One of Okontoe’s main missions is to minister to the Body of Christ by providing a place for Christian retreat and restoration.
We provide warm hospitality to individuals, couples, families and groups of between 20-26 people. We seek to be a place that honors the Lord and blesses His people.
Our property is nestled in 80 acres of beautiful northwoods forest alongside private and picturesque Bow Lake. We’re just 28 miles up the historic Gunflint Trail from Grand Marais, Minnesota.
You’re welcome to come stay in one of our rustic Retreat Cabins or spacious campsites. Larger groups can rent our Retreat Center which includes four cabins and our Dining Hall. This building has an industrial kitchen, refrigeration and lounge area next to the wood-burning stove. It can seat your entire group of 20-26 for meals.
(NOTE: We do not provide meals.)
Who Okontoe is For
We welcome everyone who wants to stay in one of our Retreat Cabins or lovely campsites. But as we mentioned above, we especially welcome those who are looking for a place to get away for a prayer retreat, small group retreat or who need restoration. This can include:
- An individual on a personal prayer retreat.
- A couple on an anniversary getaway or spiritual retreat.
- Families looking for a small, safe campground in the woods with fun activities for their kids that don’t include screens or motors.
- Church children’s or youth groups of up to 20-26 that would enjoy staying in pine-paneled rustic cabins but still enjoy modern cooking conveniences. Groups of this size can rent out the entire Retreat Center with four cabins and the Dining Hall (and the nearby Red Cedar Cabin if needed), use our canoes and kayaks and take advantage of local hiking.
- Small groups of adults of all ages who would love a beautiful place to be together for a few days. Groups of 6-8 can rent one of our larger cabins and larger groups can rent several cabins or the whole Retreat Center.
- Family reunion groups of up to 26 people. Again, this could be for just the cabins as they each have their own cooking facilities. Or if desire community meals, you can rent the whole Retreat Center which includes four cabins and our large Dining Hall.
We ask all our guests to agree to our no-alcohol policy and our quiet hours. This ensures we maintain a family-friendly atmosphere everyone can enjoy.
What Okontoe Offers
People who come from the Twin Cities often say they find themselves decompressing as soon as they leave Duluth, especially as they drive along the beautiful North Shore. It’s even more noticeable once you’re on the Gunflint Trail. This National Scenic Byway is one of the most gorgeous drives in Minnesota.
By the time you reach our driveway, you’ve truly felt like you’ve left your day-to-day life behind and can focus on your time here.
A Christian Retreat Setting
If you’re after a quiet and secluded getaway, you’ll find it at Okontoe. People tell us they find it easy to encounter the Spirit of God during their stay. There are several ways you can enjoy dedicated time with the Lord while you’re here:
- Inside your cabin or on a camp chair on the covered porch. Or if you’re staying in the campground, in the privacy of your campsite.
- Bring a camp chair and sit next to Bow Lake at our little swimming beach or along the shoreline.
- Walk along our quiet camp road.
- Enjoy an hour or two in our rustic Prayer Chapel that overlooks Bow Lake.
- Take a canoe or kayak out on Bow Lake and enjoy paddling the natural shoreline. You might see a loon or two, an eagle flying overhead, fish jump, turtles sunning on the rocks or even a local otter or beaver.
An Active, Outdoor Adventure Setting
If you’re after outdoor adventure, you’ll also find that here. We’re surrounded by the Boundary Waters for world-class canoeing. There are several local outfitters where you can rent a canoe for a Boundary Waters day trip.
And we’re just minutes from some of Minnesota’s best hiking on the Gunflint Trail and back along Lake Superior’s North Shore. Our own Bow Lake is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing and swimming. At just 9 acres, it’s perfect for families with young children. It’s a non-motorized lake. (Electric motors are allowed, but for canoes or small rowboats only. There’s no motorboat launch.)
We’re also connected by short portages to two additional lakes that are ideal for fishing and paddling.
Easy Access to Local Coffee and Dining
Whether your plan is for a quiet retreat or active adventures, you can take advantage of great coffee and eateries within just a few minutes of our property. And of course, there are cooking facilities in all our Retreat Cabins and a picnic table/firepit at each campsite.
No Cell Service • Limited Wi-Fi
One thing we don’t offer is cell service—there currently is none on our segment of the Gunflint Trail. We offer high-speed Wi-Fi at the camp Library/Office if you need to connect with someone at home, check the weather forecast or other quick tasks. Otherwise, plan to be offline.
Most of our guests LOVE being internet-free during their time here! Enjoy your media fast 🙂
On-Site Christian Fellowship
We offer a couple of opportunities for on-site Christian fellowship during the summer season (from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends):
- Sunday Chapel Service (10:00-11:30 a.m.)—a non-denominational service with guitar-led worship, sharing, prayer and a teaching. Coffee, tea and hot cocoa are provided.
- Saturday evening Community Campfires—the time will be posted on the Camp Kiosk and/or included in your Welcome Packet.
Are You a Full-time Minister or Missionary?
If you are, we want to bless you! Please email info@okontoe.org for information on how you can get a reduced rate for a cabin or campsite.
Learn more…
Our Rustic Cabins • Our Campsites • Our Seasonal Lease Sites • Local Attractions & Activities