Couple brings respect for tradition to legendary Boundary Waters destination
COOK COUNTY, Minn.— Seagull Outfitters and Cabins, a beloved name in Boundary Waters outfitting, has begun its next chapter with new owners.
Grant and Christina Hopke of central Minnesota have purchased the Gunflint Trail-based outfitter and lodge on the shores of Sea Gull Lake, deep in the heart of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
The Hopkes step into big shoes. For more than 35 years, Debbie Mark owned and operated Seagull, transforming the business into a cornerstone of wilderness adventure in northeast Minnesota. Known for its deep inventory of gear, unmatched customer service and prime location at the edge of the wilderness, Seagull has welcomed generations of canoeists, anglers and outdoor lovers from across the country and around the world.
Now, with Debbie retiring, the Hopkes will carry the torch, bringing their own passion and perspective to this storied outfitter.
“This has been in my heart for a long time,” Grant Hopke said. “I worked at Seagull during college. There’s a bond that forms here among the staff, with the land and the waters—and with the guests. For some people, it’s a great summer job. For others, it’s a place that forever changes them. After my summer here, a part of me never really left. When the opportunity came up to consider ownership, we had to explore it, or we knew we’d always wonder, ‘What if.’”
That opportunity arose when another former Seagull staffer remembered Grant’s long-time dream and reached out to him as Debbie began seeking successors.
“A lot of things lined up,” Grant said. “It started a conversation about the kind of life we want to lead—not just for ourselves but also for our kids— and for the kind of impact we want to have on the world around us.”
Christina added: “In deciding to pursue this, we’ve talked a lot about purpose. What kind of legacy do we want to leave for our kids? What kind of impact can we have? The Boundary Waters represents something that’s increasingly rare—a connection to wilderness, to stillness and to something bigger than any one of us. We feel a responsibility to protect that, to share it and to help others experience it.”
The Hopkes, who both grew up in farm country outside St. Cloud and met through 4-H, are raising three young children. They plan to split time between the Gunflint Trail and central Minnesota. During the operating season, they’ll live on-site, immersed in the day-to-day life of outfitting, hospitality and stewardship of Seagull’s unique place on the map.
While the ownership has changed, the values at Seagull’s core remain the same.
“Deb built something extraordinary,” Grant said. “We’re not here to change that. We’re here to continue it, to honor it and to build on it thoughtfully. Our goal is simple: For guests who have been coming for decades, we want them to feel that nothing has changed. And we want newcomers to have such a great experience that they come back year after year.”
Seagull Outfitters and Cabins offers a full range of services for Boundary Waters adventures, from complete outfitting packages and route planning to tow service, bunkhouse lodging and lakeside cabins. The business is the only outfitter directly on Sea Gull Lake, with easy access to multiple Boundary Waters entry points and nearby Saganaga Lake.
“One of our strengths is how equipped we are to serve everyone,” Grant said. “First-timers, seasoned paddlers, people flying in from far away or driving in from nearby— we can set all of them up, whether it’s for a three-day basecamp or a two-week canoe expedition. We have the gear, the knowledge and a team that loves being here. That’s what makes Seagull special.”
Christina added: “Our vision includes preserving the special culture and community that surrounds this place. We want to keep offering those quiet mornings on the lake, the sound of paddles in the water and the joy of helping people connect with nature—and maybe discover something about themselves in the process.”
As they prepare for their first full season, the Hopkes say their priority is clear: Uphold the standard and extend the welcome that Seagull has perfected.
To learn more or start planning your Boundary Waters adventure, please visit seagulloutfitters.com, call 218-388-2216 or email seagull@seagulloutfitters.com.
