North Shore Geo Camp

Monday, July 6th - Thursday, July 9th, 2026
Grand Marais, MN
8 spots

Wandering Fern is offering our first ever geology retreat! Join me and my dad, Al Trippel (geologist and jeweler), this summer to learn how iconic features like Grand Marais Harbor and the Sawtooth Mountains were formed. Explore rivers and beaches with an expert on hand to answer all your questions. Learn to identify agates, amethyst, thompsonite, banded iron, and other rocks on the beach. Try your hand at lapidary work (cutting and polishing stones).

And hang out with other people whose pockets are always full of rocks!

This retreat is for anyone who loves the North Shore and wants to connect more deeply with the landscape, geology, and rocks of the region. No technical knowledge or background in geology required. Lectures and activities are intro-level and geared towards sparking interest, cultivating curiosity, and celebrating the unique beauty of the North Shore.

Retreat Overview

This camp-style retreat features a fun itinerary of activities, simple accommodations at the Outpost Motel, and home cooked meals on the beach!

Retreat includes:

• Intro to Geology of the North Shore Lecture

• River hike and rock identification

• Beach walk and rock identification

• Stone cutting and polishing demo

• Cut and polish a stone to take home!

• 3 nights at The Outpost Motel

• 3 simple breakfasts on the beach

• 2 packed lunches

• 3 home-cooked dinners

• Evening gatherings and reflection

Retreat does not included:

• Transportation to and from daytime activities.

• Alcohol - you are welcome to byo beverages!

Accommodations

The Outpost Motel is a classic “Up North” motel. Each simple, private room has all the basics. The motel is located 8 miles past Grand Marais, Minnesota on Highway 61, overlooking Lake Superior in a beautiful location with access to the beach.

Single occupancy means you’ll have the room all to your self. Double occupancy means you’ll share the room and the bed - Choose this option if you attend the retreat with your spouse or bestie! To be roomed together, you will both need to register and list each other in the comment section.

• Queen Room - Single Occupancy - $1280 (4 spots)

• Queen Room - Double Occupancy - $1080 (4 spots)

All participants must be able to:

• Walk 2-3 miles

• Carry a 5-10 lb daypack

• Maintain balance and stability on uneven terrain

You know your own body and we encourage you to assess your current abilities before registering. We are happy to talk with you about questions or concerns before you register or at any point during the retreat. All activities are optional; you may participate in all or some. For example, you might opt for a cozy afternoon on the motel beach or reading in your room rather than a river hike. We reserve the right to make the final judgment call on your participation if at any point we are concerned about your ability to participant safely in any of the activities and no refunds will be given.

Required Gear

This retreat takes place outdoors and happens rain or shine! We will send a full packing list before the retreat to help you dress comfortably despite weather and bugs that are inevitably part of summer Up North. For example, you’ll will want to bring:

• Hiking boots with ankle support

• Tall waterproof boots (xtratuff, muck boots)

• Bug hat

• Long pants

• Long-sleeved loose-fitting button up shirt

• Water bottle

• Rain coat and pants

• Day pack

• Sunscreen

• Bugspray

Day Pass Option

Join us for daytime activities 9am-4pm on Tuesday and Wednesday including the River Hike, Beach Walk, Stone Cutting and Polishing. This option does not include accommodations, meals, or evening / morning gatherings and reflection - $380. Contact us to inquire about availability!

Early Bird Discount

Enjoy a $100 early bird discount until May 15th (automatically applied at checkout). We can’t wait to share this special experience with you!