Things To Do In Grand Marais, Minnesota So, you’ve found yourself in Grand Marais
without a clue of what to do? Worry not, because the Coolest Small Town
in America has a lot to offer. If your travel aesthetic is postcard-worthy towns, a lot
of art, and a tiny population, Grand Marais is the best place to be.
Housing about 1,400 people, the town lies at the edge of Lake Superior and overlooks
the beautiful waters, contrasted by the blue horizon. On the inside, it’s a town as quaint
as any you’d find in a fairytale. You can park your car anywhere and take a
walk along the cozy little shops, eateries, art galleries, and much more.
While there are many things to do in Grand Marais, you must start your trip by visiting
the Lighthouse since it’s one of the most iconic buildings in town.
As you come to the Grand Marais Bay, you’ll see the lighthouse, which was built back in
1922 and still stands tall and proud. Even today, boaters going to Lake Superior
use it since it’s perfectly functional. The walk to the lighthouse consists of stunning
views of Lake Superior and a trail made of volcanic stones and concentrate.
Once you reach the lighthouse, you can take pictures to put up on Instagram and take home
as a remembrance of the beautiful town that Grand Marais is.
Also, you’ll see artists sitting by the seawall painting the lake view, the lighthouse,
and the landscape - it’s something out of an art movie.
We wouldn’t recommend walking to the lighthouse if you have physical disabilities or require
walking assistance as there are a few rough patches in the trail.
Grand Portage State Forest If you still have some energy left from all
that walking, head over to the Grand Portage State Forest. It’s northwest of Lake Superior
and offers cross-country skiing, hiking, camping, and dogsledding, among other activities.
The state park’s flora comprises hardwood, paper birch, white pine, white cedar, aspen,
white spruce, black ash, and fir. You may also spot some animal species, including
red fox, beavers, black bears, and whitetail deers.
Nature lovers will love the Middle Falls hike, which is a 3.5 mile trail to the 120-foot
waterfall. Standing at the edge, surrounded by a waterfall,
mountains, and rocks, you’ll be in for a view that’s hard to forget.
Donuts If all that walking and climbing tires you,
stop for a donut at the World’s Best Donut. Yes, that’s an actual shop’s name in Grand
Marais. The shop has been there for over 51 years,
passed down through several generations of bakers.
Some homemade donuts on the menu include the Chocolate Knots, Donut Kabobs, and Bavarian
Cream-filled Long Johns. Make sure to get there early because they
often sell out completely before closing time and don’t restock like the good old Dunkin’.
Lake Superior Getting a sugar rush from the donuts, you’ll
probably have enough energy to go kayaking in Lake Superior.
If possible, book a tour company in advance as many of them offer guided tours.
Otherwise, you can rent the kayaking or canoeing equipment from local spots and explore the
lake yourself. Besides the majestic views of the water, Lake
Superior also brings you close to the geology and the landscape of the area.
If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of some local wildlife that has made Lake
Superior its habitat. Superior Trail
Another way to enjoy the view of Lake Superior is to hike up the Pincushion Mountain.
The North Shore has over 50 miles of hiking trails filled with creeks, hills, rivers,
and waterfalls - all of them bringing you closer to nature.
If you’re unsure about which trail to take, ask a local, and they’ll guide you through.
Beaver House When in Grand Marais, visiting the Beaver
House is a must-do. The shop is easy to spot since it has a walleye head sticking out of
one side. If you’re a fan of fishing or simply want
to hear fishing stories from the locals, this is the place to spend your afternoon.
Bill Cronberg opened the Beaver House in the 1960s. Today, his son runs the shop and is
always ready to share fishing tales. You can find all kinds of lures in the store,
guaranteed to help you catch certain fish, especially during the summer.
Plus, you can buy sweatshirts and other souvenirs to take home.
Breweries Speaking of souvenirs, another thing you can
take back with you from Grand Marais is the taste of local beer lingering on your taste
buds. The Voyageur Brewing Company is a popular
spot for tourists to come and sample locally-made beer.
If you want to couple your beer with a beautiful view, sit on the patio or the rooftop bar
to see the surrounding landscape while you enjoy a flight of beer.
The Voyageur Brewing Company uses water from Lake Superior to make all its flagship and
seasonal beers. Apart from beer, you can also try their tacos,
cheese curds, and flatbreads. The menu may be a bit simple, but the views are worth spending
the evening. Artist’s Point
To finish off your trip, head over to the Artist’s Point, which is a peninsula in
the town harbor. Characterized by visually appealing water
hues, rock formations, and picturesque views of Lake Superior, the Artist’s Point is
aptly named. It’s just the place to go if you need some
artistic inspiration. Even if you aren’t an artist, you’ll appreciate the serenity
and calmness in the area. Depending on when you go, you might see some
artists sitting with their easels, trying to capture the waves and the landscape with
their brushes and paints. Artist’s Point does not have any specific
address. So, you should go to the Guard Station in Grand Marais and find the nearby parking
lot. Follow the other tourists or the signboards,
and you’ll soon find yourself in Artist’s Point.
From the outside, Grand Marais might seem like any other small town with its quirks
and attractions. But once you get in, you realize how marvelously
grand the town is. Don’t forget to wear your comfy shoes because there’s going to
be a lot of walking… and hiking.
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