Mink Lake Camp
For over 75 years, Mink Lake Wilderness Camp has shaped lives through outdoor learning and discovery.
Coldwater's Basecamp
Situated in the Superior National Forest right in between Lake Superior and the 1.1 million acres of pristine Boundary Waters wilderness, Mink Lake Wilderness Camp serves as Coldwater’s hands-on training center, mentoring young leaders for lasting growth with wilderness adventure. It’s also an exceptional destination for small retreats—or the perfect base to outfit your own Boundary Waters expedition.
At Mink, less is more.
Mink Lake Wilderness Camp is a simple place. All the things it doesn’t have (cell service, screens, on-grid electricity and modern plumbing) makes space for the most important things: deeper connection with others, less distraction, and enjoyment of God’s creation. Convenience isn’t the top priority, and Coldwater people are not afraid of hard work. One staff member recently commented that some of their best conversations happen while doing dishes, moments that would be lost with an automated dishwasher.
Being content with less, has made space for what matters most.
Camp's Amenities
- Four Log Cabins with Bunk Beds
- Historic Lodge and Dining Hall
- Updated Modern Kitchen
- Wood-Fired Pizza Oven
- Trips House
- Rustic Wilderness Waterfront
- Sauna
- Forest Service Style Outhouses
Join in at Mink Lake Camp
Get Involved –
VOLUNTEER – Many hands have built Mink Lake Wilderness Camp and volunteers are the way we maintain our facility. Join a work weekend or organize a work trip. We are always looking for carpenters, utility workers, equipment operators and cooks to help with a project and improve our facilities.
GIVE – Funding for Mink Lake Wilderness Camp must come from outside of our program revenue stream. Giving to the facility funds the completion of projects and improvements to Mink Lake buildings, roads and trails, equipment and vehicles. Call for details
Facility Rental –
Mink lake Wilderness Camp is available for outside groups to rent during fall, winter and spring. Whether you’re a school cross-country team, a church group retreat, or an outdoorsy family reunion, Mink Lake Wilderness Camp could be the perfect location to host your event. If you are looking for a beautiful set-apart location, your group is eager to embrace simplicity and quiet, and you don’t mind using outhouses, contact the Coldwater office. For general pricing, see the Custom Groups page.
Go on a Trip –
Sign up for a wilderness course. Each Coldwater wilderness course begins and ends at the Mink Lake basecamp. Mink Lake is the perfect launchpad, resource center, and landing place for the wilderness trip of a lifetime. At the end of each course, family and friends gather together to celebrate all that was accomplished and hear stories, moments, and reflections from the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have other questions? If you still don’t find your answer, feel free to contact us directly.
Can I stop by for a visit?
Absolutely! We would love to meet you, give you a tour, and tell you about our ministry. You are welcome to attend a Course Celebration Day, join us for a meal, or just stop by on your way through. Reach out to let us know when you’re coming!
What else is located on Mink Lake?
While Coldwater’s basecamp has the only private buildings on Mink Lake, Mink Lake also has a public beach and a public fishing dock. Mink Lake is 57 acres, and 15 feet deep, stocked with both Rainbow Trout and Splake.
What’s the difference between “Mink Lake” and “Coldwater?”
Coldwater Foundation is our non-profit organization. Mink Lake Wilderness Camp is the name of Coldwater’s basecamp location. Coldwater Foundation was founded in 2009, and moved operations to Mink Lake full time in 2015.
Where is Mink Lake Wilderness Camp located?
Mink Lake is 13 miles Northeast of the town of Grand Marais, MN. The physical address of our basecamp is: 56 Mink Lake Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604. But please send mail to: PO Box 501, Grand Marais, MN 55604, as we don’t get mail at basecamp.
Is there cell service or wifi?
No, we are privileged to be located in one of the few remaining places in the United States that is outside the reach of standard cell service. We have emergency systems in place, but enjoy a culture removed from the daily use of cell phones. When you come to Mink Lake, we invite you also to set aside your devices and enjoy the peace and presence with us!
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