There’s something quietly magical about trading a formal dining room for a cabin porch and a pine-scented breeze. Thanksgiving at Gitche Gumee isn’t about perfection—it’s about slowing down, cooking simply, and gathering close to what matters. Here’s how to craft a holiday that feels as natural as the lake itself.
1. Cook—or Don’t
Each cabin’s kitchenette is made for simple feasts. Roast your bird, simmer wild rice, or keep things easy with a ready-to-serve spread.
- Go Local for Sides and Sweets
Let Duluth’s best do the heavy lifting. One quick stop at a restaurant, and your table tastes like the North Shore.
- Set a Table Worth Gathering Around
Nature makes the best décor. Scatter pinecones, tuck birch bark name cards by each plate, and add a few sprigs of evergreen from the property. The look is effortless, organic, and perfectly at home beside a glowing fire.
- Pour Something Warm
A thermos of mulled wine or hot cider turns any evening into a memory. Mix in cinnamon, clove, and a hint of maple syrup. Sip by the window as snow begins to fall, and you’ll wonder why you ever settled for city noise.
5. Create a Cabin Soundtrack
Every feast needs a little rhythm. Cue up an acoustic mix—The Lumineers, Fleetwood Mac, Iron & Wine—and let it drift through the room. The soft strum and crackle of the fireplace make time slow in the best way.
6. Trade Chaos for Calm
Here, there’s no traffic, no blaring TV—just the lake, the fire, and the laughter that fills the quiet. Thanksgiving at Gitche Gumee is less about the spread and more about the space it creates for gratitude.
Make This Thanksgiving Unforgettable
Gather, cook, rest, repeat. With the lake outside and warmth all around, Gitche Gumee is where Thanksgiving feels exactly as it should—simple, soulful, and beautifully still.
Book your cabin now and start your own North Shore tradition.
