Minnesota Made 2024 Auction

Embark on an Unforgettable Lutsen Eco-Adventure with Chel Anderson

The natural wonder of the North Shore awaits with this immersive eco-adventure in Lutsen. Enjoy a daylong naturalist hike led by Chel Anderson, Minnesota Land Trust landowner and co-author of North Shore—A Natural History of Minnesota’s Superior Coast. A professional botanist, and forest and plant ecologist focused on the northeast, Chel is the expert you want guiding you through Minnesota’s breathtaking northland.  

Retire to your geodesic dome at Klarhet for three wonderful nights under the stars. The Swedish word Klarhet translates to “clarity” and that’s just what you’ll experience as you slow down and unwind in your luxe eco-conscious accommodations situated within a 25-acre north shore regenerative food forest.  

Elevate your experience on Lutsen’s Summit Express aerial gondola and enjoy a scenic ride to the top of Moose Mountain, taking in incredible views of the Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior’s dramatic coastline. Finally, embark on a taste adventure at North Shore Winery with a private wine tour and tasting experience led by one of their winemakers.  

This carefully curated eco-adventure for four will stimulate your senses and curiosity but it’s only available at the Minnesota Made Gala. Bid either in person on event night or via proxy bidding.

• Professional naturalist-led day trip either at Lutsen Scientific and Natural Area (SNA), or Superior Hiking Trail. 
• Location: Minnesota’s North Shore. 
• Three-night stay for four in one geodesic dome. 
• North Shore Winery private tour and tasting and Summit Express aerial gondola ride. 
• Available for summer or fall— confirm date by May 24, 2024.  
• Mutually agreed upon date. Use by 12/31/2024.

Driftless Area Blue-Ribbon Fly Fishing with Hansi & Alex

Experience fly fishing in the breathtaking Driftless Area of Minnesota. Alex Ubbelohde of Patagonia and Hansi Johnson, Minnesota Land Trust Conservation Engagement Director, will guide your trip, adapting the experience to your interest and skill level whether you’re a beginner or more experienced angler. 

This high-touch fly fishing experience includes outfitting with Patagonia’s quality, rugged outdoor gear including two Boulder Fork Rain Jackets–a low-profile 3-layer shell waterproof jacket; two R2® TechFace Jackets–the perfect cold-weather crosslayer; and two Black Hole® Tote Bags to stow your gear. 

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to soak up the peaceful serenity of Southeast Minnesota’s trout streams, enjoy the iconic high bluffs, and revel in the majestic forests of this dramatic glacier-forged landscape. Win this Driftless angling adventure for two by bidding in the Minnesota Made Gala live auction either in person on event night or via proxy bidding.  

• Fly fishing trip guided by angling experts Alex Ubbelohde and Hansi Johnson. 
• Location: Southeast Minnesota. 
• Patagonia gear includes two Boulder Fork Rain Jackets, two R2® TechFace Jackets, and two Black Hole® Tote Bags. 
• This is a physically rigorous experience for 2, requires standing for extended periods.  
• Mutually agreed upon date in late September or early October 2024.

Win a World-Class Winter Getaway at Three Forks Ranch

Start dreaming of the perfect winter getaway…then make your dreams come true when you bid on and win this one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or both, Three Forks Ranch, nestled among Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, is a premier winter destination that is sure to nurture your body and mind.  

With this all-inclusive three-night stay for two you’ll enjoy private downhill skiing and snowboarding, then relax in the world-class hydrotherapy spa, and finish the day with an incredible fine dining experience before retiring to your luxuriously appointed room. It’s no wonder Three Forks Ranch is Olympic Skier Lindsey Vonn’s choice for the ultimate skiing and wellness destination!  

Win this VIP winter experience by bidding in the Minnesota Made Gala live auction, either in person on event night or via proxy bidding. 

• All-inclusive three-night stay for two including winter activities, hydrotherapy spa, fine dining, and luxury accommodations. 
• Location: Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. 
• Good during the following dates: Dec. 1 – 15, 2024; or Jan 6 – April 1, 2025.

Prairie Tour & Dinner in the Wild with Scott Rall

Get ready to experience southern (Minnesota) hospitality and stunning summer blooms when you and 11 of your friends join Land Trust landowner, Pheasants Forever National Volunteer of the Year, and conservationist Scott Rall on a tour of his native and restored prairie. Learn about the history of the landscape and what it has taken to restore the formerly tilled row crop fields to ecological health and vibrance.  

An avid upland bird hunter, Scott will facilitate a clay pigeon and .22 caliber target shooting practice and then treat you to a delicious steak, ribs, or seafood boil dinner with all the fixin’s. Finally, relax with a glass of wine and watch the day fade to night across an unobstructed skyline that stretches for miles.  

Don’t miss your opportunity to get out on the land with Scott. You’re sure to come away from the experience with new knowledge, an inspired heart, and a new friend in conservation. Bid on and win this perfect prairie experience only at the Minnesota Made Gala either in person on event night or via proxy bidding. 

• Prairie tour and dinner in the wild with Scott Rall. 
• Location: Southwest Minnesota. 
• Full steak, ribs, or seafood boil dinner and full bar. 
• For up to 12 people. 
• Mutually agreed upon date with the last week of June to the first week of July being optimal for viewing the prairie in bloom. 
• Use by September 30, 2024.

Planet-Friendly Food Celebration with Beth & Sven

Wow your friends and make your next occasion truly special by adding James Beard Award Winning food writer Beth Dooley and world traveler and meteorologist Sven Sundgaard to your guest list!  

Beth will prepare a selection of small plates that pair perfectly with local spirits and share stories of the growers and makers that contribute to our local food scene. Sven will add his meteorological musings, diving into discussions about the impact of our food growing practices on the environment and what it all means for our ever-changing climate and planet.  

You and your guests will be treated to scrumptious fare with ingredients sourced from local regenerative and organic farmers. These growers use practices that retain topsoil, slow erosion, capture carbon, mitigate climate change, and help promote a sustainable and resilient food system that produces nourishing food that is accessible to more people.  

Score this planet-friendly, local foods celebration for up to twelve people at your home by bidding in the Minnesota Made Gala live auction, either in person on event night or via proxy bidding.  

• Planet-friendly food celebration and cocktail party with Beth Dooley and Sven Sundgaard. 
• Location: Twin Cities metro area. 
• For up to 12 people. 
• Mutually agreed upon date before December 31, 2024. 

Explore America’s Largest Freshwater Estuary

The St. Louis River Estuary, near Duluth, Minnesota, is the site of the Minnesota Land Trust’s largest restoration project so far. Enjoy a relaxing and informative half-day tour for six catered to your interests. You might visit restored common tern habitat on Interstate Island or restored manoomin beds.  

Learn about the significance of this area and get exclusive insights into its exciting future with Director of Restoration Programs Daryl Peterson and CEO Kris Larson. Bid on and win this wonderful half day experience on the water at the Minnesota Made Gala during the live auction either in person on event night or via proxy bidding. 

• Customizable half-day private boat tour guided by Daryl Peterson and Kris Larson. 
• Location: Minnesota’s northeast region. 
• Lunch from Northern Waters Smokehaus. 
• For up to 6 people. Mutually agreed upon weekday. 
• Use by September 30, 2024.