Top 10 Getaway for Tiny Travelers - YMCA Camp du Nord, Minnesota

YMCA Camp du Nord won a Top 10 Getaways award in 2001 for its support of parents with infants and toddlers.

YMCA Camp du Nord was honored as a Top Family Camp in 2001 for reaching out to those caring for infants, toddlers and children under 5 years, as well as older siblings.  Each winner offers such superb childcare, exceptional recreational facilities, real value for money, and overall excellence, that they give proof to FTF's motto: Have Kids, Still Travel!  Here's a look at Camp du Nord today.

YMCA Camp du Nord
2125 East Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55413
651/645-2136

YMCA Camp du Nord is located 250 miles north of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota.  Open to all, it welcomes families, individuals, organized groups, special populations and seniors with an outdoor appreciation program based on the four core values of the YMCA: caring, respect, honesty and responsibility. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of Northeastern Minnesota (over a million acres of forest) surrounds Camp du Nord, and its beautiful setting and the varied programs offered promote physical, mental and spiritual growth and the enhancement of family relationships and friendships. The camp stretches along one and a half miles of the north shore of Lake Burntside. Guests may choose from 36 cabins; all have electricity, and most have kitchens and a water supply.  There are also 14 tent sites to select from. 

The more upscale cabins have wood-burning stoves or fireplaces, double beds, and private bathrooms.  Campers must supply their own sleeping bags or bedding; there are no telephones or TVs in the cabins.  "Campers" pre-register for food service under three meal plans and dine at Lodge du Nord, where plentiful meals are served. Meals are discounted for those under 13 and free for children under 3. For those who want to cook, groceries are available in the nearby town.

Throughout the summer, Camp du Nord offers age-appropriate programs for newborns to 17-year-olds weekdays from 10 am-noon.  During this time, children participate in outdoor activities, as well as arts 'n crafts and games, all under the guidance of CPR and First-Aid certified counselors. 

The youngest guests base out of the nursery; infants in one room with changing tables and cribs, and toddlers in another, with an adjacent, enclosed outdoor play area. Though the staff is thrilled to organize a couple of hours for kids-only fun each weekday, the emphasis at du Nord is certainly on quality family-together time.  Parents and families may spend time enjoying the camp facilities such as hiking, swimming, sailing, kayaking, fishing or relaxing in the Finnish sauna. 

Many families have become regular visitors to the camp; those who brought their children in the 1960's now join their grandchildren. Our suggestion is book early!  Please note that financial assistance is available to allow families from all walks of life to participate in the programs at YMCA Camp du Nord.