We chose to visit Grand Marais right after the Labor Day weekend. The leaves hadn’t quite turned, but the midweek availability at Best Western Plus Superior Inn location was just right. Because we usually pass through Grand Marais on our way to the Boundary Waters, we were pleased being pampered at this property located right on the water on the quieter eastern bay of Grand Marais. It’s an easy walk to the main shopping and dining district, and just around the corner from the food co-op and another grocery store. Our room included a balcony overlooking the lake, a gas fireplace, a steam shower (wow, now I want to visit in the winter), a Jacuzzi, and enough room for the king bed, desk area, and two (!) comfortable chairs. We ventured out of the room long enough to meet other travelers at the friendly lobby bar, and got some work done warm dining area with a soaring fireplace and plenty of electrical outlets. For a longer stay, we might have used the kitchenette with sink, microwave and refrigerator.

For travelers to this part of the world, we highly recommend taking your time driving from Duluth to Grand Marais along the picturesque north shore of Lake Superior. We’ve written about some highlights of the North Shore here.

Note: Our stay with Best Western was hosted by Best Western back in 2017. Portions of this story appeared on Best Western’s blog, Travel Zone.

You can help yourself get ready for your own travels by reading our Get Started Planning Your Trip Now page.

View complete Five Reasons to Visit Grand Marais, Minnesota blog post. This includes sections on “Historic Fishing & Trading Town, Shopping & Attractions, Nearby Nature Trails, and Eating in Grand Marais”.

About TravelPast50

After a 30-year career in publishing, Tom Bartel and Kristin Henning shed their last publication, their house, and most of their possessions. In 2010, they gave their dog to their daughter and set out on a journey to see the world. Kris and Tom combine a love of culture with enthusiasm for the outdoors. Their travels vary between long stays in such cultural cities as London, Barcelona, Rome, and Beijing, detours to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and spurts of hiking or biking in Europe, Australia, Asia, or the United States National Parks.

Even before taking to the road full time, Kris and Tom were students of the world. They’ve spent months in London going to the theater, a summer in Rome studying Latin, three months in Florence studying art history, and have visited nearly every major museum and church in Europe. They’ve lived in Madrid and Quito while teaching English, and earned their keep housesitting in Spain, Chile, and elsewhere.

Kris and Tom bring their considerable experience as professional writers and photographers, publishers and marketers, to Travel Past 50. It’s only natural that they enjoy sharing their personal travel stories, love offering travel tips to their followers, and work hard to support their clients’ content and marketing needs.

Travel Past 50 reflects Kris and Tom’s appreciation of international cultures and active travel. It is designed for travelers 50+ who share their sense of curiosity and are inspired to explore a range of destinations including historic sites, arts and cultural centers, and natural parks with wildlife. The blog is for those who want to learn, for those who want to participate, and for those who enjoy a good meal and friendly conversation at the end of the day. Travel Past 50 has always been defined as the travel resource ‘for those who’ve been around.”

Grand Marais and the Lake Superior North Shore offer hundreds of miles of cross-country skiing trails. In fact, Cook County, Minnesota has the largest network of cross-country trails in North America. You can stay close to Grand Marais (see trail info below), or head up from the lake shore area to the other cross country skiing trails. A Minnesota Ski Pass is required on all trails unless otherwise noted.

Grand Marais Area Cross Country Ski Trails

Grand Marais Ski Trails at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
These ski trails are located about 1.7 miles west of the Superior Inn Grand Marais on county road H-58, across from the Sable Lake Ranger Station. The trail receives about 140″ of snow annually. Each trail offers a variety of loop lengths for a leisurely day ski or quick workout at the end of the day. All Lakeshore trails are designed for diagonal stride only – skating is not permitted. Trail junctions are marked with green posts and maps are available at most intersections. Trails are groomed regularly – watch and listen for grooming equipment when you ski. Grand Marais Ski Trails Map

Pincushion Mountain Cross Country Ski Trails
From Hwy 61 in Grand Marais, drive north on Gunflint Trail (County Road 12) about 2 miles, then turn right / east on County Road 53 less than one minute to scenic overlook. Includes 25K single tracked with skating lane with 7K expert trails including loops from 1K to 4.1K; the entire Pincushion Mountain Cross Country Ski Trail system is in a birch forest featuring Devil Track River valley and hilly terrain. Level of Difficulty – easy, more difficult & most difficult.

George Washington Pines Winter Recreation Trail
The George Washington Pines Winter Recreation Trail is a relatively short 3.3 km trail located just seven miles up the Gunflint Trail from the Superior Inn in Grand Marais. The trail system passes through a beautiful grove of pines, the George Washington Memorial Pine Plantation. The multi-use trail is shared by cross country skiers, snowshoers, and people using dogs for skijoring. People also might be simply hiking or walking their dog on the trail. This is an easy trail, suitable for beginning skiers or for people looking for an easy access quick ski close to town. George Washington Pines Ski Trails Map

Cross Country Skiing Safety Concerns
“Stuff happens” regardless of the season. In this case you can be in remote areas where you could injure yourself, where temperatures over extended time could be life threatening. Following the general rules and regulations of marked trails and state parks by staying on track will assure that you stay away from hidden dangers. Dangers may include hidden water sources or hot springs, drop-offs and cliffs. Skiing with a friend or group is recommended to create a buddy system in the event there is an accident or emergency. Check the weather ahead of time, right up to departure, both for road travel issues, and expected conditions during your skiing. Be ready to postpone your trip if necessary!

Dogs, Bikes, Snowshoes & Boots are all allowed on trails marked ‘okay’ for their use. Otherwise, choose a non-cross-country ski trail. Check trail maps for details.

Tags: North Shore Cross Country Skiing, Grand Marais Shore Cross Country Skiing, Cook County Shore Cross Country Skiing, North Shore Shore Cross Country Ski Trails, Grand Marais Cross Country Ski Trails, Cook County Cross Country Cross Country Ski Trails, North Shore Winter Activities, Grand Marais Winter Activities

Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities

With an average of 120 inches of snow per year, you would expect Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities to include just about everything you could want to do on this slippery white stuff! You’d be right, and you can enjoy it on the 400 km of groomed cross-country ski trails (the biggest such network in North America), 450 miles of snowmobile trails, and 1,000 acres of downhill skiing and snowboarding.

“Lutsen Mountains” is the largest ski area in the Midwest. It features four interconnected mountains of the Sawtooth Mountain range with 95 runs that spread across 1000 acres overlooking Lake Superior. These four peaks include Moose Mountain, Eagle Mountain, Ullr Mountain and Mystery Mountain.

The Sawtooth Mountains are located amongst the rugged terrain found along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Rising over 1000 feet from the shores of Lake Superior at angles that vary from 8 to 20 degrees, they drop off steeply on their northern slopes. They were named “sawtooth” due to their relatively uniform size, angles, and regularity of spacing as viewed from Lake Superior to the east, from which their crest line creates a profile that resembles the teeth of an enormous saw.

From the west, rising from the Temperance River, major peaks of the mountain range include Eagle Mountain at Lutsen (tallest), Carlton Peak above Temperance River State Park, Leveaux Mountain and a knob immediately across the Onion River, Moose Mountain, peaks along a ridge above Cascade River State Park, Murphy Mountain, and Sawtooth Bluff above Grand Marais.

View Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities Guide.

If you’re looking for Cook County, Minnesota or North Shore Snow Skiing & Snow Boarding, your destination is the Lutzen Mountains only 20 miles from Grand Marais, Spread across four mountains — Eagle, Ullr, Mystery and Moose — Lutsen Mountains offers more variety than any Midwestern ski area. The new Doppelmayr gondola makes it easier to get between the two furthest peaks, Eagle and Moose, while joyriding above a stream-cut canyon.

Lutsen is quadruple the size of most Great Lakes ski resorts. With four peaks, more than 1,000 acres, over 1,000-foot vertical drop, over 90 runs and the region’s only gondola, it’s a legitimate ski area. This New England look-alike also gets rave reviews from skiers and snowboarders for the scenery, thanks to its spectacular views of Lake Superior from just about anywhere on the mountain. Located on four separate peaks of the Sawtooth Mountain range – Moose Mountain, Eagle Mountain, Ullr Mountain and Mystery Mountain – Lutsen offers long New England-like trails.

445 Ski Hill Road, Lutsen, MN 55612 | (800) 360.7666 | Website • 21 Miles From Superior Inn

Current Lutzen Winter Season Opening Dates, Hours & Rates

Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities

With an average of 120 inches of snow per year, you would expect Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities to include just about everything you could want to do on this slippery white stuff! You’d be right, and you can enjoy it on the 400 km of groomed cross-country ski trails (the biggest such network in North America), 450 miles of snowmobile trails, and 1,000 acres of downhill skiing and snowboarding.

“Lutsen Mountains” is the largest ski area in the Midwest. It features four interconnected mountains of the Sawtooth Mountain range with 95 runs that spread across 1000 acres overlooking Lake Superior. These four peaks include Moose Mountain, Eagle Mountain, Ullr Mountain and Mystery Mountain.

The Sawtooth Mountains are located amongst the rugged terrain found along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Rising over 1000 feet from the shores of Lake Superior at angles that vary from 8 to 20 degrees, they drop off steeply on their northern slopes. They were named “sawtooth” due to their relatively uniform size, angles, and regularity of spacing as viewed from Lake Superior to the east, from which their crest line creates a profile that resembles the teeth of an enormous saw.

From the west, rising from the Temperance River, major peaks of the mountain range include Eagle Mountain at Lutsen (tallest), Carlton Peak above Temperance River State Park, Leveaux Mountain and a knob immediately across the Onion River, Moose Mountain, peaks along a ridge above Cascade River State Park, Murphy Mountain, and Sawtooth Bluff above Grand Marais.

View Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities Guide.

You don’t have to travel to the Arctic Circle to see the Aurora Borealis, or northern lights. With the right conditions you can find them bright and clear from anywhere in Cook County / Grand Marais, Minnesota. Their far-northern location and open, dark skies make this one of the world’s best places to view northern lights.

Improve your odds of finding the best northern lights viewing experience by following these tips:

Check the forecast: Best viewing is found on clear nights with little to no moonlight. That means Minnesota’s long, dark winter nights present the perfect opportunity to hunt for the northern lights.

Stay up late: Best times to see Northern Lights is often between 9 pm – 4 am, so bring along plenty of coffee or tea. This time of evening and early morning is often the coldest part of the night in Minnesota, don’t skip the next tip about bundling up.

Dress warm: Northern Minnesota nights get very chilly (that’s cold for Southerners!). If you’re not used to it (or if you come unprepared) it could be dangerous. A warm jacket, hat and good pair of mittens or gloves are a must Heat escapes through your extremiti. We also recommend bringing blankets and a thermos of your favorite warm beverage to keep things cozy. If you get here and realize you forgot an important piece of gear, local shops or outfitters and guides will have what you need.

Look North: Grab a compass and find a spot with a good view to the north, someplace without hills or trees blocking your line of sight. Forgot your compass? The night sky has you covered. You can use the Big Dipper, a prominent northern constellation, to find north and the direction to search. The two stars on the far edge of the big dipper’s bowl point directly to Polaris, the North Star. Before you venture out, check out our list of favorite northern lights viewing areas in each Cook County community.

Turn off your lights: Artificial light will make it more difficult to see the northern lights and your eyes need time to adjust to the natural darkness. Once they do, you’ll be able to see more than you ever thought possible. Be sure to turn off car lights, house lights, flashlights and keep your cell phone screen dim. Any exposure artificial light may disrupt your night vision and could jeopardize your moment to see the northern lights.

Be patient: Part of the mystique of the northern lights is the absolute unpredictability of occurrence. Sometimes, you wait all night for the tiniest flicker of movement in the sky. Other nights, you’re witness to a wondrous dancing display of intense color across the sky.

Know what to look for: The northern lights appear in a broad spectrum of colors, so you never quite know what to expect. Most typically seen is a faint green-yellow or white-grey display that can almost be confused with bonfire smoke, or clouds. However, deep purples and vivid reds have also been known to regularly appear in Cook County.

Tell a friend: When venturing into the woods to find that perfect spot, be sure to let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. It is also recommended to scout your location during the day to be sure all roads are open, accessible and safe.

Tags: North Shore Northern Lights, Grand Marais Northern Lights, Cook County Northern Lights, Minnesota Northern Lights, North Shore Winter Activities, Grand Marais Winter Activities

Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities

With an average of 120 inches of snow per year, you would expect Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities to include just about everything you could want to do on this slippery white stuff! You’d be right, and you can enjoy it on the 400 km of groomed cross-country ski trails (the biggest such network in North America), 450 miles of snowmobile trails, and 1,000 acres of downhill skiing and snowboarding.

“Lutsen Mountains” is the largest ski area in the Midwest. It features four interconnected mountains of the Sawtooth Mountain range with 95 runs that spread across 1000 acres overlooking Lake Superior. These four peaks include Moose Mountain, Eagle Mountain, Ullr Mountain and Mystery Mountain.

The Sawtooth Mountains are located amongst the rugged terrain found along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Rising over 1000 feet from the shores of Lake Superior at angles that vary from 8 to 20 degrees, they drop off steeply on their northern slopes. They were named “sawtooth” due to their relatively uniform size, angles, and regularity of spacing as viewed from Lake Superior to the east, from which their crest line creates a profile that resembles the teeth of an enormous saw.

From the west, rising from the Temperance River, major peaks of the mountain range include Eagle Mountain at Lutsen (tallest), Carlton Peak above Temperance River State Park, Leveaux Mountain and a knob immediately across the Onion River, Moose Mountain, peaks along a ridge above Cascade River State Park, Murphy Mountain, and Sawtooth Bluff above Grand Marais.

View Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities Guide.

There is something almost mystical about North Shore ice fishing. The frozen lakes may seem quiet in winter, but underneath that ice, the water is teeming with the best fish in the Northland: lake trout, rainbow trout, walleye, northern pike and panfish.

Your Stone Harbor Wilderness ice fishing tour starts when you assemble at 9:00 a.m. (they are located on 275 feet from the Superior Inn) to get geared up. Then your guide takes you to one of the Gunflint Trail’s inland lakes where you trek across the ice until you find the best fishing hole. (We can’t give away all of our secrets, but you can bet that your guide has been spending plenty of time looking for where the fish are biting.) We can say that due to normally unfavorable conditions, we usually do not offer ice fishing on Lake Superior itself.

There’s no need to worry about the cold Minnesota wind because your guide brings along a portable ice house, heater, lunch and warm beverages. That means you’ll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy a day out on the ice.

Whether you are an experienced angler or brand new to this winter tradition, call them at 218-387-3136 to schedule a day of ice fishing.

Full Day Ice Fishing Trips are $150/person. Meet at Stone Harbor at 8:30 AM to get geared up. Then it is off to the lake to pursue lake and rainbow trout, walleye, northern pike and panfish.

Half Day Ice Fishing Trips are $100/person. This is the ideal trip for bringing younger family members! We meet you at Stone Harbor at 8:30 AM to get geared up. After that we head to the lake for a great morning of fishing.

What Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply Provides: Rods, lures and all fishing equipment,
Snowshoes and trekking poles, if needed, Ice auger, Portable ice house and heater, Lunch & warm beverages, and Transportation from our store to the fishing site.

Recommended Packing List: Are you missing something from the equipment list? All participants receive a 10% discount at Stone Harbor on the day before and the day of the trip. Or if you prefer, we rent high quality Wintergreen clothing to keep you toasty warm.

More information about Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply

Tags: North Shore Ice Fishing, Grand Marais Icefishing, North Shore Winter Activities, Grand Marais Winter Activities

Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities

With an average of 120 inches of snow per year, you would expect Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities to include just about everything you could want to do on this slippery white stuff! You’d be right, and you can enjoy it on the 400 km of groomed cross-country ski trails (the biggest such network in North America), 450 miles of snowmobile trails, and 1,000 acres of downhill skiing and snowboarding.

“Lutsen Mountains” is the largest ski area in the Midwest. It features four interconnected mountains of the Sawtooth Mountain range with 95 runs that spread across 1000 acres overlooking Lake Superior. These four peaks include Moose Mountain, Eagle Mountain, Ullr Mountain and Mystery Mountain.

The Sawtooth Mountains are located amongst the rugged terrain found along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Rising over 1000 feet from the shores of Lake Superior at angles that vary from 8 to 20 degrees, they drop off steeply on their northern slopes. They were named “sawtooth” due to their relatively uniform size, angles, and regularity of spacing as viewed from Lake Superior to the east, from which their crest line creates a profile that resembles the teeth of an enormous saw.

From the west, rising from the Temperance River, major peaks of the mountain range include Eagle Mountain at Lutsen (tallest), Carlton Peak above Temperance River State Park, Leveaux Mountain and a knob immediately across the Onion River, Moose Mountain, peaks along a ridge above Cascade River State Park, Murphy Mountain, and Sawtooth Bluff above Grand Marais.

View Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities Guide.

Grand Marais and the Lake Superior North Shore/Cook County offer over 450 miles of snowmobile trails for you to explore. Every part of Cook County offers something special for a snowmobile outing, featuring the beauty and solitude of the wilderness. Keep an eye out for wildlife! Don’t miss the moose, fox, coyotes and wolves that inhabit the area.

Know the Rules of the Snowmobiling Road
Like a lot of things in life, simply applying common sense is always a good bet for keeping safe when playing with big toys like snowmobile in weather conditions that require preparation for comfort and safety. In the case of snowmobiles, you are traveling over wide areas where trespassing is to be avoided by staying on marked trails. Rule of the road must be followed (i.e., drinking and driving, proper registration and licensing, etc.). As long your snowmobile is registered in Minnesota, its use is free. Out of state folks will need to get a permit (Purchase Details)).

North Shore State Trail

The C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail is a 146 mile natural surface trail from Duluth to Grand Marais. The trail runs through St. Louis, Lake and Cook counties in northeastern Minnesota, winding its way through the forests on the ridgeline overlooking Lake Superior. The North Shore State Trail provides access to some of the most rugged and beautiful scenery in Minnesota. In winter, the trail connects with hundreds of miles of snowmobile club trails and many communities in the area.

For most of its length, the trail provides a wilderness experience. The majority of the trail is in a remote, natural and undeveloped setting with few roads and many river crossings. Visitors may encounter native wildlife, such as moose, deer, bear, fox, raptors, grouse, waterfowl, songbirds and timber wolves. Views of rivers, lakes, valleys and scenic overlooks are a part of the trail experience. Visitors may observe activities including logging, farms, wildlife and fish management.

More Trail Information

Tags: North Shore Snowmobiling, Grand Marais Snowmobiling, North Shore Winter Activities, Grand Marais Winter Activities

Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities

With an average of 120 inches of snow per year, you would expect Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities to include just about everything you could want to do on this slippery white stuff! You’d be right, and you can enjoy it on the 400 km of groomed cross-country ski trails (the biggest such network in North America), 450 miles of snowmobile trails, and 1,000 acres of downhill skiing and snowboarding.

“Lutsen Mountains” is the largest ski area in the Midwest. It features four interconnected mountains of the Sawtooth Mountain range with 95 runs that spread across 1000 acres overlooking Lake Superior. These four peaks include Moose Mountain, Eagle Mountain, Ullr Mountain and Mystery Mountain.

The Sawtooth Mountains are located amongst the rugged terrain found along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Rising over 1000 feet from the shores of Lake Superior at angles that vary from 8 to 20 degrees, they drop off steeply on their northern slopes. They were named “sawtooth” due to their relatively uniform size, angles, and regularity of spacing as viewed from Lake Superior to the east, from which their crest line creates a profile that resembles the teeth of an enormous saw.

From the west, rising from the Temperance River, major peaks of the mountain range include Eagle Mountain at Lutsen (tallest), Carlton Peak above Temperance River State Park, Leveaux Mountain and a knob immediately across the Onion River, Moose Mountain, peaks along a ridge above Cascade River State Park, Murphy Mountain, and Sawtooth Bluff above Grand Marais.

View Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities Guide.

During winter in the land of lakes, snowshoes make it easy and fun to get off the beaten path.
There are many trails to chose from, but you can also go off-trail as well. Off-trail snowshoeing is a whole different world. The snow that barely covered our toes on the edge of the ski trail came up to our knees under the tree cover. On a trail, your path is decided for you. Off trail, who knows where you’ll end up — or what you’ll see?

Minnesota has plenty of everything, marked and groomed snowshoe trails as well as remote wilderness. If each section of the popular Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) is hiked separately, is a total of 326 miles. SHT features climbs to rock outcroppings and cliffs, and lower sections that take you down into numerous river and creek valleys. Bridges are provided to assist in most stream crossings. A major reason for the popularity of SHT (summer and winter) is the overlooks of Lake Superior, the surrounding mountains and forests. Trail sections follow along rivers and creeks, offering views of waterfalls and rapids. At its lowest point, SHT runs along the Lake Superior; at its highest point it is over 1000 feet above the lake. For more information, be sure to visit the Superior Hiking Trail Association’s website.

George Washington Memorial Pines. This preserve, just six miles up the Gunflint Trail from Grand Marais, is a good place to track small animals. There’s a three-mile trail through swamp and pines.

Snowshoe Trails Near Grand Marais
Northern Light Lake Trail: Thirteen miles from Grand Marais, this one-mile trail climbs up Blueberry Hill to its bald basalt pate and a panorama of the lake and Brule River stretching into the distance. Sometimes the parking lot isn’t plowed, however.

Honeymoon Bluff Trail: Sixteen miles farther, turn off on County Road 66 and drive two miles, just past the Flour Lake Campground. From here, this trail climbs wooden steps to an iron-streaked cliff high above the labyrinthine waters of Hungry Jack Lake and, beyond, West Bearskin Lake. It’s especially lovely at sunset.

Snowshoe Rrental
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Tettegouche State Park
Sawtooth Outfitters in Tofte
Lutsen Rec in Lutsen
Cascade Lodge in Lutsen
Stone Harbor in Grand Marais
Golden Eagle Lodge on the Gunflint Trail
Gunflint Lodge on the Gunflint Trail
Gunflint Pines on the Gunflint Trail

Tags: North Shore Snowshoeing, Grand Marais Snowshoeing, North Shore Winter Activities, Grand Marais Winter Activities

Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities

With an average of 120 inches of snow per year, you would expect Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities to include just about everything you could want to do on this slippery white stuff! You’d be right, and you can enjoy it on the 400 km of groomed cross-country ski trails (the biggest such network in North America), 450 miles of snowmobile trails, and 1,000 acres of downhill skiing and snowboarding.

“Lutsen Mountains” is the largest ski area in the Midwest. It features four interconnected mountains of the Sawtooth Mountain range with 95 runs that spread across 1000 acres overlooking Lake Superior. These four peaks include Moose Mountain, Eagle Mountain, Ullr Mountain and Mystery Mountain.

The Sawtooth Mountains are located amongst the rugged terrain found along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Rising over 1000 feet from the shores of Lake Superior at angles that vary from 8 to 20 degrees, they drop off steeply on their northern slopes. They were named “sawtooth” due to their relatively uniform size, angles, and regularity of spacing as viewed from Lake Superior to the east, from which their crest line creates a profile that resembles the teeth of an enormous saw.

From the west, rising from the Temperance River, major peaks of the mountain range include Eagle Mountain at Lutsen (tallest), Carlton Peak above Temperance River State Park, Leveaux Mountain and a knob immediately across the Onion River, Moose Mountain, peaks along a ridge above Cascade River State Park, Murphy Mountain, and Sawtooth Bluff above Grand Marais.

View Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities Guide.