Northern Tier High Adventure

05/28/2026

FREE SHIPPING! You read that right, FREE Shipping on ALL orders at the Northern Tier Trading Post over $100. Help your Crew get ready for the Wilderness, and maybe a few items you've had on your wishlist, by visiting our website before the promotion ends on 5/31.

05/27/2026

If you are arriving at Northern Tier between June 2-8, make sure to book your fishing licenses now!

Minnesota DNR's new electronic licensing system launches June 9! 📆

The DNR is rolling out a modern licensing system replacement that is built for today's customers and technology. Phase one of the launch in June will include the hunting and fishing modules. 🤳

The new system offers more flexibility than ever — three ways to buy a license (mobile app, online, or in-person from a license agent) and three ways to carry it (paper, PDF, or stored in the app). 📱

As part of this transition, hunting and fishing licenses will be temporarily unavailable for purchase between June 2 - 8 as we switch over to the new system. During that time, people may fish without a license in Minnesota. All regulations for the season and bag limits will remain in effect. On June 9, fishing licenses will again be required and you will be able to purchase them through the new system. 🎣

Turkey hunters need to register their harvest before end of day (11:59 pm) June 1. They will be unable to register their harvest during the transition/cutover period. 🦃

For now, nothing changes for those needing to register or title recreational vehicles and watercraft. That module of the new system will launch at a later date. 🚤

Learn more: mndnr.gov/els

05/25/2026

Flash sale on Leave No Trace Level 2 educator is happening now! A donor has agreed to lower the cost of our Leave No Trace course by $100, making the course now only $400! August 9th-14th is your chance to come to Northern Tier and earn your Level 2 Educator certificate. This offer is only good until June 7th!

Visit the link in the comments to learn more and register!

05/25/2026

Meet the Staff Monday!

David O’Neill
Director of Wilderness Adventures, Northern Tier High Adventure

David O’Neill, an Eagle Scout from San Angelo, Texas, serves as the Director of Wilderness Adventures at Northern Tier High Adventure. A 25-year professional with Scouting America, David began his career with the Buffalo Trail Council in Midland, Texas, where he held several roles including District Executive, Field Director, and Camp Director of Buffalo Trail Scout Ranch in the Davis Mountains. In 2011, he joined Philmont Scout Ranch as Associate Director of Program for Backcountry Operations, later serving as Team Leader and Senior Associate Director overseeing backcountry, ranger, seasonal staff, and base camp operations. In 2024, David and his family moved to Northern Tier, where he now oversees all program, registration, foodservice, and conference operations.

David has a lifelong passion for the outdoors and the transformative impact of Scouting’s high adventure programs. He has served on camp staff every year for the past 36 years across camps in Texas, New Mexico, and Minnesota. David and his wife, Dollie, live in Ely with their two daughters, Lillie and Kelsie. They enjoy supporting their daughters in cross country, track, and basketball, as well as traveling across northern Minnesota to cheer them on. As a family, they love exploring new trails, discovering local foods, and finding new adventures together. In his spare time, David enjoys hiking, camping, classic cars, and learning about local history.

05/23/2026

Staff training is well underway here at Northern Tier! Today staff started learning new trail skills like proper portaging and stove usage!

05/23/2026

Memorial Day Sale – Now through May 25!

Gear up for your next adventure with 25% OFF all Astral boots and lifejackets (Lonnie excluded)! (Link in the comments)

All Astral boots meet Northern Tier boot requirements, making this the perfect opportunity to upgrade your trail footwear before hitting the water and the trail this summer.

Don’t miss this limited-time promotion — now through May 25!

Adventure prepared. Trail approved. Wilderness ready.

05/22/2026

Yesterday, it was announced that the Canadian Border Agency will be putting a border crossing call-in station at Prairie Portage, located 6 miles from our Ely, MN base. This is exciting news as it will once again allow entry into the southern region of Quetico Provincial Park, which was previously closed due to the cancellation of the RABC program.

Northern Tier is actively working on a plan to potentially offer Quetico opportunities for crews as early as this summer. Be on the lookout for more information coming soon!

05/22/2026

Hol-Ry! Welcome to Northern Tier!

Yesterday was an exciting day as we welcomed our first wave of staff for the summer.

The energy was palpable as friends reunited and new staff began meeting their staff leaders. Everyone has their new uniforms, is settled into their cabins, and have begun their training journey today!

Let us know if you’ve worked on staff and share some of your favorite memories below! 👇🏽

05/19/2026

Join us this summer for an incredible Order of the Arrow experience! Hurry though, as spots are running out quickly as the season approaches.

Only 3 spots remain for Canadian Odyssey (July 29-August 12) and only 3 sessions of Wilderness Voyageur have openings at this time!

Join the adventure, it will be an experience you won’t soon forget!