SILVER BAY – On the evening of January 23, 2026, outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers are invited to Tettegouche State Park for a gripping presentation on winter endurance and wilderness safety titled “A Story of Winter Survival in BWCAW.”
The event, scheduled from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, features veteran hiker and wilderness advocate Martin Kubik. Kubik will recount a harrowing 24-hour survival test that occurred in February 2024. What was intended to be a routine eight-mile round trip to the Arrow Lake campsite—an area of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness heavily overgrown with jack pine following the 2011 Pagami Creek Fire—rapidly transformed into an unplanned overnight struggle against the elements.
“What began as a simple hike quickly escalated into a true test of survival—not just physically, but mentally as well,” says Kubik. “The real challenge was overcoming unexpected obstacles and maintaining the right mindset when facing adversity.”
Beyond the narrative of the hike, the presentation will offer practical advice for winter adventurers. Kubik will share slides from the journey and provide expert insights into:
• Gear and Logistics: The essential preparation required for sub-zero environments.
• Safety Protocols: The critical importance of double-checking equipment at home and again at the trailhead.
• Mental Fortitude: How to maintain a survival mindset when confronted with unexpected wilderness challenges.
About the Speaker
Martin Kubik is a legendary figure in Minnesota’s hiking community. A former 3M employee and founder of the 3M Outdoor Club, he has dedicated his life to the preservation of wilderness trails. He is the founder of the Kekekabic Trail Club, the Boundary Waters Advisory Committee, and Boundary Waters Heritage Trails.
Event Details
Where: Tettegouche State Park, 5702 Highway 61, Silver Bay, MN 55614
When: January 23, 2026, at 6:30 PM
Contact: For more information, contact the park at 218-353-8800 or reach Martin Kubik at martin.kubik@bwheritagetrails.org.
