- Estimated Cost: $115
- Deposit: $60
This is a pleasant and inexpensive weekend! Come to Deep Portage Environmental Learning Center in Hackensack (north of Brainerd) for winter fun! Deep Portage’s 54,000 sq ft Heritage Center has two great halls, a climbing wall, and library. Delicious home cooked meals are provided buffet style.
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 or snowshoes available for $10 for the weekend. Other nearby ski trails: Hiram Ski Trail and Goose Lake Trail (in Chippewa National Forest).
What if there isn’t enough snow to ski or snowshoe? Possible options may include wilderness orienteering course, geocaching, tomahawk or atlatl throwing, cultural history, and hikes (including to the tower or animal ecology hikes). And that’s in addition to the general camaraderie and inventiveness of the Rovers – who always find something to do.
Dorm-style rooms (with bunks) have their own bathroom with shower and sink area. (Four or so people in each room.) $115 for weekend includes Friday and Saturday night’s lodging, activities, and five meals (breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday and Saturday dinner). $80 for 12 and above, $50 for 5 to 11, and no charge for toddlers. $10 ski rental for the weekend, $10 snowshoe rental for the weekend.
$60 deposit will be due in early February.Remainder due weekend of event. Carpooling to be arranged closer to the event.
Estimated cost: $115. Deposit: $60.
Stacey G. 
Trip report