July 6th - July 9th, 2026
Grand Marais, MN
8 spots
Join me and my dad, Al Trippel (geologist and jeweler) for a North-Shore beach retreat this summer! We’ll learn about the geological processes that shaped this beautiful place, and learn how to identify agates, amethyst, thompsonite, banded iron, and other rocks on the beach. You’ll try your hand at lapidary work (cutting and polishing stones) and have lots of time to knit / stitch / weave / spin / on the beach! Our gentle itinerary includes morning fiber circles, river hikes, beach walks, and nourishing meals all with a geologist on hand to answer all your questions!
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:
Beach knitting / fiber circles!
Intro to Geology of the North Shore
River hike and rock identification
Beach walk and rock identification
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. It’s 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.
Early Bird Rates
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-7pm on Tuesday and Wednesday including Fiber Circles, Lunch, River Hike, Beach Walks, and Dinner. This option does not include accommodations or breakfast. $580. 4 day passes available. You can snag one of the 4 day passes available HERE!
Cancellation Policy
If you are unable to attend, and we are able to fill your spot, we may be able to issue a partial refund. Please share the love, not the bugs. If you are sick upon arrival, you will be asked to leave to protect other guests and no refund will be given.
Perks!
Participants get first dibs next year if we host this retreat again! Wandering Fern’s retreats tend to fill up fast (often before they are advertised) so this is a great opportunity to get into a new one!
Early Bird Discount
Enjoy an early bird discount until May 15th (automatically applied at checkout). We can’t wait to share this special experience with you!
July 6th - July 9th, 2026
Grand Marais, MN
8 spots
Join me and my dad, Al Trippel (geologist and jeweler) for a North-Shore beach retreat this summer! We’ll learn about the geological processes that shaped this beautiful place, and learn how to identify agates, amethyst, thompsonite, banded iron, and other rocks on the beach. You’ll try your hand at lapidary work (cutting and polishing stones) and have lots of time to knit / stitch / weave / spin / on the beach! Our gentle itinerary includes morning fiber circles, river hikes, beach walks, and nourishing meals all with a geologist on hand to answer all your questions!
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:
Beach knitting / fiber circles!
Intro to Geology of the North Shore
River hike and rock identification
Beach walk and rock identification
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. It’s 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.
Early Bird Rates
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-7pm on Tuesday and Wednesday including Fiber Circles, Lunch, River Hike, Beach Walks, and Dinner. This option does not include accommodations or breakfast. $580. 4 day passes available. You can snag one of the 4 day passes available HERE!
Cancellation Policy
If you are unable to attend, and we are able to fill your spot, we may be able to issue a partial refund. Please share the love, not the bugs. If you are sick upon arrival, you will be asked to leave to protect other guests and no refund will be given.
Perks!
Participants get first dibs next year if we host this retreat again! Wandering Fern’s retreats tend to fill up fast (often before they are advertised) so this is a great opportunity to get into a new one!
Early Bird Discount
Enjoy an early bird discount until May 15th (automatically applied at checkout). We can’t wait to share this special experience with you!