- Estimated Cost: $125
- Deposit: $50
- Max Trip Size: 40 people
Can’t get to that all-inclusive on the Riviera Maya? Have no fear! Venture 3 hours north to the Deep Portage Learning Center in Hackensack, north of Brainerd for winter fun instead! The Deep Portage campus in Hackensack includes a 54,000 sq ft Heritage Center with two great halls, a giant climbing wall, library, and food service. Delicious home cooked meals are served buffet style before the 70 ton granite fireplace in Heritage Hall.
Activities include skiing (11 miles of groomed trails for traditional cross-country), snowshoeing, ice fishing (you just need your license), climbing wall, stargazing, reading or socializing by the fireplace with a glass of wine, enjoying the outdoor campfire ring. Ski equipment and snowshoes are available if you don’t have them. Other nearby ski trails: Hiram Ski Trail and Goose Lake Trail (in Chippewa National Forest).
Accommodations are dorm-style rooms with bunks and their own bathroom with shower and sink area. (We will probably have four or so people in each room.) $125 for weekend includes Friday and Saturday night’s lodging, activities, and five meals (breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday and Saturday dinner). Children over 4 and under 18 are $100. Children four and under are free. Deposit deadline extended. $50 deposit to Stacey due as soon as possible. Her address will be provided when you contact her to say you’re going or you can give her a check at a Tuesday meeting. Deposit refundable if cancelled by December 30. Remainder due weekend of event. Carpooling to be arranged closer to the event. Estimated cost: $125. Deposit: $50. Max trip size: 40.
Stacey G. 
Trip report