Why This Minnesota Town Deserves More Attention
Located along the shores of Lake Superior in northern Minnesota and surrounded by countless state and national parks, Grand Marais offers an incredible number of attractions, especially given its population of only around 1,300 residents. Although many Minnesota towns largely shut down in the colder months, Grand Marais stays busy even in the harshest of winter with sled dog races and holiday village festivals. Regardless of the season, Grand Marais promises an unforgettable getaway, making even the longest vacations feel too short.
Outdoor Activities
Grand Marais is surrounded by many outdoor activities, including state and national parks, northern lights viewing spots, and waterfalls, making it difficult to decide where to start. Those who have always wanted to see the northern lights have several viewing locations in the area. Gunflint Hills Golf Course is the closest, followed by Mink Lake, Northern Light Lake, Elbow Lake Public Access, and Two Island Lake Campground, among other spots.
Judge C.R. Magney State Park stands out as one of the most fascinating parks in the area, offering a 2.5-mile riverside hike that leads to waterfalls and the mysterious Devil’s Kettle—a massive hole rumored to be bottomless. The drive out to Grand Portage State Park is worth it as well, home to the 120-foot High Falls, the highest falls in the state. Near Grand Portage State Park, travelers can also explore Isle Royale National Park, a vast archipelago featuring one main island and hundreds of smaller ones. The park has lighthouses, shipwrecks, and historic copper mining sites to explore while hiking, kayaking, or boating.
Art Scene
Grand Marais established its art colony in 1947, making it the oldest art colony in the state. Travelers can visit the original Grand Marais Art Colony to participate in ceramics or printmaking classes or stop by Studio 21, the colony’s dedicated gallery and exhibition space. In addition to the historic art colony, there are numerous art galleries scattered throughout town. Some of the highlights include the Betsy Bowen Gallery, a printmaking studio, and Frykman Art Studio, a gallery specializing in glass, wood, metal, and stone art.
Sculpture hunting is another popular activity in Grand Marais, with numerous sculptures scattered throughout the town. Notable sculptures include the Helmer Aakvik sculpture, honoring a local hero who braved a storm on Lake Superior in a rescue attempt; the Full Circle Mural, portraying a family gathered along the lake’s shores; and the six-foot Pierre Wood Carving, celebrating the town’s legendary voyageur, Pierre.
Historic Sites
Although Grand Marais is most famed for its historic art colony, there are a few other historic sites to check out around town as well. Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery not only sells regional and national art, but it also has a permanent exhibit of the works from Anna C. Johnson, an early 20th-century female artist. The Cook County Historical Museum is a great way to learn about the town’s early years, one of the most interesting exhibits being the Lightkeeper’s House, the former residence of one of the town’s lightkeepers, constructed in 1896 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Dining Options
After a day of exploring the nearby natural attractions and historic sites, hungry travelers will be pleased with Grand Marais’ diverse dining options. Blue Water Cafe is a local favorite, situated near the Grand Marais Harbor and offering a variety of brunch dishes. Hungry Hippie Tacos is a good fast and casual option, serving northern-style tacos and smoked brisket. For a memorable dinner, visitors can enjoy a meal at Naniboujou Lodge & Restaurant, which is known for its rustic and colorful dining room featuring high ceilings and tall windows. Craving a craft beer? Voyageur Brewing Company, on the shores of Lake Superior, has a wide variety of draft beers on its menu as well as tacos, sliders, and cheese curds.
Events & Festivals
Grand Marais and the surrounding area host multiple events every month throughout the year. In January, the county puts on its annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, the ultimate contiguous United States dog sledding race, with checkpoints that pass through Grand Marais. Continuing the winter spirit, the Hygge Festival takes place in February, an annual event that celebrates community warmth and life’s simple pleasures with cozy activities like a hockey tournament, winter art exhibition, wine and cider nights, live music, and film screenings.
As the temperature warms and the sun comes out, Grand Marais holds outdoor events such as the Le Grand du Nord Gravel Cycling Classic, on the Grand Marais & Gunflint Trail, a Fourth of July fireworks festival, and the North Shore Water Festival, which celebrates the town’s love for canoeing, kayaking, and paddling. In October, the Moose Madness Family Festival livens the town with moose-themed activities and scavenger hunts. As the year winds down, enjoy holiday events such as the Grand Marais Tree Lighting, parade, and fireworks, and the Holiday Harbor Village, which features a sled dog meet and greet, frozen fish toss, and holiday shopping, among other activities. For a full picture of Grand Marais’ annual celebrations, make sure to check out the town’s extensive event calendar online.
Final Thoughts
Although we have explored a few of Grand Marais' attractions, countless more await discovery during your own visit to this beautiful lakeside town. Whether marveling at the northern lights, exploring the state's oldest art colony, or hunting for waterfalls sounds like a fascinating trip to you, the town has something for every interest and preference. So leave your worries behind—your next vacation destination is already set. The town of Grand Marais awaits.
