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Boreal Community Media

Gunflint Lodge celebrates 100 years, the grand opening of the Northern Lights Lodge Wedding and Event Center

Feb 04, 2025 09:09AM ● By Content Editor

The new Northern Lights Lodge Wedding and Event Center was built by local craftsman Jason McDonnell, using local labor and materials to the extent possible. All photos by Haley Brickner


By Haley Brickner and Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - February 4, 2025


Past, present, and future were celebrated last Friday with the Centennial Anniversary of the Gunflint Lodge and the Northern Lights Lodge Wedding and Event Center Grand Opening.

The event included viewings of the luxuriously appointed guest rooms, appetizers, champagne, and a ribbon cutting. A cash bar was available.

 The Gunflint Lodge has been a staple on the Gunflint Trail for 100 years.


The Gunflint Lodge and Outfitters, founded in 1925 by Russell and Dora Blankenburg as a seasonal fishing camp, has been one of Minnesota’s well-known destinations for 100 years. Beginning in 1927, Mae and George Spunner, along with the legendary Kerfoot family, owned the year-round establishment. Northern Lights Lodge, built on the site of Justine Kerfoot's original cabin, honors her legacy by incorporating stones from the cabin into the main fireplace. To read more about the history of the Gunflint Lodge, click here.)


 Owners Mindy and John Fredrickson proudly welcomed the community to their establishment.


The new owners, John and Mindy Fredrickson, purchased the resort in 2016 and made the trail their full-time home. With the new establishment, the Fredricksons show their commitment to maintaining the Gunflint Lodge’s status as a cornerstone of the community. At the event, locals took turns sharing their stories and experiences working at the Gunflint Lodge over the years.

 Locals shared stories of working at the Gunflint Lodge and of the renowned Kerfoot family. Chet, pictured here speaking into the microphone, started working at the Lodge in 1952 for $40 per month.


The Northern Lights Lodge Wedding and Event Center was built by local craftsman Jason McDonnell, and utilized local materials and labor as much as possible. The building can hold up to 65 people and has smaller spaces (seven guest rooms) for additional lodging or space for bridal parties to get ready. Justine's, the on-site restaurant and bar, will provide catering. 


 Each of the seven guest rooms in the Northern Lights Lodge overlooks Gunflint Lake.


 Exquisite attention to detail creates the perfect North Woods aesthetic.


 A cash bar reception gave guests a taste of the warm atmosphere of the new Lodge.


 The fireplace was built using stones from the house of Gunflint legend Justine Kerfoot.


 Guests enjoyed wine, champagne, and light appetizers.


 Mindy Frederickson does the ribbon-cutting honors.


 A champagne toast was given in honor of the 100-year-old Gunflint Lodge and the brand-new Northern Lights Lodge.