Kerfoot Canopy Tours is a zip line and adventure park in Henderson, southwest of the Twin Cities, but it has a deep connection to a spot way up north. Owners Lee and Eva Kerfoot wanted a business that captured Lee’s late grandmother Justine’s passion for nature and exploration. The elder Kerfoot was the owner of the Gunflint Lodge, a Gunflint Lake vacation spot up near the Canadian border.
“Justine’s influence helped us develop a passion for helping others recreate outdoors,” Lee Kerfoot says. He grew up in the Gunflint Lodge and became a canoe guide in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. “We believe people need to get outdoors, connect with nature, connect with each other, and enjoy some of nature’s wonders.”
Kerfoot visitors are brought into the treetops and can soar through 14 zip lines at a variety of heights. Five-star reviews fill Kerfoot Canopy Tours’ website, and it was nominated for the best aerial adventure park by USA Today’s 10Best. Lee says it wouldn’t be possible without general manager Ed MacHolda.
“Many of the things we do are subtle and not noticed by the guests, but it is this attention to detail that differentiate us,” Lee says.
For example, gloves are meticulously stored and dried so each one is soft and supple for guests. The equipment keeps the experience safe, and climbers are only challenged by the climb and the rush of wind as they sail across a quarter-mile stretch above the trees.
Located 45 minutes from the Twin Cities, Kerfoot Canopy Tours is an easy weekend activity destination. The full canopy tour is about two-and-a-half hours, and rates range from $85/person on weekdays up to $99/person on weekends.
