names and email addresses for everyone in your group to ensure they receive important event information. Each member of your group must pay the Registration Fee and purchase their meals, if they choose to eat at Wolf Ridge.
- Private Rooms: All rooms include 6-8 bunks and include a private bathroom and sink in the room. $240 per room for the weekend (Friday and Saturday nights).
- Individual Bunks: All individual bunks will be based in the MAC Lodge, which includes a bathroom and sink in each room. For your comfort, the rooms with individual bunks will be assigned as male-only, female-only, and mixed. No room assignments will be in advance; you will choose your room when you arrive to check in. $60 per bunk for the weekend (Friday and Saturday nights).
- Please bring your own linens, blankets, and pillows if you plan to stay at Wolf Ridge ELC.
- Off-Site Lodging: You can choose to camp at the Finland State Forest Primitive Campground close to Wolf Ridge. Pay fee at entrance, $14/night. We recommend using Google search to find other hotel and lodging options if you do not choose to stay at Wolf Ridge ELC.
While we waive the registration fee for children 12 and under, lodging and meals must be purchased for them if they’re staying and dining on campus.
WOLF RIDGE ELC RULES
Mandatory Quiet Time is 11:00pm in the dorm common area.
Check-out is 9:00am Sunday morning. Please leave your keys in the key tray on the table in the dorms and your laundry in the cart.
Sorry, dogs are not permitted at Wolf Ridge ELC.
Directions to Wolf Ridge ELC: 6282 Cranberry Rd, Finland, MN 55603
At Hwy 61 milepost 60.2, take Hwy 1 5.9 miles to Finland. Follow signs to Co Rd 6, turn right and go about 3 miles to Cranberry Road. Turn right at Wolf Ridge sign and go 2.5 miles to Wolf Ridge campus. Follow one-way circular driveway. Check-in at Science Center first. You can unload your car at the dorms but all cars must be parked in the parking lot.
ONLINE REGISTRATIOn Is Now Closed.
Please contact Jaron Cramer at [email protected] or (218) 834-2700 x204 with any questions about Hike Fest.