Photo courtesy of Andrea Hofeldt

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - May 20, 2026

The annual Gunflint Trail Cleanup is returning for its fourth year next month, bringing together community members and visitors to help pick up trash along the 57-mile-long road, and maybe find some treasures along the way. The cleanup takes place on June 6 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by the "Trash Bash" (both organized by Andrea Hofeldt, owner of Loon Lake Lodge), which is a celebration of the event at the Schaap Community Center, along with a meal, organized by Shari Baker. 

Each year, over 100 volunteers show up to tackle a pre-selected section of the Gunflint Trail. This year, Hofeldt shared that there are still sections that need to be covered, especially closer to the city limits of Grand Marais. 

In 2025, 125 volunteers collected about 60 large garbage bags of trash. While "typical" litter makes up the bulk of the collected waste, volunteers frequently encounter unusual debris to the point that Hofeldt has turned it into a competition. 

At the Trash Bash, prizes (gift certificates and gear donated by local businesses) are awarded in several categories. One of those is for the most unique item found. Last year, Hofeldt shared that among the most unique items were a fully intact Halloween ninja turtle mask, a padlock and working key, a brand-new fishing lure in its original packaging valued at $25, a brand-new first aid kit, and a handwritten card about spending time with family at Thanksgiving. 

This year’s Trash Bash will include various activities, along with the opportunity to interact with local organizations. Volunteers will have the opportunity to make their own "Get the Lead Out" bracelets and keychains, as a way to raise awareness of lead poisoning from lead tackle that accounts for 25% of all loon deaths. Additionally, Friends of the Boundary Waters will host trivia, the Cook County Invasive team will spread the word about invasive plant species along the Gunflint Trail, and Let’s Plant Trees will give away tree seedlings.

While a May 6 deadline has come and gone to guarantee specific event materials, Hofeldt said there may be some extra t-shirts at the Trash Bash for people who sign up moving forward. Additionally, there is a suggested $10 donation to help cover the costs of food, t-shirts, and supplies.

For those who want to help but can't make the event on June 6, there is the option of completing the pre-determined section anytime between June 5 and June 7. The Cook County Highway Department will collect the filled trash bags on Monday, June 8. 

To learn more and sign up for a trail section, click here.