Thanksgiving isn’t just for the humans around the table—your pup deserves a tradition, too. Before the smell of roasting turkey fills your cabin, start the day with a breath of cold Duluth air and a trail that winds through autumn’s last golden touch. Hosting your own dog-friendly Turkey Trot is the perfect way to burn off pre-feast energy, explore local trails, and let your best friend lead the way.
1. Begin Your Morning on the Lester-Amity Trail Loop
Just a 10-minute drive from Gitche Gumee, the Lester-Amity trail loop is pure Duluth magic—wide paths, river crossings, and the hush of pine needles underfoot. It’s part of the larger Superior Hiking Trail system, so you can make your trot as short or long as you like.
Start near the Lester Park trailhead, where the air smells like cedar and the creek hums softly beside you. Early risers are rewarded with stillness, mist, and maybe even a dusting of snow. It’s the kind of peace you can only find in the Northland.
2. Turn the Walk into a Family Tradition
Make it playful. A DIY Turkey Trot doesn’t need bib numbers or finish lines—just a few friendly challenges and a sense of fun:
- Race to the bridge—and let the dog decide the pace.
- Best leaf pile photo—winner gets first pick of dessert.
- Longest tail wag—no explanation needed.
- Silliest family selfie—bonus points if someone’s hat ends up on the dog.
It’s a way to blend movement, laughter, and togetherness before settling into the slower rhythm of the holiday.
3. Cool Down and Cozy Up
Back at your Gitche Gumee cabin, pour yourself a mug of hot coffee or cider and let your dog nap by the fire. You’ve earned the calm that follows. The best part about this ritual is how it resets the tone for the day: grounded, grateful, and a little windswept from the trail.
The feast ahead feels better when it follows a morning of movement and fresh air.
Why Dogs Love Duluth (and You Will Too)
Duluth is one of Minnesota’s most dog-friendly cities, where the trails, beaches, and even cafes welcome four-legged adventurers. From Park Point’s sandy stretches to Hawk Ridge’s scenic overlooks, there’s no shortage of places to roam together.
At Gitche Gumee, dogs aren’t just allowed—they’re part of the story. Cabins feature easy outdoor access, quiet walking paths, and plenty of room to stretch out after the trail.
Leash Up and Lace Up
This Thanksgiving, trade treadmills and parades for fresh air and paw prints. Whether it’s a two-mile jog or a slow, leaf-crunching stroll, your pup will be thankful for the time—and so will you.
Book your dog-friendly Thanksgiving stay at Gitche Gumee and start a new tradition on the trails of Duluth.
